Who we are

UK Caravanz Direct are a caravan business specialising in importing caravans from the UK and Europe, direct to the New Zealand public.

We provide an individual service where the needs and requirements of our customers are matched with the caravan options that best fit their family or lifestyle. We then work with our brokers and source and import the caravan chosen, and ensure all NZ warrant of fitness requirements are meet.

We provide a door to door service handling all matters relating to the purchase, importing and delivery of the caravan.

Why we started the business

On looking to purchase a new caravan ourselves, we were not satisfied with the choice available on New Zealand yards, and looked wider.

We recognised that there are benefits that can be gained from importing a UK caravan (having enjoyed these ourselves) and wanted to offer this service to the New Zealand public, giving them access to the largest caravan market in Europe where the choice and selection of caravans is almost endless.

We are passionate about caravans and wanted to promote the lifestyle and great times that owning a caravan can bring.

We now provide a service that is unique and personal and delivers a product that better meets each customer's exacting needs.

Our goal

Is to source and deliver a caravan that meets the defined needs of each customer by offering a unique and personalised service that is efficient, cost effective and enjoyable to all involved.

We do not need to make your choice fit what stock is “on the yard”; rather we will talk to you about your family and lifestyle at our caravan concept store, show you through the complete caravan catalogue (all models from 1996 onwards), and identify the caravan models that best fit.

Experience we have

  • A lifetime of experience in and around caravans and camping, both in New Zealand and the UK. We have imported caravans for our own personal use and so understand first hand what is involved
  • We have extensive experience in shipping, customs and importation both in New Zealand and the UK
  • We have backgrounds and experience with technical products, quality and engineering and understand caravan construction, and what to look for

What makes us unique

  • We are the only company to offer a such a unique and personal service selling UK caravans direct to the New Zealand public
  • The Caravan Concept Store – the store is designed to show customers the range of options available when purchasing a caravan and the lifestyle benefits that come with owning a caravan - and The Store is mobile – we can come to you if need be
  • Complete Caravan Catalogue – a tool used to cover the range of options and price points available. It is designed to guide each customer in making the best choice
  • The process – a unique enquiry form is used to define the exact needs of each customer. A selection of caravans are sourced by our broker to meet customer needs and a shortlist portfolio is provided to each customer to make the final decision
  • We are not selling from a yard or “pre-selling” caravans – we aim to deliver what the customer wants
  • All caravans undergo an independent inspection prior to shipping. There is no more risk buying a caravan from the UK than from New Zealand.

For you we will...

  • Work closely with you to define your exact requirements and specific needs, both tangible (specification, cost) and intangible (lifestyle, family, touring, etc)
  • Aim to educate on the benefits of owning a caravan from the UK
  • Ensure you understand what you are getting – the relative pro’s and con’s
  • Source a range of caravans options for you - provide a shortlist portfolio and discuss these with you so you clearly understand the options
  • Handle all the freight, customs, importation and insurance associated with the transportation and delivery of the caravan.
  • Handle all NZ compliance costs such as EWOF, WOF.
  • We will provide a 12 month warranty, parts support and technical backup
  • We will ensure everything is operating correctly in your caravan, deliver it to your door and provide an introductory session through your caravan.
  • Follow up with you to ensure everything is to your satisfaction

Scott Ambridge - DIRECTOR

Born and bred Kiwi

Have worked in a variety of roles, food and manufacturing to service industries, both public and private sector. Have extensive insight and first hand experience dealing with people's experiences of poor service and so have a great deal of appreciation towards what makes good service.

Am a family man, live in Palmerston North and enjoy a variety of pleasure activities - namely working in the garden, exercising, reading the paper and of course going away in the caravan with the family. There's nothing like that feeling of hitching the caravan up to the car and heading down the road knowing that this will lead to another great adventure with fun times and great experiences!

Have been caravanning all my life, my grandfather owned one, my family owned one and now we do! I love what it means to have a caravan - freedom to explore! Freedom to travel! Freedom to go places!

Have first hand experience importing caravans for myself and have helped a number of friends and family. I couldn't believe the choice that was available in the UK compared to the limited selection in NZ - In NZ you are only seeing what a caravan yard chooses to import. Have been through the experience of importing first hand and so know the pitfalls and "traps" you have to watch out for!

Love to see other people with a quality, affordable, all weather UK caravan imported directly from the huge number available, to best fit their family and lifestyle.

Richard Hodgson - DIRECTOR

Born in Yorkshire, England

From a young age, I have enjoyed the outdoor experience with regular camping holidays, starting out with tents, tramping or cycling. This extended into my 20's when I was then able to enjoy caravanning holidays. As a result, I experienced many great holidays and short breaks and visited many UK caravan / camp sites.

I shifted to New Zealand in the mid 1990's and together with my wife and Kiwi born children, I have continued with the camping experience and passion for the outdoors.

My employment history started out in engineering followed by a number of years service as a Police Officer. On arrival in New Zealand, I reverted back to my engineering roots with managerial roles purchasing goods and services. This has given me several years of experience in price and contract negotiation and the importation of goods from around the world, dealing with overseas agents, shipping companies, freight companies, customs and government agencies.

This experience gives me a good understanding of all the processes and procedures required to ensure that we source and supply quality units, delivered with the minimum of fuss, direct to your door.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT OUR PALMERSTON NORTH CONCEPT STORE

  • T: 06 355 5540 or Toll free: 0800 21 26 50
  • Waikanae sales office. Storage options available