Rene Vermeer
Background & Inspiration
- Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into the world of 4WDs and adventure travel?
Ha, that’s a funny one really. I was actually always a ‘car guy’ and ever since I was around nine years old, I was totally obsessed with performance vehicles and reading magazines like NZ Performance Car Magazine. Fast forward to around four years ago, and the itch to explore our very own backyard was beginning. I started off wanting to build an Audi Allroad C6 (with the V8). Which, I did, and it was kind of a getaway into the 4WD camping world. I fitted a 12-volt setup into the boot, an 18-litre fridge hidden into the floor, and a Feldon Crow’s Nest rooftop tent onto the roof. It was basic, with just all-terrain tyres, but it got me around the South Island with ease. When I realised how much I couldn’t do in the Audi, I wanted something more capable. This is where I entered my 4WD phase specifically, and bought my 100 Series Land Cruiser I still own now.
- What was the spark that led to the creation of 4XJournal?
At the very first 4x4 Outdoor Expo, I was walking around the event wondering what magazine was showcasing this growing scene here in New Zealand. I guess you could say I had my Editor’s hat on, as that’s what I would be doing with NZ Performance Car Magazine at the time. When my mate told me there was no real magazine covering the scene and the stories here in New Zealand, I was genuinely shocked. The scene was HUGE and the stories were all but untold to the masses. It was at that moment, I knew I wanted to launch a 4WD adventure magazine that showcased New Zealand adventures, people, and builds.
- What’s your philosophy when it comes to exploring New Zealand’s backcountry?
My philosophy exploring New Zealand’s backcountry is pretty simple really. I want to see and experience as much as possible, while leaving as little trace as possible. We’re so incredibly lucky here in New Zealand to have the landscapes and access we do, so keeping those tracks and landscapes open for future generations is super important to me. Basic things like airing down, to reduce wear on the tracks and so forth.
Vehicles & Adventures
- What’s your current 4WD setup, and why did you choose it?
I currently own a Toyota Land Cruiser (100 Series). It’s pretty heavily modified, as I don’t like leaving things in factory trim. To put it simply, it’s got upgraded suspension, brakes, tyres, 12-volt system, and camping equipment. Every upgrade is done specifically for a purpose and mainly to handle the increased weight the vehicle now has on it. It’s important to remember that if you’re adding weight or increasing the height if your vehicle, you need to ensure you’re thinking about how that is going to affect the way the vehicle drives. It’s going to load up the vehicle’s braking system, have more body roll, and put extra stresses on the engine and drivetrain. Upgrade brake pads, fresh fluids, oil/trans coolers, and upgraded suspension components are vital in a heavy four-wheel drive, for longevity.
- If you could build any dream 4WD setup, what would it be and why?
I actually just love my 100 Series, a lot. However, I do wish it was a solid front axle, so the ultimate setup for me would be the 1HD-FTE engine, and 100 Series body on a 105 Series chassis with a manual transmission. That is peak Land Cruiser for me! With all of the mods, obviously.
- Tell us about a particularly memorable trip or adventure—one that really stuck with you.
The last trip I did to the South Island with my friends would hands down be it. We drove down for 30 days of four-wheeling, camping, and eating. We did tracks all the way down to the very bottom of the South Island, before making our way back north. We did over 5,000kms, with four Land Cruisers. It was peak summer too, so we swam in rivers, camped in the middle of nowhere and just had a rad time. It also gave me a huge amount more experience off roading, which was awesome!
- What’s a place you keep going back to, and what makes it special?
Places I always go back to, are because they’re close and they’re great for a quick getaway. We always head back to Whatipu, Tawharanui, or Shakespear Regional Park for quick, regular camping sessions.
- Any unexpected challenges or breakdowns that turned into a great story?
Nothing with the 100 Series, no! It’s too damn reliable (touches wood).
Gear, Tips & Insights
- What’s a piece of gear or a mod you wouldn’t go without on any trip?
My roof tent. Love being up there! But also my 12-volt setup that Jack installed. I usually need to work from the road, so being able to rely on the Redarc setup is nice.
- What’s one mistake you see new 4WD owners make, and what advice would you give them?
Not getting out there! Just go out and drive as much as you can. Get off road, get onto the beach, and get out into the bush. Some people wait for it to be fully modified before they head out. Go and see what your rig can do with basic, or no mods. It’s also hugely entertaining.
- Do you have any personal rules or routines when preparing for an off-road trip?
Yep, OCD levels of checking/maintenance. I would rather the truck is fully dialed in before heading out on a trip so I can mitigate anything happening out on the trails/at camp. And I only use genuine parts for servicing items, like filters. OEM is king!
Future Plans & Community
- Where do you see 4XJournal heading in the next few years?
Hopefully to the moon! But on a serious note, if it can support me and my family, that would be great. We’ll continue to focus on telling New Zealand stories and showcasing the epic scenery we have here in New Zealand. Some people have told me they think New Zealand is too small, and there aren’t enough vehicles to feature here to continue making this magazine full time. I do find that hilarious — the 4WD adventure scene here in New Zealand is world class! There are stories around every corner, at the top of every range, and in every campsite.
- The 4WD and outdoor community is growing—how do you think it’s changing, and where do you see it going?
I suspect we’ll follow Australian trends with both the aftermarket scene and how our tracks will be managed. I think they’re around 15-20 years ahead of us in their 4WD industry, so we need to look at what they’re doing right, and wrong. Their tracks are getting closed down left, right, and centre because of people abusing them, so we need to make sure that doesn’t happen here.
- Who inspires you—whether in the 4WD space or storytelling world?
Shauno (Shaun Whale) from 4WD 24/7 is one of my main inspirations in this scene. He’s a proper journalist and has done incredibly well for himself. If anybody knows him, please give me an address so I can get a magazine to him! I would love for him to see 4XJournal (I would probably keel over and die if that happens).
- If you could give your younger self one piece of advice before your first big trip, what would it be?
You don’t need to take a shower.
- Finally, what’s next for you — any big plans on the horizon?
Yep, we’ve got a baby due in July, so camping is going to look a bit different from that point on! The Land Cruiser always has mods planned too, so keep your eyes peeled!
