This was a great interview, you two could be Sisters. yes that was a small space but very doable for sure. and nicely set up. Thanks for sharing Lisa and thanks Karen for doing this wonderful interview. ... Vic
One of my former workmates now lives the van life in his 60s. He rented his house out and took to the road. He's a mechanic by trade and also has engineering and carpentry skills. He travels around NZ and has no problem picking up work here and there.
I love your story! Will totally check out your blog. My husband and I (just having hit 40) are figuring out how to live our lives differently too - married, raised the kid, have the intense career but we want to find what next. A van conversion is part of the plan for us!
I’m an Australian van lifer travelling in my camper van with my fur baby and I’m an author it’s awesome to be able to visit such exciting places while writing my book it’s definitely the best lifestyle
I stumbled across your channel and have been binge-watching the last couple of days. Really great information and insights! My sister has just started on her own home on wheels life, along with her cat, and she's loving it. She's still getting the hang of things but she's doing great. I've sent her a link to your channel, and after this interview I have just ordered Lisa's book to give to her. Keep safe and happy travels. I'm going to go and continue watching some more :)
Fantastic Interview Karen!!......I think Lisa is an extremely accomplished and intellectual woman.. (looking forward to reading her book)..with similar ideals to myself but way more attractive😊🤤😍..Im sure our paths will cross eventually in our Vanlife adventures of NZ, cant wait to meet such an attractive soul and share the personal growth Vanlife promotes for us all 😁
I agree that those kinds of campsites, in the video, are very commercialized. In Canada we tend to have campsites with a lot more space and trees between you and the next campsite. There are a few of those "field campgrounds". However, we tend to prefer the ones with a little more green privacy, since it is so readily available and nicer.
Wonderful interview! I feel so related to Lisa's story, I am also in my thirties and willing to live differently. I was actually planning to apply for a visa and move to NZ next year ! Now everything is cancelled due to pandemic..
K you had asked in an earlier video about opportunities to make money on the road. We have both learned from this interview about pet sitting, house sitting, orchard sitting and perhaps campground sitting. There is a woman here in the states who has picked up part time jobs at various government facilities that accommodate her camper with full hookup and access to internet for little of her time.
I've just bought a touring van and thinking of doing this myself. I'm sick of taking orders from others and working set times. The only thing that concerns me the most is if I'll have the funds to be able to break out for a life on the road, I guess time will tell.
Hi New Zealand ! I have lived in a caravan in NSW Australia. GRAT ! HUGE moments during a cyclone ! I was at the end of a forest road. I had a panoramic view. I wa at the top of a mountain. No power - no water. No internet. I had neighbourgs yes but ... it was ... wild ! I had a shower, once, under the shower at the neighbours, under the house - open space in the bush : A KANGAROU ! WOOOW ! I was divorcing. It healed me. 2015/16 Kisses fron New Calédonia
I am with her about the campgrounds. I come from the desert mountain southwest of the US. When you go camping, you climb 5 miles up a mountain or take an off road vehicle way back and then get next to the rivers. The first time I camped in a crowded campground, I went to Carlsbad Caverns and they charged the equivalent (I am old) of 50 quid for a 2 meter square in the grass of the median of the entrance highway. No facilities and every spot was taken. It was an eye opener! All these people piled together, firecrackers and drunks, people falling on my tent. There was no trip advisor at the time, I had paid in advance and was exhausted. And I could hear people outside my tent saying they were in a wonderful spot. My first exposure to halfway campers and just how oblivious some people can be to how they appear to the people around them. And you see more "piles" of campers on the east side of the US. I have always had rugged vehicles because one can freeze to death overnight if you slide off the road and can't get out. So I camp a lot less and take longer to get there when I go.. I am okay in the quiet, I don't go camping to party and don't have the need to be generating noise at all times. I am not a people hater, at all. But if I feel the need to get away, I don't want to be in the middle of a pile. That is anything BUT away.
I’m curious about how to manage your internet connection for work on the road. Do you go into town/cafes for it or do you carry an internet stick with you?
I use a company called Wireless Nation. You get a modem that plugs into power but you’re allowed to move locations with it. I’ve never run out of data.
Hi Sue, the sand bottles are secured with blue tack which has worked well so far :) I'd love to have a dog but unfortunately, there are a lot of places here in New Zealand where you're not allowed to take them so it would restrict me quite a bit :(
You do such a great job interviewing. I enjoyed hearing about Lisa's van life experiences. Hope you both stay safe and well...oh and Hayden too. Gloria 🐂
Hi Karen. Well, that was very interesting. Lisa certainly seems to have found happiness with her alternative life choices. I was trying to place her accent. Can't tell if it's Germanic or Scandinavian (I'm probably way off there!)
@@williambranham6249 Explore Lisa's Blog and/or book and all will be revealed!! Also her writing style and "genre" is fascinating, inspiring and most refreshing.
i am a software develoment junior mature age 39, when i travel to nz in next two or three years, i ´ll live in a rv for 5 years less or more, and go away again or maybe i´ll stay in nz for life but i will keep going traveling
Yeah I would have thought that surely that would be illegal. Normally you have to have it on the back. Maybe the police is New Zealand are less strict.
Wow. How cool. I never thought you could fit so much into a van. Hence brought my monster. Leaving Hicks Bay Thursday and leaving "The Caravan Of Love" behind. Heading South Island to visit family and then returning back to live and work on the family homestead on the East cape. I see Lisa like you and I, enjoys life over paid slavery lol. Arohanui.
Thanks for sharing I just SUBSCRIBED!!! LIKE 👍 THUMBS UP Love it Your life story is so similar to mine living in a rv as a Retired veteran looking to be a TH-camr full time along with many other things too like you, such as being an inventor with a patent working to succeed at becoming self-employed!💘 😻 💜 💛 💚 🧡 I'm single 34yr old live in Oregon saving up for land never married never dated and no kids ✨ ♥ 💖 ❤ 😉 💕 ✨
Lisa needs a bigger, better picture of herself on her website. The one she currently has does nothing to promote her as a person. It looks more like "Hi, I am just another blogger of which you have seen a million already." Also the padding between the articles and pictures is enormous and needs to be decreased. Think of your front page as prime real estate, where every pixel counts.
Karen, Hello, so Lisa drives a FORD TRANSIT, guess it’s a diesel, but I can see it’s a 6 speed manual shifter most AMERICAN s do not drive manuals, although it’s my choice Nicely fitted So I guess the propane tank is built in under the vehicle, We could send you some HEAT as we were having a heatwave 38^C, & higher,,The hurricane cooled it off, but starting again, but even overnights it’s still hot right now @ 02;08 (am) , it’s 25^C, Oh well stay well&safe. Cheers 🇦🇺🇺🇸
I’m honestly not sure! The photos transferred but not the footage 🤦♀️ It’s usually the other way round. Then I would have wiped the SD card before realising.
Very good, thankyou Karen and Lisa, a very interesting interview. For security an independently remote operated alarm could be handy to deter unwanted visitors in the night, same for your van Karen. Even though up until now you have not had any problems of that nature, we tend to be a bit blase here in Gods own, but the reality is, it does happen, some quite tragically. Better to be sure than sorry, i say. Bob. Lower Hutt.
@@TravellingK Yes, perhaps a klaxon type, which could be activated with a small hand carried remote for convenience, something really loud. Alarms attract attention.
This was a great interview, you two could be Sisters. yes that was a small space but very doable for sure. and nicely set up. Thanks for sharing Lisa and thanks Karen for doing this wonderful interview. ... Vic
Glad you enjoyed it Vic! We always seem to have a good chat when we meet up
One of my former workmates now lives the van life in his 60s. He rented his house out and took to the road. He's a mechanic by trade and also has engineering and carpentry skills. He travels around NZ and has no problem picking up work here and there.
I love your story! Will totally check out your blog. My husband and I (just having hit 40) are figuring out how to live our lives differently too - married, raised the kid, have the intense career but we want to find what next. A van conversion is part of the plan for us!
I’m an Australian van lifer travelling in my camper van with my fur baby and I’m an author it’s awesome to be able to visit such exciting places while writing my book it’s definitely the best lifestyle
I stumbled across your channel and have been binge-watching the last couple of days. Really great information and insights! My sister has just started on her own home on wheels life, along with her cat, and she's loving it. She's still getting the hang of things but she's doing great. I've sent her a link to your channel, and after this interview I have just ordered Lisa's book to give to her. Keep safe and happy travels. I'm going to go and continue watching some more :)
Great interview.Two intelligent and interesting woman.Your book sounds like a good read.Cheers and all the best to you both.
Glad you enjoyed this Gloria!
You two are like the travelling twins!!..kindered spirits for sure. :D
We always seem to have a great chat when we meet 😀
I want to do the same thing I'm 43 living in Australia ♥️. I love your videos 🤟
Do Australia. Drive all over the country 😊
Fantastic Interview Karen!!......I think Lisa is an extremely accomplished and intellectual woman.. (looking forward to reading her book)..with similar ideals to myself but way more attractive😊🤤😍..Im sure our paths will cross eventually in our Vanlife adventures of NZ, cant wait to meet such an attractive soul and share the personal growth Vanlife promotes for us all 😁
Lisa is always so interesting to talk to. Sure you will cross paths one day.
Wonderful - you two are very inspiring and are quite the dynamic duo. I especially love Lisa's home made aquarium.
Yes, the aquarium is a great idea 😀
Thank you Karen and Lisa. A lovely chatty video.
Glad you enjoyed Jenny 😀
Great layout on this van, love the sand bottles
I agree that those kinds of campsites, in the video, are very commercialized. In Canada we tend to have campsites with a lot more space and trees between you and the next campsite. There are a few of those "field campgrounds". However, we tend to prefer the ones with a little more green privacy, since it is so readily available and nicer.
Wonderful interview! I feel so related to Lisa's story, I am also in my thirties and willing to live differently. I was actually planning to apply for a visa and move to NZ next year ! Now everything is cancelled due to pandemic..
That's great to hear Elisa! Oh I do hope you can still make it.
Just beautiful! You've inspired me greatly 🙏🌌❤.
May the all Father bless you always 🙏 ❤
Interesting interview. Charming women.
Glad you enjoyed William!
Great interview Karen and Lisa. Certainly is a different way of living but good fun too. The van layout was good too
Glad you enjoyed Helly! It's different but very fun.
K you had asked in an earlier video about opportunities to make money on the road. We have both learned from this interview about pet sitting, house sitting, orchard sitting and perhaps campground sitting.
There is a woman here in the states who has picked up part time jobs at various government facilities that accommodate her camper with full hookup and access to internet for little of her time.
That is true!
Wow Karen squared,,two delightful Kiwi girls with so much in common you're almost twins.All the laughing gave me a permanent grin,thanks ladies
Haha guess we do have some similarities 🤣
I've just bought a touring van and thinking of doing this myself. I'm sick of taking orders from others and working set times. The only thing that concerns me the most is if I'll have the funds to be able to break out for a life on the road, I guess time will tell.
Fantastic! What I found is it did take me a couple of years to get work sorted, but I was always able to find work.
Hi New Zealand !
I have lived in a caravan in NSW Australia.
GRAT ! HUGE moments during a cyclone ! I was at the end of a forest road. I had a panoramic view. I wa at the top of a mountain.
No power - no water. No internet. I had neighbourgs yes but ... it was ... wild !
I had a shower, once, under the shower at the neighbours, under the house - open space in the bush : A KANGAROU ! WOOOW !
I was divorcing. It healed me. 2015/16
Kisses fron New Calédonia
Very enjoyable interview! You guys raised alot of really great points throughout your conversation. Thanks for sharing!
Was that her in those kite surfing shots? That seems like a challenging sport. Doubt I'd try it, but fun to watch!
Thanks girls , its nice to see people enjoying van life in nz
Glad you enjoyed it Susan! Always nice hearing of others experience
Another great interview. It's nice to get other perspectives of lady van lifers. 👍👍
Yes, it’s interesting to hear how Lisa does this lifestyle differently
Awesome! We are doing something similar in the USA
That’s fantastic!
I am with her about the campgrounds. I come from the desert mountain southwest of the US. When you go camping, you climb 5 miles up a mountain or take an off road vehicle way back and then get next to the rivers. The first time I camped in a crowded campground, I went to Carlsbad Caverns and they charged the equivalent (I am old) of 50 quid for a 2 meter square in the grass of the median of the entrance highway. No facilities and every spot was taken. It was an eye opener! All these people piled together, firecrackers and drunks, people falling on my tent. There was no trip advisor at the time, I had paid in advance and was exhausted. And I could hear people outside my tent saying they were in a wonderful spot. My first exposure to halfway campers and just how oblivious some people can be to how they appear to the people around them. And you see more "piles" of campers on the east side of the US. I have always had rugged vehicles because one can freeze to death overnight if you slide off the road and can't get out. So I camp a lot less and take longer to get there when I go.. I am okay in the quiet, I don't go camping to party and don't have the need to be generating noise at all times. I am not a people hater, at all. But if I feel the need to get away, I don't want to be in the middle of a pile. That is anything BUT away.
Yeah, I’m a fan of privacy and quiet while camping. Some places just get too busy. Camping is supposed to be about nature!
I’m curious about how to manage your internet connection for work on the road. Do you go into town/cafes for it or do you carry an internet stick with you?
I use a company called Wireless Nation. You get a modem that plugs into power but you’re allowed to move locations with it. I’ve never run out of data.
Curious as to how she handles the sand bottles not falling off those shelves :) as to safety.. maybe a dog would be good?
Hi Sue, the sand bottles are secured with blue tack which has worked well so far :) I'd love to have a dog but unfortunately, there are a lot of places here in New Zealand where you're not allowed to take them so it would restrict me quite a bit :(
Yeah, it’s a shame NZ isn’t that dog friendly!
Great Interesting interview Karen , i could be her sercuity guard seeing you don't need me 🤣🤣🤠🇦🇺
🤣 Sure she appreciates the offer
You have found hapiness
You do such a great job interviewing. I enjoyed hearing about Lisa's van life experiences. Hope you both stay safe and well...oh and Hayden too. Gloria 🐂
Thank you Gloria. I enjoyed hearing about Lisa similar, but different setup 😀
I got weird looks for taking my kids to the shops as a solo parent...that one person situation was madness
Ah, that must have been a challenge for you 😞
Hi Karen. Well, that was very interesting. Lisa certainly seems to have found happiness with her alternative life choices. I was trying to place her accent. Can't tell if it's Germanic or Scandinavian (I'm probably way off there!)
Judging by her last name, perhaps Scandanavian, but she was born in Germany and considers herself a KIWI.
@@williambranham6249 Explore Lisa's Blog and/or book and all will be revealed!! Also her writing style and "genre" is fascinating, inspiring and most refreshing.
@@marklyons3003 Thank you ,I will.
Lisa told me where she’s from... and I’ve forgotten 🤦♀️ Yes, Lisa seems to be doing what makes her happy 😀
No rent payments is a great bonus.
Tour starts @ 8:50
You're welcome
Awesome interview. Thanks.
i am a software develoment junior mature age 39, when i travel to nz in next two or three years, i ´ll live in a rv for 5 years less or more, and go away again or maybe i´ll stay in nz for life but i will keep going traveling
Great Video both, keep up the great work
hi lisa, nice goin m8 :-p nice 1 k, keep up the good work, you an haydenstay safe an well eh!
Cool. She has such a beautiful attitude.
Yes, I agree 😄
Love this video!
I enjoyed this video Karen. I'm not to sure how strapping a bicycle to the front of a vehicle would go down in the UK.
Yeah I would have thought that surely that would be illegal. Normally you have to have it on the back. Maybe the police is New Zealand are less strict.
Seems ok in NZ 🤷♀️
Your lifestyle is all I dreaming on in my life 🙂 hopelly I can get ❤ from preaty women like you 😘 and bought me to vanlife world 🤠
Lovely! I'll be doing this too sometime soon woohoo!
Wow. How cool. I never thought you could fit so much into a van. Hence brought my monster. Leaving Hicks Bay Thursday and leaving "The Caravan Of Love" behind. Heading South Island to visit family and then returning back to live and work on the family homestead on the East cape. I see Lisa like you and I, enjoys life over paid slavery lol. Arohanui.
I do wonder if I’d enjoy a campervan. Enjoy your family visit and your plan sounds great
@@TravellingK come for a visit one day in 🤞 a year or 2. Maybe sooner. 😊
Two peas in a pod you girls life style. But you got him now 😁.
Good on her for what she has done. That's life for you.
Ha true Stephen!
Wow you are so inspiring
Excellent
We had exactly same problem with our van
Now looking for another one 😬😢
Oh no! That’s such a shame
@@TravellingK 😢
Well time for a bus
Tracey wishes more room
Y’all seem to get along. Enjoyed it.
We always seem to have a great chat when we meet up 😀
And how's things going? Still traveling?
Thanks for sharing I just SUBSCRIBED!!! LIKE 👍 THUMBS UP Love it
Your life story is so similar to mine living in a rv as a Retired veteran looking to be a TH-camr full time along with many other things too like you, such as being an inventor with a patent working to succeed at becoming self-employed!💘 😻 💜 💛 💚 🧡
I'm single 34yr old live in Oregon saving up for land never married never dated and no kids ✨ ♥ 💖 ❤ 😉 💕 ✨
Proper little Girly-Chat ..... very entertaining :-)
Lisa needs a bigger, better picture of herself on her website. The one she currently has does nothing to promote her as a person. It looks more like "Hi, I am just another blogger of which you have seen a million already." Also the padding between the articles and pictures is enormous and needs to be decreased. Think of your front page as prime real estate, where every pixel counts.
Always good to get feedback on websites
Just finished watching this video K. Is compulsory for NZ female van lifers to have long hair
🤣 I was told to cut mine off for this lifestyle... guess we both ignored that advice?!
I love what you're doing darling.
Karen, Hello, so Lisa drives a FORD TRANSIT, guess it’s a diesel, but I can see it’s a 6 speed manual shifter most AMERICAN s do not drive manuals, although it’s my choice Nicely fitted So I guess the propane tank is built in under the vehicle, We could send you some HEAT as we were having a heatwave 38^C, & higher,,The hurricane cooled it off, but starting again, but even overnights it’s still hot right now @ 02;08 (am) , it’s 25^C, Oh well stay well&safe. Cheers 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Transits normally have their LPG tank(s) in a cupboard, sealed from inside, with a door cut into the side of the van for access.
Beautiful 👍 great life.
I could really do something like this
Is New Zealand locked down like Australia?
how did you delete it ?
I’m honestly not sure! The photos transferred but not the footage 🤦♀️ It’s usually the other way round. Then I would have wiped the SD card before realising.
Ha, someone walks past, every van lifer looks out to see who it is!
Haha so true
Super
wouldn't like to get skewered by that bike rack, good interview though
Think if I’m about to be skewered I’d also worry about being run over?! Glad you enjoyed it 😀
She's your twin
You have no idea how many people in nz living in their cars, vans. Housing crisis 😢
Very good, thankyou Karen and Lisa, a very interesting interview. For security an independently remote operated alarm could be handy to deter unwanted visitors in the night, same for your van Karen. Even though up until now you have not had any problems of that nature, we tend to be a bit blase here in Gods own, but the reality is, it does happen, some quite tragically. Better to be sure than sorry, i say. Bob. Lower Hutt.
Are you thinking an alarm with noise? Hmmm something to consider
@@TravellingK Yes, perhaps a klaxon type, which could be activated with a small hand carried remote for convenience, something really loud. Alarms attract attention.