Reflect on First Year Caravanning in New Zealand

I’ve had the caravan for one year. One year!

For this post and video – I’m reflecting on the past year with the caravan and sharing what I’m doing now and what I want to do for the next year.

Why did I decide on a caravan?

I was flat sharing with 3 other people and starting to want my own place. I was saving for a house in Auckland (New Zealand), but finally realised I couldn’t afford anything. Renting a place on my own seemed like a crazy amount too. I started thinking about living out of Auckland, but wasn’t sure where I would want to be. The idea of a mobile home started to intrigue me.

I was watching a lot of videos on YouTube about Vanlife and Tiny Houses. Caravans and motorhomes seemed more practical, as they were like tiny apartments that were easy to move. After looking at all the second-hand caravan and motorhome dealers in the city, I realised that anything with a motor suddenly became too expensive. That’s why I decided on a caravan.

Recap of last year

I had never driven with a caravan and only ever towed a trailer once. But I went for it anyway.

I bought a 4×4 car and went on a road trip to find my home. All the dealers seemed to be in the South island, so I’d planned my trip to visit as many caravan dealers while heading down the country as possible.

I didn’t get far, as my car battery died in Tauranga (3 hours out of Auckland). I called the car rescue company and was taken to the closest mechanic. Luckily, they were able to fix it that day and I was on the road again.

Read more about this adventure in: Hunt for the Caravan Part 1 & Part 2.

I eventually arrived in Nelson where there were a couple of caravan dealers in the area. When I saw my caravan, I thought it was out of my price-range. The dealer asked my limit, and his agreed to my price!

That night, I didn’t sleep very well…

I was wondering if I was doing the right thing, worrying that this was the wrong direction to go down. But I’d packed up my life for this idea – I was going for it.

Picking up the caravan, I nervously drove it 3 blocks to the nearest campground, convinced I was going to side-swipe a car or scratch the curb. It was so strange not being able to see out the back window.

Admitting to the campground staff that I’d literally just bought the caravan, they gave me a campsite where I could just drive straight on. No reversing required.

: At the caravan dealer

: First campground

: In my caravan!

I stayed there for a week, just getting use to how everything worked. The fresh water, grey water, stove, gas, windows, fridge. I was glad there were plenty of shops in the area as I seemed to find something else I needed every day. I was setting up my first home.

Eventually, I hit the road and travelled around the South Island for 3 months, learning how to reverse and when I needed to go into a lower gear for those steep hills. I got use to packing and unpacking the caravan. Overall a steep learning curve.

: Beyond Glenorchy

: Roys Peak

: Nelson Lakes

How do I afford this lifestyle?

It’s something I’m still struggling with.

For most of the year I’ve travelled, run out of money, gone back to Auckland, freelanced, saved, gone for a trip and repeated. I’m a graphic designer, which does make it easier to freelance, but all my connections are in Auckland and most companies wanted me in their office.

Luckily a previous workmate needed a part-time graphic designer in Hawkes Bay. I’ve been here a month so far and it’s been great! Love being away from Auckland in a beautiful setting with no traffic and earning money!