Gillian and Liang Ting (LT) had already fallen for New Zealand once. Two years earlier, the adventure-loving couple had toured both islands the traditional way, hotel to hotel, and come home dreaming of going back. This time, they had a plan: hike and trail-run their way across as much of the country as possible, and see just how far their legs could take them between sunrise and sunset.
To do it, they tried something completely new to them: renting a motorhome for the very first time.
Why did the couple choose a motorhome for an outdoor adventure trip?
On their first New Zealand trip, packing and unpacking bags every one or two nights had worn them down more than they expected. Navigating unfamiliar hotel layouts, hauling luggage up narrow staircases, and checking in and out on someone else's schedule all added up to exhaustion they hadn't planned for.
This time, they wanted to bring their home with them instead. That’s exactly what they did, and as busy city dwellers, it was a chance to taste a completely different lifestyle.
“Traveling by motorhome eliminated those incredibly early morning alarm clocks to drive out to trailheads, since we could stay at dedicated campgrounds right at the doorstep of our hiking spots,” Gillian said.
“It’s the ultimate convenience. Coming from Singapore, a motorhome lifestyle is an experience you just can't get back home, so we knew it was the perfect time to try it."
What was it like arriving in New Zealand from Singapore's fast pace?
For Gillian and LT, arriving in New Zealand was “a literal breath of fresh air” from the moment they got off the plane. The crisp breeze, the beautiful landscapes, and slow pace of life lifted a weight off their shoulders, and they could focus on just one thing – enjoying themselves.
“Suddenly, we weren't in a rush anymore,” Gillian said. “Everything felt a bit lighter, and our inner systems received a much-needed reboot as we transitioned into the peace and tranquility of the open spaces.”
One thing that caught them off guard was just how patient New Zealand drivers are. On the roads, nobody seemed in a rush, and as pedestrians, Gillian and LT kept encountering drivers who'd happily stop and wave them across with a smile.
This change in rhythm carried over into the couple’s first freedom camping experience, which Gillian described as a “massive eye-opener.”
“It had been a long time since we had to rely solely on gas and reserve power, which naturally made us more deliberate and mindful of our usage and actions,” Gillian said. “It forced us to slow down and just be in the moment.”
“We found ourselves winding down much earlier because of the early sunsets, which meant we got so much more restorative rest,” she added. “There was nothing quite like grabbing an early dinner and just watching the sunset paint the sky right outside our motorhome.”
Want to know more about the main differences between travelling in Singapore and New Zealand? Check out our blog.
What did a typical day on the road look like?
Life on the road was a far cry from their busy routine back home. Gillian and LT would wake up at sunrise and hit the trails for a run or a long hike, before coming back down and enjoying a hot meal and much-needed coffee in their motorhome.
The afternoon was spent hiking more trails or exploring their campsite or the local town.
“We intentionally kept our itinerary fluid so we could slow down and fully appreciate each stop,” Gillian said.
“We’d head back to our campsite just in time to prepare an early dinner. After a long day outdoors, there was nothing better than washing off with a hot shower, winding down with a show inside the cosy motorhome, and finally falling asleep while gazing at the glittering stars through the overhead window right above our bed.”
One everyday luxury that they savoured was the freedom of choice at mealtimes. They weren’t tied to cafe and restaurant opening hours, because they had their kitchen and ingredients right there with them. It’s what allowed them to set off from White Horse Hill Campground at the crack of dawn with a hearty breakfast under their belts.
“Then, right in the middle of the day, we could step back into the motorhome to whip up a hot, fresh meal to refuel before our next hike - all without having to drive anywhere or hunt down a cafe,” Gillian said. “It saves so much time and logistically makes the day seamless.”
Which motorhome features made the biggest difference on a hiking trip?
A few small design choices ended up shaping the whole trip. The swivelling front seats turned into the most comfortable lounge chairs in the house each evening. Window shades and insect mesh screens kept the motorhome bright and ventilated without any unwanted visitors sneaking in.
Then there was the storage. Every item had an obvious place, and every time Gillian thought "I need to hang something up," a hook was already exactly where she needed it.
"It felt like Wilderness was always one step ahead of our needs," she said.
This thoughtfulness extended to the service, too, which Gillian said was “exceptionally warm, professional, and thorough from start to finish.”
“The pickup crew guided us expertly through every feature of the vehicle so we felt confident,” she said. “Even when we hit a minor technical snag with our onboard Wi-Fi late one evening, their support team responded almost instantly, and we were back to comfortably streaming Netflix in no time.”
Wondering which motorhome layout is best for your travel group? Read our handy guide.
Which places stood out, and were there any hidden gems?
Lake Pukaki, arriving right as evening fell, was the standout. The sky turned a brilliant pastel pink, glowing orange and pink hues spilling across the mountains behind the water's turquoise surface. It was unlike anything they’d seen before - and with their motorhome parked right next to them, they felt uniquely placed to savour it.
Mount Cook came a close second.
“Because our main goal for this trip was hiking, being based right there allowed us to conquer three massive tracks in a single day, which felt incredible,” Gillian said. “Being able to step into a warm kitchen to recharge between those trails made all the difference.”
Then there were the finds most travellers seem to miss entirely. The Kettle Hole Track near Lake Pukaki, hiked at dawn, delivered panoramic views the couple had almost entirely to themselves. Glendhu Bay in Wanaka felt like a local secret, its cliffside tracks unforgettable in the still morning air.
Their favourite photo from the whole trip actually came from taking a wrong turn.
“We were in a frantic race against the clock to make it to the top of Kettle Hole Track before the sun rose,” Gillian recalled.
“In our rush, we completely missed a marker and ended up walking on the wrong side of a fence line, navigating a field full of cow poo! We looked up and burst out laughing when we realized the actual track was sitting perfectly clear on the other side of the fence. We eventually found a safe spot to hop over, but that whole accidental obstacle course left us in stitches for the rest of the day.”
How did travelling together in a motorhome change the relationship dynamic?
Sharing every changing view, every new challenge, made the trip feel exceptionally close. Even the logistics that were brand new to both of them - learning how to empty the waste cassette, topping up the fresh water tank - turned into team exercises that produced their own hilarious memories.
The motorhome became their constant safe, warm haven no matter how far they'd driven that day.
"It felt exactly like traveling with our own tiny home, to the point where handing back the keys at the end felt bittersweet," Gillian said.
Want to hear more from other travelling couples? Check out Dane and Stacey’s guest blog.
How did they handle the unexpected, like being caught in a storm?
Not every night went to plan. Freedom camping near Lake Pukaki on the way back toward Christchurch, the couple got caught in a storm that raged all night, gale-force winds rocking the motorhome in the dark.
Used to the solid, unmoving concrete of Singapore apartments, Gillian admitted that unexpected wild weather kept her awake through the night.
“Fortunately, the motorhome handled it like an absolute champion,” she said. “Nothing happened except for that safe, steady rocking, and we woke up the next morning to the most breathtaking double rainbow arching over the lake. It was an unforgettable way to close out the trip.”
Would they recommend a motorhome trip to other first-timers from Singapore?
For any Singaporean considering their first New Zealand motorhome trip, Gillian says, “just go for it!” She's convinced nobody who tries it will want to explore the country any other way again. Coming from a couple that’s used to hotels and had never rented a motorhome before, that’s saying something!
Asked what she'd tell a friend back in Singapore weighing up the same decision, her answer doesn't hesitate either.
“A thousand times, yes!” she said.
“It is the absolute best way to explore New Zealand entirely on your own terms, allowing you to create beautiful memories not just at the final destination, but during every single mile along the way. Instead of spending your precious holiday cooped up indoors or managing checkout schedules, you spend it outside, fully immersed in the wonders of nature."
Ready to start your own motorhome adventure? Check out our full South Island road trip itinerary.
