For many, the dream of selling up and hitting the open road remains just that – a dream. But for Nigel and Pam, an unexpected turn of events provided the perfect spark to turn their ‘what if’ into ‘what’s next’.
“To be honest, it was redundancy,” Nigel explains with a smile when asked what motivated them to start a new adventure on the open road. “I was at retirement age but wasn’t ready to stop. In a casual conversation, I just said, ‘Let’s buy an RV and tour New Zealand for a couple of years’, and blow me down, Pam said yes.”
That enthusiastic “yes” ignited an incredible adventure. The couple, who have nine children and fourteen grandchildren between them, knew that if they were going to do it, they were going to do it right. “We decided to do it properly,” Nigel says. “Let’s not have a house to worry about, with rates and insurance. We sold up and started looking for a suitable motorhome”.
As newcomers to the motorhome world, their needs were unique. With Nigel still working part-time in IT, having a dedicated workspace was essential. The search led them to Wilderness Motorhomes and a model that seemed tailor-made for them: the 2025 Bürstner Lyseo TD744.
“When we saw the layout of this particular model, it was just fantastic,” Nigel says.
The versatility was the main attraction. This is German engineering at its most creative, featuring two large, distinct lounge areas. This innovative design means Nigel can take video calls in his office in the rear lounge, while Pam enjoys her own space at the front, completely undisturbed.
The real genius of the design, they found, was in the sleeping arrangement.
“What we didn’t really want was a permanent, made-up bed taking up living space,” Nigel notes. The TD744’s solution is two electric double beds that descend effortlessly from the ceiling at night, preserving an incredible amount of daytime living area for relaxing, working, and entertaining.
Right: Puku and Lala love their life on the road
The spacious rear lounge, with its stunning L-shaped sofa, has become the heart of their new home.
“It’s a nice area just to sit there, and with the three windows, you don’t feel closed in,” says Pam. It’s a space filled with incredible natural light, offering panoramic views that change every single day. It’s where Nigel works, where their two French bulldogs, Puku and Lala, nap at his feet, and where they can simply sit and soak in the scenery.
A key motivation for the couple’s travels is the ability to connect with their sprawling family, who are spread throughout the country. The TD744 gives them the freedom to visit their children and grandchildren, creating precious memories along the way.
“We picked up two of the grandchildren in New Plymouth a couple of weeks ago,” Nigel shares. “We went to museums and took them out for lunch, and they loved it”.
he Lyseo TD744 is a constant source of pride and joy. Pam, a keen baker, was initially dubious about the oven’s size but now says it’s “absolutely fantastic”. The stylish, separate toilet and shower are an added luxury that even prompted a “wow, this is really cool” from the grandkids.
When asked to picture a perfect day six months from now, Nigel doesn’t hesitate.
“It will be the sunniest spot we can find by a beach,” he says. Pam agrees. “Me and the hooligans (the dogs) will get up early and go off for a walk, and then come home to bacon and eggs Nigel cooked for breakfast,” she says.
For anyone else dreaming of a similar adventure, Nigel and Pam’s advice is simple and heartfelt. “Just do it. Life’s too short,” says Nigel. “If you’re in the right space to do it, then just do it. Because you won’t regret it.”
Pam agrees, adding that there’s something compelling about being at one with the elements, knowing that you’re cosy and warm inside a well-insulated motorhome.
“Even on a cold, horrible day, when the wind’s blowing and the rain’s thundering down, no regrets”.
Ready to start your next chapter? Discover how the innovative design of the Bürstner Lyseo TD744 can give you more space, more freedom, and more comfort. Explore the range at Wilderness Motorhomes and find the perfect vehicle for your adventure.
