Week 4 - Now we can really get started!

On Monday, it was a real organization day. We did laundry, packed, and we also had to register our new van. Unlike in Germany, it doesn't take much here in New Zealand: You need to know the license plate (not bring it), fill out a form, and go to an official office of the transport authority. Once we completed that, we immediately took out a suitable comprehensive insurance (about 500 euros for a year) and became members of AA (the New Zealand equivalent of ADAC). With that, all administrative hurdles were cleared, and we were ready to officially start our journey after the handover on Tuesday.

ZDF Van:

• Ford Transit
• Long Wheel Base with High Roof
• Year 2007
• 311,000 km
• 2.4l Diesel
• Interior fit-out was done by a van builder
• Solar panel, 2 auxiliary batteries, inverter

Correspondingly excited and looking forward, we were on Tuesday. We took the train to our meeting point for the handover near the airport. The previous owners showed us all the important things again, and then the van officially belonged to us.

After stocking up with essentials at a large supermarket nearby, we set off for our first big drive to our new home's first parking spot. The journey was filled with great tension for both of us: driving on the left, the motorway, and rush hour traffic in Auckland took a toll on our nerves. But the first drive had even more surprises in store for us, as we had to navigate the last kilometers in the dark and over a gravel road. We were both relieved and happy when we safely arrived at the parking spot.

The next morning, we hiked the Omanawanui Track, starting right at the parking spot. The hike was incredibly beautiful, with many views of the bay directly from the high cliffs.

After another night at the parking spot, we did some shopping to best utilize and equip the van for ourselves.

Struggle of the week: Camping stove with gas bottle

The two single gas stoves with cartridge that came with the van wanted to be replaced by a stove with two burners and a gas bottle. This is a bit more space-saving and cheaper for a year. So we got the new stove and a gas bottle at the hardware store. Late in the afternoon, we tried out the gas stove and found that the gas bottle was sold empty, not filled like in Germany. This meant a cold dinner for us and a trip to a dealer who fills gas bottles. The next evening, we finally wanted to cook a warm meal. Unfortunately, the new gas stove still didn't work - it seems to be broken. At least, we couldn't get it to work. So we must return to the store in the next few days to exchange it. Currently, it's a never-ending story...

We spent the night from Thursday to Friday in Long Bay, at a parking spot of the city of Auckland. Here in New Zealand, there are different types of parking spots. Besides large (and expensive) campsites that we probably won't visit often, there are often municipal places specifically designated for campers. To spend the night there, the camper must meet certain requirements. Our van is 'green self-contained certified,' which corresponds to certification under the latest regulations. The municipal spots are mostly fee-based, and you can only stay for a limited number of nights.

Moreover, there are some free campsites where overnight stays are free. The camper must be certified there as well, and the number of nights is limited. Simply 'free standing' wherever you want is not possible in New Zealand. However, in the Auckland region, it is allowed to spend the night on any public parking lot managed by the Auckland Council, unless explicitly prohibited. However, you must leave the spot the next morning.

We made use of exactly this regulation on Friday when there was no space left at the originally planned free campsite. Instead, we stayed overnight in the adjacent parking lot, where there were no signs prohibiting it. We are pretty sure it was okay to stay there, but whether we received a ticket will remain to be seen ;)

The next morning, after waking up, we headed straight to the parking lot for the planned hike in Shakespear Regional Park. The hike was a real highlight for us. Initially, we walked through beautiful forest to a small waterfall. In the little stream, Julian discovered an eel. We continued across green meadows to a hill with sheep and a great view over small bays and the sea. Even the skyline of Auckland could still be seen in the distance.

Today we could finally purchase the last important items (coffee maker, pot, and bowls). Then we headed to Wenderholm Regional Park, which had a beautiful hike in store for us.

This is how we envisioned New Zealand, and we hope it continues like this!