We left our Christchurch accommodation and went to collect our camper van, and it wasn’t just a campervan.
It was a giant Mercedes beast, fully kitted out like a little apartment. I just stood there stunned. Ali shrugged with full horse girl energy and said, “I’ve driven bigger.” Georgia shot up the ladder and claimed the top bunk in under five seconds, while Dotty immediately began pressing every button like a tiny health and safety inspector. Within minutes, it felt like home.
We hit the road full of excitement… and then it happened.
BUNNINGS.
It appeared like a vision. I nearly wept. The van may have swerved with joy. And as if the travel gods were blessing our journey, right after Bunnings… Woolworths. Ali went inside for “a few things.” Dotty and I stayed in the van with snacks. Dotty was already eating Doritos. At that moment, we knew New Zealand understands us.
Back in the van, everyone settled into their roles.
Dotty inspected every cupboard with full chaos energy. Georgia lounged in the loft like a celebrity. Ali organised the interior with NASA precision. While I just stood there staring at the glorious counter space whispering, “We made it.”
We started driving north and instantly fell in love. Rolling green hills. Wide rivers. Sheep everywhere. Snowy mountains in the distance. It honestly felt like driving through a movie. i even dropped a Gandalf quote or two “Fly, you fools!” Was one The Lord of the Rings energy was strong. ( I need to play lord of the rings sound track now )
Then we found our first overnight stop.
A sign appeared:
DONEGAL HOUSE – Irish Hotel | Campervans Welcome | Bar | Showers | History
We parked up, plugged in power and took a deep breath. Georgia had her first travel meltdown of the road trip (required by parenting law), but once everyone calmed down, the place actually felt perfect. Quiet, beautiful, slightly odd… our kind of spot.
I went inside the bar “just to get $2 coins for the shower.” Fourteen seconds later a perfect pint of Guinness.
And then, as if someone was directing our day for entertainment value, a helicopter landed on the lawn. No warning. No explanation. Locals didn’t even blink. I just stood there laughing. Where else in the world do you drink Guinness outside an Irish pub, next to a nativity scene, in front of mountains, while a random helicopter touches down for fun? Only New Zealand.
Eventually I headed to the showers, fully expecting cold, grim, backpacker-horror style bathrooms. Instead… they were spotless. Private. Modern. And the water? Piping hot with hotel pressure.
As the sun started setting, I walked outside and everything went still.
The mountains glowed orange.
The garden was silent.
The kids were in bed.
Dinner was finished.
The van was plugged in.
No traffic. No noise. No rushing.
Just peace.
I looked around and quietly though,
“This… is what we’ve been chasing.”
And in that moment, it hit me.
This was living the dream.
And this is only Day One of the road trip!
New Zealand… we’re ready for you to give us more!
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