First Week of Solo Van Life in New Zealand - LIVING THE DREAM

[@calebwilliams6733]

New subscriber here Rhys! Keep it up man, just do you and post it, we all watch it man! Loving it 🙌🏽

[@SSRhys]

Appreciate the feedback brother - Cheers for watching 👍

[@Det-DanNZ]

Mint to see a van life series in our own back yard. All the best for the journey ahead. Looking forward to the next one 🤙

[@SSRhys]

Cheers mate - glad you enjoyed it. Pretty good place we've got here for exploring! Hopefully have another out soon 👍

[@KayJ47]

Epic. Your doing it , instead of waiting till retirement. We did it as a retirement adventure before covid. Best time in our lives 2 years on the road. You missed the best spot in the Sounds. It's only mentioned off line. You have an incredible journey ahead of you. We live down here now and feel so fortunate

[@SSRhys]

Yeah it's great to be doing it now, nice and early! That's awesome, glad you can relate to how much fun it is! Yeah I've missed lots of good spots all over the place. Hopefully catch them all the second time round.

[@Pelian_Crusaders]

Good to see a younger fella doing this. We are a little older and live in our van as well. Our channel does not get the hits yours has, not that that is important, and there are many others who also have NZ channels as well. All are interesting in there own way. You will never regret the nomadic life I am sure; Regards Pelican Crusaders

[@SSRhys]

Thanks - decided I was better off trying to do it now, rather than wait til I'm retired right! I'll have a look at your channel 😊 I haven't actually seen too many others in NZ, so I'll have to do some searches. That's for sure - it's a great way to live, I'm loving it! Thanks for watching.

[@Pelian_Crusaders]

I doubt you will ever regret it. Life is good on the road

[@SandBox-ik5xq]

Most enjoyable Rhys...may your journey unfold with us in your own time.....look forward to the next one...Peace on Earth.

[@SSRhys]

Thanks very much! Cheers for watching 😊

[@jesssmith2064]

Weka can run fast 💚🥰 what a lovely morning Kai. Thanks for showing us your journey

[@SSRhys]

They're a hard case when they run off, cheeky little buggers! Thanks for watching.

[@donhodson68]

A great vid m8 , love the sound of the V8 diesel in your Landcruiser.

[@SSRhys]

Cheers mate - it's a beautiful sound aye! The sound of money being burned haha. Thanks for watching!

[@GarthHaylock]

Hope you are keeping up with the power requirements. It's handy being able to pump water in from a variety of sources. Great video, cheers for sharing your adventures.

[@SSRhys]

I've resolved my power issues now thankfully! Still have to be mindful of power usage. Yeah the water pump setup has been very handy! Cheerss for watching 👍

[@allantaylor3288]

Great video of you adventure on the road. I’ve just started out traveling in the South Island, fourth week and loving it so far, wish I’d done it years ago. I’ve set up a submersible pump as you have to top up my onboard tank and bought a rollaway grey water for when my grey tank is full, saves moving on when I’m not ready to. A generator will be good in the winter months, I have also wired the car/van to charge the batteries when traveling or if parked up and batteries go flat, which could save you buying a generator, I have both options. I have subscribe and will watch with interest.

[@SSRhys]

Awesome to hear of others doing a similar thing! Good idea with the rollaway, next time I'm in a city I'll be buying one. Annoying packing up the whole camp to go dump grey water. Sounds like you've got a great setup. I've now got a generator and a charger from the landcruiser, so much better off. Cheers for watching - hope you enjoy your trip in the South too!

[@jwatstom]

Kia Ora bro, awesome content!!!! Good luck on your journeys. Thanks for sharing. Mauri Ora

[@SSRhys]

Cheers brother, appreciate the kind words 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@lebutch078]

good work fella, we are chasing the same dream. The view at 3.15 could be Shetland, the outer island in Scotland. sub in for the ride !!!!!!

[@SSRhys]

That's great to hear 😊 Thanks for watching.

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

The algorithm is definitely sharing your video! I'll be watching with interest. I've bought a tiny vintage caravan so hoping to do some small trips! You need to show us a map and point to where you are! I haven't checked out if you've done other videos yet. I need to see inside your caravan!! 😂

[@SSRhys]

That's great, the algorithm only shares it if people watch and interact - so I'm glad people are enjoying it 😊 That's awesome, I'm sure you'll have some awesome getaways in that! I've previously only done hunting and diving videos which won't always appeal to this audience. I am working on the maps for part 2 and will hopefully do an inside tour for you. Thank you for watching!

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

@SSRhys algorithms have changed. KZbin is sharing more unknown channels and new channels to help them get established.

[@Scottygirlnz]

Just found your channel... we have a motorhome and are not offgrid to the extent you are but it's still fantastic to see where others go on the road. I'm glad your power situation is sorted, you've got one amazing caravan there. Two suggestions: Get a McKeowns fuel card via NZMCA. Cheapest diesel around. Also get a DOC pass (10% discount via NZMCA). It would cost you $175 for a full year of stays at DOC sites. Many are totally off grid and great value.

[@SSRhys]

That's awesome, hope you're enjoying your motorhome! Thanks, I'm quite happy with it, it's a good setup. I have a DOC campsite pass, they're great, I spend most of my time at DOC camps.

[@youtuberAstar]

I am enjoying this. So.... what is your story? Why? What brought all of this on? How did you afford the expensive rig? What do you do (or did) for an income? Thanks for sharing. Suggestion / asking please.....would you please be more detailed on your locations. Thanks

[@SSRhys]

Thanks for the feedback - appreciated! I'll definitely try be a bit more specific with where I'm at and give a bit more detail. I was hoping to incorporate a lot of those questions into my first video, but obviously didn't get there! So maybe I need to do a video covering all of that if there's enough interest. Cheers 😊

[@youtuberAstar]

@@SSRhys At 2800 views, I am sure the interest is there.

[@SSRhys]

Thanks! I'll try add some backstory to Episode 2 👍

[@valeriebridge7305]

It would be nice if you could tell us, your subscribers, just where you are. Lovely video, thanks for sharing.

[@Mike-u4t7x]

living the dream

[@erinmadsen8401]

Very much enjoyed that - thank you and enjoy your adventures!

[@SSRhys]

Thanks very much 😊

[@dianneblackbourn2436]

Great video. Beautiful scenery. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures.

[@SSRhys]

Thanks very much! The scenery down here is stunning 👌

[@smedway]

Hey Rhys, i used to pick up Condensate at Waihapa when you were working there and randomly stumbled upon your hunting vids a couple of years ago. Love the new channel mate, keep living an inspirational life

[@SSRhys]

Is that you Stace? Drove for Symons? About the only driver I remember who was in to hunting haha. Cheers bro, appreciate it 👍 Hope all is well with you

[@smedway]

Yeah mate, jeez you have a good memory haha, ​@@SSRhys

[@suewills982]

Great to see ya got ya Red Bands

[@SSRhys]

Don't go anywhere without them! Great universal footwear

[@boycelawrence]

Living my dream, onya mate looking forward to your journey n adventures ...

[@SSRhys]

Thanks mate - trying my best to live the dream and it's going alright so far! Thanks for watching 👍

[@heidiraikes]

Awesome footage great work. That caravan though! Next level.

[@SSRhys]

Thank you! Not a bad setup eh 😉

[@catherinecarr3506]

Yay!! Love this!! 💯along for this ride

[@Jeremy.huntnzld]

Awesome mate , enjoyed that cheers for sharing , looking forward to future adventures 👍🤙

[@SSRhys]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it - look forward to sharing more adventures 👍 Thanks for watching

[@craiggodfrey2789]

No worries with power for that coffee machine i see .. epic

[@SSRhys]

It's certainly the biggest drain on my system, but worth having it 👍

[@deidregunn9869]

Neat power setup so you can fill up your water tank though I suggest you use this for emergencies only. You are better off filling up your tank for the free porable water at the many dump stations around the country. The NZMCA camps often have water available. Are you a member of the NZMCA (Motor Home and Caravan Club)? If not, I recommend you join - lots of benefits - you won't reget it. Happy travel. See you on the road.😀

[@SSRhys]

To be honest I much prefer fresh clean water from a stream than the chlorinated water on town supply! Just have to choose your streams wisely, but I live on river and stream water when I'm out in the bush hunting. I am a member of NZMCA, thank you it's certainly great with lots of benefits. I haven't stayed at an NZMCA camp yet though. Sing out if you see me 😊

[@lewcando]

thank you for the great content

[@SSRhys]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@bradholschier3908]

Awesome stuff mate, hey little tip with your casting. Cast up stream and strip some line off your reel and let the natural current bring it past you and repeat. You'll nail it soon enough. Cheers

[@SSRhys]

Cheers mate appreciate the tips! I have been starting to do that a bit more, so hopefully soon I'll land one.

[@Lisamitchell-jm4kc]

Awesome shots, living your life

[@yeanahnahyeahnahh7148]

As a young kiwi lad whos always longed for that sence of freedom I found this video great man. Super big eye opener might have to get meself a cheeky caravan and a cheap fourby

[@SSRhys]

Thanks mate, really appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed it. If these videos encourage a couple of people to get out chasing that sense of freedom then it's all worth it for me 👍

[@OzzieOverland]

Unreal!!! Please keep the videos coming

[@SSRhys]

Cheers for the feedback! Will definitely keep them coming 👍

[@TaraFox-m9k]

Thanks for sharing with battery do you have a anderson plug charging your batteries whilst driving definitely a good addition when you have a compressor fridge. If not definitely a generator, looking forward to your next clip.

[@SSRhys]

At this stage I didn't, my DC to DC charger in the Land Cruiser wasn't working. I ended up replacing this though and bought a generator.

[@lukeduke3001]

iv clicked and liked

[@SSRhys]

Appreciated - thank you 😊

[@johnlangrick1770]

Great vid, looking forward to more

[@SSRhys]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! Hopefully have another one coming soon for you.

[@BillMcGavock]

That was great Rhys. Thanks.

[@SSRhys]

Cheers Bill - Appreciate it 👍

[@richarddownie725]

Living the dream alright, awesome video.

[@SSRhys]

Cheers for watching! 👌

[@jasonshortland7455]

oh wow so happy for you!! i followed you on tiktok but havent seen you for a while, so happy youve taken this journey

[@SSRhys]

Thanks! Yeah I've kind of given up on Tiktok, just one more thing to manage and it's not really my vibe. Maybe later once I've got a handle on the other social platforms. Cheers for the kind words 👌

[@kerryfitzgerald1681]

I think you need a dog bruff. Good work. Keep living the dream ✨️

[@SSRhys]

Both of mine passed away in the last year, nice not having the responsibility at the moment while I'm getting used to being on the road. But would be cool to have a companion, maybe one day! Cheers mate, will do 🤙

[@BethCollier-xd9ym]

Thank you. Good video. Would also like stats regarding petrol use for caravan, how many blankets do you need for overnight comfort. Keep me signed up too. Looking forward to viewing your journey.

[@SSRhys]

Ohhh interesting - hadn't even considered anyone wanting to know how many blankets are needed! Will try cover some of this for you in part 2 😊 thanks for watching!

[@jamiewikaira5514]

Living the dream

[@SSRhys]

Trying me best 👌

[@wadenaus5175]

Good stuff bro 👌

[@SSRhys]

Cheers mate 🤙

[@blairbeattie3308]

Let the good times roll

[@King_David794]

Awesome videos mate. New subscribers and looking forward to more videos cheers

[@SSRhys]

Thanks for the sub 👍 Glad you enjoyed it, cheers!

[@HaydenDuffy-i8v]

Excellent video mate!

[@SSRhys]

Cheers Hayden 👍 Not a bad caravan eh 😉

[@kodithebear]

luxury

[@48rimu]

Great content ! And love your set up,new subscriber here 👍

[@SSRhys]

Cheers for watching - glad you enjoyed it!

[@neilkoch7133]

Awesome stuff Keep it coming

[@SSRhys]

Cheers Neil 👍

[@huntingforadventure9977]

legend bro hope it goes well for you

[@SSRhys]

Cheers mate, appreciate that 👍

[@gdog1443]

Don’t keep bread in the fridge, it will go stale quicker, keep it the freezer and thaw as needed, What size inverter do you have? And how much Solar and type of batteries?

[@SSRhys]

I sometimes put half a loaf in the freezer, but I seem to find it lasts better in the fridge than the cupboard. 920w solar, 250ah Lithium, 2000w inverter

[@gdog1443]

@@SSRhys you have plenty of charging capacity so you shouldn’t really run out that often, do you have a dcdc charger so the cruiser can charge as you drive?

[@SSRhys]

Yip that's why I was confused that I was running out. Found that I had a faulty battery though, so all sorted now 👍

[@thegrundinis4199]

Good stuff Rys where are you at the moment? Might be able to catch up on the road.

[@SSRhys]

I'm currently over by Franz Josef mate, how about yourself? I'm heading back up north in a week or so. Would be cool to catch up on the road sometime!

[@thegrundinis4199]

@@SSRhys Mate must have just missed you! we are in Hokitika at the moment staying at Lake Kaniere. We will be here for about 2 weeks then heading north up the coast. keep in touch!

[@SSRhys]

Aww bummer mate I just went through there 2 days ago too! I really just passed through the whole west coast to get back up north which is a shame. Will have to explore it fully when I come back down! Sounds good, enjoy your time on the coast 👍 How much longer are you in the South Island for?

[@christophertedwallace4916]

New subscriber love your video

[@SSRhys]

Appreciate it - thanks for watching! 👍

[@hsvhel]

Hey man, just found the content, liking it. Re the power situation, are you short capacity in battery or is the current charging system underrated? Hearing you on a genny, short term supply, solved. But the larger questions is the availability, is there enough stored or is the replenishing system the issue.

[@SSRhys]

Hey mate, cheers for the comment. It turns out one of my batteries was faulty. So doing much better now with some new batteries, although could do with a bit more storage capacity.

[@hsvhel]

@@SSRhys Ah, solid result. something to aim for in future upgrades💪

[@ridgeveiwfarms6260]

on fire mate. definately "dream liv'n barry". gave up the naki aye.

[@SSRhys]

Trying my best haha. Yeah, for now anyway. See what happens later on but will likely find somewhere else to call home whenever the travelling is over.

[@RODGERwebb-s2p]

hi I so wanna do that , are you on the road full time? can i ask do you work as well cheers

[@SSRhys]

Yeah I'm on the road full time, sold my house so there's no going back. I am currently still doing a little bit of work for my employer at the job I left, but once that has finished in a month or 2 I'm not working. I'll try give some more details on that side of things in the next episode 😊Thanks

[@RODGERwebb-s2p]

@@SSRhys well mate im looking around and i know whats comming and i think your on the right track, im almost freehold and have 3 more rate increases comming according to my local councils website , im so over it , throw on the cost of living , why wouldnt you go enjoy yourself out of there system

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

Coffee machines in caravans are mandatory.

[@SSRhys]

Wouldn't be without it!

[@danielsal5442]

Not vanlife. (Cara)-vanlife 😅

[@SSRhys]

Hopefully hasn't caused too much confusion 😅