Meet Jan and Ann, two full-time vloggers and adventure lovers who recently checked off two big bucket list dreams at once: exploring New Zealand and doing it in a motorhome!
They started their trip in early September 2025, right as spring arrived in the South Island. After landing in Christchurch, they picked up their home for the week, a roomy Double for 2 Carado (also our most popular motorhome). After their orientation with our Christchurch team, they set off on their nine-day adventure that would leave them “speechless”.
“We love van life and exploring different areas in a van. Travelling in a motorhome feels so good—it heals your soul,” says Jan.
In this blog, the couple share their week of stunning views, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments. After reading what they experienced, you’ll probably want to add a New Zealand road trip to your own bucket list.
How did you feel about driving in New Zealand for the first time?
Planning a trip to the other side of the world is exciting, but the idea of driving in a new country for the first time can also be a bit nerve-wracking.
Before we left for New Zealand, we were so excited to finally see the country for the first time! We’d heard so much about how stunning the landscapes are and how friendly the people can be. Being able to explore it all in a motorhome that felt like a five-star hotel on wheels made it even more exciting. The only thing that made me a bit nervous at first was driving on the left side of the road — and with the steering wheel on the right side! Coming from Canada, that took some getting used to, especially in a motorhome. But honestly, after a little while, it became second nature.
Fortunately, the couple had gained some practice on a previous trip to Australia. Comparing the two experiences, they found driving in New Zealand easier, largely due to the lighter traffic.
They also found that sometimes, the drive is just as good as the destination. This was definitely true on the way to the Hooker Valley Track, which looked incredible even in rain and fog.
Learn more about driving a motorhome for the first time.
Who did you travel with and why did you choose a motorhome?
Their South Island adventure was Jan and Ann’s first time visiting New Zealand together. They decided that exploring by motorhome was the best way to experience the country because of the freedom it offers. They quickly realised that the flexibility of a motorhome offered a kind of luxury you can't get in a hotel.
There’s just something magical about waking up to breathtaking views, cooking delicious meals on the road, heading out for a hike, and then coming back for a cosy nap in your own little home on wheels. It really is the ultimate freedom!
Which destinations did you visit on the South Island?
The South Island is packed with iconic scenery. The couple managed to tick off the most iconic destinations. Their Christchurch to Queenstown itinerary started with a stop at Lake Tekapo, then on to Lake Pukaki for their first night of freedom camping. Then they were off to Queenstown, Wanaka, Mount Cook, Glenorchy, and plenty of smaller towns along the way.
We chose these places because they’re often recommended for first-time visitors, and they truly lived up to the hype. Each stop had its own charm and beauty.
What was a typical day like on the road?
A typical day on the road started with cooking breakfast and sipping coffee while enjoying the cozy comfort. One of the best things about a motorhome trip is setting your own pace. With their onboard wifi Jan and Ann mixed outdoor adventures with plenty of comfort inside.
A typical day on the road started with mornings that were cosy and relaxed; cooking breakfast and sipping coffee while enjoying the comfort of the motorhome. After that, we’d drive to our next destination or go on a scenic hike. We’d cook lunch in the motorhome, go out again for dessert or a treat, then finish the day by cooking dinner and unwinding at our campsite. It was the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
What was your most memorable moment of the trip?
Sometimes, the best memories come from where you park, not just what you plan. Jan and Ann made the most of New Zealand’s unique freedom camping rules and stayed at some beautiful sites on their adventure. This led to one of their most memorable experiences of the trip.
Our most memorable moment has to be the first night we spent freedom camping at Lake Pukaki. We arrived just as the sun was setting — the sky was painted with incredible colours, the mountains surrounded us, and we were filled with excitement knowing we were finally in New Zealand doing something we had dreamed about for so long. That first night truly set the tone for the rest of the trip.
What was your most spontaneous adventure of the trip?
New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, but Jan and Ann found that a rainy day doesn't ruin the fun when you have a warm, comfortable motorhome to retreat to. The couple say that one of their most memorable days was also an unplanned one.
One of our favourite spontaneous days was when we decided to visit the little town of Glenorchy on a random rainy afternoon. We stopped by Mrs. Woolly’s General Store for amazing coffee and a meat pie while it poured outside, then drove to the Glenorchy Wharf and viewpoint. Even though it was raining, the scenery — with the calm water and snow-capped mountains — was absolutely breathtaking. It turned out to be one of the cosiest and most memorable days of the trip.
That’s the beauty of travelling in a motorhome, you can make your own schedule and be more flexible and adaptable for any unforeseen changes.
What surprised you about your motorhome trip?
Coming from Alberta, Canada, you might think Jan had seen it all when it comes to dramatic scenery. But New Zealand still managed to stop him in his tracks. There is a surreal beauty here that captivated him completely. Ann, on the other hand, got a true taste of our wild weather. We often say you can experience four seasons in one day, and New Zealand certainly lived up to that reputation! She had to grab a warmer jacket mid-trip, but that’s just part of the adventure.
One thing that did catch them off guard was the checkout bill at the supermarket. It turns out stocking the pantry can cost a bit more here than visitors expect. A recent study found that a basket of groceries in New Zealand was the most expensive compared to Australia, the UK, and Ireland. It is just a good reminder to set aside a little extra budget for those road trip treats.
Another nice surprise? Just how much the onboard tech upgraded their off-grid experience:
For us, the biggest surprise was how much we loved having Wi-Fi and a TV in the motorhome. It made the experience feel like home, no matter where we parked. After a long day of exploring or hiking, it was so nice to relax, watch Netflix, or catch up on some work, all while surrounded by the most incredible landscapes. That simple comfort really made a difference.
Wilderness motorhomes come with an onboard router, giving you access to New Zealand’s fixed long-range Rural Broadband Initiative network, which has 4G-enabled towers across the country. The optional Wi-Fi is a better solution than a mobile data plan for most travellers. With better coverage than mobile networks and a 20-metre range, it is a convenient way to stay connected. Plus, it’s safer than using public networks.
What was your best meal of the trip?
One of the big advantages of touring by motorhome is that you always have a fully functional kitchen with you. Whether you want to prepare a snack, enjoy a hot cup of tea at a scenic lookout, or create a three-course family dinner. All you need to do is park up and get cooking, as Wilderness motorhome kitchens come fully equipped with everything you need.
Our meals were pretty simple, nothing fancy, but the best one has to be bacon and eggs for breakfast while freedom camping at Bendigo. The food itself was basic, but the view was extraordinary: a sparkling lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s moments like that when you realise that the simplest meals can feel five-star when paired with a view like that!
They also enjoyed the luxury of not having to go outside to cook, which is the case with their little camper at home.
What advice would you give to first-time visitors?
If you’re planning your own New Zealand road trip, Jan and Ann have one main tip: take it slow and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
We found ourselves sometimes driving straight from point A to B without stopping as much as we should have. New Zealand is full of beauty at every turn, so take your time, pull over often, and soak it all in. The best memories often happen in those unplanned moments.
The lasting impression
When their trip ended, Jan and Ann took home more than just photos. They gained a new love for travelling at a slower pace.
This trip reminded us that happiness often comes from the simplest things, like waking up in the morning, making breakfast, and sipping coffee while surrounded by incredible scenery. It made me realise how fulfilling slow travel can be, and how important it is to take time to appreciate the moment. It definitely inspired us to plan more road trips and continue exploring in this way.
The couple say their only regret was not having more days to explore even more hidden gems, “but that just gives us more reason to come back!”
