New Zealand folk will get ya with the down to earth charm and matter of fact attitude. What a lovely family and video. First time watching I subscribed
oh thank you, we try to show it how it is, It's not all a glamourous life, but we generally are having a great time living this life style, I'm sure you'll enjoy our adventures if you love the great outdoors.
I so wish there were more freedom camping spots instead of the permanent sites around Benmore dam and Aviemore dam. I get it that people buying a camping site for the summer months and basically store their caravans there for Christmas holidays, but it is like a caravan ghost town outside of the peak season.
Parenting three kids cooped up in a van for three days, candidates for sainthood. Thank you for not sugarcoating van life. You show the beauty of NZ, but also the beauty of family. Good music is also a characteristic of your videos.
Thanks mate, it's actually been weeks of rain, wind and bad weather, welcome to spring in New Zealand. Most of the time when the weather isn't in our favour I just don't bring the camera out, but it was time to show it... We had a fantastic clear skied, crisp winter, but spring has been wet and windy.
Another great adventure guys, and I guess that's the reality of being on the road full time, the weather is what it is. And no matter if you were in North or South Islands during spring, we have had some good days and a lot of grey windy days. Its good seeing you all make the most of whatever is thrown at you.
yea man, North South get it the same aye, I reckon spring almost feels colder than winter, with the spring wind, bring the wind chill / feel temp down lower. Getting some lovely days now though.
Great Video, Nice to see the Benmore Dam, I remember seeing Benmore when it was being built! The "pay" scrapers carting the rock up to the dam site was impressive, thanks for sharing
Good video again team ! ' I stopped at the impressive Benmore dam a few years ago ' my dad had worked there back when it was being built when he was a young fella
Thanks guys, you always put a big smile on my face with your videos. Jade has the most expressive eyes, right? Just had 3 months in Britain visiting family, a week in Japan, and now a couple of weeks in Aussie enjoying the warm weather. But seeing those views of Benmore I'm pining for those beautiful Kiwi hills and can't wait to get back to Welly and get my wee campervan ready for our next adventure in Taranaki. Nearly 10,000 subscribers; great work you guys! Keep up the good work.
The dreary days just make the good days seem golden. The Waitaki area around Benmore looks great. You're getting a few runs in lately Mike, getting really fit again 👏
been so many crappy days bro, way more than nice thats for sure, hopefully we'll see an improvement as we approach summer. Been doing a lot more running lately, def dropped a few kg's but need to keep it going. Soph's away at the moment, so thats making it hard.
Gee Mike. The title of this episode, had me worried for a while. Thought it was over. Hey me and a mate in 1968 did a trip to Benmore, and because he worked for the old NZED, we had access into the Valve House, not open to the public, at the time. The highlight was a trip to the Aviemore Dam, still under construction. And standing inside one of the penstocks. Yeah they guaranteed us, nobody was about to release any water, anytime soon. Awesome episode, awesome visuals. Thank you Leopards.
thanks mate. Over it in reference to the weather. It feels like every video in the last 2 months has been in the bad weather, and generally when it's wet and raining, I just don't record anything, because there isn't much to show. The rain and wind has been our constant this spring. The dams are pretty amazing aye, a stack of history and good places to explore.
Another great episode Mike, beautiful country around the Waitaki lakes district, felt the emotion❤ seeing jade beig greeted by the family upon arriving home must say the kids sure keep you in check Lol see you all in the next round 😅😅
Was so nice to have her back, you don't see her much in the videos, because she doesn't like being in front of the camera, but she is such a cool kid, If you even meet us in real life, you'll see how much of a lovely kid she is.
welcome back Jade!!!!! brutal weather eh bruv! dude the music you use is always so good! perfect every time to keep the vibes chill and happy!!!! tobes telling you to " do your chores!" made me lol, sheesh that dam is epic, kinda sketchy being right under all that water! drone clips were mint!!!! nature in NZ is so awesome and raw! Tobes EPIC reading and commentary!!!!! 10k subs b4 2025!!!!!!! thanks Leopards!!!!! talk to yah soon!!!!
@@CHillAdventures thanks bro, weather's been hard it's like winter really arrives in spring. Finally getting some warmer days now. Sleeping below the Dam does feel sketchy aye, especially for a country so known for massive Earth quakes. 10k subs, craziness
@leopardsgowild ya dude I bet that is kinda nuts w the 10k.. but.. u put in a lot of work and it's all good content. 3k views in under a day...... that's nuts
Oh nice, Loch Laird is pretty stunning on a nice day, we saw a great jumping rock into the river, but despite the sun, it was still pretty cold outside.
Oh nice, you'll be having a blast in one of those. I'm so far behind with video content to edit, Im not going to have time to make a checklist video, also each van is quite different with what needs sorting. Are you going full time in the JB scorpion?
Yeah, living in a confined space does that to ya, A bit like cabin fever stuck with in the four walls and nowhere to go especially takes it toll especially with 5 of you's together. finger's 🤞 summer ⛱️ is just around the corner.
yea, the weather really dictates what you can do, it's frustarating to be in an area where there are things you'd like to do, but the weather changes or isn't forecasted right, and you end up trapped inside, we had about 6 weeks of bad weather with maybe 1 nice day followed up with multiple harsh days, but thats spring, and it's our least favourite season, yay that summer is soon.
Spectacular filming there again team. Surely the camping spots around the dam could be better managed, instead of locking people out in the "off" season. Thanks guys 😊
I think they could be aye, We had a look through a few reviews on some apps, and they all seem to say the same thing you. Lovely area, but must be madness over Christmas new years.
Hey there, we have had a great run with our caravan, very happy with it. Personally I'd like something a bit lighter, it's a heavy caravan, and I guess we're operating at our max with vehicle etc.
I know your over it fair enough. But I'm sure you know that it won't take long back in the normal rat race before you realise how awesome the life is. I would love to be in your guys position. Easy to say for me and I understand the challenges of that style of living but man I also bet you understand how blessed you guys are also. Sometimes it's just time for a change I guess. Also it's not my type of music but the music you use on your channel is pretty cool and very relevant👍. Keep it up whanaū 🙏🏼🔥
Just over the weather mate, been about 6 weeks of it at the point of this video, def had some nicer days since. This life style is amazing, but I think it's important to show it's realities sometimes, plenty of people over glamourous it and we've meet others who just really struggle. We def feel very blessed to do what we do, we wouldn't trade it thats for sure.
@@leopardsgowild Absolutely agree. It made sense when you said it felt like you had been spending all your time in the caravan. That's something you have to actually experience to know how it effects you. North Island isn't as scenic but in the winter probably better option bases solely on the weather maybe. Excellent content though your naturally talented for it. Your children are awesomely balanced and will be much better for the experiences. Much better than kids nowadays who believe the fantasy they live in within computer games/social media is real life and are actually depressed and feel burdened when they have to do normal kid things. Seeing your children appreciate the snow etc takes me back to my childhood😅. Good stuff mate wish you all the best🙏🏼....go Toby!!!😉
New Zealand folk will get ya with the down to earth charm and matter of fact attitude. What a lovely family and video. First time watching I subscribed
oh thank you, we try to show it how it is, It's not all a glamourous life, but we generally are having a great time living this life style, I'm sure you'll enjoy our adventures if you love the great outdoors.
I so wish there were more freedom camping spots instead of the permanent sites around Benmore dam and Aviemore dam. I get it that people buying a camping site for the summer months and basically store their caravans there for Christmas holidays, but it is like a caravan ghost town outside of the peak season.
yea completely agree, I think it must be one of those old school situations which could be reviewed aye. seems a waste having these spaces locked out
Parenting three kids cooped up in a van for three days, candidates for sainthood. Thank you for not sugarcoating van life. You show the beauty of NZ, but also the beauty of family. Good music is also a characteristic of your videos.
Thanks mate, it's actually been weeks of rain, wind and bad weather, welcome to spring in New Zealand. Most of the time when the weather isn't in our favour I just don't bring the camera out, but it was time to show it... We had a fantastic clear skied, crisp winter, but spring has been wet and windy.
Another great adventure guys, and I guess that's the reality of being on the road full time, the weather is what it is. And no matter if you were in North or South Islands during spring, we have had some good days and a lot of grey windy days. Its good seeing you all make the most of whatever is thrown at you.
yea man, North South get it the same aye, I reckon spring almost feels colder than winter, with the spring wind, bring the wind chill / feel temp down lower. Getting some lovely days now though.
Great Video, Nice to see the Benmore Dam, I remember seeing Benmore when it was being built! The "pay" scrapers carting the rock up to the dam site was impressive, thanks for sharing
oh wow, changing the landscape forever aye, that Dam is holding back a lot of water, incredible dam. Nice to have lots of recreational space.
Good video again team ! ' I stopped at the impressive Benmore dam a few years ago ' my dad had worked there back when it was being built when he was a young fella
Oh wow, thats some cool history, amazing what they were able to achieve with way more basic machinery back in the day, thats a big river.
Thanks guys, you always put a big smile on my face with your videos. Jade has the most expressive eyes, right? Just had 3 months in Britain visiting family, a week in Japan, and now a couple of weeks in Aussie enjoying the warm weather. But seeing those views of Benmore I'm pining for those beautiful Kiwi hills and can't wait to get back to Welly and get my wee campervan ready for our next adventure in Taranaki. Nearly 10,000 subscribers; great work you guys! Keep up the good work.
Sounds like you have had an amazing trip, welcome back home. Yes 10k subs are coming up quick aye.
The dreary days just make the good days seem golden. The Waitaki area around Benmore looks great. You're getting a few runs in lately Mike, getting really fit again 👏
been so many crappy days bro, way more than nice thats for sure, hopefully we'll see an improvement as we approach summer.
Been doing a lot more running lately, def dropped a few kg's but need to keep it going. Soph's away at the moment, so thats making it hard.
Gee Mike. The title of this episode, had me worried for a while. Thought it was over. Hey me and a mate in 1968 did a trip to Benmore, and because he worked for the old NZED, we had access into the Valve House, not open to the public, at the time. The highlight was a trip to the Aviemore Dam, still under construction. And standing inside one of the penstocks. Yeah they guaranteed us, nobody was about to release any water, anytime soon. Awesome episode, awesome visuals. Thank you Leopards.
thanks mate. Over it in reference to the weather. It feels like every video in the last 2 months has been in the bad weather, and generally when it's wet and raining, I just don't record anything, because there isn't much to show. The rain and wind has been our constant this spring. The dams are pretty amazing aye, a stack of history and good places to explore.
I reckon spring snow always feels colder as it's typically wet and brought on by real strong southerly blasts
its just the wind, the moving air makes it feel bone chilling cold, we found the winter conditions were much more crispy, rather than damp.
I was glad I did the detour to the Benmore Dam when I was down there it was amazing.
cool spot aye mate, did you do any of the walks?
@leopardsgowild Na didn't stay there I was on a mission to get to Oamaru to Steampunk HQ after seeing 1 of your youtube videos 😂
Another great episode Mike, beautiful country around the Waitaki lakes district, felt the emotion❤ seeing jade beig greeted by the family upon arriving home must say the kids sure keep you in check Lol see you all in the next round 😅😅
Was so nice to have her back, you don't see her much in the videos, because she doesn't like being in front of the camera, but she is such a cool kid, If you even meet us in real life, you'll see how much of a lovely kid she is.
welcome back Jade!!!!! brutal weather eh bruv! dude the music you use is always so good! perfect every time to keep the vibes chill and happy!!!! tobes telling you to " do your chores!" made me lol, sheesh that dam is epic, kinda sketchy being right under all that water! drone clips were mint!!!! nature in NZ is so awesome and raw! Tobes EPIC reading and commentary!!!!! 10k subs b4 2025!!!!!!! thanks Leopards!!!!! talk to yah soon!!!!
@@CHillAdventures thanks bro, weather's been hard it's like winter really arrives in spring. Finally getting some warmer days now. Sleeping below the Dam does feel sketchy aye, especially for a country so known for massive Earth quakes. 10k subs, craziness
@leopardsgowild ya dude I bet that is kinda nuts w the 10k.. but.. u put in a lot of work and it's all good content. 3k views in under a day...... that's nuts
Yeah, we stayed at both of those spots on our way back up to catch the ferry beautiful country.
Oh nice, Loch Laird is pretty stunning on a nice day, we saw a great jumping rock into the river, but despite the sun, it was still pretty cold outside.
Nice one!
Thank you! Cheers!
Hi guys.
We have just bought a 23’6 JB scorpion sting and was hoping you could do a video on the things you need to do and check before setting off .
Oh nice, you'll be having a blast in one of those. I'm so far behind with video content to edit, Im not going to have time to make a checklist video, also each van is quite different with what needs sorting. Are you going full time in the JB scorpion?
We are heading south for the summer so a few months yes.
Yeah, living in a confined space does that to ya, A bit like cabin fever stuck with in the four walls and nowhere to go especially takes it toll especially with 5 of you's together. finger's 🤞 summer ⛱️ is just around the corner.
yea, the weather really dictates what you can do, it's frustarating to be in an area where there are things you'd like to do, but the weather changes or isn't forecasted right, and you end up trapped inside, we had about 6 weeks of bad weather with maybe 1 nice day followed up with multiple harsh days, but thats spring, and it's our least favourite season, yay that summer is soon.
Spectacular filming there again team. Surely the camping spots around the dam could be better managed, instead of locking people out in the "off" season.
Thanks guys 😊
I think they could be aye, We had a look through a few reviews on some apps, and they all seem to say the same thing you. Lovely area, but must be madness over Christmas new years.
Wow! Benmore Dam! So beautiful! Is there a dump station and fresh water tap there?
@@crochetingaroundnewzealand down the Rd there is at the one of the other sites
@leopardsgowild thanks.
hey i watch the episode when u guyz packed up your house for your new adventures last nite kidz were so small 😆👌
Kids have grown up a lot aye, shows how quickly the time goes, our oldest is 13 in 3 months, crazy.
@leopardsgowild yep hard out they grow up sooo fast
Hey - how is the nextgen going a few years on? Do you still recommend with offroad caravans agent? Are you happy with the 23” size? Cheers
Hey there, we have had a great run with our caravan, very happy with it. Personally I'd like something a bit lighter, it's a heavy caravan, and I guess we're operating at our max with vehicle etc.
So what ?
@@spider-man910So what??? see ya next time 😁
I know your over it fair enough. But I'm sure you know that it won't take long back in the normal rat race before you realise how awesome the life is. I would love to be in your guys position. Easy to say for me and I understand the challenges of that style of living but man I also bet you understand how blessed you guys are also. Sometimes it's just time for a change I guess. Also it's not my type of music but the music you use on your channel is pretty cool and very relevant👍. Keep it up whanaū 🙏🏼🔥
Just over the weather mate, been about 6 weeks of it at the point of this video, def had some nicer days since. This life style is amazing, but I think it's important to show it's realities sometimes, plenty of people over glamourous it and we've meet others who just really struggle. We def feel very blessed to do what we do, we wouldn't trade it thats for sure.
@@leopardsgowild Absolutely agree. It made sense when you said it felt like you had been spending all your time in the caravan. That's something you have to actually experience to know how it effects you. North Island isn't as scenic but in the winter probably better option bases solely on the weather maybe. Excellent content though your naturally talented for it. Your children are awesomely balanced and will be much better for the experiences. Much better than kids nowadays who believe the fantasy they live in within computer games/social media is real life and are actually depressed and feel burdened when they have to do normal kid things. Seeing your children appreciate the snow etc takes me back to my childhood😅. Good stuff mate wish you all the best🙏🏼....go Toby!!!😉
Over it??
@@toddfather7541 over the rain, wind and general bad weather, winter arrived in Spring 🌱