Meet Gerard and his partner — one last lap before kids
Based in Hamilton, Gerard and his partner decided to make the most of their pre-parenthood window by exploring New Zealand properly — the long way round. With no pets, no kids (yet) and a clean calendar, they set off on a full loop of Aotearoa in their newly converted Ford Transit. Between weekend getaways, tourist hotspots, hiking trails, and catching up with friends scattered across the country, this van would be home base for the road ahead.
Their favourite stop? Mount Maunganui — though after a full South Island run, it’s got competition.
The vision: comfort, power, and no more hunching
At 6’3", Gerard had one rule for this van: no more crouching. The high-roof Ford Transit LWB gave them the headroom they needed, and from there the wishlist was simple — a fixed rear bed, proper storage, and enough power to work remotely and stay toasty at night. A huge solar setup and 300 Ah battery bank now drive everything from laptops to a heated blanket. No more running out of juice halfway through a DOC site stint.
Layout: high bed, big storage and a homely feel
The interior is built around a raised fixed bed at the back — a design Gerard had admired in American builds but rarely seen in New Zealand. The extra height underneath creates a cavernous gear garage, while also dividing the sleep zone from the rest of the cabin.
Up front, a hardwood benchtop brings warmth and contrast to the clean cabinetry. A simple gas hob and sink setup handles cooking, and a cold-water rear shower adds just enough outdoor function. Lighting is soft, storage is ample, and everything feels considered — especially when you’ve been on the road for a month.
Quick stats and specs
|
Item |
Spec |
|
Base vehicle |
Ford Transit LWB, high roof |
|
Layout |
High fixed bed with full gear storage underneath |
|
Kitchen |
Gas hob, sink, hardwood benchtop |
|
Water |
Cold water only, rear shower |
|
Power |
300 Ah battery bank, 400 W solar, 2000 W inverter |
|
Extras |
Air compressor for mattress inflation, USB charging throughout |
“What an epic trip. It honestly felt like a home on wheels — the bed is hands down my favourite part. Having a proper mattress makes all the difference after a long day on the road.” — Gerard
One of the cleverest details? On their four-week South Island loop, Gerard and his partner were joined by a mate — who slept underneath the raised bed on an air mattress, stored in the gear space by day. With a portable air compressor on board, setup took just minutes — and everyone slept surprisingly well.
Thinking about your own Ford Transit campervan conversion? Start your build with Vanlifer.