ABOUT VANFARER

Built by hand.

Built with care.

Built for Aotearoa.

THE WORD

vanfarer

/ˈvan-ˌfer-ər/  ·  noun

A traveller who journeys by campervan — embracing open roads, unplanned stops, and the particular freedom of waking up somewhere new. A modern nomad, unbound by fixed destinations.


THE ORIGIN

It all started with one van — Kaewa.

Named from the Māori word meaning 'to roam,' Kaewa began as a personal project. In 2020, Kenny acquired a brand new custom Ford Transit and spent nine months building her completely from scratch — working full time through the COVID-19 lockdown, pouring every bit of himself into the build. The result was something extraordinary.

Shaped by two decades of precision engineering — ten years in the superyacht industry, and the decade before that in aeronautics — Kenny brought a rare level of craftsmanship, technical mastery, and deep respect for detail to every millimetre of Kaewa's build. She was completed to a luxury standard, because nothing less would do.

Six years and several vans later, that first vision has grown into something bigger — an independent, custom-built campervan rental company, born from experience, care, and an unshakeable love of the road.

OUR APPROACH

Small on purpose.

Personal by design.

There are rental companies with hundreds of vans, and then there's us. We chose small deliberately — because small means personal, considered, and genuinely cared for.

Our vans are luxurious without being fussy, adventurous without sacrificing comfort. No rushed turnarounds, no neglected interiors. Every booking is handled personally, and every van leaves in the condition we'd want to find it ourselves.

  • Good sleep, smart storage, easy cooking

  • Freedom to stop anywhere — fully self-contained

  • No compromises, no roughing it

Meet The Team

FOUNDER & CEO

Kenny

Born in Vietnam, raised in Auckland, and shaped by two decades at in the engineering industry — ten years in aeronautics, ten in superyacht engineering. Kenny built Kaewa by hand during the 2020 lockdown. That same precision and care goes into every van that's followed.

THE PEOPLE

COO

Logan

A lifelong friend of Kenny's and the operational backbone of Vanfarer. Logan's calm, methodical approach keeps the fleet running and every guest experience seamless — he even converted part of his own property to give the vans a permanent home.

CREATIVE & BRAND

Abby

Originally from the UK, Abby leads the creative direction of Vanfarer — from brand identity and content to the stories that bring the vans to life. She believes the experience starts long before anyone picks up the keys.

READY TO EXPLORE?

Each van has its own character and story.

Browse the fleet and find your match.

BROWSE THE FLEET

Our Vans

  • Kaewa

  • Puku

  • Oriwa

  • Selma

  • Pepe