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In this YouTube bonus episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke and Taryn trade luxury hotels and resorts for a completely different kind of adventure: exploring New Zealand by campervan. As the final chapter of their month-long honeymoon, they take on their first motorhome road trip, discovering the freedom, challenges, and unexpected realities of traveling with their accommodations on wheels.
The episode begins with their decision to rent a premium campervan from Wilderness Motorhomes. DeAndre explains why they chose a more comfortable vehicle with a fixed bed, private bathroom, kitchen, plenty of storage, and unlimited Wi-Fi. He also walks through the rental process, vehicle orientation, insurance considerations, and practical details that first time campervan travelers should understand before hitting the road.
Once the journey begins, the learning curve becomes real. Driving on the left side of the road, navigating narrow mountain highways, managing roundabouts, and crossing one lane bridges all require extra attention. DeAndre also shares their experience taking the Interislander ferry between New Zealand's islands, along with the importance of booking ferry crossings and campsites well in advance.
Beyond the driving, the episode explores what daily campervan life actually looks like, from preparing meals and organizing personal belongings to managing water tanks, electricity, waste disposal, and campground facilities. DeAndre highlights how the CamperMate app made finding campsites and essential services much easier, while their rental company's support helped simplify the experience.
Ultimately, the biggest lesson wasn't about operating the campervan. It was about slowing down. Their ambitious itinerary left less time to enjoy certain destinations, but the experience gave them a new appreciation for road trips, flexibility, and traveling at their own pace. By the end, DeAndre explains why campervan travel offered a memorable alternative to traditional hotel stays and became a fitting conclusion to their New Zealand honeymoon.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro: Our New Zealand Campervan Adventure Begins
(02:57) Why We Chose Wilderness Motorhomes
(03:57) Campervan Rental Costs & What's Included
(04:32) Pickup Process & Vehicle Orientation
(06:05) Inside Our Campervan: Layout & Features
(08:43) Driving on the Left Side of the Road
(10:20) Navigating New Zealand's Roads, Parking & Safety
(12:47) Driving Times & One-Lane Bridges
(14:42) Booking the Interislander Ferry
(16:06) Campsites, Freedom Camping & Overnight Stays
(18:30) The Best App for Campervan Travel
(20:15) Returning the Campervan: What to Expect
(21:47) Our Biggest Road Trip Planning Regret
(22:56) Final Thoughts: Is Campervan Travel Worth It?
Key takeaways:
- Choose the right campervan: A comfortable layout, fixed bed, bathroom, and adequate storage make a major difference.
- Prepare for driving challenges: Left side driving, narrow roads, roundabouts, and one lane bridges require extra attention.
- Allow more travel time: Mountain roads and campervan driving can make journeys longer than navigation apps suggest.
- Book campsites and ferries early: Popular locations and Interislander crossings require advance planning.
- CamperMate is essential: The app helps locate campsites, dump stations, facilities, and traveler reviews.
- Understand daily maintenance: Water refills, waste disposal, electricity, and organizing the vehicle become part of the routine.
- Don't overpack the itinerary: More time in fewer destinations creates a more relaxed and rewarding road trip.
- Campervan travel is worth trying: The flexibility, scenery, and shared experience made it a memorable honeymoon adventure.
Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads
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