Is Caravanning In Winter Even Enjoyable? 🌧

I start off at a damp campground just outside of Whanganui where toadstools are growing in the grass. After a day stuck inside, I was keen to explore the area with it's moody beaches.
I then jump over to the east coast and stay at a community run campground in Norsewood with an honesty box. It's such a cute town with Scandinavian history and fun street names like Thor st.
And suddenly it's time to head back to Hayden. The end to my mini road trip. We have moved to our winter base at Haydens uncles farm near Wairoa. I turn up in the dark and manage to pull something in my back... not the reunion I was envisaging!!
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[@suedolly7081]

Love your laid-back attitude. So peaceful and serene. You go girl!!!

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Sue!

[@rosslocincam9916]

The old barge at the port at Whanganui was a coastal passenger steamer from the days before rail. The Te Anau, it was placed here to create a turning basin in the port for coastal shipping which was the big player in NZ freight before rail and now road (trucks) took over. The river steamers could transport people and equipment for farming for over 100km up the river. Sewage was taken out of the Whanganui River in the 1980s it is MUCH CLEANER now than it was between 1900 and 1980. Whanganui was ripped apart by Rogernomics and the loss of factories which employed so many people in clothing, woollen goods, engineering, food production and of course the massive railway workshops. The city is on the improve economically and socially with a vibrant arts education heritage and a resilient industrial and agricultural core and of course a strong Maori community.

[@TravellingK]

So interesting! Thank you! Unfortunately the steam ship museum was closed when I visited. Sad to hear about the factories closing, but does look like the city is on the up.

[@gerdacoonan7250]

TK, Whenever you worry about who's in the camp ground or parking area where you want to pull up, just remember that they're probably thinking the same about you !!. I really understand your concerns, and caution is a good thing, but don't let it be too over riding, as you're finding out. Take care and thanks for posting, cheers.

[@TravellingK]

That’s true! Sometimes my imagination is probably my worst enemy

[@a.m.v.6938]

Greetings from California, I wish we had some of your cool weather here. It’s 102 degrees F today and will be in 100s till next Monday 🥵. I love to listen to your adventures. You have the most soothing voice I’ve ever heard. Hayden is a lucky man. 😊

[@TravellingK]

Yikes! Opposite weather then? And thank you☺️

[@gogs1468]

In Scotland caravaning in the winter is fantastic.

[@TravellingK]

I'm sure the scenery is fantastic then!

[@robinmills5827]

That was a great little road trip and lovely to see you exploring this part of the North Island. Thanks for filming and sharing. Silly comment I know, but advice from an older generation - get some warm clothes!😆 I live in my Norsewear jersey (Field Days special) and down jacket (op-shop) when I'm traveling and the weather doesn't cooperate.

[@TravellingK]

haha I should have got warmer clothing in Norsewood!

[@aaronburchael2512]

Greetings from Ireland we LOVE using our Motorhome in the winter :)

[@TravellingK]

That's great to hear! I'm keen on the quieter campgrounds :)

[@thejerseylady1]

Oh you poor dearie. Sorry you are hurting. Sending healing vibes your way. Hi to H. Gloria 🐂

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Gloria!

[@johninokla2635]

Nice video Karen. Sorry to her about you hurting your back. I have found out the hard way that a hurt back doesn't want to heal up as easy and fast as other parts of the body. Hi Hayden. You had better take good care of Karen. You wouldn't want me to come to NZ and give your bus a few flats. lol Take care Karen, I hope the back heals up real fast.

[@TravellingK]

Haha flat tyres!! Back is better 😀

[@Bender24k]

Thanks I very much enjoy seeing your country.

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeff!

[@Jo-im6iz]

Great trip! I love to see you both. I hope your back is feeling better.😊x

[@TravellingK]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lisahodges8299]

More greetings from Ireland, we love travelling at any time of year too. Stay safe and keep listening to your instinct when travelling. Good luck Birdy

[@TravellingK]

Glad you agree Birdy! I do enjoy the quieter campgrounds.

[@brianrayment5019]

Hi, good to see you are well and in good spirits, 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TravellingK]

Nice to get out exploring again!

[@annemarsden2323]

Thanks for the wonderful trip out x🥂

[@TravellingK]

You're welcome Anne

[@christinegibbins6105]

Beautiful scenery Karen, really enjoyed riding with you, hope your back soon improves. Take care.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Christine! Luckily the back improved after a couple of days.

[@kathyowens9901]

So beautiful! Love winter camping and you do it right with the cam0er.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, I generally enjoy winter camping 😀

[@MrMEROSOL]

That smell of rain is call Petrichor. Word invented in Australia in 1964

[@bengmelea8646]

Thanks. I learnt something today!

[@TravellingK]

Huh, that's interesting.

[@friends4ever43]

Hi Karen, I really do love Watching your trips, it a beautiful country, it reminds me a lot of Australia where I'm from, take care of your back, I kind of know how you feel with that, and Hi to Hayden too.

[@TravellingK]

I imagine there are plenty of similarities to Australia!

[@hughelvin5509]

How lovely to have the site to yourself. does not happen very often especially at $5 a night. loved the mini road trips. Stay safe, H

[@TravellingK]

Yes, I was surprised that no one else turned up.

[@LibbyWithnall]

Both campsite were magical. Loved hearing all the birds. You are so lucky that all restrictions have been lifted. I haven't really been too keen to go out while having to social distance or be extra careful.

[@TravellingK]

Does feel back to normal now 😀

[@nickthenarwhal]

Love the videos! We’re based in Napier and just bought our new (to us) caravan from the UK! Arrives in five weeks and excited to get on the road, I can’t stop watching these!

[@TravellingK]

Oh how exciting!! Hope the time flies and you enjoy your caravan.

[@nb.silverfern1]

Love the amazing bird song in the background, so different to what we have in the UK (even though we share many of your birds). Cloudscapes are gorgeous too. Hope your back is feeling a lot better now. Take care

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoy the birds and clouds in the video 😀

[@Andy_U]

Hiya. Congrats on 20k subs! Stay safe. All the best to you.

[@TravellingK]

Thank you!!! I've been pretty excited about that Andy😀

[@kerriirvin5206]

Enjoyed seeing the town

[@TravellingK]

Wish I'd shown more!

[@vicmiller7191]

Lovely site for sure. Looking like rain may be the norm for you for a little while. But you are still out there enjoying nature. Thanks for sharing...Vic

[@TravellingK]

Lots of rain lately🤣

[@thatafact9553]

Thanks for the videos. Can I suggest buying a box of disposable gloves and using soap and water when emptying your toilet cassette.I am concerned by the number of people I see not using gloves and just rinsing their hands under the tape when I visit dump stations. Maybe you could use your excellent channel to get the word out.

[@TravellingK]

I should...

[@karenjeffery9900]

That is a good point. We have wet wipes that we use to clean our hands every time the toilet or the water tanks are done. We used to use disposable gloves but I don’t like the idea of throwing them on the tip. I’d rather throw a wet wipe (when it’s dried out) in our caravan fireplace, thus dealing with our own rubbish

[@thatafact9553]

@@karenjeffery9900 Latex vs wet wipes?

[@Spawn-td8bf]

Morning Hayden. Take care you two and God Bless, Paul from Florida.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Paul 😀

[@bev2018]

Loved watching this I actually lived in the aramoho caravan park for a while

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoyed it Beverley 😀

[@aldes16]

Like watching your trips around NZ. Voltorol is very good for back pain by the way,especially accidental sprains etc. Take care and keep the video's coming!

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoy the travel videos!

[@tspacefullstop4161]

Oh love it...had to share this with my Dad who was born in Woodville..he currently lives on the Gold Coast.

[@TravellingK]

Nice! It’s a great area

[@jodyrafter]

Great Vlog as always Karen, it's amazing how I forgot how much like Ireland the north island of New Zealand is my great uncle moved over there in the '60s and settled there and I had such a great time when I went to see them back in 2000 (wow that's 20 years ago only feels like a few years ago) but I adored my time there we toured the north island hope your back is better soon :)

[@TravellingK]

Similar to Ireland? Lovely!

[@jamieellmers5511]

Hi Karen hope you are OK and well and bet your glad to be on the open road need more videos lol 😂😂😂

[@TravellingK]

It has been nice to move around again.

[@jamieellmers5511]

Be good to see you in the UK again hopefully at some point

[@roxorange6022]

Welcome to the Tararua District Karen! Shout out from Pahiatua, just down the line from Woodville. Come back in summer and stay at Carnival Park. It's a hidden gem. Also a couple of freedom camping places here. Eketahuna also has a campground reasonably close to Pukaha/Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre if you love the great outdoors. Get a massage for your back, hope it's feeling better by now 😄

[@TravellingK]

Oh that's good to know! I'll remember for a future visit that way.

[@stacieodowd8858]

When will you be working on the Vintage Caravan you have been working on? I enjoyed your videos!

[@TravellingK]

The poor vintage caravan has been a bit forgotten! Soon

[@thesunreport]

What a beautiful place...even in winter...I'm not surprised you enjoy caravanning so much...but don't eat the mushrooms!! xD .. Hope you're back gets better soon :)

[@TravellingK]

Haha shall resist the mushrooms!

[@daddybob6096]

A very nice video, Karen.

[@TravellingK]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@nannajaysadventures]

Hope your back is feeling better

[@TravellingK]

Much better 😀

[@mauricepowers3804]

I hope your back gets better!!

[@TravellingK]

Luckily after a couple of days, it was much better.

[@Linescrew1Canada]

I went RVing in July in New Zealand. Compared to Canada, it's not really considered winter when most days on the north island are 17C. Lol.

[@TravellingK]

That's true. We just get a lot of rain in most of the north island🤣

[@garth2876]

Love travelling during the winter. Occasionally use a powered site if there isn't much sun

[@TravellingK]

Yeah, I like that it’s generally quieter in winter

[@goldenstardust]

I’m suffering from NZ road trip withdrawal, cannot lie, living vicariously through your adventures!

[@TravellingK]

Grateful that I can travel around again 😀

[@gregbolitho9775]

nice 1 m8!

[@carlgoldsmith5444]

I'm in a 25ft 1978 NZ built Nomad caravan. 1st time at 54. I like it only I got caught in lockdown and it's been difficult as I am mobility challenged and have no family or friends here. So isolation since 15th March in a area with no power or running water created many challenges. it destroyed my plans and I need to return back home in the south Island. Will get there. Enjoy your vidblog.

[@TravellingK]

Wow, that does sound challenging!! I go hope you get back to the south island soon.

[@iangrice329]

From 4th July caravans sites in UK can open again, cant wait to hitch up and head off .

[@TravellingK]

Oh that’s great to hear!!

[@kerrylaw100]

Yay Hayden 👍👍sign of a good man Hope your back gets better soon get on to some low grade anti inflames and pain killers and keep taking them 😊🌸

[@TravellingK]

Yeah, glad Hayden was there to help out. Luckily it improved after a few days of rest.

[@kerrylaw100]

Whew that was a close call nothing worse than a sore back. 👍 Watching you has made me can my bus idea and get a Coachman caravan ... do you rate them ? 😊

[@Paulman50]

Norsewood museum is pretty cool.

[@TravellingK]

Ah I’ll have a look next time

[@Tomcroese]

Nice tripp, ther where i like te see you, out at thet road.

[@TravellingK]

It's been a nice time.

[@garrywhitehurst5764]

Get well soon

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Garry!

[@garrywhitehurst5764]

Travelling K you’re welcome Karen, back pain not good, i know from personal experience! Great vids by the way.

[@gregbolitho9775]

looks like it was fun m8. looks like tou could put your feet up on the the 3 or 4 wire fence an have your coffee, nice! sunset was good, sunrise was good too in the camp ground you had when your not having a camp ground ;) :) :D if they were gunnies, real glad they didn't start poppin off while you were sounda sleep. i don't mind rain, don't like cold! you an yours stay safe an well eh!

[@TravellingK]

Yes, glad it was a quiet meeting, hahha. It was a peaceful spot.

[@barriepayne1690]

Lovely scenery again Karen, that musty damp smell you’re on about,we get all the year round in the UK.what distances are you doing,and you’ve got a drought in winter interesting.safe driving

[@TravellingK]

Ha ah the UK history at work again. With the water shortage sign, I did wonder if it was put up before lockdown and hadn't been changed since? We are having a drought up north though.

[@thomasraden]

Greetings from northern Norway, Mo i Rana. We got summer first at 15th of june. It will last until mid september when the first snow will set.

[@TravellingK]

We are really experiencing opposite seasons 🤣

[@thomasraden]

@@TravellingK Cuddle and hold on to you BF helps during winter to hug a big bear man. When is summer and winter there?

[@DUCato-ed3fw]

8:08 Nothing worse than waking up to a little wind, it’s all that greenery intake 😂

[@TravellingK]

Ha, the caravan does wobble.

[@spymaine89]

did you say bridle path , not heard that term since i was a kid. Definition of bridle path : a trail suitable for horseback riding

[@TravellingK]

Oh no? Wonder what I said... must have been mumbling🤣

[@ukinfamous]

Great to see you both back together, having alone time is great but doing things together as a is always so much better. Is the renovation van there for a winter project?

[@TravellingK]

Finally about to start the renovation again 😀

[@Dan_Beed]

💓

[@vince_martyn]

You be careful of your back and 'Hi Hayden'. ;-)

[@TravellingK]

Luckily the back is better 😀

[@sidneybowerman558]

I was surprised by the amount of driftwood on the beach and in the river that had a warning regarding swimming. We are being advised that things are getting better here in the UK with the corona19 virus. Just between you and I, I'll let others stick their head out first. Hope the back pain gets easier soon Karen.

[@TravellingK]

I guess all the driftwood comes from the river? Glad to hear things are improving in the UK, but fair enough you want to be cautious.

[@vicmiller7191]

Now go rest that back of yours. And say hello to Hayden, glad he was there to help you out. Take care Girl. Vic

[@TravellingK]

Shall pass on your hellos Vic!

[@ianwhunter1]

you need the book "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie. Cheap book with crucial knowledge and amazing results. Get well soon.

[@TravellingK]

Ohhh ok, thanks.

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

I love Whanganui. That's where some of my rels come from. I hitch hiked all around the North island and that was awesome. Mt. Whanganui. BTW> I'd think about fitting a diesel air heater (eBay). They seem to work incredibly well and I hate being cold and infrared external camera's into your PC. The camera's now work on WifI so you can load the S/W onto the PC and see what the hell is going on outside all around you. Just a couple of thoughts.

[@TravellingK]

Ah nice! Seriously sounds lovely. I am tempted to try a diesel heater. A camera could work...

[@flybyairplane3528]

KAREN, hello, how goes it ? Your winter is really not that bad, a tad windy, which can get to you when cold , am getting a hair cut this week , now opened,,but still wear masks , all the best stay well, CHERIO, 🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@TravellingK]

Yeah, the north island is pretty mild. Generally just very wet!! Glad you are able to get out a bit more. Stay safe.

[@tonymaries1652]

I was expecting NZ to be colder in winter. In the UK the clocks go back at the end of October and daytime temperatures struggle to get up to 8 to 10 deg C, the threshold for grass to grow. Once that happens the grass soon turns a flat yellow colour. The grass in your video is green green green. I guess it must be cold at night but if the weather was nice you would have had a couple of nice days out. I know about caravans in winter because during the working week I normally live in a caravan, but since the pandemic I have been working at home.

[@TravellingK]

It’s pretty mild in the north island! Much colder in the South Island 😀 Ah interesting that you generally stay in your caravan during the week!

[@tonymaries1652]

@@TravellingK I suppose the difference in climate within NZ is comparable to England and Scotland, the other way up. Yes I do normally live in a caravan during the week when I am at work. I live 80 miles from my work so a daily commute is out of the question, and accommodation costs in the South East of England are ridiculously unaffordable even for people on a decent and above average income.

[@toomaskotkas4467]

If you are a web designer, have you ever thought about maybe a separate channel dedicated to you profession and maybe some teaching videos about coding and design principles?

[@TravellingK]

It's crossed my mind...

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hi K great video I'm viewing from the USA I have a Question for you do they have any Public lands their in the UK for you to go and boon dock their ( that's Dry camping with No Hookups ) Also have you thought about coming across the pond to the USA if so where and when ?

[@TravellingK]

Yes, there are places to 'Boon dock'. We call it freedom camping. But councils have started becoming more strict as many tourist in vans were causing issues. I would love to come to the USA! Hopefully one day...

[@grayeagleswolves]

@@TravellingK Do you have a Facebook iF so Pm me

[@jr5389]

👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤪

[@williambranham6249]

Hope you're better by now.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, much better after a few days :)

[@JakeEnns]

Other cultures are so cool, we have many different catchphrases and terminology. What does "taking the mikie" mean? You said it just at 5:45 in the context of not emptying the cassette at the campground.

[@stuartdouce]

"taking the mickey" means taking too much advantage from someone. eg my grandmother offered me a biscuit but i took 5 they were so yummy.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Stuart! Yes, ‘Taking the Mickey’ means I was running late and it would be taking advantage to stay longer to empty the cassette.

[@phileldridge1901]

You need to chase the warmer weather up in Northland. Have you done Northland yet?

[@TravellingK]

I should! Haven’t made it all the way to the top 😀

[@williamcox9632]

hi Karen whats the music very relaxing!

[@TravellingK]

It’s from Epidemic Sounds 😀

[@spymaine89]

beautiful photos thank you . your life is heave, ''i would need a dog'' than heaven for me''. /''

[@TravellingK]

A dog would be wonderful!!

[@derrickfelix6206]

K, where be the awning? two site where the porch, and sitting outside. Cheers

[@TravellingK]

Ha, I should use my awning more than once!

[@CJ-sm7tp]

If it's possible I would like to ask you a few questions I am thinking of buying either a caravan or a fifth Wheel and a motorhome I'm having difficulty in deciding which try and buy I live in the UK but hopefully will be travelling overseas what are your thoughts the convenience for all three vehicles thank you

[@TravellingK]

Happy to answer your questions. There are pros and cons with all. Are you planning to move every day or so? Then a motorhome is best. You might need to upgrade your vehicle if you want a fifth wheeler. A caravan is more affordable with plenty of space inside - but the travel style is generally from campground to campground then explore. Where are you planning to store it? Look into the MoT cost for a motorhome vs a caravan. Hope this has helped! If you have any more questions email me at [e-mail]

[@AdamMoore86]

Hello from the UK. What's lockdown like where u r? Things are easing more here.

[@TravellingK]

Luckily we got out of lockdown a few weeks ago! The only current restriction is at the border.

[@marnetsteenkamp2560]

Why don't you get a wash basin or something that you can use to bath in when you are low on water? Might be something to think about. You once mentioned you couldn't was you hair becasue of water shortage, with a basin you can wash your hair outside as well. Just something to think about.

[@TravellingK]

Hmmmm that’s an interesting idea!

[@millomweb]

3:05 - 3:08 - Hubnut's been there !

[@davidjohns.3065]

pmailkeey my TWC Tshirt just arrived, we anyone else know what we’re on about.

[@coveredinpaint7318]

Loved watching his NZ and Oz trip! NZ looks like a beautiful place.

[@millomweb]

@@davidjohns.3065 Possibly half of K's subs ! ;) Great see George again in his latest vid.

[@TravellingK]

Oh I missed that video of his! Did he take the steam boat?

[@graemestephens1894]

You look on the cold side .. do you have a diesel heater?

[@TravellingK]

No diesel heater yet!

[@paulfenney8563]

When are you uploading an other video?..

[@msprincegt]

You can get the best home made cafe food at ‘Vivs Kitchen’ in Sanson. Worth stopping on your next visit. We always go there on trips back to NZ.

[@davidcooper3337]

Home of the cream horn,

[@TravellingK]

Ah good to know!! Thanks

[@anitaagler9844]

From one of the comments it sounds like that area with the bridge was quite an industrial area? Is that why the water is contaminated? Does New Zealand work on restoring environmental areas that have been damaged?

[@TravellingK]

Seems to be about farming manure and fertiliser washed into the water. There are plans happening to improve waterways 😀

[@monique10j]

Maybe a torn sacroiliac joint ligament.

[@TravellingK]

Luckily it’s improved 😀

[@unpluggedkiwi2699]

Hi Karen. You mentioned several times about the cold, and you went to bed with a hot-water-bottle to get/keep warm. Does your caravan not have a built in gas heater?

[@TravellingK]

I have a heater... but it's been a bit temperamental on gas😭

[@unpluggedkiwi2699]

@@TravellingK It''s winter, you need a heater that works!!!

[@carycoombe3380]

I looked up those socks and learned they are "bed socks". Gee, I don't think I have seen "bed socks" here in Canada. Probably a good idea. Especially if you are off grid camping in colder weather. You have a much nicer Winter climate - we only get camper weather for four months of the year, so we have to enjoy it as much as possible.

[@TravellingK]

They are so handy in the caravan... and in bed.

[@lizleonard3681]

The beaches are out of this world and your roads are so wide and quiet for towing not like in the UK

[@TravellingK]

Our roads are MUCH wider🤣

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Is it true there is a place there called f*ck-a-taney?

[@TravellingK]

Ha you’ll get to see Whakatane tomorrow 😜

[@petemoring67]

Poor Old Hayden, He'll think you're only after him as a Man-Servant :-) ...... Sorry about your back though .... People who've never had a bad back probably won't 'get it' ..... But - AARRGGHH!!! :-(

[@TravellingK]

Haha Hayden’s the best 😜

[@henrybarnett1063]

Far 2 much money 5$ lets have some of that lol

[@TravellingK]

Haha 🤣

[@melusine826]

The answer is no for me, below 20°c degrees is a nope nope nope

[@williambranham6249]

In consideration of rules, my wife simply asks for forgiveness, I ask for permission.

[@TravellingK]

That's nicely put.

[@gregbolitho9775]

short answer! no! long answer ;) looking at frosty grass, an frozen places from a nice warm car [van - ute] is more my cuppa m8 :) views ar just a specy from a warm thingy, as the outside cold area :D just 1 thing m8 are you sure, that all this gun club meeting were all men? there are some girls, over this way anyway who go shootin with the blokes. nice drivin m8, stay safe, warm an well eh!

[@TravellingK]

I just spotted guys in the window... could have been women in there too. Being warm with a stunning view is ideal!

[@gregbolitho9775]

@@TravellingK stay safe an warm where you are m8, the views better, an you haven't got agl gas an electric messin up ya bills changing them from monthly to quarterly! next thing they'll do is cut me off, while i'm arguing with them :D :D

[@andersolsson2523]

Winter? Winter is 1 meter snow and 30 degres C below.

[@TravellingK]

Ha true, a mild winter

[@MrBobKN]

Bob Nuttall Hi K I notice you don't use a dumpmate if you would like one I will supply just give me address to send it to you

[@TravellingK]

Oh I’ve heard of those!

[@MrBobKN]

@@TravellingK I'm friendly with the couple who produce them if you would like one I'll get them to send you one