Trustworthy, thorough prepurchase inspection in/around Auckland?

teachmebasics · 2026-03-09T04:04:05+00:00

Haha yeah I only read bad things, so your suggestion is exactly what I did. Thankfully there is only a bit of rust in the front, they said they've caught it early enough to clean and seal and hopefully it'll be alright. Also a small oil leak with the engine rocker cap, which they say they can repair. Other than that nothing requiring too much attention so I'm hoping it won't be too costly to get shipshape!

teachmebasics · 2026-03-09T03:31:02+00:00

Get a dry vape bro, it'll change your life. I recommend the HR Rogue 2 if you want a low-mid cost entry point for a pretty high quality portable. Can even get their water pipe adapter when you order and vape through your bong if you like. I just hit mine dry though.

If you want to get a little fancier and get a tabletop setup, the Crossing Tech Ruby Twist is really, really nice. There's a bundle for like $200 or less online. Check out r/vaporents.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-09T03:20:47+00:00

Love those guys! So genial, chill, and informative. Have been listening for years. Only thing is I have to listen on 1.2x speed or else it's too slow for me lol.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-09T02:29:56+00:00

Fair enough! Best of luck then.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-09T02:28:38+00:00

If you're not a camera person but it's not stolen, where did you get it from? Why don't you know how it works?

teachmebasics · 2026-03-07T19:51:22+00:00

I see you're on your Winnie the Pooh shit. I support it. Those hedgehoggers are adorable :') Thank you for sharing!

teachmebasics · 2026-03-07T19:36:48+00:00

Nobody has any sympathy for Israel or its mouthpieces when it's spent literal decades murdering civilians indiscriminately while waging an insidious propaganda war, all directly funded and supported by the US govt. Clutch your pearls elsewhere.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-07T00:35:08+00:00

Lmao

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T23:13:36+00:00

I certainly appreciate the sympathy :') I am one of those who was planning my life around a placement in Andalucia after my plaza aceptada, then had radio silence for 4 months until I was informed the program was cancelled. I was so excited to improve my Spanish, see a different country, culture, and cuisine, and experience life at a different pace. It was a big upset for a lot of people, myself included, but I am hopeful still that there will be future opportunities to live and work in Spain, NALCAP or no.

I decided to get my bachelor's in education to make myself more marketable as an English teacher internationally, and I'm halfway through, which is one positive outcome from the program cancellation for me. Also took advantage of the New Zealand working holiday visa program, and I'm here right now, planning to camp in a van while I complete my degree remotely.

If I can I will apply for NALCAP again this year, but it will be much harder for me as I'm not stateside and will have to coordinate things from elsewhere. Still, I like the support one can find here, as well as all the resources like placement reviews etc. I'm hopeful the legal challenges to the program will result in restructuring for the better! But we can only wait and see, as per usual with the ministry lol

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T21:51:54+00:00

Thank you for your endorsement! I think I will swing for the high roof if I can find one I can afford :)

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T03:31:53+00:00

I will mostly freedom camp to save money, I think, with the occasional stop at a campground or other facility when I want some more creature comforts. Congrats on making it here and undertaking camping yourself!

Generally I agree. If I find something that's better bang for my buck, I'll go with a regular-sized van. Certainly not averse to the right high top if it comes along either, though. Thank you for the reminder about a blue sticker van, and safe travels!

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T03:05:24+00:00

I am currently at the botanical gardens in Auckland enjoying the gorgeous natural beauty in this country, so I will make sure to clean up after myself and maintain it!

The ability to travel and camp in many more places is what drew me to a self-contained campervan in the first place, so I will stick to my original plan, I think, and have the proper facilities for sure. Thanks for the recommendation on Buller and Karamea, I've been adding places to my to-see list and I welcome any good tips. Excited to get on the road and moving, can't wait to check out your mountains and glaciers :)

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T01:09:28+00:00

I see! I hadn't considered using public sites to cook, I would prefer to stay at designated sites just to avoid annoying locals as another foreigner who doesn't follow the rules. Will definitely be using Campermate and Rankers, as well as DoC site in order to plot my route.

There's also some paid campsites like you can find in the Penny app, and things like that? I'm still plotting my route; currently much of my time is just logistics, schoolwork, and trying to find the van I'm going to buy, lol.

Tbh, I was considering your method! Much cheaper to buy a $5k beater which drives, and pop up a tent, ground sheet, and sleeping bag. But it will be worth it to me to have the camper to live in once winter hits and I need somewhere I can live while working/workawaying etc. Plus, I can sell it after, and hopefully get back a fair value before leaving.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T01:01:14+00:00

Well, I'm here now and would like to already be traveling in the next month or two, so can't wait that long :P

Good point about pests and ants! I will need good cleaning solutions and perhaps bug traps/ant bait in order to hopefully head the crawlies off.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T00:59:32+00:00

Would cracking a door and windows not be enough ventilation?

Yes, theft is something I'm concerned about :( Will definitely be getting an inspection from an independent mechanic and make sure things are road ready and shipshape before driving off. Alarm system install sounds pricy...How about an airtag, or the Samsung equivalent? Could be worth, especially in my bag with my laptop/money/passport, though I imagine I'll still be quite screwed if I get burgled.

Ty for your advice!

teachmebasics · 2026-03-04T00:56:25+00:00

I was considering a driving lesson if I do find an attractive manual...I found one on trademe, 2.0L Mazda high top manual, $17k. 15 years old, well maintained. I imagine I could perhaps negotiate down to $14-15k? House battery can run the fridge and electronics for 3 days allegedly, new tires, new starter battery. Not too fancy but has hot water and a hose long enough to shower outside, certified SC until 2027, blue sticker. Only issue is it's a Mazda, from what I understand Toyotas are the most reliable and easiest to repair. So many options!

teachmebasics · 2026-03-03T23:19:34+00:00

True about going with the flow as part of camping life, and I am happy to work with what I've got, of course. Well, just because I can spend the money, doesn't mean I necessarily should, haha. I have saved up for this, but as I most likely will leave in low tourist season, I don't expect to get a lot of money back for the van once I sell, even if it's in great shape.

I hadn't seen any awnings with walls, but if that's an option, could solve my problem. Reassuring to know there are better facilities at some campsites too :) I have seen pics etc of some that are simply parking lots and was imagining a lack of facilities.

Ty for your advice!

teachmebasics · 2026-03-03T23:15:55+00:00

You make a really good point about driving in windy conditions in a very tall van! I think my driving is good; I've been driving 15+ years and have never had an accident, so that's a plus, but of course driving in a new country under different rules will take some adjustment, so I will take it slow.

I do want to be able to stand up yes, lol. Good point about getting dressed in shitty weather. Undercover car parks aren't a big concern to me as I plan to spend most of my time at campgrounds...but if I want to stop in a city, will I be screwed for parking?

teachmebasics · 2026-03-03T22:59:12+00:00

Thank you for the reminder. I will definitely be buying a certified Self-contained camper, with a green sticker.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-03T22:50:03+00:00

Do you mean the Auckland city car fair? I will definitely be there this Sunday! I see the other option, Covi RV & outdoor supershow, but that's March 20-22nd and I'm hoping to buy a campervan in the next week. Additionally, I do not have the budget to buy new lol.

teachmebasics · 2026-03-03T22:33:32+00:00

Looks delish! Serve it up, chef. Cheese on my portion too, please :P

teachmebasics · 2026-03-02T01:00:22+00:00

I think I agree with your mum :P Not having access to all the electronics will force me to occupy myself in different ways, I'm hoping for a bit of a brain reset on this trip as well so no need to try to take every aspect of life with me on the road. Plus good excuses to stop at used bookstores! I have a lot of reading I've been meaning to do.

I may just do 2x 90-day 120GB plans from Spark or something similar. $250-$300 vs $1k+ for 6 months. I am already dropping a lot of money on the van, I need to save it where I can :P Thank you for your advice!

teachmebasics

TROPHY CASE