Retro Caravan Renovation For Epic New Zealand Road Trips

[@elahhale9057]

If I didn't watch your first vids of you arriving in nz, I'd swear you are both kiwis. You're get up and go and do it yourself attitude just fits. I think you're both great. Love the dog. He looks like a character. 😃👍🐕

[@AlexanderAyling]

Aww thanks Elah!!! Embracing my inner kiwi more and more everyday. We love it here. Cheers

[@nixsta]

"As unexpected and slightly anxiety producing as it was to find ourselves in the middle of a forest, in a rainstorm, towing our caravan down a wet muddy road...No worries though" All those things are totes normal here, and your answer to it was on point! 'No worries, mate' I hope you both continue to enjoy your journey here in Godzone, it's wonderful to see the places I have through new eyes 💖

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hahaha cheers!

[@nannajaysadventures]

Love that you are upcycling :D recycling and not wasting things that can be reused is great. Love the Caravan.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yes for sure!! Love upcycling! So much good stuff that just needs some love. Thanks for watching

[@annajoie700]

You're putting so much care into everything that you're doing as you're embarking on your newest journey and adventures and it's very inspiring! Wishing you both lots of peace and light!! 🙌🏼💛

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Anna! We appreciate your kind words and support 🙏🏼

[@jg7566]

Watching from a locked down UK.. thank you for your videos they are keeping me sane. God bless xx

[@AlexanderAyling]

Awww sorry to hear that Joanna. Stay safe and positive over there. Things will get better. I’ll keep sharing though. More videos on the way 🙏🏼

[@christianmoore2182]

This is perfect, we literally just bought a caravan from Napier, drove home to Wellington last night. Needs some TLC. Probably replace floor, walls, ceiling, cabinets and beds. Outside also needs a sand and repaint. Cant wait for summer holidays.

[@sherryschumacher1881]

Beautiful caravan, especially for how old it is! I especially like the large windows.

[@AlexanderAyling]

The big windows are the best :)

[@maritzacolon4915]

Yessss.I agree. Elbow grease and making everything sparkling clean. And less waste. You guys r doing a great job...

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Maritza. A little bit of elbow grease goes a long way!

[@DoubleO7SSK]

Dude legit!!! Glad you guys are doing well after the big move!!! Keep the content coming!!!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Michael! More videos coming soon :)

[@Nynke_K]

First time I got an age comparison reality check from a caravan instead of a person - it's only one year older than me! 😅 I had to do some mental readjustment to realize that it does look exactly like you'd expect from a 1978 caravan :). It looks super cute and I'm looking forward to the videos you have coming up! Lots of stunning views I'm sure

[@AlexanderAyling]

We had a moment like that too. Just had my 33rd birthday and realized the caravan is only 10 years older than me haha

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Carrie's dancing in the intro. Thanks for the chuckle!

[@Andy_M986]

When i was at Ohope Beach last time,Tuatuas washed up on the beach at exactly 5:30am,and 5:30pm,we ate like kings,soaked them in fresh water,and then cooked them in Coconut cream with curry powder and spring Onions,so good. And on the other side of the spit,there were Scallops all over the place,fun memories.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Sounds epic!

[@staceyryan834]

My Aunty and Uncle used to have a caravan just like this when I was little. We spent all of our school holidays camping at Remutaka Forest Park, just outside of Wellington. Ahh the nostalgia. So many good memories. I have no idea what the prices are like these days, but when you get back to the North Island, you should definitely look into checking it out. Absolutely beautiful native forest.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Stacey!! We’re loving living the nostalgia right now. It’s so fun!

[@twinkstar616]

There is a GPS you can get that is especially for campers and caravans in nz so it only sends you down appropriate roads nice to see you enjoying nz

[@AlexanderAyling]

Really? I’ll have to look into that. Cheers Kate!

[@MarleenB]

I am so happy to see you, Carrie and Lanka simply living your life in the most beautiful, simple, optimistic way since starting your new chapter in NZ. Absolutely here for it. Enjoy the magic of the road! It's a real privilege right now, and you are really making the best of it! Love from Vietnam!

[@MarleenB]

Also: Tip for when you need to remove rust again: mix Salt and Vinegar together, sponge it on the affected area, and THEN use steel wool. It simply melts the rust right off! Trust me.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks for the tip I’ll use it next time! And thank you for the kind words 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sherrylmohammed669]

As Always beautiful video! Lord google maps legit did that to me telling me make a right and all I saw was a dirt road and forest ! Me ..Not happening 😂! Carrie did an Awesome job with the inside and you really made everything sparkle and shine ! I can’t wait to see more of y’all videos! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay safe! Much love to y’all! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Sherryl!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@mikepapa3196]

Don't forget ya board, cool surfing down here on the west coast!

[@Pete-tc4rd]

Dude....totally Rockstar Caravan mate. Yep.....Reconditioning is the best. 👍

[@karinwtfont]

1978...great year...that’s the year I was born! 🤙🏻😉

[@AlexanderAyling]

It’s a great year 🙌🏼😂

[@honee2short200]

🥰🥰🥰 Yes I agree DIY is better, it just has more character.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yup! Totally agree :)

[@raewynbloxham1455]

love that little caravan, so cute. arent we so lucky to live in our paradise in Aoteaaroa. Love what you are doing, come to Whanganui.

[@bajlandia2025]

Super idea the caravan trip across an island! I can't wait guys 😍!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!! Hope you’re well

[@sarahcarian1559]

Without this sounding too existential, it's been pretty buzzy watching both yours and Carrie's videos, with you both having American accents but me seeing so many NZ things (and things that are familiar to me in everyday life) in your videos. With so much American television being broadcast here since forever ago, and not really being able to relate to any of it, it's just two things you're not really used to seeing together! Absolutely loving the content though, but more enjoying the fact that you, Carrie and Blanca seem to be doing fantastically here. Can't wait for more!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank Sarah! I imagine it must be funny to see your home and familiar spots on my videos haha. It’s a journey of reconnection and exploration for me as a Kiwi brought up in the USA but I love how many kiwis are tuning in and reconnecting with me. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏼

[@carolynrude2830]

We upcycle everything. . great job

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers to up cycling

[@danmunro01]

Awesome caravan. When you get down south you’ll find some amazing places to park up for the night. Some nice camp spots on the road from Te Anau to Milford. Do not skip the Catlins when down south, it’s amazing over there. If you need some local knowledge give me a shout when your in Invercargill.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Dan! We’re so stoked to be on the main island! More videos on the way!

[@caddyzig]

Very cool! Looking forward to seeing your adventures in the new caravan.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks John!

[@2cwn2]

Carrie-van adventures! 🚌

[@jorgerodriguezcastillo3887]

Lovely... Enjoy your trip. Looking forward for the beautiful scenery and experiences.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Jorge!

[@juanescalante9972]

These videos are making me take an interest in New Zealand i want to take a trip out there

[@AlexanderAyling]

It’s the best place on earth Juan

[@juanescalante9972]

@@AlexanderAyling i will take ur word for it New Zealand seems underrated. I want to take a trip out after watching ur video's

[@katiepie007]

That caravan looks amazing, a great way to see the country in your own time. Can't wait to see your travels!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Kate!!! 🙏🏼

[@markmorgan2058]

What a little beauty, you did a superb job guys . The GPS here will take you onto the gravel roads ,but did you notice how beautiful the forest🌳🌳🌳 was . I was more worried about you guys coming across those big logging trucks ⛟, they race through those back roads🛤 . I really enjoyed the video take care guys safe travels see you in the next video. 👍 👍 👍 💙 it.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Mark! It was a fun little detour haha. More adventures ahead

[@shanecthompson77]

Still way jealous of you two!! Very exciting. I mentioned on one of Carrie's videos, and I'll mention it here, my suggestion to give yourselves plenty of time to check out towns in Hawkes Bay. That was my favourite region to live in when I was there in the 90's. As a craftsman, electrician specifically, I completely relate to the satisfaction that comes with creating/repairing/restoring. It's a great feeling having worked hard on a project and stepping back to admire the result of your efforts. Well done! Kia-Ora Bro!

[@angelap32]

You guys are AWESOME!!! ❤❤👌😁

[@AlexanderAyling]

Awww thank you Angela

[@angelap32]

@@AlexanderAyling you're very welcome sweetheart I love you videos cuz they're so inspiring I love how you and Carrie work together so well you guys are a perfect match and I also love how you do respond back to us with a message I think that that is so awesome to take your time out of your busy schedule to respond back to us that message you here on your videos Keep up the great work my friend❤ sending you some Long Island New York love over to you in New Zealand

[@dbltime]

Congrats on your caravan purchase and future adventures. Happy travels. Looking forward to your videos.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you David!! We’re stoked to explore and share more

[@johncarr9656]

Great video!!! I love taking something that was well loved and giving it the tlc it needs to be loved by a new family!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Couldn’t agree more John!

[@millionairesucce2872]

Excellent. I also want to come to new zealand and enjoy the road trips

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers! Hope you can make it down here one day soon

[@markshoup]

That’s an awesome little camper trailer Alex. Great floor plan and beautiful big windows. Enjoy! Look forward to your adventures.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Mark. We love the big windows too :)

[@KristenMelissa]

This looks like so much fun!! I love that you are refurbishing and giving renewed life to older things, which are still perfectly usable! 💖 I am So looking forward to seeing your adventures in your caravan! 🤗

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Kristen! Yeah there’s something so satisfying about shining up old stuff isn’t there?!

[@LimitWHK]

Welcome to New Zealand and I loved the clips up Kohi point in whakatane , near my hometown , very cool . Looking foward to watching on from here , I see I'm a bit behind !

[@craigmartin8230]

Enjoy the caravan adventure, have cool memories spending summer holidays in whakatane with my folks in our caravan. Can you put a awning on your caravan I just remember the extra space was cool.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Craig! Yes we can I forgot to mention that haha. We just haven’t stayed anywhere long enough yet to warrant putting it up.

[@shelbygonzales1019]

Really enjoyed the video! Excited to see more videos in the future! 🚍

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Shelby!! Stay tuned more things on the way

[@jamesforsyth1480]

Join the New Zealand Motor Caravan association, you'll see their stickers on lots of Caravans you'll pass. It'll give you better/more access to grounds for your camper van. Not to mention save you a tonne of trouble down south. :)

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yup we’re already joined up 🙏🏼

[@rttheo7327]

A great job on the Reno; some would say a little 'kiwi ingenuity' was applied during the process. I'm pretty new to the channel so looking forward to viewing the remaining posts.

[@aliciamcparland9264]

Fantastic! We did similar with an old Bedford van xx You are going to love the south and all it has to offer xx

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Alicia!! Yes being self contained is so clutch!!

[@PhoebeGrigor]

Excited to follow this journey around our beautiful country!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Phoebe!

[@msmitchyx3690]

Very impressed that you cleaned that up yourself, I would have just gone to Kmart, haha. Enjoy your caravan, the South Island is so amazing, and your dog is beautiful.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hahaha we went to Kmart for the bedding :)

[@lynnhunt2865]

All set up ready to go. I'm looking forward to seeing your travels to the South Island. If we ever get to travel again it's one of the places I'd love to visit. Did the North Island in my cousin's campervan last March. Good luck.

[@mrpaisleyshirt]

Another interesting video, and good to see things being cleaned up and reused, in what has become, pretty much a throw away society. these days. Towing a caravan seemed to go out of fashion for some years, but I've certainly noticed a lot more back on the roads recently, mostly modern ones, but nice to see a few retro ones being brought back to life again as well. Hope the project goes smoothly and without any major complications, so you can get out and about with it. You'll have to get a lava lamp to put in it.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Stephen. We will keep an eye out for the lava lamp lol

[@sophiacastano7501]

Thanks Alex! This was so very much fun to watch 🥰

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Sophia 🙏🏼

[@noelinecampbell8146]

This was really fun to watch. I hope you guys have some amazing adventures in that baby! Have you named it yet? I grew up holidaying all over NZ in a very similar caravan(circa 1970ish). We got pushed off the Desert Rd one year, by some bugger towing a boat. Tire blew out as we hit the gravel shoulder, and the caravan luckily broke loose, and rolled down the road getting smashed to bits. Good news was no one was hurt, Dad stopped the car alright, and we got a four berth to replace it, BONUS!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Holy smokes that’s a story right there. We drive slow and safe but are keeping our wits about us. More videos on the way!

[@noelinecampbell8146]

@@AlexanderAyling haha, I wasn’t trying to scare ya, I swear! I was 8 and probably no idea how bad it might have been.

[@jonas.zehnder]

Loved the video so much! It was great to follow you with the renovations, bringing the caravan back to life and ready for the road. Putting in the elbow grease definitely is worth it. Happy road tripping!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Jonas! Really appreciate your support and glad you liked the video

[@jonas.zehnder]

@@AlexanderAyling you’re very welcome. Excited about the upcoming roadtrip diaries on Instagram and YT :)

[@sylviacramer-roberts5697]

The surf in The Catlins (bottom west of the south island) is really good but cold ❄️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yes! We hope to make it down there

[@Tiramisù.2-d6w]

Wow! I love this caravan 😍

[@AlexanderAyling]

So do we! Thanks Patrizia 🙏🏼

[@Talula101]

Yay you are in my home town. Welcome to Whakatane!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yes! We loved it there. What a beautiful corner of NZ

[@Talula101]

@@AlexanderAyling I know right. I'm blessed to born and bred here. My American friends call it sleepy hollow lol.

[@Andy_M986]

Turn those beds around,join them,push them against the window,and then you will have more room,maybe a bathroom could fit in the extra space. :-)

[@beesmith3294]

Yay camping!! It does make me giggle that you called this caravan retro...it’s how most kiwis who have caravans STILL holiday, in a caravan of this age lol.

[@AlexanderAyling]

We love it! Such a mellow way to see the country 🙌🏼

[@cyclox73]

This is going to be an awesome series! I can’t wait to see more. As for your question.... if something can be cleaned/fixed and still had plenty of years of use I’m all for it! Side note.... am I the only one who expects an “Agur!!!” at the end of your videos??

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hahah eskerrik asko!

[@moniquevelasco20]

Loving the new caravan! It’s really nice and it look in good condition. Give it a lot of TLC, it will be worth it. Can’t wait for the next adventure on South Island. Safe travels!😘🤗🌼🇻🇪

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Monique!! More videos coming soon!

[@jenohogan9254]

That's really exciting for you two. I've been daydreaming of acquiring a camper of sorts. One day.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Jen! Hope you can make it happen soon. All the best

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Caravan Vlog, Welcome to New Zealand. I hope you have a Great road trip, Ohope is a great spot. well done

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Tony! Many more on the way. Ohope is amazing :)

[@effie-Toronto]

I enjoy your videos Alex thank you for all the great content

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Effie!! Much more on the way!

[@timothyrooney3457]

Loving the vlogs!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Timothy!! I’ve got a lot more great ones lined up! Stay tuned ;)

[@georginaharding2539]

You guys should definitely check out a free festival in Welly next weekend called CubaDupa. It's amazinggg

[@AlexanderAyling]

We’re already down south for the next month

[@tooxtalivai0690]

Hopefully you guys get to Gizzy and enjoy the beaches and surf there, careful though you may not leave.

[@rebeccareader3326]

Loved this video! found you and Carrie about a year ago while in level 4 lockdown. And also live in the mighty Waikato :) :) I also love finding old things that just need a little clean up and with a little elbow grease they look like new. Too many people just throw something away and get new while there is still so much life left in it. Had a little giggle to myself when goggle sent you down a gravel road, hehehe. Having grown up here.... that road looked in pretty good condition, not too many pot holes!! Looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos, you are going to love traveling at this time of year with all the changes as we are now entering Autumn. Hope you have packed lots of warm things and heating because you will need it the further south you travel.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Rebecca! We’ve got some warm clothes but may get a little space heater for the caravan. We shall see

[@nardwalker219]

One of the coolest blogs ive watched this week..... well yours and Van Neistat Spirited Man Blogs..... thank you for your content..... you guys are awesome.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks dude that’s nice to hear! Stay tuned more coming soon

[@nardwalker219]

@@AlexanderAyling yesssss cant wait.

[@manutdnz]

I lived in ohope for the last 4 years until all of 1 month ago, the part down the end past the holiday park and near the golf course is my favourite part of ohope.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yeah it’s so nice! We walked that whole beach and didn’t see anyone else. So amazing

[@montsedl8894]

This is awesome guys 🙏🌸

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you 🙏🏼😊

[@glendaeduardo2935]

Hi Alex, such a cool caravan, very happy that u guys are able to do it, even during the pandemic. I bet u guys are feeling more relaxed now. Cute Lanka, Love this Dog 🥰❤

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Glenda. Sharing lots of new videos coming soon

[@thilinaampana1002]

Nice video ❤

[@ozeslayer]

So proud of you mate welcome to the rest of the world km 25mm hose and gas not propane lol good to see.

[@jf6395]

you should check the date codes on your tires especially the spare as it probably is the oldest...to make sure that it is safe if and when you need it...

[@AlexanderAyling]

It’s all been checked out with a valid WOF but good call

[@dandelionlovemonkey]

Great move you 2! Lightweight, simple layout. Stoked for you. Greetings from Nor Cal:)

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you! Hope things are going better up in Nor Cal ✌🏼

[@dandelionlovemonkey]

@@AlexanderAyling We are fortunate to have 10 acres in the mtns. We love to go south on surf roadtrips with our VW Westfalia. Enjoy your adventures & new places to discover! 🤘

[@Bellenickna]

Hey u 3, it’s awesome to hear your down south now. Do not use google especially when towing anything lol. It can send u 2 some very scary roads indeed. Fine in the 4x4 though. Just a couple of other things u might want to know is we here in NZ can have 4 seasons in one day and the weather report is just a hopeful guide. Autumn down south can still get very cold and wet which u will remember from your uni days Alex, so u will require heating of some type to be truely comfortable especially once winter hits. Did camper van living for a couple of years and it’s a good idea to have scrabble and books too as some areas are a little spotty on the wifi. I sure u know all this as u r kiwi and have lived here, but friendly reminders can be helpful as I know I always forget something lol. Plus u lived in such a warm place for a long time so may not remember the cold so well. I had 2 solar panels on the roof so I never needed power or gas, so wouldn’t know what type of heating would work for u guys, but ask the caravan club and they will put u on to a good thing. Such a kiwi thing to caravan lol. I’m loving u guys!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks for the tips Michelle! We definitely need solar panels and a battery and then would be truly self sufficient. We are also going to get a small space heater for further down south

[@MrOfrancis]

If you are passing thru havealock ( South Island ), stop off and grab a fish pie from the bakery - amazing!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Owen! We stopped through there a few days back! Cute town

[@annettegyde7585]

In NZ, one of the best things you will find for elbow grease is Jif =)

[@natbeuth3959]

You must go to St Arnaud when in the South Island. Most people go around the coast line but this place is just over an hour inland from Blenheim and looks amazing. And Selfishly, I’ve never been there and want to go so would love to see what you see. 😀

[@AlexanderAyling]

Check the video on my other channel @Vagabrothers - I spent a few days at St Arnaud and loved it

[@therealzozvanoink]

Don't forget to head to the Caitlins and Riverton when you are down south!

[@AlexanderAyling]

The Catlins are on the list. What does Riverton have? Other than a river I assume. Haha

[@therealzozvanoink]

@@AlexanderAyling Haha yes it is at the end of a river but it is a cute little seaside town. Great stop for lunch at the beach house cafe with awesome views. Then it's a really nice drive over the hill through Colac Bay, Gemstone beach and Monkey Island on the way to Te Anau.

[@shelleysutcliffe8530]

@@therealzozvanoink and surfing at Porridge 😀

[@casslarkin4567]

Lovely, Alex AND NO commercials! Happy trails.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers 🍻

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Support the commercials while you watch the videos free. It is a fair game for both sides.

[@manutemple1023]

Hi nice caravan and you might want to put Rear Mud Flap's / Guard's on your car to Stop painting the Caravan every time it Rain's ;-) , enjoy your Road Trip..

[@AlexanderAyling]

We’ve got mud flaps but may need bigger ones haha

[@joannewinter7879]

Love the content please keep it coming. 🙏♥️🌝

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Joanne! I’ve got two more videos shot and just waiting to be edited. Stay tuned

[@Megan7088-6]

Hi you three, wholey that Google maps is hopeless 😄 it took you right if the beaten track if it done its job better you would of gone through Rotoma and Rotoiti SHW 30 and you could've stopped at the lakes, Google maps put you on 34 and turn of onto Tarawera Rd, I'm glad you got through ok, that's a long bumpy pot hole road 😄 and your caravan has certaining passed the road worthy test going through Matahina Forestry, you gotta give it a name and a blessing 🥂🍾 I'm looking forward to your caravan adventure and be safe out there 👍🏾

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Meg! We were very glad to get back on the pavement hahaha

[@Megan7088-6]

@@AlexanderAyling A sigh of relieve seeing a real road lol safe journeys 👍🏾

[@Athomize]

How stinking cute is your caravan ! I want one in the UK haha. freedom camping sounds like heaven, great work on doing the upgrades to achieve that, looking forward to more adventures!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!! @carrierad is the one who found it! It’s really comfy! Thanks for watching

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Exactly our thoughts! That huge window. So stinking cute

[@Sponjarvis]

Some parts of this video were a bit like watching paint dry (literally) 😁. For some reason I found it funny when you showed the marine toilet and said you were “good to go”. Really enjoying the videos. So glad you and Carrie (and Lanka) are here. I noticed Lanka disappeared when there was work to be done - he is a smart dog. Have a fantastic trip in the South Island. I will be following (not literally).

[@AlexanderAyling]

Sometimes paints gotta dry ;)

[@juneterry8487]

Love the vlog and so looking forward to following your Sth Island adventure. As a Nth Islander, I’m looking forward to see your trip down the West Coast and Southland. It’s the only part of NZ that I’ve not experienced so far. Go well and stay safe. 🌻🌹🌲🍂🌞

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers June! We will do our best to properly document it!

[@Divineinnature]

Yay are you coming to Dunedin

[@AlexanderAyling]

Probably! It’s been over a decade now!

[@louisetillett438]

Caravans have a bad stigma here in NZ especially the people I know. Make sure you pull over when you are going super slow so we can pass in a safe manner 😜🤣🤣 Edited to add, if you're passing through wellington and need a driveway to park in you are more than welcome to park up here 😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Louise. We always let people pass safely when turn outs are there. Cheers for the offer 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@reneejones5675]

the double toot is thank you lol.. if it's short and quick lol.. many people don't know that down south island it's quite funny sometimes

[@mhollick63]

You are the latest to join this craze. Kara and Nate, The Endless Advenutre and Flying the Nest have all bought/renovated vans/campers. I think all four of you are crazy. I spent my childhood in an RV and wouldn't go back. I think you should have had patience until Covid is over and then travel again. I'm vaccinated now and plan to fly in the fall.

[@Andy_M986]

They brought Vans,not Caravans,huge difference,and the Caravans are best by far. And New Zealand is free to travel,so why wait?Time waits for no man. . . . .

[@mmcintosh8056]

Hey Alex, if you get a chance during this month long trip, check out Wharariki Beach (near farewell spit), there's places in the area you can camp up. Its an amazing spot that not a lot of people know about. Fun fact, its the windows 10 default background.

[@AlexanderAyling]

We’re heading there soon haha. Funny you mention that!

[@mmcintosh8056]

@@AlexanderAyling Awesome!! Try to go when the tide is out as it makes exploring the area much easier/better.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I would get a damp meter to check over your new caravan,once a problem becomes visible its too late. I built caravans in the 70s-80s so I've seen it all so best to find issues before they get out of control,these old vans are prone to leaks as the sealants we used back then aren't nearly as good as modern ones.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Good call. We will get it checked out. It was stored indoors its whole life which is good though

[@eileenhildreth8355]

Grew up in the Eastern Bay of plenty and had many caravan holidays. Ohope Beach is my favourite beach in nz. Those logging roads are fun, but don't depend on Google maps in rural areas you could end up at a dead end.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Guess I’ll need a good old fashion map??

[@eileenhildreth8355]

@@AlexanderAyling i look on Google maps and plan my route, ignoring their directions..actual maps used to be available from the aa. The dead end experience happened to me in the far north

[@noustaichi]

You're living the dream! Love from the fjords of Norway

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Kristian! If you’re in the fjords of Norway, so are you!

[@michaelheliotis5279]

Omg speaking of 'fjords', one of my pet peeves is how New Zealand English, although almost identical to British English with all the '-our' and '-ise' spellings and such, still retains 'fiord' as the officially correct spelling of 'fjord'. When anglophones first borrowed fjord from Norwegian, they Anglicised the spelling as fiord, but whereas basically every other variant of English has since adopted the original Norwegian spelling outside of existing place names like Canada's Grise Fiord and New Zealand's own Fiordland, New Zealand alone has retained fiord as the 'correct' spelling for the general geological feature. It drives me mad, though as a linguist I also find it very functional because the English usage of the word specifically refers to a flooded glacial valley, whereas the Scandinavian usage is more general and could refer to basically any narrow inlet of water. So because New Zealand English has the capacity to distinguish between the two uses with a different spelling for each, it allows you to write clear but largely useless sentences such as "My geologist wife is very excited to visit the Scandinavian fjords, even though some of them are not truly fiords." Though don't even get me _started_ on how several of NZ's sounds are not truly sounds, but actually fiords! Milford Sound included! 😱

[@noustaichi]

@@michaelheliotis5279 A big pet peeve, I see! I'll continue living in ignorance of the different ways English speakers spell and use our word 😂

[@Talula101]

@@michaelheliotis5279 Fiordland/Fjordland was named many years ago and not by Kiwis. What say I drop Jacinda an email and ask her if we can change the spelling. 😋😁😉

[@AlexanderAyling]

@@Talula101 😂🙌🏼

[@rogerb4436]

You never had to permit your caravans etc except for the usual road safety stuff but over the years freedom campers in caravans and camper vans etc just dumped the rubbish, sanitary napkins and fecal matter in parks, playgrounds, parking lots and even just went to the bathroom in the trees and side of the road so they came out with this permit system. NOT everyone backpacker or traveler did this but alot did so the townships got up in arms and this is what happened. Hope you guys have an excellent trip.

[@Ecks576]

Awesome vlog mate

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Jake! Much appreciated

[@shelzgaskin]

Google maps in NZ is a whoooole different ball game haha Ive often said to my hubby that is would be so hard to follow here if you dont really know your way around. Glad you are both having a great time here! I am in Taranaki, hope you get to experience it here at some point on your travels :)

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Michelle! Yes Taranaki is on the list! Surf Highway road trip is going to happen :)

[@shelzgaskin]

@@AlexanderAyling awesome you will love it!

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

I hope someday Marko would come to visit you.

[@sagua14]

A caravan looks like such a good way to travel through NZ. Less expenses on hotels. Is it possible and safe to leave it at a parking spot and travel to the city? After watching the video, I am curious on how you fix the problem of the toilet and where to place it in the caravan?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Jennifer. Yes it is. We bought a trailer hitch lock and a wheel lock for when we need to leave it places. Although it’s always a good idea to not leave it too long unless it’s a safe secure spot. The toilet fits in a drawer in the caravan

[@jessicayeo3617]

Loved watching you prepare the caravan. It brought back so many memories of camping growing up. We had mum, dad and 2 kids in the caravan then 6 kids sleeping on bunk stretchers in the awning. How is Lanka finding the caravan journey?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Jessica. We’re loving it and so is Lanka 🙌🏼

[@rachaelwalthew7042]

Hi Alex. Have you got any caravan updates? Love to see it

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Rachael. Yes the Caravan Chronicles are coming back this NZ summer (January)

[@rachaelwalthew7042]

Awesome. I'm over in taranaki and this will be our first summer with our caravan too. :)

[@angelacollins85]

Awesome, we also moved back to NZ recently and shipped our 1973 Viscount caravan back with us from Melbourne! Have been on the road with our kids since Nov, currently in Coromandel :) What is your plan with your dog? Many of the national parks don’t allow them so just curious if you’re bringing him along for the adventure?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey there. Yes Lanka is for sure coming with us and we’ve been putting him up in kennels along the way when we need too