- Roadcraft is a new brand from NZ motorhome maker TrailLite.
- Competes with Euro imports, focused on Kiwi travel habits.
- Two models starting at $231,000, more to come in 2027.
New Zealand's longest-established motorhome manufacturer TrailLite has a whole new brand: Roadcraft. It complements the existing locally built model range, but will also be completely separate; as Lexus is to Toyota, to use a car analogy (hey, it helps us).
TrailLite currently builds larger (8 metres-plus) 300 and 700-series motorhomes on Volkswagen and Iveco platforms, as well as importing a range of smaller European models from brands such as Benimar and Elddis.
Roadcraft has been developed as a competitor to that more compact style of European motorhome, based on a front-drive Fiat Ducato chassis and 7-7.5m in length. But while it aligns with the international models in size and basic packaging, TrailLite says its features are much more in tune with Kiwi motorhome habits.
The new model gets its official unveiling today (September 18) at the NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, and will be on display over the weekend.
“Because of our scale and longevity, we have visibility of the types of products, features and price points that people like," says TrailLite joint managing director, Shaun Newman. "We know what they’re looking for and what might also be missing from an imported product, so we’re very confident about this opportunity to fill some of those gaps that exist in the market.”
A key part of Roadcraft proposition is that it has been engineered to offer greater independence away from the fully serviced campgrounds that are common in Europe, and which imported models’ design and features often reflect. Kiwis like to spend more time off-grid, in other words.
Fresh and grey-water storage of 200 litres each is around twice that of typical European models, there's generous 200Ah lithium battery capacity and 360W solar (both further upgradable), a full oven and a bespoke slimline compressor refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment.
The base vehicle is a NZ-new Ducato with a 134kW 2.2-litre diesel engine that comes with the full factory warranty of 3 years/150,000km. With a GVM of 4400kg, it can be driven a on a car licence.
The new Roadcraft is being launched in two $231,000 models, with either a rear island double bed (Haven) or twin singles (Drift). Mattresses are NZ-made memory foam. Both models have a lounge conversion to create a third bed, and the option of a drop-down bed ($4000) to create a 4-berth cabin.
There's a full-size shower and the motorhome is fully self-contained.
A shorter Roadcraft Gather model with a front lounge layout is also planned for 2027.
As with TrailLite motorhomes, the interior design is all NZ-specific and produced in-house by the company. Soft furnishings can be supplied in Ocean or Haven colours, cabinetry in Chalk or Storm and the exterior decals (which depict Kiwi topography) in Sea Blue or Kawakawa Yellow.
The list of personalisation options is comprehensive, including a bedroom smart TV, Thule bike racks and power upgrades.
The Roadcraft launch reflects a wider shift in the NZ motorhome market, of which TrailLite Group enjoys a one-fifth share.
The company says there's a general trend towards local and Australian models gaining markert share against European models, as younger buyers embrace motorhome travel and look for new products. Australasian motrohomes have risen 13% since 2020 and now account for 37% of the overall market. Specifically Kiwi-made products currently claim 20%.
The profile of motorhome users is also changing. Although travellers aged between 55-75 remain the largest group, recent NZ Motor Caravan Association membership figures show strong growth among people aged 35-54 and families.
