New Zealand – Four Months on the Open Road
After the intensity of South America, New Zealand arrived like a deep breath. Wide-open spaces, slow travel, and the simple freedom of the road transformed what was meant to be a short visit into four unforgettable months living out of a campervan.
This chapter wasn’t about ticking boxes—it was about waking up each day unsure of where the road would lead, and loving that uncertainty.
North Island – Geothermal Wonders & Coastal Calm
We began in Auckland, easing into New Zealand life with city views and ferry rides to Waiheke Island, where vineyards and beaches blended effortlessly. The wild beauty of the Waitakere Ranges soon drew us away, revealing rugged coastlines, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls.
Further north, Paihia and the Bay of Islands offered postcard-perfect serenity. Quiet beaches and sunlit days made it easy to slow down and fully embrace campervan life.
Rotorua shifted the atmosphere dramatically. Steam rose from the earth, geysers erupted without warning, and sulfur scented the air. Between geothermal wonders, moments of pure joy emerged—none more memorable than racing down the Skyline Luge, laughter echoing all the way down.
At Lake Taupo, the thunderous rush of Huka Falls once again reminded us of nature’s power—a recurring theme across our travels.
Wellington marked our final North Island stop. Windy, creative, and full of character, the city offered cultural pauses and reflective moments before heading south.
Crossing the Strait & Entering the Wild South
The ferry crossing felt symbolic—leaving one island behind and entering an even more dramatic landscape. The South Island welcomed us with fewer crowds, open roads, and scenery that changed by the hour.
Near Nelson, the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park glowed under clear skies. Kayaking, coastal walks, and quiet campsites made this stretch blissfully unhurried.
On the West Coast, the scenery turned icy and otherworldly. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers crept down from the mountains, where rainforest met ice in a way that felt surreal.
Mountains, Fjords & Southern Magic
Queenstown brought adrenaline back into our journey—thrilling adventures balanced by quiet moments soaking in the views. It was a place that perfectly blended excitement and stillness.
Milford Sound left one of the deepest impressions of our entire trip. Cruising through towering fjords, waterfalls cascading straight from the sky, the silence and scale felt almost sacred.
The road carried us through Mount Cook National Park, past the unreal blues of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki—colors so vivid they felt painted rather than natural.
A Gentle Farewell
Our New Zealand journey ended in Christchurch. After months of campgrounds and star-filled nights, returning to city life felt like a soft landing.
New Zealand wasn’t rushed—and that was its gift. Four months of shared silence, spontaneous detours, and freedom defined this chapter, leaving us deeply connected to the land and to each other.
