Campervans are a VERY popular way to travel in New Zealand. After 8 nights in our Jucy, we feel like true "van-lifers". Ok, so that is no where close to true, but we do feel a post about living and traveling in Patty-Wagon is needed. So here goes our best pros and cons.
PROS
- We feel like a turtle 🐢. Our home is literally on our back.
- We have everything with us! This is a good thing with respect to food and water, but not so good when it comes to stinky clothes and shoes (no finger pointing, but I think you can guess who has stinkier shoes).
- You have to name your van - we went with Patty-Wagon, as it seems like a gender neutral kinda van. At times when encouragement is needed, we also refer to our rig as "Juice Monster"
- We have a cute little sink, single burner stove, and fridge.
- The passenger seating area converts to a cozy bed for two, and comes complete with privacy curtains.
- Converting from day-time driving to night-time sleeping mode is fast once you have a system.😉
- There is a Jucy community, and you wave when you meet another van.🖐
- Rainy or windy? Just jump inside.
- You don't have to sleep in a tent. Nuff said.
CONS
- After several days of hiking, the van smells a little.
- It can get a little chilly. Two degrees Celcius was pretty cold to wake up to.
- You have to find places to camp, which may alter your path slightly.
- Mornings are damp inside. Like I mean condensation haven.
- Flat is a must. Flat ground that is, otherwise the game steamroller is played, and not by choice.
Needless to say, we've enjoyed the short term van-life experience. Will we sell the house and buy a van...maybe after we do some laundry.
