Hello dear reader, and welcome. My family's journey through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand has been quite the ride so far. With our house on wheels as our home, the Holy Spirit as our guide and the open road ahead of us, we’ve embraced the beauty of flexibility, the challenge of minimalism, and the joy of discovery. As we travel around this beautiful country with our large family of 6 kids, I want to share some insights and tips that have lit our path, hoping to inspire other families who yearn for adventure and get to know their Creator and His creation better in the process.
Embracing Flexibility: The Art of Unplanned Journeys
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned on our travels is the importance of not planning too far ahead. That’s not to say dont have a plan at all! That can be super stressful if you're like me and are happier knowing ‘what's next?’. However, and hear me out you ladies who are super duper organised and visionary , the ability to change direction at a moment's notice has opened doors to unexpected wonders and experiences that we would have missed had we stuck rigidly to a plan. This flexibility has not only allowed us to explore New Zealand at a slower and more meaningful pace, but has also served as a metaphor for our faith journey—remaining open to where the Lord leads us, even when it’s off the beaten path.
The Minimalist Approach: Traveling Light with Purpose
Living on the road with a large family has taught us the crucial lesson of minimalism and simplicity. Every item in our moving home must have a purpose and a place; if it doesn't, it’s time to reevaluate its necessity. And yes, if its purpose is simply to bring you great joy, then in my opinion it’s still a keeper ( as long as it has a place!). This discipline of questioning our material needs has simplified our lives, making room for experiences over possessions. It’s a challenging yet rewarding practice and we are still refining it in our home as I write this. We have found seasonal clearouts and inventories to be helpful - out with the summer gear and in comes the hats, boots, jackets, rugs, hot water bottles and more ;)
Discovering the Beauty of Slowness: Travel Less, Explore More
In the early days, we felt compelled to cover as much ground as possible as there is just so much to see and do! But we quickly realized that traveling too far or too fast was both exhausting and contrary to the essence of our adventure. We’ve since adopted a slower pace, choosing to spend at least two to three nights minimum, ideally more, in each location. We like the ‘Rule of 3s for travel’ - Travel no further than 300 km in one day, get to your park up spot by 3pm ( this one can be super tricky!) and stay a minimum of 3 days. This approach has allowed us to uncover some hidden gems of New Zealand—from historic sites and bushwalks to local museums and libraries—each offering its own unique adventure.
Venturing Beyond Comfort: The Call to Explore
Our journey has also been a lesson in pushing beyond comfort zones. Yes, there are days when the lure of the cell phone or the comfort of the couch is strong, especially when the task of wrangling six kids into the van seems daunting. But the effort to venture out is always rewarded with unforgettable memories and experiences. It's about making that conscious choice to explore, to learn, and to grow. For me, I have challenged myself to go swimming more. Old Maddy ( pre bus-life that is) would never swim, especially in the freezing lakes and rivers we have in New Zealand. No. Thank. You. I'm quite content to watch the children and James shiver their butts off and have a grand time regardless usually! I would have a multitude of excuses and reasons why I wasnt joining in. BUT, no more ( for the most part!). I saw a reel not far into our bus adventure that said, “ I would rather say, I can't believe I did that!!!! Then, I WISH I had done that!!!!”.
That made me stop and think. Reflect. And i'm happy to report that everytime I have held my breath and dunked my head under frigid or freezing waters, usually with a good ol screamy squeal, I have not regretted it. The joy in my kids eyes watching their mum be brave and do something uncomfortable is totally worth it, and the memories made are ones I will treasure forever. Not to mention the rush of adrenaline and dopamine afterwards :) So, get out there and get uncomfortable!
Guided by Faith: The Light on Our Path
Above all, our adventures across New Zealand are anchored in our faith in God. It is the light that guides our path, the strength behind our decisions, and the peace amidst the chaos of traveling with a large family. Our faith reminds us that every step of this journey, every challenge, and every joy is part of a greater plan, a divine adventure that we are blessed to embark upon.
Our journey is a testament to the beauty of Holy Spirit-guided exploration, the value of living simply, and the profound connections made along the way. To families dreaming of their own adventures, I say: embrace the flexibility, travel light, slow down, venture out, and let your faith illuminate your path. The road less traveled is not just a route—it’s a way of life, and it’s waiting for you.