We’re slipping into the pace of the place (not that we were in need of much deceleration, having been on the road for 18 months, but…). This is a special part of the country, from Gisborne via Loisel’s Beach and Maraehako to Ohiwa Beach. In hindsight, it feels like there’s a point somewhere around the … Continue reading East Cape
And then there was Maraehako. …Strange I had almost forgotten about it, a marvel of a place we just happened to stop at to stay for a couple of nights. I am wondering if New Zealand is full of these places you just happen to stumble across by chance. This was one of my favourite, … Continue reading Maraehako
A little over a year ago, we visited Gisborne. A true & easy start into the summer, it was already hot in October. Gisborne was great. What an awesome camp spot close to the beach, and an awesome view over the bay. Sunsets, waves, and BARBED WIRE! The beach was our constant companion here. Afternoon ice … Continue reading Gisborne
Hi everyone, it’s strange how things seem to fall apart at the moment. US elections, NZ earthquakes, only a fool would see a connection! I’m sitting here fixing my vagrant installation via a CLI, and at the same time checking earthquake updates on RNZ and GeoNet. Feeling a bit weird. A bit torn, like the … Continue reading Te Awanga
Hello, I noticed the last post sounded a bit final. We do still have a few posts up our sleeves that we’d like to share, so you don’t miss out on some special places we have been to. Opoutere, on the West coast of the Coromandel peninsula, is one of those jewels we have found … Continue reading Opoutere is in the air
As we’re nearing our end of the trip I have trouble comprehending how it has almost been two years that we’ve called Liberty the Great our home. We have been ‘on the road’ for two friggin’ years – but what does that actually mean? Our lives just continue, and we lead a pretty ordinary existence; … Continue reading The road home
The distance to family is one big drawback of living down here, so I was very grateful to be able to partly reconcile this fact when my mum, sister and niece came for a visit eight months ago. Talking, writing, skyping is never enough to truly explain your life down here. We went for a … Continue reading Family family family and Tora Tora Tora
A quick update: We were just having a little one week holiday, in Ohiwa. With a beautiful setting next to Ohiwa Domain, and an ocean beach and a huge tidal inlet right outside the door, this must be one of the nicest campgrounds we’ve been to. But maybe it was just that we actually took … Continue reading Ohiwa holiday
A few people have asked me what it is like to be in the bus in winter. To be honest, it can be a struggle and feel like waiting out the dark and cold days. But it also has it’s perks, like chopping firewood, and being warm and cozy inside when it’s howling outside. That … Continue reading What we did last winter
We’re on the road for one and a half years now. Living in New Zealand full time again, I notice how easy it is to get used to its amazing countryside. When ‘the nature’, as the Germans say, ceases to blow you away on a daily basis, it’s crucial to treasure the small things. It’s meaningful … Continue reading The beauty of small things
A couple of months ago we’ve arrived in Wellington, and this is what it felt like: We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. Finally in Wellington, WITH our new home. Two nights at Russell Terrace behind the zoo and now we’ve moved to the South Coast. And what shall I say? … Continue reading Wellington
Now here’s another blast from the past post, I’m sorry. Frantically trying to catch up with the months. Pretend it’s late March and summer is drawing to a close. Half a year after climbing over the Haast pass to dive into mild climates, spring, summer and beachiness, we’re heading over to the NI. Hard to … Continue reading Nelson summer life
Hello, everybody, and sorry for our absence in the last couple of months. We’re catching up quickly, but here’s a little retrospective first. Nearly half a year ago now, our camera had fallen out of the top shelf, while driving through a curve and it has been broken ever since. Last week we finally replaced it … Continue reading Fantastic Mr Fox River
I have been having this internal debate for the last few months about which of the two bays I prefer: Tasman Bay or Golden Bay. They both mean beach, the elements, tides, and now summer, to me. Our summer started a week before Christmas and has not stopped yet. I think I can get used to … Continue reading Summer to behold
We arrived in Golden Bay four weeks ago and followed the road right up to Collingwood. Sleepy and laid back, it is situated on a tiny tip of land separating the mouth of the Aorere River, in the Ruataniwha (“Taniwha’s den”, or, even scarier, “Two Taniwhas”?) inlet, and the calm waters of Golden Bay. There … Continue reading Colling Woods and Golden Bays
Oh yes we are! Check out the Jan/Feb issue in stores now to see this beautiful photo essay featuring us and Liberty, shot and written by the super talented Guy Frederick. Thanks heaps you fullas xx.
Growing up, it seemed like all of Christchurch migrated north to Nelson and Golden Bay for summer. Having now spent 3 weeks in the area, it’s easy to see why. It has rained for half a day since we’ve been here, the roadside stalls are packed with summer fruits and berries, and the real fruit … Continue reading Summer migration
Something about the area around Punakaiki makes your blood fizz. Paparoa National Park is wild and lush and feels like an adventure waiting to happen. In fact, our time in Punakaiki even started with an adventure. A couple of weeks prior to our arrival, we’d detected a small gas leak in our bus, which meant … Continue reading Adventures in Paparoa
I have never lived here, but getting to Punakaiki always feels a bit like coming home. We’re in and around Punakaiki for almost four weeks now and upon reflection there’ve been new insights. Today I thought about all those people passing through this most amazing of all places, staying for a night, glimpsing its beauty, … Continue reading I have never lived here
I made a knife today, and I liked it! From a strip of steel to an actual, friggin’ knife! A little course in Barrytown, with forging, cutting, grinding and polishing. Awesome. Half of the Westcoast must have one by now, and if not, do check out these nice guys from Barrytown Knifemaking.