Life on road reveals ‘how amazing life is’
Lisa Jansen is a writer and digital nomad based in New Zealand. Just after her 33rd birthday, Lisa quit her well paying job to live and travel in a campervan and explore beautiful New Zealand. On her five-year journey, she meets incredible people, explores breathtaking scenery, conquers obstacles, challenges society’s norms, navigates a global pandemic, and discovers what life has to offer when you don’t want to follow the traditional path. Lisa shares this epic journey in her new book.
Tell us about your background ...
I was born in Germany and moved to New Zealand in 2007 when I was
22. I absolutely love New Zealand and consider it my home now.
What inspired you to quit your job and buy a campervan?
In my early 30s, I watched as all my friends got married and started to have
Life Done Differently, by Lisa Jansen, High Tide, $32
kids. While it was beautiful to see that happen, I didn’t feel drawn to that life myself. At the same time, even though I enjoyed my job in marketing, I didn't want a life focused just on my career. I decided to take a break and get away from my busy Auckland life. Given how much I love New Zealand, I didn't want to travel anywhere else but here. So that's what led to me buying a camper and then quitting my job to travel in it full-time for a while. How long were you on the road? It started as a summer and then turned into 41⁄2 years. I loved it so much, and there was always more to see, so I just kept going. I sold the camper in winter 2022, and since then, I've been a fulltime housesitter.
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your travels?
There were many big and small challenges, from van issues and failed WOFs to bad weather, getting stuck in the mud once, and, of course, the pandemic. I actually coped well with the first lockdown. I stayed at a campground in Christchurch and used the time for various projects. The biggest challenge for me is the lack of a stable community.
What was the highlight? The beauty of New Zealand. Even after all this time, I find myself standing in awe at how stunning nature is. If I could only pick one highlight, I would say it's what this journey has taught me about myself. The years on the road have shown me how amazing life is when you are true to yourself and follow your own path.