Petal

Location: Petal lives in Matakana (renowned for its fabulous market!) which is about an hour’s drive (93km) from Auckland airport and 50 mins (70km) from Auckland CBD. If you’re driving your own car, it can be safely parked in the driveway while you’re away. Petal can also be brought to Auckland for pick-up/drop-off for an additional charge (see Extras).

In The Cab: 3 seats in cab up front (2 with 3-point seat belts and centre seat with lap belt); radio with Bluetooth connection.

Kitchen Area: With white cabinetry with cute flower decals and timber countertops, Petal has a generous-sized sink with hand pump tap and a chest fridge. For cooking, Petal has a pull-out drawer which stores the gas stove and she has all the essential utensils, pots, pans, knives, crockery and cutlery etc. and pantry basics.

Dining/Living/Sleeping Area: Petal has an internal height of 1.57m – so only standing room if you’re on the shorter side but it’s a comfortable and practical height when considering driving and living. Petal has a convertible bed which is queen-sized in width and the length of a standard bed (150cm x 190cm) and because it runs lengthways there’s even room for over-hanging feet if there’s a particularly tall traveller! Petal has lovely thick mattress pieces for a great night’s sleep. For extra privacy and security there are tinted windows. Note: we list bedding and towels as Extras at the booking stage in case guests prefer to bring their own. There is also plenty of storage under the bed.

Water Facilities: Like all Quirky Campers in NZ, Petal is certified self-contained. There are 25 litre fresh and grey water tanks. Following the newly introduced requirement for a fixed toilet for freedom camping, Petal’s is stored under the bed and slides out for use as needed.

Electrical/Lighting and Audio Equipment: Petal has a leisure battery charged via the solar panel and also the engine when driving, which powers the fridge, LED lights, USB sockets for charging devices. She also comes with a 240v campground lead.

Type of Heating: None aside from cab heater

Outside: Petal comes with an awning and super handy roofbox and telescopic ladder. Camping chairs, outdoor table and a solar shower pack are available as optional extras.

Conversion Story: This is our first campervan with Quirky Campers.  We have previously owned and lived in buses but decided to change to a camper so we could rent her out.  We bought it already basically set up but have added our own tweaks. There's a bit of a floral theme going on in her as I grow flowers in Matakana and I decided to continue with what I know.  I had so much fun doing the decor and I love the way the flowers have transformed the kitchen including the flowers around the top shelves which are ones I have pressed.  So, keeping with the flower theme we obviously had to call her Petal.  With the changes to the requirements for freedom camping we have installed a new toilet on rails so it is easy to roll out for use and is situated under the seats. She has a roof boot which adds more room for storage and to make it easy to access there is a lightweight, easy-to-use concertina ladder. – Shannon