There’s something quintessentially Kiwi about a road trip — car boots loaded up, playlist set, and the promise of an adventure, and while the journey can be exciting, there’s comfort in hitting pause and unwinding at the end of the day. It’s at that juncture where our story intertwined with Lewis Road Creamery’s, forming the basis of a partnership that, in many ways, felt inevitable.
This spring we collaborated with our mates at Lewis Road Creamery alongside Volkswagen and ChargeNet NZ for the launch of their Lime Milkshake. They set out on an epic New Zealand road trip, from Auckland to Queenstown, bringing their new flavour to town centres and supermarket shelves. Along the way, they stayed at some of our most-loved Bachcare properties.
Reflections from the journey
What stood out was not just the miles travelled, but the moments captured in between. After long days spent meeting locals, the Lewis Road Creamery team found a space to reflect and recharge in places that promised to be their home away from home.
“After busy days on the road and in local communities, arriving at a Bachcare holiday home felt like a reward in itself. Each stay gave us a chance to slow down, it was the perfect way to end each day.”
Ashlea Herd, Assistant Brand Manager at Lewis Road Creamery
The journey began in the North Island. After a couple of pit stops at Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, the Lewis Road Creamery team hit their first pause at Rotorua, staying at Lakefront Luxury at Okere Falls — a secluded lakefront property on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, with no neighbours in sight and a sprawling lawn that leads straight to the water. The five bedrooms ensured there was ample space for all, and the luxurious bath offered a quiet space to unwind after a long day on the road.
After an overnight stay in Rotorua, the team headed to Taupō and Wellington, before making their way down south to Blenheim, which offered a change of pace. Their stay at Botham’s Beauty captured the essence of the region: a stunning country villa with a touch of rural luxury set among manicured lawns and quaint farmlands — just the right place to open a bottle of wine and relax under the shade of leafy trees.
From there, the journey continued, with the road winding through Christchurch and Lake Tekapo before reaching Queenstown, where Jack’s Point Holiday Home offered the final pause. With Lake Wakatipu at its doorstep, the home sits within one of New Zealand’s most striking alpine landscapes and was the perfect close to their weeklong Aotearoa adventure.
A natural fit
Our partnership with a local Kiwi favourite was more than just about a product launch or places to stay. The collaboration highlighted our shared values of quality, authenticity, and celebrating everything that makes the Kiwi experience unique.
“At Bachcare, we’re always looking to partner with brands that share our passion for creating memorable Kiwi experiences. Booking with Bachcare isn’t just about finding a holiday home, it’s about giving back to the regions that make Aotearoa so special. Collaborations like this one with Lewis Road Creamery, Volkswagen and Charge Net NZ help shine a light on the incredible regional destinations our homeowners give us access to, driving tourism and supporting local businesses all year round.”
Kerry-lee Cunningham, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bachcare
Both brands are rooted in the Kiwi way of life. For Lewis Road Creamery, it’s about transforming ordinary moments into memorable experiences with the pure taste of New Zealand; for Bachcare, it’s about turning a house into something more personal and offering a space where friends and whānau (family) come together in a bach that feels like home, wherever it may be.
Engagement beyond the road
The partnership also extended to an epic nationwide giveaway, giving one lucky winner the ultimate road trip experience. The impact and engagement were impressive, organically reaching over 65,000 individuals across social media.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about seeing how our brands connect, sparking new conversations among not just holidaymakers but a wider community of Kiwis.