Goose and Ellen: On the Classic Kiwi Road Trip

We put it to the vote, and it turns out that the thing you're all looking forward to the most this summer is a classic kiwi road trip! Our well travelled mates Goose and Ellen are currently planning out their next big roadie around the South Island in their self converted van, so we asked them if they could explain what it is that makes the call of classic kiwi road trip so deeply irresistible...

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For as long as we can remember, going on road trips with the family was every Kiwis rite of passage. The boot (and back seat) was jam packed, the tunes were on, and there was always a bag of lollies to keep the kids happy.

There’s something about the open road and the sense of not knowing what was at the end of it that draws Kiwis out into the wild religiously. What is it about cruising the highways and great backroads of Aotearoa that fills our cups to overflowing? It certainly isn’t one thing, but a combination of all that comes with it. The sharing of stories over a couple of beers in front of a crackling fire. The turn of a corner that greets you with an unexpected view. The follow your nose attitude that leads you to New Zealand’s hidden gems and friendly local faces. It’s the chase of uncertainty that makes us feel alive as humans, and road tripping for a few days can certainly make reality seem like a distant memory.

Being introduced to road tripping as children must have subconsciously implanted a need to roam. So much so that as soon as we’re old enough to fly the coop, our first instinct is to move as far away from the homeland nest as possible. We think that our thirst for adventure can only be quenched by far off lands and cultures the polar opposite to ours. While this does ring true, it’s not uncommon for returning Kiwis to come out with the old line “It takes going away to appreciate what you’ve left behind”.

With overseas travel becoming almost non-existent, the great New Zealand road trip has made a mighty comeback. The covers are coming off the caravans, motorhomes and campers, and those classic roadie songs are once again being belted out up and down the country. But even the most experienced traveller or most pedantic planner can get caught out by our little island nation’s unpredictable weather. That’s where preparation prevents poor performance!

Being prepared for any weather isn’t as difficult or as daunting as it sounds. We generally don’t need to worry about keeping cool (thankfully!) here in NZ, and keeping warm and dry is the main focus. Swanndri has been helping Kiwis do just that for over 100 years. It’s the true go to gear designed in New Zealand, specifically for New Zealand climates. It handles the wild winds and unrelenting rain. It handles the unexpected, be it a spot of bad weather or a last minute dinner out with mates. It’s there, ready and waiting for you. Just like the roads of New Zealand.

So put the word out to the team. Pack those car boots and throw the trusty Swanni in as well. There’s never been a better time to go back and check out those old favourite spots with fresh eyes, or to find the new fave you never knew existed. And don’t worry, when it’s looking like the grey clouds are rolling your way (and they will, it’s inevitable!), your Swanndri has got your back!

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Keep an eye on Goose and Ellen's upcoming adventures over on their Instagram account, or see the latest progress on their van build over on their YouTube channel.