Solo Parenting + Full-Time Van Life in the Backcountry of New Zealand

She Who Wanders

Apr 21

A Convo with Shoshannah from @shoshanna.nz

Meet Shoshannah. A solo parent + photographer, living in beautiful New Zealand, who’s passionate about capturing all the memories and moments with her kiddo (soon to be two kiddos!). Not only does she show all the hikes, views and outdoor adventures NZ has to offer, but she also is proof of what’s possible as a solo parent who loves to push her limits and take her littles ones along. From natural hot pools to back-country huts, her stories and guides/safety tips are inspiring so many others to get outside more, go for their dreams and not be held back by circumstances.

Tell us a little about you and your family like where you’re from, where you live now, how old are your kids and anything interesting or unique you’d like people to know.

Hey! I am a solo mumma with a 4 year old and a little one on the way. We live in New Zealand, born and raised. I grew up outdoors on a farm; my family was very outdoorsy and now my 4 year old and I are often hiking, traveling and taking adventures exploring our country. Last year my child and I lived in a bus for a year, traveling full-time. It was an amazing experience, and I would love to go on the road full-time again in the future.

What an incredible experience to travel full-time with your toddler - I’m sure you made so many memories navigating the ups and downs together. Take us back to a moment that made you doubt everything, but in the end made an incredible memory and bonded you together even more with your little boy.

We have had lots of ups and downs for sure! There were moments when I wondered if this was a good idea, but then I realized no matter where we were or what we did there would be pros and cons. One moment I remember was when we came down with the flu and had to manage in such a tiny space without a washing machine or unlimited water. It was pretty rough for a few days, but then when we were better we went to a paid campground, had showers and washed everything. It was all fine again. Times like that are especially hard, but they are short lived.

The Great Wanderlust is all about women stepping outside of the box and diving deeper in both travel and in life! The mission is to inspire moms and families to feel fully alive through adventure and exploration! What is your great wanderlust? What most makes you come to life?? Take us back to a moment when you felt that.

I always feel the most alive when outside hiking, especially achieving some challenging hikes. One trip I was determined to sleep in the alpines beside an alpine tarn with amazing views of the mountains. After a full day of walking, we found this absolutely perfect place and watched the most incredible sunset. It made me feel so alive and just amazing. I felt unstoppable and so powerful as a woman to know that on my own I could go and do the things I set my mind to.

When you decided to venture out to live in your van full-time with you little boy, you must have had some doubts or fears, no? What were some of your biggest ones and how did you overcome them and take the leap anyway?

I had lots of fears. I think the hardest was not having a home base to come back to. The bus was our home all the time and our whole life had to squeeze into it. I found that actually it was super freeing, and wherever we were traveling we always had home right there.

Why is spending time outdoors so important to you? How does it affect you on a soul level?

I have always loved being outdoors since I was a kid. When I became a parent it was something I craved and needed. The outdoors for me is so important because I am a better person after I've spent time out there. It’s especially important for detoxing from life stresses and technology.

I believe there are lots of moms out there who may want to travel solo more, but are told it’s too dangerous and are afraid to venture out alone. What are some top tips you would give to other moms who want to travel solo but feel too afraid or nervous? How do you stay and feel safe?

I think it's no more dangerous than going to the playground or supermarket by yourself. I have had some scary encounters at my local beach - getting approached by someone who made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Anything can happen at any time, anywhere. You just have to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. That's how I feel. But it can be daunting being somewhere out of your comfort zone. The best thing to do is to just go - take shorter trips close to home. Confidence is gained by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and just doing it. There are lots of things you can do like park your vehicle so you can drive away easily and quickly if you need to. Just keep aware of things around you. Follow your gut instinct if something doesn't feel right, and then get out.

Screen use for kids is such a hot topic in the parenting world - so many differing opinions and experiences! Tell us a little about your experience with screens and your little boy. Why did you decide to do a screen detox for him and how did it go? What were the biggest things you learned? How do you balance life with the use of screens now?

Screens are such a hot topic! I have used screens a lot with my child since he was around 1, but recently I noticed how awful his behavior was getting, and when i removed screens he became a different child. Detox is rough but for us it took a few days up to a week then he would stop asking and having meltdowns over it. We do audio books a lot now instead. And he's so good at playing independently.

Where are you off to next and what are you most looking forward to about it?

We have recently moved out of the bus, and are living in a house again. It's been a big change but we felt ready for a new season. I have a 4wd, and we go road-tripping when we can. I still have lots of plans to do hikes after the baby is born and I've recovered from birth etc. One day in the future I'd love to have a van again and go back on the road.

Is there a question you wish I would have asked or anything else you’d like to share with other mamas relating to travel or life?

I want everyone to know they deserve a life of true happiness and that it’s not selfish to go after it. It’s so easy to get lost on this path with endless access to social and comparing yourself to others. Don’t compare your life to others. Always set goals and seek the questions to your answers from within. If you can make those intentional choices, you’re going to create a life that is perfect for you/your family.