NZ Van Life: Dinner Battles with Sharks (North Island Summer)
By Self Sufficient Rhys
TL;DR: A van life journey across New Zealand’s North Island demonstrates practical self-sufficiency through diverse fishing and foraging techniques.
- Learn diverse fishing methods, from surfcasting to drone bait drops.
- Master mussel foraging on rocky coastlines during low tide.
- Embrace van life for flexible exploration and resource gathering.
- Connect with locals to gain invaluable regional foraging insights.
- Process and preserve catches for sustained food independence.
Why it matters: This journey highlights adaptable food procurement strategies essential for resilient living, even in transient contexts like van life, by leveraging local ecological knowledge and diverse environments.
Do this next: Watch the full video to see how traditional and modern fishing techniques are combined for self-sufficiency.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in how to practically apply self-sufficiency and permaculture principles to a mobile, adaptable lifestyle on the coast.
The article details a journey through the North Island of New Zealand, focusing on a series of experiences related to fishing, foraging, and embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle while traveling in a van. The narrative begins with the protagonist's arrival at a new location, characterized by a long, sandy beach and a river mouth. The initial goal was to catch kahawai, a type of fish, using a surfcasting technique. Despite the promising conditions, including a strong current and the presence of numerous birds indicating fish activity, the first attempt was unsuccessful. The protagonist observed other fishermen, noting their techniques and the types of bait they were using, which included pilchards and squid.
A subsequent fishing attempt proved more fruitful, resulting in the capture of several kahawai. The protagonist describes the process of cleaning and preparing the fish, highlighting the intention to smoke some of it for preservation and future meals. This act underscores the theme of self-sufficiency, as the caught fish provides a direct food source. The narrative then shifts to a different location, a rocky shoreline, where the protagonist engaged in foraging for mussels. This activity involved navigating slippery rocks and contending with the tides, but ultimately yielded a significant harvest of green-lipped mussels. The mussels were then cooked over an open fire, emphasizing a primal and direct approach to food preparation.
The journey continued with a move to a new campsite, described as a beautiful spot with a view of the ocean. Here, the protagonist encountered a local fisherman who shared insights into the area's fishing spots and techniques. This interaction led to another fishing expedition, this time targeting snapper. The protagonist used a drone to scout for fish and drop bait, a modern twist on traditional fishing methods. This innovative approach proved successful, leading to the capture of a large snapper. The article details the excitement of the catch and the subsequent preparation of the fish for consumption, including filleting and cooking it over a fire.
The narrative also touches upon the challenges and realities of van life, such as dealing with changing weather conditions and finding suitable camping spots. The protagonist describes a period of heavy rain and strong winds, which necessitated finding shelter and adapting plans. Despite these challenges, the overall tone remains positive, emphasizing the freedom and connection to nature that van life offers. The article concludes with a reflection on the abundance of food found in nature and the satisfaction derived from a self-sufficient lifestyle. The protagonist expresses gratitude for the experiences and the opportunity to live off the land and sea, highlighting the simplicity and richness of such an existence. The journey is presented as an ongoing adventure, with new locations and opportunities for foraging and fishing always on the horizon.