Aotearoa Part II - Campervanning

Campervanning is a fab experience. I was tiring of villa holidays in Europe not because of the locations which were wonderful but just having to shop, clean and cook on holiday thereby making it feel not like a holiday at all. 

I have to say I don't mind cooking or cleaning or washing up in our campervan and I think it is because it's so small and such a novelty. Everything is so compact and neat and there is always that slight element of surprise. Will the sink drain? Won't it drain? Will I have to empty it with a saucepan? What is that smell? Isn't incredible how this broom just clears up all the grit and dust in seconds making for clean feet in the camper. It all just adds the fun into the functionality of chores. 

Furthermore, one of the most interesting quotes of our holiday came from my husband that could only have been asked if we were in a campervan and sitting high off the road. "I know it's a weird thing to say but I am so desperate to know what all this road kill is?"

Admittedly, it has been awhile since we have roughed it even a little. Days and days of no showers and long drop public toilets have been long gone from our recent holidays but I have to say the Kiwi management of their campsites from the most sophisticated to the most basic is just outstanding.
 
As with anything dangerous like negotiating a crevasse or crossing a rickety bridge on a mountain pass or a public porta potty the key bit of advice is don't look down. You always do and regret it but the advice holds true. Yet these potties have all been clean, have ample loo paper and some a hand foam dispenser, full of antibacterial hand foam. I mean, this is luxury in my book.
 
We are only staying at a few proper campsites and are mostly using the very basic DOC (Dept. of Conservation) sites which have no facilities other than said scheisse shack but are in areas of stunning natural beauty which we prefer. We are breaking up our trip with three to four days of scruffing it to one day at a well-appointed campsite where we can shower, use electricity and check Facebook. You know... essentials.
 
So far the DOC sites have been fantastic although it has been an adjustment becoming a campervanner. Given I hate most people and my husband hates everyone caravanners and campervanners have tended to score high up on our despicable you list given they take up the whole road and pootle along and don't give way.
 
Anyway now we have become those we hate has made my poor husband riddled with the guilt of hypocrisy and paranoia. I am quite comfortable with hypocrisy so couldn't care less but he has turned into a nervous meerkat constantly moving over to give way on the roads and poking his little head out to ensure he isn't obscuring some tenting campers view. It has made him nervous and as he hates people who campervan, being one of these folk for 12 days has actually turned him into a guilt ridden considerate person.  Well, to other road users and campers. Let's not go crazy and assume it is to all mankind.
 
I take his point. Campervans are a blight. As convenient, wonderful and fun as they are and ideal for a hassle free camping style holiday with long drives, in New Zealand where the vistas are so dazzling, the last thing you want is to be sitting in your nicely camouflaged tent staring at the mountains when some schmuck in a Winnebago parks in front of it. 

Next Week: Glaciers