Member stories
Young family 10k bookings: Elle & Tiki success story
)
After years overseas Elle and Tiki have returned home to New Zealand and have made over 10k in bookings on Camplify this year. We caught up with Elle and Tiki to learn more about their passion for 'van life', their favourite hidden gems in New Zealand, and to hear their experiences with hiring out their family vans ‘Journey Unknown Caravan and Camper Hire’ on Camplify.
Why did you decide to join Camplify?
We originally joined Camplify when we were living in Perth, Western Australia. We listed our offroad camper to make some extra money while we weren't using it. Two vans and two countries later, we are still loving the adventures.
How do you plan to invest the money you earn via Camplify?
We used the money we made to buy a second Bunk Caravan the family could enjoy. We now operate two vehicles on the platform, and these days the additional income funds our camping adventures.
What do you enjoy most about sharing your van?
We operate family campers, and we love hearing stories like: "That was the best trip we have had as a family". We love that sometimes it's so unexpected or one of the family is pushing the rest to go, but on their return they all rate it as a top family trip.
We have had multiple guests purchase a camper afterwards. We now live and breathe adventures. If we are not planning a trip, someone else has an exciting trip planned in the van. We are always adding spots to our bucket list. It's nice being around people who want to try something new and explore the same places.
Where does your passion for camping holidays come from?
We started camping when we were backpacking around Europe. It was a cheap way to explore with no worries. Those days we had a tent, backpack and no time frame of where we needed to be next. It sounds cheesy, but the freedom of road trips and the people you meet along the way are what kept us exploring! Some of our best trips have been the least expensive.
Who do you usually travel with?
Tiki and I began just travelling on our own in our young twenties, we met friends throughout Asia and Europe and continued through to Australia. These days we have two young kids that jump in for the ride. It's a great thing to watch the world from a little person's perspective.
Tell us some of your favourite spots in New Zealand..
We have so many favourite spots; we recently returned home after spending years overseas, so all of New Zealand is back on the bucket list. I still wonder why it takes kiwis so long to see our own backyard. We recently took the kids on a six week South Island trip, and the West Coast is full of hidden gems!
Elle and Tiki’s top four list:
French Pass: One of the most scenic drives in the country!
Pelorus Bridge: River Views and Swimming Holes, what more do you need in summer?
Smiths Farm Holiday Park: A must do, The kids favourite in Marlborough. This farm has fantastic sites in the valley, approx 30 Minutes West of Picton. They have a glow worm trail in the foot of the hills for kids, wood-fired pizzas, fresh baking, lots of animals to feed and great hosts. Well worth a stop for a few nights if heading down south.
Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks): Plenty to do for a few days. The Cavern was a favourite with the kids for after-dinner adventure to see glow worms, beach Sites and heaps of Room. Truman Track is a great little afternoon walk as well. I could go on all day with the West Coast! There's so much more.
Next on our Bucket List down south is Karamea, we missed it and it's a regret after hearing all the great feedback of Oparara Arches. We also really want to do the East Cape in summer!
Tell us more about your van?
Both campers are so different, and we love that. Our offroad camper is set up for "off the beaten track", take him anywhere, outdoor kitchen, boat rack for the kayaks. He's our 3rd child (ha-ha)! We would take him everywhere if it were summer all year round. Our Van is a favourite with families with small kids; Stan is a 17 footer so small enough to tow comfortably, but packs all the comforts for winter, shower, inside toilet, heater, TV. We love both, don't make us pick!
You can book one of Elle and Tiki’s van for your next adventure here.