Our First Impressions of VAN LIFE in New Zealand (Queenstown to Milford Sound)

[@faredrop]

🚨QUIZ TIME: I mentioned Eglinton Valley was an iconic filming location. Which well known film do you think I was referring to? Hint: Novel series turned very successful movie franchise. Don't forget to SIGN UP HERE to start saving money on your next trip: faredrop.app/yt_st-newzealand

[@azelin27]

LOTR

[@IAmAlive101]

And not just that one. You drove along the Gates of Mordor on your way out of Queenstown.

[@katieandjoeonthego]

Shocked you two did not go to Hobbiton lol

[@ftw7026]

​@@katieandjoeonthegoIt's a bit of a tourist trap. Not really something you'd do if travelling on a budget

[@katieandjoeonthego]

@@ftw7026Tourist trap or not, it’s 100% on our bucket list for NZ. 🧝 ⚔️ 💍 🌋

[@goinggoing.backback]

I feel like, as an Aussie, I’m not supposed to acknowledge this but gosh, NZ is beautiful.

[@faredrop]

Haha we won't tell 🤣

[@de-nz4jp]

As a kiwi that's travelled to Aussie a number of times, I am always enthusiastic about sharing all my amazing adventures in Australia.. our mates across the ditch...😉

[@NigelAnderson-iu2bs]

the weird thing is as a person born in the area i never really appreciated how amazing the scenery was, it was just normal

[@faredrop]

We feel like that back home when someone visit where we live. It's refreshing sometimes to see a different perspective than what you're used to.

[@racheltalbot6345]

As a kiwi I think Australia is also a beautiful country with amazing people!

[@elenasmith3527]

Kea birds are notorious for dismantling your car while you're off on a hike

[@faredrop]

We almost learned that the hard way

[@davidanalyst671]

The footage from Milford sound was absolutely amazing. This video has 1 thousand views. Tell Kara and Nate to drop some ad money on this video, because you aren't going to get a better video than this. The view count does not reflect the quality of this video.

[@davidanalyst671]

the only thing that I can say I would have definitely done differently was look on the web for LOTR shooting scenes hahaha!!!

[@faredrop]

Thank you! Video just dropped today so it will hopefully keep growing. And yeah, I definitely looked up a lot of the filming locations. I cut a good deal of it in the edit. It's cool to see in person but wasn't really coming across in the edit

[@nicolaelardo2795]

“Mind your business, we’re on a budget” ICONIC QUOTE

[@faredrop]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Frank-rx8ch]

Mind yor own bizniss

[@CampbellTatham]

Brings back the good old days of kara and nate van life in NZ. the OG kara and nate van life

[@faredrop]

🙌

[@soundtravels4348]

Like when someone tried to sell them weed at Hot Water Beach? 😂 crackup!

[@SarahMcLellan-n7t]

Ahh! As a kiwi now living in Vancouver this was so so fun to watch. My husband and I eloped in Queenstown in 2021, while travelling in our ex-Jucy rental we bought post pandemic! HOWEVER, the biggest surprise was hearing our elopement video soundtrack (Go Far) used in this video - amazing, made us feel connected to home so thank you ❤

[@faredrop]

Wait! Seriously! That's so cool

[@ragthorn6757]

I'd just like to say as a Kiwi my self! It's awesome to see other people from around the world come and enjoy what this country has to offer. Yall are missing out I'd you haven't visited!! You'll love your time here I promise 😊

[@faredrop]

I will 100% back that up. It's a must visit

[@hollylavigne8812]

I don’t know if anyone is helping you with these videos but if not you guys are doing amazing!!

[@faredrop]

It's just us, and thank you!!

[@bethseaton8540]

I loved every second of this video. New Zealand has been on the top of my bucket list since I was a kid and it was so fun to watch you two explore! You're killing it with these videos - everything from the scenery and adventure to the honesty and humour is awesome. Can't wait to see more!

[@faredrop]

Thank you so much. It's definitely one of those places I feel like everyone should have a chance to visit.

[@Nynke_K]

This trip looks AMAZING and having watched this video I feel like I've had fun hanging out with you! Also, I was going to suggest trying van life in more clement weather but then you had to go and suggest Iceland, Tony - that's so funny 😆

[@faredrop]

Haha right. Suggesting one place with some of the most unpredictable weather

[@philpawson2458]

WOW! You have probably done more for tourism of NZ,especially the Sth Island, than anyone else could even dream of, Thank You, stay safe & come back again, SOON!

[@faredrop]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for welcoming us!

[@ronniethompson7464]

Thanks for visiting nz hope yus enjoy yrself

[@faredrop]

We did!

[@moanawalters945]

As a kiwi in N.Z thank you for your beautiful words.

[@faredrop]

Thanks for being so welcoming

[@kiwigirljacks]

Loved the video! Shame you didn’t get more time to stay in Queenstown itself. It’s a beautiful resort town. ❤

[@faredrop]

We arrived when it was kind of sleepy, but leaving out it was so lively down. By the water. We'll definitely be back

[@grahamhartless4317]

This is the first time I have watched one of your videos and i have to say that the filming quality is up there with the best.

[@faredrop]

Wow, thanks!

[@wanderrhea]

I am sooo impressed with your driving skills in New Zealand

[@faredrop]

🙌🏽

[@leilanigrace.]

I'm from nz! it's cool to see you guys go to places that I have been before. glad you enjoyed it!!

[@faredrop]

Thanks. It was so fun and incredibly beautiful

[@deliveringwithapurpose]

Loving the dynamic between the two of you & your adventures so far are fabulous....🎉

[@faredrop]

Thanks!!

[@carlalemoine8007]

You guys are so funny! Love watching your videos!

[@faredrop]

Thanks so much!!

[@placesonthelist]

Just spent the month of May in New Zeeland. 23 days in a Campervan, 7 in hotels, Started in Christchurch and drove all the way to Auckland. Mostly stayed in Powered campsites to have an electric heater going at night. We had a sunny day in Milford Sound and the dolphins showed up too.

[@faredrop]

Sounds like such a memorable trip. How was Christchurch?

[@placesonthelist]

​@@faredropWe visited the Botanical Gardens, went punting on the river, rode the old trolley all around the town and saw the earthquake museum.

[@amandamartelli8811]

The communal goods are such a good idea, a great way to stop unnecessary waste!

[@faredrop]

Exactly!

[@mierypesado6740]

Great video and infectious enthusiasm from both of you. Thanks for putting effort into creating this video and for being wonderful, adventurous travelers :)

[@faredrop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mel.H_]

Tony dancing at the end 😂😂😂

[@faredrop]

😂

[@evolutionofmaggie]

The water looked so clear in my tiny cell phone. I only can imagine how it was in person! Glad you're having fun ☺️

[@faredrop]

Everything about where we were was so unbelievable

[@evolutionofmaggie]

@@faredrop wow. 😁

[@rogerb4436]

So glad you liked your trip to my home. It's very beautiful but as you found out, it's definitely NOT cheap bit you have to realize that we are an island nation at the bottom of the world. Stay Safe.

[@faredrop]

This is true, which is why we'll never complain. We had an understanding of what we might spend, and honestly it was under that expectation which was great!

[@amandamartelli8811]

@@faredropI was definitely surprised when you said the groceries were cheaper than the US.

[@heathertipper763]

I really enjoyed this trip. Milford Sound is special & you captured it beautifully. It is best when raining & the drive in is just as amazing. Well done on taking full coverage insurance & bring prepared with chains. I'm glad you enjoyed your time in New Zealand.

[@faredrop]

We did! Normally I'd say it sucked that it rained a bunch, but in this case it made the trip even better

[@StaceyQuinn-uv1xq]

Really enjoying watching you guys! 😊

[@faredrop]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@teaganjoanparke]

The twilight blooper was gold!

[@teaganjoanparke]

ok and tony's dance moves ahahahah

[@faredrop]

We were going to do one or the other. Then we said let's keep them both lol

[@karynconner7478]

I’m so pleased or enjoyed our beautiful Milford sound. I’m a southlander & so happy you loved it. The underwater observatory is so amazing

[@faredrop]

We loved every minute of it!

[@sausagesizzler649]

As a north islander that lived and travelled in the south island for a year this video still surprised me as to how beautiful it is down there.

[@faredrop]

It's unbelievable and we only went to one part. Can't wait to go back

[@cynthiakieper9380]

Your best video yet! Your personalities are so fun! Tell Tony we want more of him in front of camera. We like to see you both!

[@faredrop]

Will do!! He's the videographer. I barely know how to set it up for video, but we'll work something out. Maybe set up the tripod more for shots

[@lizzyp679]

😂 I love your humor! That van was indeed super inconspicuous.... 😂

[@faredrop]

Right! 🤣

[@misslucy2428]

I lived on the South Island for six months in 2023, I miss it soo much. Glad you got to enjoy it!! Really enjoyed these videos. You guys are doing great!!!

[@faredrop]

Thanks. We'd love to live there for a while

[@andreandrews571]

As a Kiwi I’ve got to admit we live in a pretty special place in the world but we just take it for granted

[@faredrop]

I feel like most people could say that about their own backyard. Seeing a different perspective from someone who hasn't seen it before can be refreshing

[@Sandyde321]

Great video and chanel. I'm new Zealander born and bred. I haven't been to Milford sounds yet. You have inspired me 😊. Thank you....and I must look up Juicy campervans.

[@faredrop]

It's definitely worth a visit in our opinion!

[@BigDog-jt7dv]

I just lost my best friend couple weeks ago this video really help take my mind off everything. No polar plunge in that beautiful lake booo jk . Keep up the great work you two are amazing!!!

[@faredrop]

Sorry for your loss. Glad we could ease that if only a little. And yeah I'd have done it if our van had heat 😅

[@judiwilson7]

I’ve been waiting for this video. Love love NZ! I had a similar experience in Milford Sound- lots of rain, pretty windy on the cruise, lots of waterfalls. Gorrrrrgeous! I’d go back in a second! In spite of the hella long flight time from east coast USA. Great video guys, keep going!

[@faredrop]

Thanks! Feeling exactly the same way about going back!

[@ncubesays]

Travelling vicariously through you both is such a treat! Very well jel!!

[@faredrop]

Thanks for coming along!

[@llorttaf]

Short trip but you packed in quite a lot. Glad you enjoyed yourselves.

[@faredrop]

We did! Thank you

[@Carolina-ux1sz]

Welcome to our little slice of NZ. Loved your energy in your vid and have subscribed for more. 😎From a very proud kiwi ❤️❤️(And adored the piece showing the very naughty little keas - your van got off lightly😂)

[@faredrop]

Thank you! We definitely got off lucky. Those birds were savage 😃

[@KarloHiriwa-oz9id]

I've watched too many of these nz travel videos... this has the nicest footage

[@faredrop]

Thank you! 🙌🏽

[@nyreegardner61]

So glad you guys got to do these vids! Achievable trips and ground level budget info. Thanks and look forward to the next one 🤩

[@faredrop]

Appreciate this, thank you!

[@riley-zd6sm]

honestly, growing up seeing those Jucy vans was so iconic! So glad you guys rented from them aha!!

[@faredrop]

They really stand out there. brilliant marketing to go green

[@JohnandJennifersAdventure]

I LOOOOOVE the communal pantry!!

[@faredrop]

It was clutch!

[@yootoobnz8109]

I am a Kiwi in my sixties, and I can definitely say, that for a couple who could only spend a few days in NZ, you both did an excellent job of choosing your South Island itinerary. You two are naturals, both in front of and behind the camera, just beautiful and entertaining viewing. You actually walked within 200 metres of my place, small world huh? Come back soon :-)

[@faredrop]

We will! It is a small world. And thank you for watching and welcoming us!

[@RMe0t7]

Vegemite spread thin on buttered toast with avocado is yum yes vegemite is salty tasting so don’t add salt but try at least once

[@faredrop]

Thanks for the tip!

[@seenaylors]

love your guys editing it makes your guys videos so much better than other youtube content that do similar videos. love the series here in NZ overall glad you guys loved our home.

[@faredrop]

Glad you like it! Thank you.

[@valw5059]

You two are so much fun! Tony, I get why you love New Zealand. It has been added to my dream travel list! I need to see that ice blue river and Milford Sound in the rain! I hope we don’t have to wait two weeks for your next video!! ❤

[@faredrop]

Hey, thanks! Right! It's so amazing. Few places can beat it if you ask me. We haven't been to Iceland or Switzerland yet, but I imagine they can compete with how incredible the landscapes are

[@samantharule9934]

Your twilight impersonation 😂😂😂

[@faredrop]

🤣 Tony said he didn't think anyone else would get this but me. Going to rub it in his face now 😌

[@cherisepatterson6961]

I get so excited everytime I see a new video on your channel!! 😀

[@faredrop]

Yay! Thank you!

[@F0RTY4]

Totally enjoyed your visit in NZ, hope you go back, absolutely awesome.

[@faredrop]

I hope so too!

[@glugunkwen]

Just loving your videos! As someone who drives college students around the US midwest, I recognize your "van madness" in the ending clips - LOL!

[@faredrop]

lmao. It's like that sometimes. Just got to let the energy go 🤣

[@LuandChan]

The view at 11:30!! Wowow 😮😮 Loved this vid!! 🎉

[@faredrop]

The views were so ridiculous!

[@melaniebeckham7428]

wow... that was stunning!! I loved it and I love to watch you guys as well.

[@faredrop]

Thanks so much!! It really was so stunning there!

[@superdude2143]

Loved this video! Good choice to spend most of your time in the south island, it's the best down here! We live in Christchurch and have a van that we take on weekend trips around all the time. It's on our list to do a Milford Sound cruise but last time we were down that way we had our dog with us and you can't take dogs into Fiordland National park. Watching this video has us searching up cruises and making plans so thanks guys!

[@faredrop]

That's awesome. We want to make it to Christchurch someday, any recommendations?

[@JaneseCarstens]

I loved my time in New Zealand! I hiked the Milford Sound trek and it’s one of my favorites!! ❤❤

[@faredrop]

That sounds fun. We thought about doing that hike. How difficult was it?

[@JaneseCarstens]

@@faredrop Not really hard IMO. I’m a larger short person and there was only one day that was up and down 1100 meters. I came from the Te Anua side so the first day was an hour walk to the first cabin, second day essentially flat in the valley, third day was up and over a saddle, and the fourth day was downhill to the boat dock. Transportation is only by boat both ways. Best 36 mile hike ever!

[@kristenexpedition5287]

TimTams!!!! Best thing about living in NZ hands down

[@faredrop]

We just found out they sell them in the US

[@raldrmt]

They’re Australian 😂

[@scrapper6928]

You two are so cute! I really enjoy watching you both! :)

[@faredrop]

Thanks!!!

[@gracienewman8919]

Totally enjoyed this video, as it was on my all-time bucket list of places to visit. I visited New Zealand in 2003 but we only went to the north island, Auckland and Rotorua, which was wonderful but only whetted the appetite. P.S. You kids are a joy to watch, you do a fantastic job, keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@faredrop]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks you for watching. Your first trip there sounds like Tony's first time there. Hope you get to make your way to the South Island one day

[@denisekent1658]

Loved seeing your trip to New Zealand! You've definitely inspired me to put that on my bucket list!! ❤

[@faredrop]

It's worth it!

[@NigelAnderson-iu2bs]

its nice seeing my backyard being shown to the world, i grew up in the area and still work in te anau 1 week a month, also work across in west arm manapouri where the hydro power station is, and during covid there were only 3 humans and the Keas were everywhere, wondering where the humans had gone, ( during lockdown) and they were amazingly friendly and curious, was fun working with 4 of them following me around

[@faredrop]

They are really interesting creatures. Clearly very smart

[@NigelAnderson-iu2bs]

@@faredrop oh absolutely, if a cars left unattended near the Milford road tunnel they will rip wiper blades off cars or attack the plastic trim, they are mischievous critters, the weka are similar in the bush if you are camped they will come into camp and pinch anything Shiny, we have some cool birds, I'm lucky enough to have a tree outside my house that attracts Tui's and there birdsong is incredible and beautiful birds, and we get native wood pigeons as well which are big birds but during summer get drunk off berries and become a hazard

[@natw842]

Amazing views !! Loved it !🦋🙏🏼🤍

[@faredrop]

Right! The views were incredible!

[@vickimcmillan3705]

Excellent guys 🎉🎉..👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@faredrop]

Thank you! 😃

[@bryanbadger6841]

Hi Sara and Tony. Yep we squash a lot into the South Island. Not sure if you mentioned it, but fun fact for you. The South Island has a greater land mass than the other island. And yet, Auckland up there has a bigger population on it's own, than the whole of the South Island. Btw Sara, don't talk so fast. Even the Close Captions couldn't keep up with you. Great footage. We have a great country. Thank you for the upload. Enjoy your time.

[@nathanstepp86]

If you even remotely enjoyed van life then you have to do Iceland it was amazing!! Doing that last year made me plan my NZ trip for this year!!

[@faredrop]

Funny you should mention that...

[@cookinginthecucinawithrose2214]

What a beautiful country ❤❤❤ Embrace van life. So many places to explore. Looking forward to next video❤❤❤❤

[@faredrop]

I'm coming around to the idea lol. Thanks

[@cookinginthecucinawithrose2214]

​@@faredropI'm sure Kara and Nate could give you some real good tips 😉

[@cloud9curls]

sara sitting at the table at the end of the boat ride into milford sound toook me outttttt 🤣🤣 yall are too funny 😂😂❤❤ love the videos!

[@faredrop]

🤣 love when we have little moments like that and we get it on camera

[@Newzelandlife5487]

Great video 😊❤

[@faredrop]

Thank you! 🤗

[@carinawissel5068]

You neeeed to go back there someday!!! So much more to explore, on both islands. Can make it super budget Friendly with house sitting or wwoofing (great farm experiences and lovely people). Love your Videos, you're doing a great job and have such positive vibes. Keep on posting ❤

[@faredrop]

Thanks for the tips! We should looking into house sitting and woofing there. That would be interesting

[@azuwaharis]

What a beautiful trip!

[@faredrop]

It was!

[@Dad_and_Declan]

Welcome! Great video!

[@faredrop]

Thank you very much!

[@Mel.H_]

This one was epic, y'all! Well done 👏 ❤❤❤

[@faredrop]

Thanks!

[@RadiantInc]

OMG this video was epic! I want to do this exact trip now. It sort of reminds me of Alaska (which I love).

[@faredrop]

You should! I've only been to Alaska briefly, but it is a bit like that in some regards. Thinking about a road trip in Alaska

[@RadiantInc]

@@faredrop I would love to watch a video with you guys road tripping around Alaska! We rented an RV last summer and had a blast. Our favorite spot was Homer AK. So good!

[@Aramoonstaz]

LOOOL THE TWILIGHT MOMENT! ✨

[@faredrop]

lmao so happy so many people got that

[@heathersmiliekiwi8528]

Summer van life … so much better

[@faredrop]

It might be

[@mylenalarochelle8877]

This was such a fun video to watch 🤩 you guys are the best

[@faredrop]

🙌🏽 thank you!

[@cheydallg1]

So far I’ve watched every video posted and i love you guys! Especially showing something that price wise can be realistic for my pockets! But i think if Tony gets in the right van he may like van life.

[@faredrop]

Thanks. That's always our goal to show people you can travel without breaking the bank. But you think so? His idea of the perfect van is...have you ever seen A Goofy Movie? You know the RV that Pete and PJ roll up in. His van build would look something like that 🤣

[@cheydallg1]

@@faredrop 🤣🤣 I’ve literally seen one pretty similar earlier this year! It was pretty nice with all the 70s colors too but it felt a bit tight for my liking.

[@gordowg1wg145]

Cool, and it may have been down to time constraints, but next time you really should take "The Overlander" train trip at least one way, it's in two parts - Auckland to Wellington, across on the ferry, and from Picton(?) South

[@faredrop]

Thanks for the tip

[@alastairdow4400]

Keas are well known for removing window rubbers and being very destructive

[@faredrop]

Nearly found out the hard way!

[@lehbatpkii4648]

Tony, you’re a Ravens fan!!! Subscribed! 💜🖤💜🖤

[@faredrop]

you know it!

[@katieandjoeonthego]

Another fantastic video, NZ is stunning! Fish & Chips and van life is a bold choice! By chance, did you two try New Zealand Style Ice Cream? It's so good.

[@faredrop]

Very bold. NO! What is that??

[@katieandjoeonthego]

@@faredrop some fancy machine that swirls fresh fruit and ice cream together in the perfect mixture! Another reason to go back to NZ!

[@Monique-Atlas]

That's my home town (Queenstown)!!! I hope you two enjoyed your time there 🖤

[@faredrop]

We did! Loved it. Going to come back at some point and go from Queenstown to Christchurch or vice versa. Any recommendations?

[@Monique-Atlas]

@@faredrop Definitely the Clay Cliffs in Omarama its a few dollars in a honesty box to visit and was another LOTR's filming location and Lake Tekapo to stop by The Church of the Good Shepherd and there is a Holiday Park at the lake's edge which is a good stop if you wanted to split up the drive overnight as Lake Tekapo also has one of the best stargazing locations. But overall the views through the Mackenzie Basin are beautiful :) flat planes around twizel with mountain surrounding

[@teedimi9539]

beautiful vlog of New Zealand

[@faredrop]

Thank you!

[@andreandrews571]

As a Kiwi I’ve got to admit we live in a pretty special place in the world but we just take it for granted Kea’s are naughty birds they create havoc

[@faredrop]

Agree on both points

[@MaryJaneRowland-ix2pq]

Loved the video. You're an adorable couple!

[@faredrop]

Thank you!! 😊

[@waverleyb2443]

fare drop

[@faredrop]

❤️

[@marias8007]

nice "kia ora"! 👍

[@faredrop]

Lots of practiced and even then I wasn't sure if I had gotten it right 😅

[@Lokeibea]

If you want to live here for a couple years get a work holiday visa use one wage to pay rent use the other wage to go on adventures, also to say Maori properly try saying it like like the Bread has gone "moldy" Maori XOXOX love this content and thank you for loving Aotearoa New Zealand this is what we are about

[@faredrop]

Thanks for the tips!

[@thecongenital3035]

Those birds wreck cars😂😂😂😂

[@faredrop]

I believe it!

[@reneecrombie4808]

I’m from New Zealand and the kia bird are known for there checky personality there are sign’s everywhere because of that and it’s warning not to feed them as they can take your fingers off 😂 they are known to take cars apart just cause they can

[@faredrop]

Ah I thought it was because they become dependent and wreck your car like how monkeys steal your stuff for food. Never even closed my mind that they could take a finger. Good thing we like to follow rules.

[@philpawson2458]

@@faredrop They wont actually harm humans,BUT they will tear of your window seal from your windscreen just for fun & they love coloured electical wiring too!

[@bfdee1603]

We would appreciate you including prices in your videos, example cost of van rental, hotels, restaurant food, etc

[@faredrop]

Hi, they are included throughout the video.

[@taffyragan7694]

You guys are so stinking adorable! :)

[@faredrop]

❤️

[@marias8007]

that Jucy pantry is a great idea

[@faredrop]

right!

[@karinkereama]

Kia Ora Sara and Tony. Great travel vlog. Mauri Ora .

[@faredrop]

Kia Ora, Thank you for welcoming us into beautiful Aotearoa!

[@karinkereama]

@@faredrop Our whānau love your Vlogs. Thank you for showing love to our land, mountains, water, nature, people & culture. May you return to Aotearoa again soon! ♥️

[@gregnz1]

Welcome to Kiwiland, Raglan is my Beach, Beach, the Beach, i regret not learning to Surf, like Elvis did in his Movies, please Visit the Mountain Tops in Mount Te Aroha, and Mount Pirongia, its a local Maori story about them, if thats a theme? Waitomo, has lots of free stuff near by. Enjoy the Spring, thats a Mount Te Aroha Sunrise,

[@dreamcyclem]

“a flat rock & a sandal” 😂😂😂

[@faredrop]

half-hearted attempts were made. 🤣

[@sharairodriguez3388]

Ravens fan? Say less. Subscribed.

[@faredrop]

you know it!

[@louiselessels117]

That fish and chips looked okay, but ive seen bigger fish at my local. Good video.

[@faredrop]

Thanks

[@joshhenery274]

In summer it is light by 6am and dosen't get dark till 10pm

[@faredrop]

🤯

[@joshhenery274]

@@faredrop yea it's only a few months we have short days