3 Weeks in New Zealand on a Budget

3 weeks, a sassy campervan old enough to be a moody teenager, both beautiful South and North Islands, and our $100 USD budget per day, in Aotearoa New Zealand. Can we do it?
#travel #travelvlog #newzealand #budgettravel #traveldocumentary
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JJJreact

[@Angela-ne9cy]

One of my favorite things about you guys: how you interact with the camera. You don't have "camera voices" - you just talk, like we're there with you. You're so joyful and funny. I legit feel like I'm there in the van eating gnocchi!!

[@miyaelsewhere]

I agreed :)

[@michaelgralike8886]

Loved watching you guys on this New Zealand adventure. Was good to see a couple just being themselves.

[@jaytee7363]

Really well made video! Not sure how this doesn't have a million views already. Thanks for making this channel. I really enjoy it!

[@baldinthesnow]

I love how you guys interact to each other, your travel destinations and the camera. It feels so natural. Thx!

[@skywairama5777]

Wow!! What an incredible video! Im a kiwi and wouldn’t usually watch a video of my own country but viewing it though your eyes makes me so incredibly proud to be a New Zealander ! After seeing you in Havelock walking Te Mata Peak I was praaaaaying you’d stop in Napier as it truely is beautiful! Hawkes bay is my home town and I absolutely love it here! Thank you so much for show casing how beautiful our country is and the immense respect you showed our land! If you ever come back, I’ll be more than happy to show you around some gem spots here and we could even put a traditional hangi on for you both ♥️

[@ljhoats]

It's so gorgeous!

[@twohouses2259]

Right? …..and here I am, a Maori living in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire……go figure

[@miyaelsewhere]

I agreed :)

[@MagpieManor]

We are from Australia and have been watch you from the start. This is the very best video you have produced and we loved every minute. So happy that you move love pies and Pics peanut butter as that’s my fave too. So happy that you also caught up with Cheveyo and Tia as well. Much love and don’t ever stop!!!! Pete and fam. ❤❤❤

[@michaelheliotis5279]

I must say it's rather impressive how successfully you guys navigated the pronunciation of New Zealand place names, and it's clear that you did some research at some point because you don't fall into any of the traps with stress placement that most visitors do. Almost every video I watch of American visitors will include them saying "wa-NA-ka" (and "ku-MA-ra"), but you guys correctly put the stress on the first syllable, which the Pākehā pronunciation does to emulate the Māori long vowel (Wānaka). And often your pronunciation was more accurate to the Māori pronunciation than most Kiwis can manage, so your care and effort is definitely noticed and appreciated. ❤ I'm also super glad that you guys got to check out Te Papa, which most people ignore because they assume it'll just be your typical snooze-fest museum exhibiting all its stolen artefacts, but Te Papa is truly unlike any other museum and emphasises making its educational value as accessible as possible, which it does in partnership with local indigenous groups. Hopefully more people will be inspired by your video to make the stop in Wellington at least for Te Papa (which admittedly, doesn't have a whole lot else on offer), rather than just skipping over it on their way to or from the ferry. 🙏

[@miyaelsewhere]

:)

[@Raptorlifts]

No need to even give a thought about it. We are an english country.,

[@tangiwaihopfler2543]

What a amazing Vlog. I don't tend to watch travel Vlogs of Aotearoa as I was born and bred here but this just came up and I watched from begining to end. I feel so inspired ❤Keep up the amazing work you two 😸

[@taylahblithe4200]

Been planning my north island solo road trip adventure for a while now and this video gave me A LOT of insight. I also don’t normally watch YT videos this long but I was hooked. Thankyou! 🎉❤

[@bethcollier3789]

That was such an enjoyable road trip. To experience the sights from the van and listen to the dialogue from the companions repeating a trip I did over 30 years ago with my young family, was so much fun. Thank you and again Thank you.

[@tomgraulty4988]

Lisa & Josh, to you I humbly offer my Standing Ovation & gratitude! Well done indeed!

[@KahiraShepherd]

Absolutely loved that you guys made your way to Aotearoa New Zealand. I hope you both enjoyed your trip. Your videos helped alot with my current trip to South Korea and Japan. Would have loved to introduce you guys to a bit of Māori culture and traditions. Next time maybe 😊

[@LisaAndJosh]

We had the best time :) and so glad to hear they helped, hope you had a great time in Korea and Japan! Would love that next time!!! We’d love to learn more about Māori culture!

[@thinkpadx60]

This reminded me of my 2 week trip in South Island in 2008. Thanks for sharing your incredible journey and bringing back memories. I went through my photos from the trip and it was a joy to recall my entire trip. I hope I can make it back to NZ one day and make more memories with videos as well.

[@angizzle03]

The most wholesome video I’ve watched from start to end - TY! The love you had for not only sassy but all the spots you visited here in Aotearoa. Trust you got home safety, thank you for enjoying your time here and hope you come back so we can bask in more adventures provided & 🤞🏼 you see an actual kiwi 😉

[@Blaydontoon]

Lovely to bump into you at Lake Rotoiti. Funnily enough I first came across your videos when I was researching the Camino Portugues, which is where I started my six months of travel, and I ended it in New Zealand.

[@maudybremer4270]

Lisa and Josh, thank you so much, yet again, for taking me and many others with you both on your wonderful trip through New Zealand. I cried, because of laughter, and I cried because of sadness (especially when you had to say goodbye to Sassy). You both are a true inspiration to make the best of life and stay positive even when it's pouring down with rain 🙂 and be grateful for the good things that are happening. Can't wait for your next adventure, but for now: Thank you from the Netherlands.

[@warren-r3i]

Hi, a real Kiwi here lol, I live just south of Taupo and lived in NZ all my life. I so enjoyed this video, both your characters are so positive and loveable. I gotta say you really copped some unsettled weather along a lot of your trip which is very typical for September and October here. The summer months make this country a very different place with all the lakes and beaches glistening in sunshine most days for 4 months. If you like the cooler temps but plenty of sunshine without winds come in the autumn, March and April when we have the most settled and calm sheer stunning days you will find anywhere. I wish you's lived here, you would fit right in.

[@mayraruiz8761]

Thanks, Lisa and Josh, for bringing back my old memories from New Zealand. I love Aotearoa, the most beautiful land ever. I lived there for two years. I miss everything and everyone from N Z.

[@iamnotmental]

them giving you those 2 pies for free was really honest, they were nearly closing and probably those last pies have been in the warmer for a long time, there is humanity left in this world thanks to the the store for showing us some heart.

[@CandyPeauvale-xd8hj]

You two rock,,, glad you loved our country,, it really is 4 seasons in one day, fish n chips, pies, L&P, speights,,, yummy, snow capped mountains everywhere. ❤ no waste even better. 😊

[@joryll]

Your voices are so satisfying and your personalities are so electric and raw. Somehow you guys got me attached to a van.

[@The_Missus93]

Kia ora koutou e te whānau! I grew up 20 minutes from Hobbiton.. I now live in the UK but miss NZ so much. Thanks for the nostalgia trip 😊

[@mauipotikimanutui]

Kia ora, tēnā koe Lisa. Your effort in correctly pronouncing our place names was much appreciated! Your pronunciation was superb! Both of you were super respectful and genuine in your interests in our country (unlike many other KZbinrs). We hope you guys enjoyed your stay!

[@SamCass695477]

I've just started doing travel research for our NZ trip and am SO glad I found this vlog! I've now watched several, and honestly this is the only one I've truly enjoyed. It is so well put together and so natural! Thanks for all the tips, budget-friendly angle, and fun!

[@cciao355]

I never imagined seeing a place that rivaled the beauty of Alaska. And then you shared your amazing 3 week camper van adventure in New Zealand. Love the joy of your interaction with the camera and each other. Excellent editing and post-production. 👏

[@r.kerindongo9012]

Thank you for sharing your beatiful adventure with us! I truly enjoyed it, it was an inspiration. Yeah Sassy! I hope Sunny is still alive. ☺

[@JacobandKelsey]

I’ve just discovered y’all’s channel. It’s really well done. Thank you for documenting travel in a wholesome way for our whole family to watch together. Great voiceover and narration.

[@AilsaPehi]

A couple of years ago I watched your France Camino hike. This morning, your Porto Camino was recommended, and that was an excellent watch. This evening you're NZ trip. You're in my country. So cool. I had to laugh at the daily $100 budget. Aotearoa is outrageously expensive, and I'm so sorry for that. We feel your pain. I'm glad you made it. Welcome back anytime. ❤

[@letsgo-reacts]

Even though you guys had the worst weather EVER, you were always happy, contented, and appreciative! Great, great video!!!;)

[@rainmcadam3966]

This is so cool. I have lived here my whole life but never left the north island. This video makes me want to prioritise getting down south.

[@peteonthemove]

Wow. Watched this all yesterday. It went by in a flash. Loved it ! Thanks so much for posting 🙂

[@EricaExplores]

Wow, y’all are incredible! I watched every second of this in one sitting. I didn’t want it to end 😅 thank you so much for your dedication to filming and sharing such wonderful content!

[@LisaAndJosh]

Our pleasure!

[@ulaulafamily2173]

I absolutely LOVED watching this so much. You are both beautiful souls and made me fall in love with New Zealand all over again.

[@jphinnyc]

Best hour and forty min i spent. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip vicariously through you. Keep up the good work. I’ll buy you all coffee soon! Safe travels.

[@prestinaluvr]

This channel is the most mindfulness and gratitude oriented channel that I've ever come across and I love it.

[@jons387]

Hey guys, we kiwi's and came across ur South Island video. I've been in nz 48 yrs and I've never done a trip like yours until this Feb 2024 we r doing 30 days in the SI. Yeehaa . 😁 Loved watching ur video and adventures , we took notes and have tweaked our itinerary. Thank u. U two are very genuine and humble , two traits us kiwis find admirable and warm to. We have subscribed so can watch more of your vids. Take care and have fun making memories!! John and Sue

[@n-xplorer]

Funny, I was at first confused about the use of the word 'kiwi". Yes indeed, you wonderful people in this awesome place call yourselves kiwi's + the word also refers the the kiwi bird + the word also refers to the kiwi fruit. It's a little confusing at first to us outsiders. I'm half a world away right now in America (at this very moment) enjoying some kiwi fruit imported from New Zealand... it is absolutely delicious!!

[@tiinah-b2326]

Guys I loved every bit of this movie length vlog! I smiled (and at times giggled) through it because I could relate. It’s been years since my last visit and I long to travel there again. It’s so beautiful. My first was as a single young woman on one of those 3 week bus trips for young people…like Contiki, but it wasn’t Contiki. Then in 2007 for 3 weeks again in a motor home as a family of 5. Best family holiday ever! The first time was in March with relatively good weather. The second during the NSW (Australia) school holidays in October and the weather was similar to yours. Fortunately, I got lucky both times getting on a Milford sound cruise AND in fine weather as well. Looking forward to watching where you are heading next?

[@telefonimoniati4383]

woooow first time watching, and I got to say that was really entertaining and the fact Yous actually got to see a kiwi damn that is really rare. A lot of us kiwi haven't even seen a kiwi in real life let alone travel NZ.

[@wendyharper8930]

It was really great to see Aotearoa from outsider eyes. I'm glad you loved it ❤

[@jillnoye6676]

What a fantastic and refreshing post.🥰We are about to embark on a trip shortly and this gave us lots of hints and tips. It was so informative in a very down to earth and happy way. Thanks so much guys

[@boltonsrus1]

Just found your video. I went to New Zealand 2023 and it was magical. I loved seeing it again through your experience. ❤

[@curashag]

Been watchin you guys makes me happy you havin fun. I lived in Auckland New Zealand for almost a year and its been very very memorable. I really missed being there and hopefully if god permits, I wanna be there again to be with our friends for the last time.

[@chasingsunsetsofficial]

Amazing Job guys!. I’m really loving your channel. I am now a loyal LJ subscriber. I love how in depth you go and how you break everything down for the viewer. I’m definitely gonna incorporate a lot of your tips and tricks into my channel. Also I love y’all’s relationship I long for the day I can also be so lucky. I am confident we will cross paths soon! Keep Inspiring!! -RL ChasingSunsets 😎✌🏻🌅

[@aishwaryatirkey7482]

Hey Lisa and Josh. It was really fun watching your video today. It was really awesome to know so many places, especially in south island. My husband worked there for 1.5 years and he was all the time telling me i've been to this place and it was fun to see him enjoy like that. Btw we live in Hamilton and i have not explored most of the places so after seeing your video it feels like going for an adventure and we will definitely do that maybe this year.

[@AaronGadOrena]

That sassy monologue at the end sums the entire trip up for me beautifully

[@DrRedLemon]

Stainless steel pans can be difficult but once you get how to use them they are freaking awesome. I’ve just bought a few. 1) pre-heat on max until a splash of water will bead around the pan. 2) turn down to medium. 3) add fats/oils then food. The pan basically can not be too hot or too cold otherwise things will burn/stick into the micro-crevices of the pan. Enjoy your no-stick pan without the chemicals of normal no-stick coatings. Clean with steel scourer if needed. Easy maintenance and last forever!

[@fortbz1028]

mate wtf ar you talkin about, noone fkn does that😆

[@sunnydayz7232]

I just loved this. You took me on the journey with you. When it finished & I looked around at my lounge room i was so disappointed. I really did go along for the ride. Wonderful editing, very funny in parts, stunning scenery of course but you two just make it very enjoyable to watch. Inspired me to plan my trip& get fish n chips for DINNER!!!! ❤😊

[@mikedavidbeats2560]

For future reference, if you ever run into a situation where you have a pan that everything sticks to, just remember this: "Hot pan - cold oil." Heat the pan with oil in it until the oil smokes, discard the hot oil, pour cold oil into the pan, and immediately start cooking. Nothing will stick. In fact, the guy I got this info from said you can make a rock non-stick with this method 🤣.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Three weeks in NZ is both a good time but also not enough time to do justice for the sights and attractions. Eating out is expensive but with self catering it can balance outcwell. Their meat pies are sooooo good. They do allow sleeping in vans outside van parks and have lots of van parks.

[@FrenchFifi65]

We went to Lake Taupo area of NZ for our honeymoon the first week of October knowing it would be early spring. We packed a lot of shorts, t’s and tanks as we were heading to Australia next. The weather forecast was fair but when we got there, BRRRRRRR. We learned a bit of a lesson with our budgeting especially since we had a tight budget but Ike you said, we were halfway around the world. There was more to see than anticipated and we decided that we would do it all and sacrifice the small stuff like store bought beers and chips if it meant we could see and do cool stuff. We ate pasta for a few months when we got home but we have NEVER regretted it:)

[@carolphillips1338]

Have watched you since first son young really enjoy what and how you present your episodes and will forever so natural no bullshit with you we spent lot time on road late nineties loved it didn’t have kids just us fished camped free know it’s changed lots watching all you guys would love to be young enough do it again

[@TipsyTofuTravels]

This trip was inspiring! I love your budget concept and it’s given me some content and travel ideas for sure! I also love that you went to supermarkets and cooked a lot of meals, that’s the true spirit of road trip in a trailer! I’d absolutely love to visit New Zealand but it may be a few years before we can get there due to our long term travel plans. Your video was incredible!

[@essjayteatz4770]

This was so enjoyable to watch. Great video guys x

[@williammorunga1793]

We are New Zealanders and have travelled around our country multiple times and now we say "Is that a kiwi....i've always wanted to see a real kiwi" even if its a tree, a fish or a horse........ Loved following your missions around Japan (we went in 2019) and also our beautiful country Aotearoa/New Zealand. #KiwiFinder

[@mardapienaar7565]

I really enjoyed travelling with the two of you. Our children live in NZ and I love seeïng the country . Enjoy your travels!

[@realneilsadventures]

Loved this, you guys put a smile on my face. Thank you.

[@stray_cats2014]

Watching your video made me feel so lucky living in Nz. Do come back again guys!

[@audzhayman3908]

Wish I had known you were in Welly to visit some of what our city offers! It would have been fun meeting you both and showing you some great things our city offers. I loved this vlog and I am pleased you had a great time. Happy Travels

[@citydesk4527]

Glad you liked watching the rugby! Great video, brilliant story telling.

[@AmbientWalking]

Watching every minute of this! And loving it! YES! Can't wait to follow you both in New Zealand!

[@skippmclovan1135]

So good ! ! ! Guys~if you come back again later you could always do the other 'smaller' islands ~ Stewart in the south, Chatham to the east, Pitt a little further out from there ~ Kapiti in the west ~ Mokoia in the middle ~ a bunch out from Auckland.. Waiheke, Rangitoto, Rakino, and Kawau ~ and the super cool large 'hippie' Great Barrier Island aka 'Ayahuasca Island' more than 80kays east out into the Pacific from Auckland ~ and then to the upper north there is the AMAZING historic gum diggers Bay of Islands!! The Coromandel Peninsula historic gold mining area is also well worth visiting, including the Hot Water Beach . . where a hot water bathe in the wild sand is free, if you take along a spade..!

[@JP7onEarth]

LOVED the entire video. Perhaps your Best ever!! Near the end, Shoulder Bacon package left me nauseous...😂😂😂

[@BrotherBluez]

Miss this trip...my last visit to NZ from north to south is 2019 before the pandemic. The nature was so stunning 😍.

[@Psi105]

Yep, Te Papa museum is something special. The "Gallipoli: The scale of our war" exhibition is amazing.

[@miriama4475]

Be sure to put your hands into the water provided following the Gallipoli trail... to each their own but the heaviness of sorrow lifts off ❤

[@fictionallove_2416]

This was entertaining to watch. Thanks to coming to NZ!

[@grahamcook9289]

The inverter is not a battery to battery charger. The inverter changes the battery DC to AC for use with AC appliances. Some habitation appliances such the lights will almost certainly be DC. The camper van may have a battery to battery connection that is DC to DC. The alternator charges the engine starter battery and that battery charges the habitation leisure battery.

[@SreypichTVShow]

WOW! Amazing 3 weeks in New Zealand. It's really interesting, friend. Thanks for your sharing🍁💖🌹💓

[@lifewithjanets]

It was so beautiful to see these wonderful places in New Zealand through your eyes. Great video. Thank you!!

[@Tibukiya]

I obsessed with Everything about new Zealand. This is an Incredible video

[@leilareynolds3208]

If you ever go back, do the Evening Banquet tour at Hobbiton. You get a literal FEAST at the Green Dragon after your tour! They accommodate food allergies really well, too. We’re headed back to NZ next month and we’re totally doing the evening banquet tour again. Very excited!

[@theWiggyFamily]

What a great video! And thank you for showing what this trip would 'really' look like on a budget! So many KZbinrs go from excursion to excursion and its just not realistic for most people.

[@ruthuitime5424]

❤❤❤Loved it from start to finish. Well done guys -new subscriber.

[@PhillipKane-x7d]

Awesome te reo Lisa. As a kiwi not exactly sure why I hooked into your channel but pleased I did.

[@FirelighttheKing]

Ah, wekas. The real tourist trap of the South Island. It’s always a toss up whether it’s worth correcting tourists who are very, very excited to see a real ‘kiwi’. 😅

[@LisaAndJosh]

That’s a very kind consideration 😂

[@NZmellowyellow]

This was such a pleasure to watch.

[@AnastashiaLouis]

Ngā mihi e hoa mā, nau mai ki te poho o te aroha, te whenua tiketike, ahakoa ngā piki ngā heke rānei, tōna tikanga i kawe te wairua mauritau i a kōrua. Thank you friends for highlighting our beautiful country, it’s never about the destination, but, the journey and I do hope you come back to enjoy more of what we have to offer.

[@LisaAndJosh]

❤❤❤

[@terizumbusch8408]

This is my first time on the travel with you guys. And you are a lot of fun to travel with. I'm absolutely loving your view of new zealand, Which I have never been to, But I do live in portland oregon and the northwest is a lot like it, But I must say they have way more water in their water falls and cascades. You guys are just fun to hang out with and it's been a joy. Where are you actually from?

[@pacasad7373]

So sad the weather was poor for a lot of your trip, but, I loved your positivity regardless, Loved the way you pronounced Taupo! and absolutely loved the way you enjoyed fish n chips, hope you had a pineapple and potato fritter!!!!

[@Jesss431]

Love your Campcar Adventure and watched it from beginning to end

[@igorpontocom]

Thank you 🎉I really enjoyed the video and the 1:30 hour went really fast 😮

[@BusinessAccount-w8m]

Never seen you before! Why?????. Wonderful video. You are both super. Subscribed. BIG fan already.

[@LisaAndJosh]

Thank you!! :) no idea - the KZbin algorithm is indeed a total mystery lol

[@CelticSeer]

Thank you both for sharing. You are a great couple and your team work is exemplary! NZ is absolutely beautiful. ☘️💕

[@Potomacstud]

Omg Josh and Lisa , both you are so blessed , it's extremely difficult to see the shy nocturnal kiwi in NZ ... Ooops Superb video , brought back so many memories , Wanaka , Queenstown , Franz Josef , Mt Cook , Te Anau

[@jackjesse6848]

Great video love the energy of you two :)

[@de-nz4jp]

Lisa and josh if going into a cold zone buy hot water bottles (supermarkets) for night time heating..😉

[@NZsarge1]

Awesome tails of your adventures in NZ, sorry the weather wasn’t better for you. I recognised your friends at the end there, I’m following the journey through the country as well, well done video guys..

[@helenvwalker7919]

This was a súper helpful video. Thank you. Love your films and spirit of adventure.❤

[@ELEKTRARE]

I really like you guys but free camping & closed camp ⛺️ sites nope 👎 but views are sensational okay 👍🏼 😊

[@donnamaree2311]

Lisa and Josh, l thoroughly enjoyed watching this epic adventure, not boring at all, love, love, loved it. Love from Australia xx

[@modfus]

Fantastic video. You didn't let the weather stop you from enjoying your adventure. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences 🙂

[@brettwoodcock11uk84]

absolute perfect timing. off on a working holiday to NZ on the 21st November! thanks for all the inspo

[@jmchau66]

Great video!! Gave us plenty of ideas for our first road trip to NZ.

[@jeroen2471]

Thank you so much for documenting this. It was so useful as were about to do the same journey with the same van. Thank you.

[@marleymarl0]

You guys are very funny, too bad you had bad weather for many days, come back in Feb/Mar next time! There is always something new to do.

[@jvsmyn9210]

This was an awesome vlog! And I’m still giggling about the kiwi sighting hahahaha

[@taniaedwards9608]

I especially enjoyed watching this video, because (myself being a Kiwi), you visited a lot of places here in NZ, even TeMata Peak, its beautiful up there (I live in Napier, Art Deco Capital), and you both have definitely given me ideas, like hiring a small campervan and traveling the south island. Glad you both love our gorgeous country, so much to see and do..

[@WalkingEng]

What a fantastic video. I’m headed to New Zealand next year and this got me incredibly excited for the trip there, I can’t wait to try those amazing looking pies. I’ll need to hike a lot after all the great food. One question, you got an amazing deal on the campervan, was that an out of season rate?

[@PopoySD]

I stumbled on your guys’ KZbin channel trying to learn more about travels on a budget…your videos are awesome! Has anyone ever told Josh he looks like Patrick Wilson the Hollywood actor? 🙂

[@a-k6575]

Thank you for such a beautiful tour.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

I really enjoyed this and I'm from NZ. Interesting hearing a visitors perspective, and Josh is a comedian.

[@leopardsgowild]

Awesome adventure team, we're kiwis Bern travelling 13 months around the place now, so much to see and do and what natural diversity aye... you guys did great with your pronouncing of Maori places, pity about the weather, I reckon Sept is traditionally the worst month here, wind rain and cold... pity about Milford that area is beautiful...