The Road Well Lived

Places

Somewhere worth stopping the van.

Every place here is one we've actually slept beside, walked through or watched the sun rise over. The notes are the ones we wished someone had written for us.

Yachts at anchor on a calm blue estuary with distant ranges beyond
Clear turquoise river pooling beneath ferns and dense green forest

Buller Gorge, Tasman

The Turquoise River

What Made It Special

Water so clear the stones look close enough to touch. Ferns hang right down to the surface and the whole gorge hums.

Road Notes
Sealed to the layby, then a short bush track. Fine for a van, tight for a bus.
Dog Friendly
Yes — on lead near the swimming hole.
Camping
No overnight at the pool. Legal freedom camping 12 km north.
Internet
None. Starlink works in the clearing.
Road Access
Two-wheel drive, all year.
Favourite Time of Day
Late morning, when the sun reaches the water.

Map — coming soon

A driftwood shelter standing on the sand of a wide grey estuary

Motueka, Tasman

The Sandspit

What Made It Special

Driftwood shelters left standing by strangers, a tide that changes the whole map twice a day, and hills across the water.

Road Notes
Flat gravel approach, easy turning space.
Dog Friendly
Yes — off lead outside the bird nesting season.
Camping
Self-contained only, signposted.
Internet
Good 4G.
Road Access
Easy in anything.
Favourite Time of Day
Dusk, on a falling tide.

Map — coming soon

A white heron resting on a wharf pile above a silver estuary at first light

Mapua, Tasman

The Wharf

What Made It Special

Herons on the piles, boats swinging on the tide, and coffee that tastes better because you're in no hurry.

Road Notes
Park back from the wharf; the village lanes are narrow.
Dog Friendly
Yes — on lead along the boardwalk.
Camping
No. Nearest sites 10 minutes away.
Internet
Excellent.
Road Access
Sealed all the way.
Favourite Time of Day
First light.

Map — coming soon

Newsletter

Notes from the Road

Quiet stories, useful discoveries and a little encouragement for anyone dreaming of a freer, more deeply felt life.