A Way of Life – AWOL
15 December 2021.
Residents of Auckland were finally freed from their long confinement, storming the Coromandel. After two years dominated by restrictions, anxiety, and endless Zoom meetings, New Zealanders were craving a new way of life.
Residents of Auckland were finally freed from their long confinement, storming the Coromandel. After two years dominated by restrictions, anxiety, and endless Zoom meetings, New Zealanders were craving a new way of life.
We were no different. With our overlanding rig packed to the gills AWOL’s co-founders embarked on a North Island journey from Wellington. The Plan: To catch a RocketLab launch at the Mahia Peninsula, explore the uncharted First Light lands of the East Cape, and circle back through the well-trodden holiday spots of Coromandel, Taupo, and back to the Kapiti Coast.
Two weeks of navigating gravel roads, spotting numerous ‘Closed due to Covid’ signs, and enduring the capriciousness of North Island weather, we weren’t remotely satiated. The next challenge? The South Island—starting down the rugged Molesworth track, across the Canterbury Plains, and deep into the untouched East Matukituki Valley.
Photo: One of our favourite places on the planet. The Kitchener Cirque, East Branch of the Matukituki Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park.
By the time we began our return, news had reached us of Americans storming the US Capitol. We learned firsthand that overlanding in the rain was almost as miserable as tenting, and that New Zealand's best offerings were far from the tarmac.
By the time we began our return, news had reached us of Americans storming the US Capitol. We learned firsthand that overlanding in the rain was almost as miserable as tenting, and that New Zealand's best offerings were far from the tarmac.
Returning to work in February was a challenge. But a new friendship formed during our epic road trip brought an intriguing invitation to Tauranga, to see a 4x4 Sprinter. Inspired by the potential of such a vehicle, our hopes were high—only to be grounded by the reality of the factory standard inadequate tyres, undercooked suspension, and voluminous interior.
Photo: The starting spot - a stock medium-wheelbase Sprinter.
Undeterred, the following Monday marked the beginning of a new chapter. Could we swap our ute for a 4x4 Sprinter and enhance it to rival the Ranger, while enjoying the space, convenience, and security of a van? Could we finally say goodbye to wet arses?
Three years on, the answer is a resounding yes. With a shite ton of gear and a perpetually dry bottom, we're embracing our whole new Way of Life. Don't be surprised if you run into us. Give us a wave and we can show you how to build your own way of life.
Three years on, the answer is a resounding yes. With a shite ton of gear and a perpetually dry bottom, we're embracing our whole new Way of Life. Don't be surprised if you run into us. Give us a wave and we can show you how to build your own way of life.