New Zealand might possibly be one the most backpacker friendly countries in the world. Ireland and Scotland were brilliant places to work and live, yet as a nomadic backpacker, they were difficult places to take up short-term residence.
In New Zealand, everything from applying for a visa, to clearing customs, to opening a bank account, to even obtaining the government issued tax ID number has been an absolute breeze. Surely buying a vehicle would be a challenging and time-consuming process? Not in New Zealand.
Prior to my arrival in Auckland, I hadn’t established much a plan. Do a bit of traveling, see some of the country, and then look for a job. I assumed Nicole and I would get around the country on planes, trains, and buses – that is, until I met Max. He rolled into my life and I couldn’t let him roll away.
Nicole and I were getting ready to leave our Auckland hostel to check out some sights, when I came across a listing on a NZ backpacking website listing a campervan for sale. It was short on specifics, but sounded like a lovely van and a great way to see the country. Nicole called and found out the make, year, and price. The guy selling the van asked where we were calling from, and as Nicole told him our hostel’s address, the phone cut off.
No worries. It sounded like a great van but seemed to be a bit out of our budget. As we were getting ready to leave the hostel – not five minutes later – a white van pulled into the parking lot. We went outside to meet who we learned was Max. That was it. We wouldn’t let this van get away.
On the outside, Max apppears to be nothing special. He is 1986 Toyota Hiace and very closely resembles a workers van. Inside, he is a backpackers dream. Equipped with a queen size bed, heaps of storage, a gas cooker, curtains, an upholstered ceiling, a table, and room to stretch out – you couldn’t possibly ask for more.
After doing some research, checking out a couple of van lots around Auckland, and crunching some numbers, we decided to go for it. We would save money on accommodation, have our own transport around New Zealand, and be able to see every corner of the country we desired.
After arranging payment to Max’s previous owners, all it took was a quick trip to the Post Shop to file for a change of ownership, re-register Max for a couple months, and take out an insurance policy. We pointed Max south out of Auckland, and away we went.
Backpacking Matt 
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!! I’m already excited for your pictures, stories and tips. Starting. to. need. to. leave. Spain. Yes, I said it. Enough scrambled brains and whiskey-soaked liver for me.
Hey Matt & Nicole,
So glad you made it to New Zealand safe and sound! Love the van! Love the pictures and can’t wait to hear more of your travels. It was awesome seeing you both at Caitlin’s wedding. Will follow your adventures..Love, Liz
So glad to hear how easy things have been going for you, Matt. I don’t know if you are a faith person, but I do know that when people pray for others that quite often God will allow things to run smoothly. So I will keep you in my prayers often while you are in New Zealand.
Sure do like Max!
Take good care,
Jodi
Looks like a sweet set-up to do some traveling. Are you guys 100% living out of Max?
It looks like you need to update your entries 🙂 I got yours and nicoles text message last night…all is well the fish is the fish…I didn’t get the job at my internship (bummer) but have an interview at least with another cool org that I know people at 🙂 Wish me luck..All the best..
Will :~)
Hi Everyone, thanks for the comments and support. Sorry the posts have been slow to come – I’ll do my best to pick up the pace in the coming weeks and months. I’m loving New Zealand. It’s (as you can probably imagine) a beautiful place filled with the friendliest of people. All the best!
Matthew, Nicole, and Max
So how much did ya end up paying for the van? What was the insurance cost? Just wondering as I thought about buying a van in Oz and taking it to New Zealand as well afterwards to sell. Wondering what the over-all costs would be.
Hi Matt,
Heading out to NZ in a week. Decided I’d had a good run at my life here in blighty, thought I’d go travelling again – some place I’d never been. A week later I had a years working visa for New Zealand and now it’s a week to go. Can’t wait to get there and see what I can make happen.
Nice to read about someone who sounds like they’re doing something similar! Can’t wait to see what this journey brings into my life… Two roads diverged in a wood…. which did you choose? Which will I?
@Guy – Glad you’ve found my blog. All the best to you when you arrive. If you make it my way, give me a shout. Happy and safe travels!