Roxane & Cyril: a van roadtrip in New Zealand and Australia — feeling alone in the world

Intention: interview / traveller portrait.

In January–February 2015, after three months in South America and a stop in French Polynesia, Roxane and Cyril spent about six weeks in Oceania: one month on the road in New Zealand, then around three weeks in Australia. They chose a van roadtrip to stay independent—nomadic, self-contained, and free to chase landscapes at their own rhythm. Their question was simple: are these “mythical” roadtrips across the big southern islands worth the hype? Here’s Roxane’s field-tested answer, without the glossy layer.

“One month in New Zealand, then a loop on Australia’s East Coast”

Roxane: “We did both islands in New Zealand—roughly two weeks on the North Island and two weeks on the South Island—then headed to Australia. In Australia we landed and flew out of Sydney, so the route was basically fixed: drive north up the coast to the Whitsundays, then come back.”

Planet Ride context: That kind of Australia plan is a classic: a long out-and-back with a lot of highway mileage. In practice, you’ll enjoy it more if you keep your driving days realistic—think 3 to 5 hours of real driving when you want time for swims, short walks, and stops.

“The van: choosing your house on wheels”

Roxane: “In New Zealand we rented a very basic van online: a small stove, an electric cooler, indoor/outdoor table and chairs, and a bench that turns into a bed. It was simple, but it worked.”

Roxane: “For Australia we rented another van, bigger and better equipped—fridge and microwave—so it was also more expensive.”

Micro-detail that matters: A “basic” setup changes your daily rhythm: you’ll shop more often, manage ice/cooling, and your stop choices will depend on where you can legally park overnight and access toilets/showers. A better-equipped van can reduce friction, but the rental bill climbs fast—especially when availability tightens.

“On a long trip, you don’t plan everything in detail”

Roxane: “The goal was to see the landscapes and feel the wild side of both countries. We didn’t plan much for two reasons. First, when we decided to do our round-the-world trip (Feb 2014), it was too early to book a van or lock anything in. On a long trip you don’t know how things will evolve.”

Roxane: “Second, when you’re travelling long-term, you’re often just figuring out tomorrow. We did a lot last minute—and it backfired in Australia: we booked late and the van was too expensive for our budget.”

Roxane: “I mostly read forum reviews and feedback about which rental agencies to avoid. In the end, we chose on price… not the smartest decision.”

Planet Ride pro tip (fatigue & risk): If your route is flexible, protect your “anchor nights” instead of trying to plan every kilometre: one fixed booking every 4–5 nights (a campsite or a legal holiday park) gives you recovery, laundry, device charging, and a buffer if weather turns—without killing spontaneity.

“Renting from far away: you lack visibility on the vans”

Roxane: “What I missed in prep was clear information and visibility. There are so many rental companies that it’s hard to know what you’re really getting. I was afraid of getting a van in terrible condition—and I was in France, so it’s hard to judge from that far.”

Micro-detail that matters: When you pick up the vehicle, take 15 minutes to check the essentials that shape daily comfort and safety: tyres, spare wheel/jack, wipers, lights, water container, gas stove function, and what’s included (bedding, kitchen kit). A quick walkaround video can save you from deposit disputes later.

“New Zealand for the landscapes, Australia to understand the French obsession”

Roxane: “We chose New Zealand for the scenery. Australia was also because my best friend lives there—so it was the perfect excuse to discover part of the country, and honestly to see why it attracts so many French people.”

Micro-detail that matters: New Zealand’s two-island split is real: crossings and weather windows shape the pace. Australia’s East Coast, on the other hand, can feel like a long ribbon—great beaches, big distances, and days where you’re mostly driving unless you deliberately slow down.

“Our best memory: a ‘little France’ at the end of the road”

Roxane: “One day we were ahead of schedule, so we got lost on a peninsula on the South Island. It was incredible. We stumbled onto a ‘little piece of France’: French street names, a pastry shop, restaurants… After more than five months away, it felt so good.”

Roxane: “And above all, we ended up in places that were simply stunning—almost alone in the world.”

Micro-detail that matters: Those “alone in the world” moments usually happen when you accept detours and dead ends—short peninsulas, secondary roads, late-afternoon arrivals—rather than chaining the famous highlights only.

“Free camping: the good… and the sandflies”

Roxane: “Our worst memory: because the van rental was expensive, we tried to do as much free camping as possible. Once we ended up in a place that felt like a field with stinky toilets—and an invasion of sandflies.”

Micro-detail that matters: In coastal, damp, windless areas, insects can make a ‘cheap night’ feel long. A simple routine helps: arrive before dusk, keep doors closed with lights off, and choose breezier spots when possible.

“We all have this ideal of doing Oceania by van… but reality is stricter”

Roxane: “We chose the van to be autonomous, free to stop anywhere. But it doesn’t really work like that. Wild camping is forbidden and you risk a big fine. We quickly came back down to earth—both in Australia and New Zealand.”

Roxane: “Thinking back, renting a car and sleeping in a tent might be a better idea. But we all have this ideal of doing these countries in a van and sleeping in it. It’s amazing, honestly.”

“Next dream: the USA in a red Volkswagen”

Roxane: “My perfect roadtrip? A red Volkswagen combi, stopping wherever you want, being alone in the world. I think the next one will be in US national parks—wide open spaces are perfect for it.”

Roxane: “For now, we’re in Vietnam, then China, Mongolia and Japan… another episode to come—by 4x4 and on horseback in Mongolia.”

Travel inspiration: campervan roadtrips

Want to go on a campervan trip or rent a campervan / motorhome in Australia? Planet Ride shares inspiration on its “Voyage Camping-car” page.

Inspiration: Campervan trip in New Zealand

Mini-FAQ (van roadtrip NZ & Australia)

How long do you need for both islands in New Zealand?

Roxane and Cyril split it into two weeks North Island + two weeks South Island. It’s a workable baseline if you accept trade-offs and avoid overpacking days with long drives.

Is wild camping allowed?

They experienced strict limits: illegal wild camping can lead to fines. Plan on legal camping options and check local rules for each region before you park for the night.

Should you book the van in advance?

Their main budget pain came from booking late in Australia. If your dates are fixed (flights in/out of Sydney, for example), securing the vehicle earlier usually protects both price and choice.

À savoir aujourd’hui

This story is anchored in a 2015 trip: the core lessons still hold—pace, distance, and overnight rules shape the experience more than the “van dream.” Before you leave, verify current camping regulations, rental conditions, and seasonal demand for the regions you plan to cross.