Beautifully Rustic Permaculture Campervan Conversion (Van Tour)

In this tour we're taking a look at Nathen and Josy's beautiful self-converted Toyota Hiace camper van. They've used almost entirely secondhand and naturally sourced materials to turn this small van into a cozy home for their travels around New Zealand.
Follow Nathen and Josy
Website: wearewildfeet.com
Instagram: / wearewildfeet
Facebook: / wearewildfeet
Responsible Vanlife: / responsiblevanlife
responsiblevanlife.com
Follow me
Instagram - / jordosmond
Twitter - / jordosmond
Happen Films - / happenfilms

[@johncrowhurst4974]

A refreshing take on van life, thanks for posting

[@melsparkles]

Really innovative use of such a tight space. My van criteria: must be able to stand up. I lived in a van for a while I couldn't stand up in and it was painful. I have a pop top now..so much better. Happy trails.

[@nathenfitchen4925]

Yes standing up is a great criteria. For this build we decided we wanted something short and inconspicuous to travel around in and get along smaller roads etc. Back in Europe we had a van we could stand up in! Happy travels to you too!

[@melsparkles]

@@nathenfitchen4925 I'd happily live in a van set up like yours:-)

[@srinidhishirole6757]

Another beautiful natural video Jordan keep educating people through your videos

[@sophirichmanfletcher4657]

It's so light and airy, and has a very peaceful feeling about it. I love all the use of natural materials from your travels!

[@camillaholst7321]

Jordan: you always show us the most beautiful van/bus builds and the most incredible people who build them. Thank you so much for sharing this with us

[@HanVerdiHuskyRV]

All naturally sourced material. Great achievement and concept!

[@michellelilley15]

This is a beautifully decorated van. So practical and I love the kitchen layout.

[@oumarouamadou3032]

best video so far for a low budget like me.

[@DianneForPeaceAndLove]

I love all the windows!

[@tongresa77]

The ceiling and the kitchen storage wall is gorgeous!

This is a charming little van! Got me a new idea for my van conversion, thanks a lot! :-)

[@kmm2442]

I really love the double doors w the kitchen. It's like you're not in a van anymore, but outside.

[@nchaahi]

Those rechargable magnet lights look brilliant. I wonder where can you get those.

[@AenesidemusOZ]

Most car-parts stores or hardware stores will have them. They cost around $2 (Aust) each.

[@sueforsue1435]

Hi , I found this video by accident! This is amazing. I also have a camper van like yours being conversion in China. Thanks for the video, it gave me a lot of inspiration！

[@responsesu]

Hope someday... In India this concept is start here too..... Open life... Without stress....

[@lorrainemiddy4011]

So cool, lovely van!

[@lifebysage3315]

so beautiful thank you for sharing

[@StepvanDan]

Very nice van /home thank you for sharing ,big hugs from MN

[@buhundbeliever7169]

Love how unique this build is! 💖💕💖 The natural elements make it so soft and light.

[@YuraYasinskyy]

Amazing job!🙂

[@Marie-yx5ie]

👏👏👏Beautiful, I love your home, your ethos and everything you both stand for 👍😉🇮🇪☘️Eire

[@the9file]

pretty!

[@samazhar6067]

Very close to nature WOW!

[@juanmateco]

Loved your video, guys! I’m about to start my van conversion, and being vegan and trying to always be respectful for nature and resources, it has been quite inspiring to see what you guys did with yours. I hope i van implement some of these concept le into my van build. Cheers from Perth!

[@RubinaMerchant]

Beautiful all round. Super way to live!

[@perfectlyimperfectjill9331]

A lovely van that you made your own. You both make me want to live a more sustainable life of which I’ve already started. Thank you for your ideas.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Very cool build for your van I love the theme. Thank you 🙏☮️❤️

[@annaritamabellini7390]

You know I love you Nathen 💜 Nice to follow your adventure!

[@dianalynn7571]

Love ❤️ this set up!!

[@33talvezsi33]

Very nice and fresh vibes, thanks!!

[@maninder1984]

Beautiful and thoughtful setup mate, hope you are enjoying it well.

[@aylablue669]

Beautiful folk, beautiful conversion 🙏🏽

[@vancamerawoman7399]

Very nice van and permaculture ethos. Nice one Jordan 😊

[@jesusspiritofprophecyminis6852]

How cool. I like the sun coming in. I like you did it cheap. Solar panel is good saving $$$

[@billybutlin7857]

My goodness this is taking woke to a new level!

[@Maria-ow3qv]

Beautiful ❤️

[@hterrin]

Very minimalist but well done!

[@someguy1824]

Loving your works Jordan, ♥️ from india 🇮🇳

[@TheMemeBorrower.]

Hey Jordan. Haven’t seen your name in a while. How’s it going lately?

[@camillaholst7321]

I am positive that the girl is Danish. Greetings from Camilla in Denmark 😊

[@JoseBlossfeld]

Hej Camilla! Så dejligt at lœse din kommentar! Bor du selv i en van?

[@camillaholst7321]

@@JoseBlossfeld Hej Josephine 😊 Hvor sjovt: jeg mente bestemt at kunne spore din accent tilbage hertil Kongeriget højt mod nord ☀️ Jeres van er utrolig fin - meget smuk og enkel og jeg er vild med permakultur indgangsvinklen. Det gjorde mig så glad at opleve. Jeg bor ikke i en van - endnu 🤗 men i juli købte jeg en flot gammel veteran: en VW LT35 fra 1986 og den skal jeg over de næste (mange) år, total renovere og bygge op til full time Vanlife (I DK og Europa). Den er samtidig mit pensions-projekt da jeg er 53 og satser på at nedbringe mine udgifter maximalt, således at jeg opnår størst mulig frihed i mine "senior år" 😅 Jeg skal også lige tage et kørekort og videreuddanne mig til fag journalist, så jeg kan få et andet arbejdsliv end mit nuværende (professionsbachelor i pædagogik og ansat i Kbh.kommune som pædagog på 0-3 års området!) Jeg må følge dit og din mands arbejde, jeres filmarbejde og jeres "kanal"...Det lyder utrolig spændende og relevant med en bæredygtig approach på van-livet: det er jeg sikker på at flere og flere vil finde meningsfuldt og inspirerende. Er der yderligere info du kan give mig, så jeg kan følge jer og jeres arbejde? Beklager det sene svar. Har været på arb. i 12 timer og skulle lige lave lidt mad til mine 2 (sløve) forvoksede teenage-sønner....😂 De bedste hilsner fra Camilla

[@JoseBlossfeld]

@@camillaholst7321 Hej søde Camilla! Tak for din besked, det varmer mig virkelig så meget at lœse dine ord. Hatten af for du tager springet og gør hvad du drømmer om - og du har allerede købt dit nye hjem! Hurra. Sikke et fantastisk eventyr foran dig. Vil virkelig nyde at vœre i kontakt med dig og høre hvordan din transition går fra at arbejde i kommunen til at renovere dit nye hjem! Du kan følge os på instagram @wearewildfeet og @responsiblevanlife og min private @josephineblossfeld Derudover kan du finde mig på Facebook Josephine Blossfeld! De bedste hilsner, fra Josephine

[@PoliceChaplainMisty]

Beautiful home! it was good to see a video from you #GREGRETCOUSIN!

[@stevenschulte1475]

So decorative, and the ceiling, weight without insulation. Permaculture no. Looks nice, very decorative.

[@gabrielleroy2287]

Love the lights tric. Is it possible to tell me more about the model and charging system? Tks

[@turisteandoentexas]

My husband and I want to do the same!!!! We already travel a tons, but with hotel amenities the economy right now being crazy, a van it’s a Better idea 💡

[@scsclassics]

Dope

[@brahimbb5115]

coool

[@robinw285]

Wondering where they keep their clothing and hygiene items (which wouldn't take up much room). Nice job!

[@sophanarachay4917]

Can we talk about the beautiful ceiling?

[@nathenfitchen4925]

Yes @wearewildfeet ❤️

[@samanthaleblanc9274]

❤️

[@andrewyeung3539]

👍👍👍

[@sigiluvsu]

I hope you harvested that flax in line with Tikanga Maori. Cultural competence must be a part of responsible van life.

[@dilippavanchaturvedi8055]

Well done Virgin coconut oil ground nut oil seaseme oil available for wholesale prices

[@roberthutchins4297]

Where does the income come from?

[@devilsden2283]

Far out....🤪

[@MACTEP_CHOB]

Raw vegan? How do they get proteins and fats? As for the van - seems too small for them.

[@JoseBlossfeld]

All proteins comes from plants in the first place, so no loosing out there, only better way of sourcing them. There's tons of proteins and healthy fats in nuts and seeds :)

[@MACTEP_CHOB]

@@JoseBlossfeld Seed oils cause cancer. Not sure what you mean by plant protein. If you think peas or beens, then not good, too many carbs there. Also not healthy to eat those every day.

[@JoseBlossfeld]

@@MACTEP_CHOB You are right, seed oils are not healthy. It's a processed product. Lots of saturated fats like omega-6. But the natural fats that are in nuts and seeds are healthy - it is a whole food. If you like some more info on plant protein you are welcome to reach out to me privately :)

[@MACTEP_CHOB]

@@JoseBlossfeld omega-6 are polyunsaturated, worst unstable fats you can imagine. Nuts? Where I live, they cost 5 times more than pork and 3-4 times more than fish. What do you think people will buy?

[@hglundahl]

4:28 Entschuldigung, is Josy German or Dutch or something? I catch a slight accent - or maybe even Danish?

[@JoseBlossfeld]

Danish indeed!

[@hglundahl]

@@JoseBlossfeld godt at træffes! Jeg er fra Sverrig, hvis du regner Skåne dertil!

[@robinmartz9052]

I could never live in anything I couldn’t stand up in

[@braidedGink]

It is actually called Harakeke, but the colonizer name is “flax”. If this was an a “permaculture build” the indigenous Maori traditions would have been taken into consideration. Harekeke has to be harvested in a specific way to honor the traditions of the Maori people. Not just cut from the side of the road. Cool build otherwise.

[@user-ev4sq9tx8c]

Who will need more than this? ..the rest of the rest....... is nothing more than confusing us about our true destination in this world

[@Kretern_]

The girl is from Denmark, isn’t she?

[@JoseBlossfeld]

Det er jeg nemlig!

[@Kretern_]

@@JoseBlossfeld synes jeg nemlig nok var til at høre. Grineren nok :D

[@JoseBlossfeld]

@@Kretern_ Håbede min accent var begyndt at tvœre af. Åbenbart ikke :P den kommer frem når jeg er nervøs foran kameraet :P

[@dittemaymann9475]

det var også min første tanke - hun må være dansk :-)

[@kylesmith7469]

Preaching sustainability while wearing Nike's and driving a van that gets 12 miles to the gallon lol👍

[@nathenfitchen4925]

I appreciate your concern here Kyle and the irony of you pointing fingers as you use a device made from rare earth elements, mined in terrible conditions for people and the planet. None of us are perfect and if you really want to see change in the world, you would be wise to help others and support others in their journey towards a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle. So unless you do not wear shoes, own a vehicle, use electricity, or use technology of any sort, you are also participating in unsustainable practices, as we all are. 👍

[@jacobdiller8140]

I dig what you guys are doing, but its misleading to say you built it for $40. The toilet alone cost more than that, and I imagine it isnt a second hand toilet. Even the water jugs, and then you have the wiring, batteries, and solar, which are a few grand alone. Besides the small fudging, which I think youre doing for the right reasons (the world > peoples needs), it might set up people for failure or unrealistic expectations. Besides that, keep doing what youre doing.

[@ns7cu]

First comment

[@cake3291]

noooooo, not the raw vegan diet 😩😩

[@bettestevens7927]

The rigid reminder proximately mate because employee principally join unlike a ancient quarter. drab, thoughtless white

[@innerstream]

The only white elephant in the room is that these vehicles are all powered by fossil fuels...love the natural interior and vibe but until they are electric solar or people powered the efforts to create sustainable living are superficial at best. 😕

[@nathenfitchen4925]

Hey Mind Bender, there is no white elephant in the room here. We wouldn't claim that using fossil fuels is sustainable, but sustainability is much broader than that and it is a limited mindset to believe that taking other actions toward a sustainable lifestyle is superficial. For example, all plastic is created from crude oil as well and the way we designed our van allowed us to use a very minimal amount of plastic during our travels. Buying everything secondhand, rather than using new, also enabled us to avoid a lot of environmental costs and the fossil fuels used to create new products. We lived in this van for 9 months and during the time we drove far less than the average person would commuting to and from work on a daily basis. Living in the van also enabled us to work on our documentary which is directly tackling issues of poverty, refugees and food security. You are right though, we can do better.... we all can. Thanks for bringing this up 🙏

[@justinevirtue1755]

Get real. Too woke for me.

[@MrMaster72]

Cough cough ...turn your fossil fuel engine off dudes...

[@nathenfitchen4925]

We wouldn't claim that using fossil fuels is sustainable, but sustainability is much broader than that and it is a limited mindset to believe that taking other actions toward a sustainable lifestyle is superficial. For example, all plastic is created from crude oil as well and the way we designed our van allowed us to use a very minimal amount of plastic during our travels. Buying everything secondhand, rather than using new, also enabled us to avoid a lot of environmental costs and the fossil fuels used to create new products. We lived in this van for 9 months and during the time we drove far less than the average person would commuting to and from work on a daily basis. Living in the van also enabled us to work on our documentary which is directly tackling issues of poverty, refugees and food security. You are right though, we can do better.... we all can. Thanks for bringing this up 🙏

[@NyreeAlana]

@@nathenfitchen4925 you guys are doing really well, so much more than most and every bit counts! I'm so disappointed in some of the comments, but I have to remember that people only tear down those who are trying to live a better life, because of their own inner turmoil; happy people don't have this inclination. Constructive ideas on how we might improve, however, should always be welcome and I definitely can see that you guys would always welcome that. Your van is super cute and I hope you enjoy your time in our beautiful country. Kia kaha ❤

[@nell8170]

So claustrophobic. not practical or user friendly in any way.

[@billyb23]

Totally beautifully pretentious.

[@NyreeAlana]

Awesome video! Super cute van and awesome ideas on more sustainable van living! ❤

[@sinansn6499]

So beautiful thank you for sharing

[@mercythehopefulwoman1747]

❤️