Six months ago, I embarked on a summer two-week trip around the South Island with an awesome bunch of mates. Four 4WDs with all the gear but next to no idea. We were all fresh into the scene and fizzing to get out and explore New Zealand. It turned out to literally be the trip of a lifetime and quite possibly the best holiday I'll ever have. To say it was life changing isn't a misuse of words. “Makin Memories” was the theme and we made a ton. There's so much serenity down here. Darryl Kerrigan needs to sell his boat, buy a 4WD and visit the south, Bonnie Doon has nothing on this place.
After that trip was done and dusted a bad case of the post-holiday blues set in, I found myself making plans for a return trip in winter. Unfortunately, I was the only one who could make it but since I survived the first time, I figured Id be ok. If not, then it'd make for a good story.
My background is 10 years as a mechanic and an avid tinkerer with cars. I've built and raced a couple of them in motorsport, so I know my way around a vehicle. The Toyota Surf was chosen as it's the
