Freewheeling in a VW T2 Kombi van
JASMIN RUTTER HAS RETURNED TO NZ AFTER LIVING ABROAD FOR 12 YEARS, AND NOW WORKS AS AMBASSADOR FOR ALCOHOL-FREE SPIRIT SEEDLIP
What are you driving?
Gretel is a 1976 Martini Olive green Volkswagen T2 Kombi van. It is one of the first models made in auto. My fiance Chris and I have had her for five years. There is everything we need, a bed, fridge, stove, water tank and wardrobe. Gretel helps us make new friends everywhere we go. It seems humans have an affinity to the aura of the Kombi van.
Why did you choose it?
Chris had owned two Kombi Vans and when we were based in Australia in 2013 for a job, he found Gretel online. Chris flew from Sydney to Adelaide to meet the owner, took it for a test drive and immediately knew this was “the one”. After we spent six months touring Australia’s east coast, we decided to choose New Zealand as home, so had it shipped to Auckland last year.
Why green?
Martini Olive is the original colour code from Volkswagen. Wanting to keep with its original character, we had the exterior repainted to this.
How does it drive?
Slowly. In a Kombi you never want to be in a hurry, but that’s part of the lifestyle and why we love touring in it. Its sound is a friendly chug.
How does it fit your personality?
Chris and I met travelling and are kindred spirits in the ideals of exploring, and love of the outdoors. Gretel is a culmination of these parts of our lives.
What do you always keep in your van?
Folding camp chairs and table under the seat , so we are able to set up for a picnic anywhere. We keep it set up with all our equipment, cooking utensils, linen, beach towels, and a set of cards.
How far has Gretel travelled?
We have been up and down the east coast of Australia and inland to Carnarvon Gorge. We are yet to venture to the South Island . . . but we have taken Gretel across to Waiheke Island for a long weekend.
How hard was it bringing it across the Tasman?
Pretty tough. Luckily Chris is patient with all of this. We knew that once we had all the boxes ticked, it would be worth the effort.
And it has a pop-top and awning?
Yes it is a Sopru campervan conversion, so has a pop-top roof. The interior is all original from 1976. There is also a fold-out bunk bed. We have an awning, which can slide along the side, but we set this up on it for extended stays. Chris is an engineer, so has fitted it with batteries to charge while driving and this gives us power for the fridge and lights, which is great for off-grid camping.
How often do you drive it?
Every week, usually for a Sunday drive. Or else for overnight getaways. We would like to take it on a Kiwi road trip at some stage.
First car you owned? f
A Toyota Corolla station wagon called Lucy. I loved her.
Your dream car?
A Tesla — but in a 4WD model. I love the innovation and forward thinking of Tesla. I would, however, want to be able to load boards and bikes to go exploring.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
I like a manual for the connection to the car but in traffic I appreciate an automatic.
What do you listen to when you’re driving?
We listen to the radio, otherwise we listen to an eclectic variety of music. Our go-to in Gretel would be folk-style music.
Strangest thing that has happened to you in the Kombi?
When we were running out of battery in Australia and couldn’t drive because of the midday heat, we parked at a pub and plugged in through the women’s bathroom. Then we played pool, darts and hung out with locals. Unplugged and kept on driving.
Great day trip out of Auckland in a Kombi?
We love heading up to Matakana/ Omaha/Tawharanui area for the vineyards, markets, beaches and cinemas.
Can you see yourself in a driverless car and why?
No way. I would be terrified of hackers controlling the car.