RV Travel Lifestyle

It is finally raining here in the South Wairarapa, and the dry, brown grass and hills are just starting to green up. We’ll need to give our lawn a mow soon. If you own an RV of any description (motorhome, caravan, campervan, bus or fifth wheel) now is the time to look at how you are going to store it over winter. Will your solar panels be exposed to light to keep the battery system ticking over, or will they be under a cover? The age and construction of your RV will dictate what type of interior care is needed to compensate for condensation on freezing nights. You’ll need decide how to take care of your fridge unit and plumbing. Emptying food from cupboards and clearing out linen all have…

There is no shortage of ocean wildlife adventures in Kaikōura, but this time we decided to do something different. Ecozip Adventures zipline is a newly established activity (since December 2023) in Kaikōura that aims to provide locals and tourists with more to see and do, while also contributing to conservation with efforts to re-establish native flora and fauna. The crisp autumn morning prompted me to layer on the thermals and pack the essentials for our adventure: warm clothes, snacks and water. We had just shy of an hour so the most important part of the checklist was getting coffee – although not too much to avoid any impromptu ‘bush wee’s’. After signing in at the Ecozip Adventures store on the main street, we were transported to another location to meet…

Have you ever been to a place and wondered how this landscape came to be? Maybe it’s the formation of a mountain or the channel of a riverbed that led you to wanting to be better informed about your surroundings? As a resident of Banks Peninsula, it never ceases to amaze me how unique the geology of this land is, millions of years in the making. The coast, in particular, boasts a tapestry of rugged cliffs, secluded bays and pristine beaches. But how has it all been formed? I meet with Director Sam Hampton from VolcanicKED, an organisation that aims to engage people with the New Zealand environment through knowledge, education and discovery. He explains to me the intricacies and interconnections between the rocks, landscapes and waterways of this area,…

I didn’t think I was much of an adrenalin junkie. At least, not since my twenties. Yes, I tried bungee jumping and skydiving when I travelled around New Zealand in a campervan in the 1990s, but since taking up permanent residence in Aotearoa in 2006 and ageing a couple of decades, I’d mainly describe myself now as an ‘enthusiastic traveller’. Show me a good tramp or a scenic wonder and I’m happy. But at the same time, I’m always on the lookout for new experiences. And Hanmer Springs certainly delivered for me. The town itself has been quoted as a “scaled-down Queenstown”, but I think a more accurate description would be an all-seasons chill-out zone with a sprinkling of adventure. Located just 90 minutes north of Christchurch off State Highway…

There’s no doubt New Zealand’s South Island provides the canvas for one of the best roadies around, so it made perfect sense to Kyle Mulinder, aka Bare Kiwi, to hook up his upgraded Jayco Outback caravan and hit the road over the summer. The successful online influencer is renowned for showcasing his adventures with style and innovation and was fresh from another overseas trip, this time to Fiji where the essence of collaboration and inspiration was illuminated. Picture this: 50 creators from across the globe, each representing their homeland, gathered together in Fiji for an electrifying event hosted by GoPro. This gathering wasn’t just about showcasing individual talents; it was a vibrant tapestry of mutual support and learning. After the exhilarating rush of capturing life through the lens of a…

After hearing many enthusiastic stories of the Timber Trail cycle ride Rick and I decided we must do the ride through the Pureora Forest. When I read “it is recommended to take a Personal Locator Beacon”, there was a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I do remember a friend mentioning pitching over her handlebars. Visions of helicopter rescue spring to mind. En route to the start of the Timber Trail ride, I quiz Victoria Dawson, our shuttle driver, as to how many people hire a PLB. Apparently, quite a few groups do, and it’s recommended due to the remoteness of the trail, as it has very little cell phone coverage. In an emergency when the beacon is activated a rescue helicopter arrives within 20 minutes. Good to…