I love getting on the road. Throwing the tent in the boot of the car and heading out of town makes me feel free. I prefer to head where the sun is shining - but the destination doesn't really matter. Because of it's size, New Zealand is one of the best countries for filling this aspect of thriving for me.
Recently I was lucky enough to borrow a flash new navy blue Volkswagen Touareg for the four-hour-ish drive to Hawkes Bay. I recruited my manfriend and a couple of his mates from back in the Bay and we headed out of town for a long weekend.
It was not ideal driving conditions. A storm was brewing, nightfall was setting in and I hadn't tackled the winding stretch from Taupo to Taradale before. But as the road trip driver, I was well-appreciated. Being behind the wheel can be an exhausting job. It hinders your involvement in the chat and limits your capacity to play DJ. But you always get a pat on the back for staying sober and ensuring everyone arrives safe and sound.
I reckon the most fun roadie role is as passenger.
The guys in the back - they've got the most chilled job in the car. They bring the banter, tend to suckle on a few beers en route and handle most of the snacks. They even have the luxury of a wee kip on the road. The only pitfall they face is being forced to get comfortable amongst pillows, a guitar, the fishing rods or next to a poorly-picked hitchhiker.
