Trust on the road

For Ryman residents Bev and John, trust means freedom. It’s the confidence to pack up their motorhome and hit the road knowing their home is in good hands while they’re away.

“The lifestyle is just great,” says John. “We can lock up and leave, knowing everything is taken care of at home.”

It’s a freedom they’ve fully embraced since moving to Ryman’s Northwood Village.

“We don’t have to stress about maintenance or security. When we return, the lawns are tidy, the garden looks great, and the windows are even cleaned - inside and out!” adds Bev.

With everything sorted and their home base secure, there’s nothing holding them back from spontaneous getaways — always with their beloved Cavoodle, Skye, along for the ride.

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“Sometimes we’ll go away for six weeks, maybe two months — we just see how we feel,” John says. “That’s the beauty of it.”

“There’s no rush to be anywhere, and we love that,” says Bev. “It’s all about enjoying the journey.”

And they’ve certainly been enjoying it, from the sunny shores of Tahunanui Beach to the scenic lakes and cycle trails of Central Otago.

“We love Cromwell,” says Bev. “We biked the Lake Dunstan Track, and Skye came along too. She did the whole thing!”

Next on the travel list is a North Island loop, with stops planned in Greytown, the Bay of Islands, and Ōtaki, where John grew up. They’ll be camping along the way and visiting friends in Auckland and Langs Beach.

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When they’re back in Christchurch, they’re just as keen to get out and explore. Bev and John are regulars in the village walking group and love taking Skye to local spots like Styx Mill Reserve and The Groynes Dog Park.

Skye, of course, is part of the Northwood Village family too.

“The staff keep treats in their desk for her,” Bev laughs. “She knows exactly where to go when we walk past the office!”

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It’s those small gestures that have made a big difference. After John casually mentioned he liked a slice of lemon in his gin, the village gardener went out of his way to plant a lemon tree in their garden.

“How lovely is that!” says John, smiling.

With a community around them, and the freedom to travel whenever they like, Bev and John feel right at home.

“We just feel so comfortable here,” Bev says. “And we know we can head off whenever we want — and everything will be just right when we come back.”

by Mercy Cornish | May 22, 2025