We recently caught up with Natalia and Calum from @wethetravel who are currently living the Van Life dream and they answered a bunch of our burning questions! Well worth chucking them a follow to keep up with their journeys. 

 

Tell us a bit about your Van Life story so far? It's been quite the ride! We've faced some wild weather (escaped a soggy campsite episode!), and our van has gone through a glow-up. With linen curtains, cushy seats, and a revamped kitchen, it's our cosy home on wheels. South Island, here we come!

What does your setup look like? Our setup is versatile. Our bed moonlights as a dining table and lounge during the day (sometimes it's a bed during the day too – guilty!). We've got a nifty little kitchen in the back, complete with all the kitchen gadgetry. Plus, our secret weapon: a rooftop box (because let's face it, we have way too many shoes!). And our pièce de résistance? The awning, adorned with twinkling fairy lights every evening – pure magic!

What do you consider the key essentials for Van Life? Any items you couldn't live without? A comfy bed is non-negotiable for quality zzz's. And don't laugh, but our airfryer is a game-changer, especially for those chicken and chips feasts at campsites. Baby wipes are our morning saviors – trust us!

Do you have any go-to van meals? Our trusty airfryer does it all (yes, even s'mores!). Lately, we're hooked on crispy Korean chicken with coleslaw, veggies, rice, and spicy sauce. It's a flavor explosion! And, of course, soup – we live by "soup is our friend"!

Where have your favourite Freedom Camping spots been? In the North Island, our top three picks are Matapouri (Northland), Jones Landing (Waikato), and Lake Rotomanu (New Plymouth). But who knows what treasures await in the South!

What does a typical day on the road look like for you? Mornings typically start with a peek over the back, discovering we forgot to wash the dishes from last night (it's a vanlife rite of passage!). Then it's coffee and breakfast – usually fruit or porridge. We freshen up and embark on a daily walk; I'm team beach, while Calum is all about lakes – I usually win that one, haha!

What advice would you give anyone umming and ahhhing about getting a Van to travel in? Just go for it! These adventures will be etched in your memory, and you'll fondly remember the good times. Be prepared to splurge on random van gadgets you didn't know you needed (or maybe that's just me!).

As someone who travels a lot, what does Local mean to you? "Local" means connecting with the people who make a place special – the friendly barista, the heart of the community, and the fellow walkers who chat along the way. It's also about savouring local grub and fully immersing ourselves.

Finally, what's next? What's the dream? The dream? More van life in another country! Where that might be, well, stay tuned to find out!