road trip
[rohd trip] / ˈroʊd ˌtrɪp /
Or road-trip, roadtrip, or roadie
NOUN
A road trip is a long-distance journey taken primarily by car or motorcycle, typically for pleasure, adventure, or recreation. While definitions vary, it is generally distinguished from simple commuting or point-to-point travel by the inclusion of stops, sightseeing, and an emphasis on the journey itself rather than just the destination.
The humble road trip … one of the best ways to explore and experience a region. Whether it’s the country you live in or one you’re visiting, a roadie gives you insight into an area that’s hard to get using other forms of travel.
Flying somewhere? That’s all about the
destination – which is fine if you have limited time, or there are no roads … it is, for example, a little difficult to drive to Fiji.
But a road trip is something completely different – it’s as much about the journey as it is the destination.
Growing up surfing, we were always chasing waves around the country. So I spent many hours in my car with mates, following weather maps and rumours, hoping to score uncrowded, perfect surf. In fact, my honeymoon was a road trip. My new wife and I consummated our marriage by travelling around Northland in my Toyota Corona station wagon! Sleeping in the back of the ’Rona wasn’t quite the luxury she’d hoped for, but it certainly gave us some great memories!
Give me a choice to fly to Queenstown or drive? Nine times out of ten, I’d prefer to drive. There’s something about being on the road – the changing scenery, the music, the car games, the pit stops, the snacks – that I love! So much so, that when my kids were younger, we pulled them out of school and spent six months travelling the South Island in a caravan – the ultimate roadie!
So why road trip? Why should you, with the ridiculous price of gas, load your vehicle of choice with kids and supplies, and hit the road for an adventure? Well, there are a few reasons I can think of …
To create memories. This is self-explanatory, but I have so many fond memories, photos, and stories from my years of road trippin’ that my brain is overflowing! It’s the same with my kids. These shared memories, which we talk about often, are a real source of bonding. Which brings me to my next point …
To build strong relationships. We have a tight family – all six of us. Even though my kids are adults, we still love hanging out, and we still love doing roadies together. Those shared experiences, along with all the challenges that travelling long distances together can bring, have helped create a tight bond that is, frankly, awesome.
To develop resilience. I alluded to it above, but road trips are fraught with danger! (Yeah, nah!) But challenges do pop up that need overcoming: car or caravan breakdowns, living in close proximity, getting lost, fights and arguments, etc. My kids have learnt how to be great travellers, to not get stressed, and to solve problems. My wife and I have learnt how to be better spouses and parents – so it’s a win-win all round!
To visit new places. New Zealand is an incredible country, and we’ve seen a good chunk of it! Its natural beauty really does rival that of other countries, and with its stunning scenery, cool towns, and fun activities, it’s a road tripper’s paradise! We’ve also done roadies in other countries, which is a great way to get a feel for a place. The comparatively slow pace of a car or motorbike, compared with flying, gives you wonderful insights into the people, culture, and food … far more than just sticking to the tourist traps!
For the unexpected discoveries. The long, twisty road option I mentioned at the beginning? That was in Utah, America. And the route I took led us to Zion National Park, which (I won’t bore you with the details) totally changed the following few days of our trip. It was an epic discovery and caused a series of events – including a visit to the Bryce and Grand Canyon National Parks – that would become highlights of our US trip.
You’ll find that many road trippers have stories of unexpected finds: a quaint small town, an exquisite café, a stunning hike, a world-class winery, a scenic bike trail, a secluded campsite … places and activities that would’ve gone unnoticed had they chosen a different form of travel … or turned left instead of right.
So, you’ve decided to saddle up and take a road trip, right? To heck with the price of gas! But you’re not too sure where to start? Well, read on, fellow explorer. Here are my top tips for planning a roadie …
Select a great destination! It’s true that the journey is just as important, but it also helps to go somewhere you know will be worthwhile. And make sure any stops on the way – like a walk, or a bike ride, or an attraction – are known winners. And plan a loop, if possible, rather than a there-and-back.
Decide beforehand if you’re going to be spontaneous – or plan each detail meticulously. I’m a spontaneous guy, and if I’m doing a multi-day roadie I tend to choose my accommodation (whether a motel, campsite, or caravan park) based on where I end up on the day. But this can be stressful if you like to be super organised. In which case, plan your trip carefully … but allow for moments of spontaneity. That’s where you make those unexpected discoveries!
Snacks! Road trip snacks are the best. Stock up at a supermarket beforehand for the cheapest options, otherwise those gas stations will gladly take your money. We eat pretty healthy, and roadie snacks are a treat that don’t feature in our day-to-day diets. So they’ve always been an exciting addition to the trip – especially when our kids were young! Slushie anyone?
How long do you want to drive?
I love driving – and a 10-hour driving day is my idea of fun (mostly!). But five hours might be your limit, so plan your route around that – even if you like to be spontaneous! No point in planning a trip from Wellington to Auckland over a weekend if you can’t do long stints behind the wheel. Leave that trip until you have a few more days up your sleeve.
Check in with locals. They’ll generally know the best eateries, attractions, and secret spots. In Hokitika, we once met a local greenstone carver who invited us back to his house for a cuppa and ended up carving me a nice pounamu pendant and giving the kids a whole heap of greenstone! It pays to be friendly … you never know what doors will open.
Accommodation. Do you stay in motels or campsites? What about a rooftop tent, or do you sleep in the back of the car? Should you hire a motorhome or tow a caravan? These are all valid options for a roadie – however, they probably require an article of their own! We’ve done them all, and they each have their pros and cons … but for now, I’ll let you figure that out for yourself …
But most importantly, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the journey. Remember, it’s not just about the destination. Explore that beach, drive that dirt road, stop at that café, check out that waterfall … allow room for exploration and adventure. And appreciate the sense of freedom that can come from the humble road trip.
IF EVER YOU NEED A LITTLE ROAD TRIP INSPIRATION, MIKE RECOMMENDS WATCHING A MOVIE LIKE RV, THE CULT CLASSIC NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION, THE HILARIOUS MOTORCYCLE ROADIE WILD HOGS, OR THE LOVEABLE LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. ALTHOUGH IT IS POSSIBLE THEY’LL PUT YOU OFF ROAD TRIPS FOREVER.
