Billy Nunweek
Based In: Waiuku, New Zealand
Vehicle: 1994 Land Cruiser Prado (KZJ78)
Instagram: @billynunweek
1. Tell us about yourself. What makes you tick?
In a word, mountains. Growing up, I never really had a strong connection with nature. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved my time outside but it never really grasped me until I moved to Christchurch back in 2015. That’s where my true passion for the landscapes of the world really took hold of my heart and has essentially driven every life decision of mine since. When I’m not spending my time at work up in Auckland I’m spending every waking second exploring the depths of this gorgeous country we live in, capturing it in a way that is uniquely me!
2. Tell us about your rig build. What sets is apart from the rest?
My Prado goes by the name Caia, I’ve had her for over two years now and she’s currently undergoing a massive transformation. In the past I’d had a simple set of drawers in the back and most of my cargo lived on the roof however in the coming months she’s getting a full fit out of custom Judge and Co drawers, a power system powered by Enerdrive, a 55L Dometic fridge and the new 3R Alu-Cab hardshell. After years of navigating without power, internal storage and a fridge the new set up will be life changing! Not to mention, it’ll bring a lot of the weight down off the roof and into the truck!
3. What is your favourite adventure to date?
Undoubtedly, my time down south last year in September was a life highlight, particularly travelling up the Havelock Valley. The landscape is ridiculously beautiful, the four wheel driving was challenging, the company was the best I could of dreamed of and the conditions were insane. After driving in through light showers all day it rained heavily overnight essentially making us stranded due to the river levels. The next night there was a dumping of 30cm of snow which continued to fall into the morning, my first real life winter wonderland. It's a trip I’ll never forget.
4. You spend quite a bit of time away from the office, how have you managed to find that co-existence between work and play?
Admittedly I don’t spend as much time away as I’d like and through the nature of Instagram and slowly sharing content from smaller trips it gives the impression I’m away a lot longer than what I actually am. I devote most of my free time to getting out of the city and seeing the sights which is really important to my day to day happiness. I fly south frequently thanks to Jetstar NZ and do one or two bigger trips a year.
5. What is one piece of advice you’d give to those who’re chasing a similar lifestyle to you?
Find an employer that appreciates your lifestyle and wants their employees to be happy. I’ve worked for big multinational businesses that see you as a number all the way down to smaller teams where you’re an integral part of the team and your time is valuable, its incredibly hard to find the balance and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the incredible people I work for and with.
6. Finally, what is your all time favourite camping spot?
It is terribly hard to pick just one but I’d have to say camping lake side up the Godley Valley was a life changing experience!
Go follow Billy's adventures on Instagram: @billynunweek