We might be seasoned motorhomers but it appears that we’ve got a lot to learn about vanlife.

The van, which we’ve newly christened Bernhardt, is going to take some getting used to. 

The kitchen is small. We tried a two pot dinner but to be honest a one potter would be easier. The sink is not meant for more than washing up a couple of mugs. This, it turns out, is convenient as the water only heats to luke warm. We’re not brave enough to consider the shower yet. 

Making up a bed each night is somewhat of a pain, not least because only one person can do anything at any one time. The other person has to sit like a lemon, watching on. 

We learned on the first night that it’s best if ‘The Watcher’ doesn’t offer constructive criticism. 

We’ll adapt and get used to it all of course.

The compromise in space is made up for with ease of driving and knowing we can get anywhere with Bernhardt. 

I think we’ll bond on our travels and he’ll be an epic road-trip companion. 

Mount Sunday

Today we begin a New Zealand quest to see some of the Lord of the Rings filming locations. Close by is Mount Sunday which was Edoras in the second movie.

As we head inland the landscape is dramatic. We’re not far from Mount Cook National Park and it is breathtakingly beautiful.   

As the traffic thins, the roads narrow and then disappear completely. The last 23kms is on a washboard, gravel track.

This doesn’t seem to phase the locals who hoon past in pick up trucks but it’s pretty bouncy and crashy for Bernhardt so takes us an hour. 

The trail finishes at Mount Sunday.

There’s a hike to the summit that takes 90 minutes or so. It’s a stunning location. 

Mount Potts camping

Thankfully our campsite for the night is only 4km back up the road at Mount Potts Lodge.

It’s a beautiful little spot and we’re warmly greeted. We park up in the paddock by ourselves for the night with views across the valley watching the sun go down with a well earned glass of wine.

The weather has been amazing and our host tells us this is the best day they’ve had this year. Apparently there’ll be more snow in the next few days for the higher mountains that surround the lodge.

A beautiful place and incredibly isolated out here. 

With rain forecast, our next destination is south and along the coast to Oamaru and Dunedin. 

Thanks for reading,

Sally and Toby