Off grid at REAL middle earth.

This has been an incredible place to park up for almost a week. Lake Camp at the Ashburton lakes, is stunning, still, mountain reflecting lakes in pristine nature, you can look for miles and not see anything but Nature.
We were hoping that the big snow storm which dumped snow on the beaches in Southland would atleast hit this high country area at 700m, but it seemed to just jump right over us.
We still got to enjoy the ice and some heavy frosts.
It was great to have some friends come and Join us as well who are travelling full time in a very similar caravan layout, but same Model, cheers for popping out Taylors.
This area also has a stack of the Lord of the rings film locations which really show case some beautiful parts of New Zealand .
#Lakecamp #Ashburtonlakes #wintercamping

Пікірлер: 103

  • @paiiininthebuttt2477
    @paiiininthebuttt24775 ай бұрын

    Stunning spot! Absolutely beautiful 😍

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    4 ай бұрын

    Yea mate, this place was paradise so keen to get back here in there winter time.

  • @denisebrogan4364
    @denisebrogan4364 Жыл бұрын

    What beautiful scenery! Wow. Thanks for sharing. Hope Riley had a cool birthday with her new friends. I know the Taylors. How cool for you to all hang out. Love yr vids.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Was very cool to hang out with the Taylors, awesome to have some memories together, such a cool dlife style.

  • @chrismartin9779
    @chrismartin9779 Жыл бұрын

    What an amazing site. Loving your videos Leopards keep it up and happy birthday 🎉🎉

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheers bro, Hope you guys are well in Rotorua and drying out, looks like it's been wet as there...

  • @user-wy3hh2ym7o
    @user-wy3hh2ym7o7 ай бұрын

    Miss my south island side very beautiful an vibrant

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    7 ай бұрын

    yea there are some truly magical places alright, we really loved this spot

  • @petemoore7858
    @petemoore78582 ай бұрын

    Hey, watched your video the other day, was inspired to visit. Had the perfect weather so off we went. Kids loved it. Keep up the great work. Cheers

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    2 ай бұрын

    Oh that's awesome it's really such a great spot alright, it's on the list for us to return to that's for sure

  • @paulinewaugh9122
    @paulinewaugh9122 Жыл бұрын

    Double click on your channel!!!!! We oldies with a new Van been planning our retirement trips around your travels starting early next year. Really great content in your vids with places to stay and go. May see you on yer travels, if not, safe travels guys. Baz

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh Awesome hopefully we are showing you some good spots to get to then, we love the quiet locations with good walking / running / biking options. We'll be Down South for a while yet, still so many spots to get to, we are just about to jump over to the west Coast.

  • @ajjuney
    @ajjuney11 ай бұрын

    Great episode! Thanks Mike. 👏🏻

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    11 ай бұрын

    Cheers mate, was such a great location, highly recommend this spot. Apparently its super busy at Christmas though as are most spots...

  • @user-rp7lj4tv7x
    @user-rp7lj4tv7x Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely stunning spot, what a great place for a Birthday Riley. So nice in crisp cold conditions with no wind at all. A pity about the cold and damp with the condensation. I wonder if you need those vacuum pack bags to store the winter gear in. Can't get over that scenery! absolutely have to visit. We planned to be there after Easter but it was 3 days of rain and wind so didn't bother.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea this is def one to add to the list of places to go, I think Summer would be pretty rough out here, be packed I reckon, but if you can get in pre Christmas should be awesome.... It's been a lot better with the condensation having these more spring like days with warmer over nights, lets see how the West Coast goes, should be better as well.

  • @johnrodgers7938
    @johnrodgers7938 Жыл бұрын

    What an awesome site and sight. Happy birthday Riley, good choice on the menu. Great video

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yip definitley add this one to the list John, one of my favourites for sure, The walks are pretty awesome out here as well... Just make sure ya download some movies and tv shows before ya come out, no Reception out here... Although you can purchase some wifi in the little village which you can use if your in there.

  • @CHillAdventures
    @CHillAdventures Жыл бұрын

    hey Leopards!!! great episode as always Mike!!!happy B-day Riley!!!!! awesome the kids smashing ice... made a cool noise skipping ice over the frozen pond too!!! great sophs knee is doing so well!!!! thanks for all the awesome vids bro, hope all is well!!! see yah in the next 1!

  • @sophleopard9162

    @sophleopard9162

    Жыл бұрын

    Yep, so stoked to be able to do long walks! Ice is very novel for us! Breaking it and throwing stuff on it will never get old 😂 Hope you're having a great summer!

  • @CHillAdventures

    @CHillAdventures

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sophleopard9162 hey soph!!! great to talk to yah!!!! summer is definitely here 😅 thx for all the vids you guys make!!

  • @sophleopard9162

    @sophleopard9162

    Жыл бұрын

    It's all Mike - I just provide the stern facials in the background 😂 Thanks for being such a longtime follower of the journey!

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheers bro, Thanks for watching... I'm sure your winter ice is way more impressive, but it's so cool for us. See ya in the next one.

  • @CHillAdventures

    @CHillAdventures

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sophleopard9162 lololol, i think its so funny how u give mike the business on camera from time to time, haha!!! you guys are the best,,,,,, r living the dream,,,,, & u guys do it all together!!so epic❤

  • @kayzkara5943
    @kayzkara5943 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome love this channel cool family always out in any weather you have some caring friends on the road

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea it's been nice to see some friends recently. Really good for the kids who have been suffering a bit from the winter blues, Summer is a long way away yet kids...

  • @TheLollygirl69
    @TheLollygirl6911 ай бұрын

    Happy birthday beautiful girl, hope u had an amazing day exploring 😊👍. Looks like mum n dad spoilt you eith yummy food 😊

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    11 ай бұрын

    Was a pretty special place and a beautiful day for a birthday 🎂

  • @peanutmack
    @peanutmack Жыл бұрын

    What an awesome spot! a shame snow wasn’t on the forecast for you guys. Found your channel recently, and been loving the content 👏

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheers mate... Snow was definitley on the forecast for 4 days of snow showers, what a bummer, it means we'll have to find another spot... WE saw Lewis pass has some high altitude DOC camps with snow in the forecast commonly up there, so that might be a spot for us to check out...

  • @bomax1066
    @bomax1066 Жыл бұрын

    Great time lapse of Lake Clearwater. Nice video.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, a pretty stunning area.

  • @bomax1066

    @bomax1066

    Жыл бұрын

    Sure was

  • @user-qs6zp8uv7e
    @user-qs6zp8uv7e Жыл бұрын

    awesome video Mike, great spot we will have to visit as well on our next trip south. have heard putting stick on carpet tiles on the external wall of the lockers helps with the condensation.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea We are currently in Chch so might have to look at some de condensation things while we are here> I've heard bubble wrap can also help, bloody nightmare dealing with wet cupboards though, had a couple of warmer nights recently which has kept things dry.

  • @bradgsquire
    @bradgsquire Жыл бұрын

    Great spot, pity about the snow !

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    That place would be stunning covered in snow aye, It would have been even more pictursque. Gonna try for the Lewis Pass tomorrow see how low the snow will go up there.

  • @Triill88
    @Triill88 Жыл бұрын

    Amazing spot!! What magnificent, still few days. Sorry about the snow. I’m sure you’ll find some soon.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Hope you are well... WEather seems to be looking like there might be some snow in the forecast for next week which would be awesome....

  • @Triill88

    @Triill88

    Жыл бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild awesome, I hope it does come down for you. We are good thanks, have been very sick and busy with work - had a bit of a break from KZread back now and catching up on your travels.

  • @allantaylor3288
    @allantaylor32885 ай бұрын

    A bit late but Happy Birthday Riley looks like dad’s spoiling you🎉

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    5 ай бұрын

    ha ha your so late it's not even funny lol... shes 5 months away from turning 11 lol... We all spoil each other on our birthdays.

  • @allantaylor3288

    @allantaylor3288

    5 ай бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild lol I knew I’d get some flack and realised Riley has another one not far away but couldn’t resist as I’m slowly catching up with your adventures on the road videos so until I do I’m watching in the past.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    5 ай бұрын

    @allantaylor3288 lol 😆 it's all good even the latest videos are weeks in the past 😄

  • @allantaylor3288

    @allantaylor3288

    5 ай бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild ❤️

  • @TheLollygirl69
    @TheLollygirl6911 ай бұрын

    Get tge portable plastic dehydraters from $2 shops n Warehouse. Put tge 400gm size 1 in each cupboard right in back corn with bluetack on bottom n big strip packing tap to hold in place. Wont stop but hopefully helps Also a good dehydrater u can plug when ur plugged in. When do this, close window and open every cupboards. U only want to work on air in ur caravan not outside lol Keep doing that n emptying the portable dehydrators as much as u remember 👍 Hooe tgats clear as mud lol. But ask if makes no sense 😊👍

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    11 ай бұрын

    We did get some but still not working as well as we'd like... lining the insides seems the best bet... bring on Summer and warm days and evenings

  • @caravanstuff2827
    @caravanstuff2827 Жыл бұрын

    As i always say..."YOU NEVER KNOW WITH SNOW"!!.❤️🇳🇿

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    So true... still on the list

  • @foxro48
    @foxro48 Жыл бұрын

    Amazing scenery once again. Loved watching kids with ice. Shame not a snowfall for you. Travel safe 🌞🤗🌞

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, yes Canterbury really has a lake of snow this year, the mountains are looking very patchy... Were going to plan to jump over the the West Coast soon I think and head through that area and hopefully we'll hit some early spring snow around Southland or something.

  • @stephendickson9000
    @stephendickson9000 Жыл бұрын

    Best way to know snow is coming down here, a really warm wind for at least a day and the glass dropping to 960-965, then it's on.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Looking forward to it, We might have a better chance of being in Southland in Spring to get some spring snow.

  • @gettingoutwiththekids
    @gettingoutwiththekids Жыл бұрын

    *happy belated birthday Riley!!!! Our girls have just turnes 10 and 5. We let them have their friends round and choose food, one had Pizza Hut and the other McDonalds. My wallet took a beating 😂. That spot was amazing Mike, i could stay their forever.*

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea we were pretty well organized for Rileys Birthday been miles from anywhere, so we knew what we were gonna be eating for sure. This spot is apprently to be avoided at Christmas, peak of summer holidays, it's free and that lake has a constant noise of boats... .Winter hardly anyones coming out here.

  • @Dave.2023
    @Dave.2023 Жыл бұрын

    Loving you video's. Have looked on KZread for Taylors Tour NZ but cannot find them ?

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Mate, glad your enjoying the videos. Taylors Tour NZ is just on Instagram, they don't do KZread videos. Cheers

  • @Scottygirlnz
    @Scottygirlnz Жыл бұрын

    Another beautiful video, you are doing an amazing job on the editing and photography... mind you, those locations certainly help! I think I'd be lost without my internet though.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea the locations are amazing. It makes it a bit harder to record in less incredible places cause it just doesn't compare, we all love the scenary, WE've heard great things about the west coast so we'll look forward to that... Its more challenging being dissconnected in this world these days, but pretty easy when your in a spot like this.

  • @wendingourway
    @wendingourway Жыл бұрын

    Postcard perfect for sure! Happy Birthday!! Amazing to know all the meals for the day...I wake up and barely know what I'm having for breakfast. Otis doesn't care, he just wants what ever he is having quicker than I can deliver...lol Indeed, condensation will do a number for mold...constant battle here in Nova Scotia, especially with the humidity. Such an awesome adventure and experience for you and your family...something your children will cherish forever!! Bruce and Otis

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea we had to be pretty organized for the food on this trip, the closest supermarket was well over an hours drive away from here. Mould and condensation is pretty annoying, we just had the warmest night we've had in months last, night had to turn the heater off, so atleast there is no condensation to deal with this morning. Cheers mate, see ya in the next one.

  • @PentaxLife
    @PentaxLife Жыл бұрын

    Looks like a great spot, Mike looks like you guys had a lot of fun too bad about the snow.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea we had so much fun here we came back with some other friends and it was just as awesome.

  • @RadRoadAdventures
    @RadRoadAdventures Жыл бұрын

    Those reflection are breathtaking. I can see why you love this area so much, Shame abbout no dogs, we will have to get there one day, love the idea of having a campfire there too

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea nice to have a camp fire while the fire season is open. Such a great location, you guys got heaps of years with those dogs still, man they are entertaining though. Might have to find a DOg sitter one day and head out there for a few nights.

  • @yvonneboden-jones8334
    @yvonneboden-jones8334 Жыл бұрын

    Hib😊 fab music can uou pls give the links. Love your videos ❤

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Hopefully this works for you... You may need to click on the top section where it says licences>This will give you a drop box with the songs in there, you should be able to listen and down load them.... let me know if it works or not, all the music is in there... www.musicbed.com/projects/lake-clearwater/2389714

  • @TomRigginsAandO
    @TomRigginsAandO Жыл бұрын

    Well done ! More beautiful scenery ...what elevation were you camping ? Happy Birthdate Riley !!

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Tom, this was def one of my favourites, even though there was a litte settlement of holiday homes, this place is vast and empty. Elevation was 700m around 2,200ft. Snow fell at sea level in places further south, so being in the mountains we thought it was a guarntee..

  • @owenpotter2459
    @owenpotter2459 Жыл бұрын

    That scenery never grows old. I'd keep expecting an army of elves and dwarves to come galloping through. It's like when I went boating on Loch Ness. I kept expecting to see hoards of Picts cone storming over the ridge line. I feel for you with the mold. I took out all the bedding from the vberth to wash today and found the underside of the mattress was wet and getting mouldy. Attacked it with Exit Mould and now got my fan heater going in there to dry things out. I've bought some of those camping matts with holes in them foe under the mattress. Hoping that will help. Sleeping in the main cabin for the next couple of nights I think!

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea it's so Middle earth from Lord of the rings aye, just loved camping out here... Condensation is a bloody nightmare, as much as I love a cold winter, I'll be happy to see dry days in the caravan. How are things going with the night shift and the boat?

  • @owenpotter2459

    @owenpotter2459

    Жыл бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild night shifts are still chugging along. Alot of moving pallets of fruit from a to b. We're starting to condense down and close cool rooms as orders ship out. I've got work through till about the end of August I think. Not much happening with the boat. Do have to arrange an Electrical Warrant of Fitness, or EWOF though.

  • @hopaea7
    @hopaea7 Жыл бұрын

    🏆🎉🤩

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Whoop whoop first viewer, please contact to recieve your price.

  • @scallywags12
    @scallywags12 Жыл бұрын

    We have a pump my husband uses to get water from lakes. He uses the battery from our truck to power the pump into the trailer.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    WE've meet a few people have that seperate water tanks one for drinking water and one for showers, bathroom etc, thats a great set up for places like where we were... If we had 100litres of drinking water and could refill another tank for dishes and showers etc, that would be ideal... We can still get by on 5 nights off grid and at a DOC camp with water taps about 8 nights, which is definitley long enough.

  • @HILLBILLYHUNTERS1
    @HILLBILLYHUNTERS1 Жыл бұрын

    happy birthday

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheers bro, she was pretty happy to have her birthday Recorded, awesome spot for it.

  • @Fionaca68
    @Fionaca684 ай бұрын

    came across you channel - love it - could you perhaps add in your comments if wifi/4G is available at your locations?

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    4 ай бұрын

    hey welcome to our adventures... Generally we have internet in most places, I generally mention it if we don't have internet in a spot hope that helps... I do get quite a few people messaging for specific info on sites which is just to much admin for me... like are dogs allowed, cats, can you tent camp, do you need a toilet, is there water, etc... I've just kept it simple show casing the area and highlighting our adventure in the area.

  • @bumonthemove
    @bumonthemove Жыл бұрын

    beautiful spot and great drone shots, unfortunately no dog allowed 🤨

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    yea really great spot, this one will likely be on the list to revisit before we go back to the North Island at some unknown time.

  • @astondriver
    @astondriver Жыл бұрын

    lovely slot at winter but mad there in summer. it has no speed limit, so a lot of fizz boats and jet skis. lake clearwater next door doesn't allow power boats so peace in summer

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea I reckon clear water is where you'd want to camp in summer, those boats, jet skis and campers would just about drive you mad... Winter paradise though... THis is not somewhere I'd like to be from Mid dec to feb, would be crazy busy..

  • @linley-jane7878
    @linley-jane7878 Жыл бұрын

    It looks like you are giving that cravan a run for its money.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Its a balanced relationship, the caravan gives us a run for our money some times lol... Its nice getting into these areas without any problems, I think we could go with some thicker insulation, I guess thats what you get with an Aussie Built caravan though. Not to many people like us who drive into the winter conditions, most people stick to the coast and the Far North for winter.

  • @linley-jane7878

    @linley-jane7878

    Жыл бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild This is also true.

  • @sophleopard9162
    @sophleopard9162 Жыл бұрын

    Have you opened your windows wide overnight to help with condensation? Ventilation is what you need 🧐 I think you would have less of an issue with dampness if you didn't sleep, eat & live inside your caravan - just a thought 🤔

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow thanks for the amazing advice, we'll be sure to try these things out? Your name sounds awfully familar have we meet before?

  • @sophleopard9162

    @sophleopard9162

    Жыл бұрын

    It's a mystery 🤷

  • @chrismartin9779

    @chrismartin9779

    Жыл бұрын

    😂😂😂😂

  • @nzhillbilly6468

    @nzhillbilly6468

    Жыл бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild That was funny lol

  • @daniel-6449
    @daniel-6449 Жыл бұрын

    Free camping at Wakanui beach

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm gonna google this spot...

  • @nzhillbilly6468
    @nzhillbilly6468 Жыл бұрын

    Hi just a quick question, we were thinking about going to lake camp for a week or two, looked up on net and said something about overnight camping otherwise have to camp at Lake Clearwater campground, do you know if there is any stay limit at Lake Camp, Thanks.

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    hey so there was no info about restriction camping at Lake camp, other than long term camping, so a week or 2 would be fine... We were told from others in summer the place is manic busy and lake camp which is free is the busiest and the only lake which is allowed motor boats so it can be loud as well as busy, not what we experienced. there is also a camp ground at Lake camp with a kitchen, cooking room, it's $10 a night for a site, and seemed to not have a restriction on nights either.

  • @nzhillbilly6468

    @nzhillbilly6468

    Жыл бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild ok thats awesome, thankyou for your quick reply, Didnt thiink about it being so busy in summer being sort of in the middle of nowhere, tnanks again and happy travels to you. Cheers.

  • @petereddy458
    @petereddy458 Жыл бұрын

    Try damp rid and more ventilation

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheers mate... Ventilation is open, but how much open do you go when it's below freezing in a small space... Windows are next to sleep spaces so you can crack them open, but otherwise your just letting freezing air in...

  • @user-tl7cy3mq5e
    @user-tl7cy3mq5e Жыл бұрын

    How about posting a link to Taylors Tour NZ’s channel? Search is only bringing up Taylor Swift

  • @leopardsgowild

    @leopardsgowild

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey mate they just have Instagram sorry no youtube videos

  • @user-tl7cy3mq5e

    @user-tl7cy3mq5e

    Жыл бұрын

    @@leopardsgowild ahh, no wonder I couldn’t find them. All good