While Aotearoa has much to offer in terms of unique locations, stunning landscapes and fresh adventures, one of the key joys for those dedicated to the RV lifestyle is the people met, and friends made along the way. Paul and Stella Richards, with their cat Maggie, have been living on the road and touring full-time for more than two years, with no plans to stop. The couple recently caught up with Jordan and Tom Tasman, who are also exploring New Zealand full-time, and shared their story with Tasman Travels.
Originally from New Plymouth, Paul and Stella enjoyed their former life as successful business owners, specialising in window and door repairs. Their passion for camping and touring existed long before they decided on their lifestyle change, throwing it all in to hit the road, so they were familiar and comfortable with spending long periods of time in a caravan, and together.
The Kiwi couple’s appetite for exploring was whet during their early travels in a 1970s Oxford caravan fixer-upper, which they completely gutted and repaired all water damage, before setting off on camping adventures all over the Coromandel.
It didn’t take long to get into the swing of things, and they admit to falling in love with the lifestyle pretty much instantly.
Home of choice
Paul, Stella and Maggie live and travel in a 7.5m 2012 Luna Lexon caravan. This is no home away from home – it is their home, although they are currently in the process of upgrading to a Jayco Sterling Outback.
Although retirement was still some years away, after sadly losing two close family members in a short amount of time, the couple decided that life was too short to wait for their dreams.
“The business was becoming far busier than we needed it to be and we came to the joint realisation that we wanted to spend more time travelling and adventuring together,” says Paul.
“So, to put it bluntly, we couldn’t think of a good reason to put it off any longer.”
Within a few months of making their life-changing decision, the business was sold, their possessions were dispersed via garage sales, giveaways and donations, and their new home on wheels purchased.
Risky business
Right: Strike a pose
Stella shares that while they were absolutely certain and united in their future plans, they did kick off their adventure with a risky move.
“We wouldn’t recommend doing this, and it was definitely a risk, but we bought our caravan sight unseen off Trade Me.”
“Don’t do this if you’re considering a van,” says Paul. “Don’t get so excited that you just go and buy one!”
Having learned the painful way from their over-enthusiasm (with a dose of being misadvised by the previous seller), Paul and Stella soon realised that their newly purchased caravan was not as ‘immaculate’ as it had been made out to be.
From soft patches in the flooring, to a dent externally, the couple quickly learned a valuable lesson and determined to prioritise patience and shopping around in the future.
Nevertheless, the deal was done, and they took the Luna Lexon away towing her behind their bright red 2WD Mitsubishi Triton.
Fortunately, with a wide range of skills from their previous business, as well as general ‘know-how’, Paul and Stella were able to carry out their own panel work and general maintenance.
With the professional help and support of UK Caravans Ltd in Christchurch, whom they highly recommend, all issues have been resolved, and Luna is now fully certified and ‘as good as new’.
Creature comforts
Part of their reason for choosing the Luna Lexon caravan was because an island bed and separate bathroom were a priority.
“It’s all far nicer than sink sponge baths in the old Oxford with a towel down on the floor,” laughs Stella.
They have also replaced the 12v fridge/freezer with a three-way fridge/freezer, fitted a new oven, added an extra 400 watts of solar, making a total of 600 watts, and an extra 120Ah battery.
Along with the added inverter, New Zealand wool carpeting and storage, and shelving for Paul’s model making hobby, Paul and Stella have created a cosy semi-off-grid, comfortable space to enjoy and live in.
The couple also added under-chassis grey and fresh water tanks.
“We thought we had filled the new fresh water tanks when we were up north once. We had the tap on quite fast, and the water was splurging back out at us. It turned out the new tanks weren’t full at all, so that’s something to bear in mind – and another lesson learned,” says Stella.
Words of wisdom
Offering up some van-life hacks, the couple say a few of the items they couldn’t live without right now include their Delta Power Station, as being film buffs, they use this to power their 43inch, 240v TV (another must-have) and other items.
Their Brass Monkey Fridge/Freezer for extra food is another highly value addition, perfect for freezing the fish they often catch
“We’re also glad we invested in our lovely dual washing machine (3.5kilo wash, 2.5 spin cycles),” says Stella.
“It’s run by 240v and sits in the back of the ute. We plug it into our Delta Power Station, or generator, and I use a Live Simply Wash Ball. These are fantastic, environmentally safe and work really well for us.”
Fringe benefits
Freedom is the main thing Paul and Stella enjoy about living full-time on the road. They love seeing their own backyard, at their own pace.
Keen fishers, the couple will often spend weeks at a time at beachside camps (especially if the fish are biting!).
Fishing, painting, walking and enjoying fresh travels with their nine-year-old black rescue cat Maggie means there’s no shortage of adventures.
“Our early days of travel with her being so old was a bit of a struggle,” says Stella. “She didn’t like the harness for walks, and she got car sick in the ute, so it wasn’t the best start.
“After realising that if she wanted to explore, she had to be on the harness, it soon settled down. She’s fine travelling in the caravan now and we make a little hut for her with pillows and blankets.
“We love travelling with Maggie. She doesn’t limit us, we’re able to go wherever we want, and she brings us so much joy. Plus, she seems really happy now and catches any mice that might want to move in over the cold months!”
Give it a go
Paul and Stella are united in their enthusiasm for their change of pace. In fact, they suggest that everyone slows down, enjoys life and takes it all in.
“If you’re thinking of doing it, don’t wait. Just do it!’ Stella says.
“And make sure all your cupboards and draws are closed properly too,” chuckles Paul. Another lesson learned the difficult way!
Follow Paul and Stella’s adventures on Facebook and YouTube.
5 top spots
- Paul and Stella’s top five places to visit in NZ so far are:
- Braids Hill near Dunedin (lovely soft sand and rock formations, stunning)
- Port Tarakohe, Tasman (wonderful oysters and fish, stunning beaches)
- Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty (great fishing, with two nice bays to choose from)
- Anaura Bay DOC campsite, East Coast (so peaceful out in the middle of nowhere)
- Lake Ngaroto, Te Awamutu (6km walk around the lake, stunning sunsets, watch the kids sailing)
