Living in a car for 2 months - New Zealand adventure

The last two months were… well, different. I traveled around the south and north island of New Zealand with a car which was also my home through the whole journey. Having a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom in such a small place is definitely hard to imagine. You need to be good organized and especially relaxed about the fact that you won’t have the living comfort you are used to. Like every single thing in this world, also living in a car has its pros and cons. However, the experience was unforgettable and reminded me of appreciating very basic things in life, like having a hot shower, a clean toilet or just being in the middle of nowhere and enjoy the silence.

First month was dedicated to the south island which is known for its mountains and glaciers, crystal clear lakes and rivers and countless waterfalls. In a certain way the nature reminded me of Slovenia but still, everything here is much bigger, higher. It's quite amazing that glaciers and surf beaches are just a few kms of tropical forest apart. There are so many secluded places where you can enjoy your own company and don’t meet a soul. The fact that out of a 4.8 million people in New Zealand just 1 million lives on the south island, explains it all. If you like hiking and being surrounded only with the nature, then that’s the place to visit. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

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Once I arrived on the north island, I could see a few differences straight ahead. It was warmer and more crowded. After staying in Wellington for a few days (nice small city on the coast) I traveled up north to do the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing which was the highlight of my north island trip. It is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a world-renowned trek. Its volcanic peaks and inspiring natural scenery makes it one of the must do things in New Zealand. Apart from that, north island also offers plenty of nice beaches surrounded with small coastal towns. Last stop before flying out was Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand with 1.4 million people living there. In general, the north island is famous of its geothermal area with hot pools, surf beaches, two big cities, Maori culture and vineyards.

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Prices in New Zealand:

• 2 beers in a bar 20$ (11,6€)

• The cheapest small 12-pack of beers in a supermarket 15$ (8,7€)

• 1 pack of tobacco 57$ (33€)

• 1 kg tomato in a supermarket 5$ (3€)

• 1 l of milk 2,3$ (1,4€)

• Bread 4$ (2,3€)

• Pasta/pizza in a restaurant around 20-30$ (12-18€)

• 1 scoop of ice cream 4,5$ (2,6€)

• Coffee 4,5$ (2,6€)

• 1l of petrol 2,10$ (1,22€)

The places I’ve visited:

My best New Zealand moments:

• Buying my very first car and a house in one.

It is hard to imagine to travel around here without a car. Of course it is easier to say that once you bought one and already cruising around. But I still think you can discover a lot more if you have the freedom of moving.

• Skydive above the Franz Josef Glacier

I can just say it was AMAZING! I wanted to do the skydive for quite a long time already. I guess I was just waiting for the right moment which turned out to be in New Zealand. We were free falling for about sixty seconds. To be honest, it felt like ten or even less. It was crazy experience and I would immediately do it again. But there is just one tiny fact that’s pulling me back - it’s too expensive.

• A few amazing hikes with breathtaking views along the way

Key Summit - Fiordland National Park Milford Sound

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Rob Roys Peak - Wanaka

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Mt John - Lake Tekapo

Abel Tasman

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• Helping with wine harvesting for one day

• Waking up in the middle of nowhere, walking out of the car and be surrounded by the nature

I can’t believe I’m on my big journey around the world almost for 6 months already. The time flies! My next stop is Samoa - a paradise in the Pacific. I’m super excited about the tropical adventure as it will be completely different from Australia and New Zealand.

I’m already switching my mind to the “island time”. I’ll tell you more about its meaning in my next post.