For Nicky and Kane, the decision to downsize from a four-bedroom home in Hawke's Bay to a 20sqm tiny house wasn’t made lightly.
Yet, the desire to explore New Zealand’s stunning off-grid locations while still enjoying the comforts of a cosy home led them to embrace the tiny house lifestyle. Kane, an experienced tiny house builder, and Nicky packed up their lives and embarked on a year-long journey in a tiny home they custom-built for life on the road with their two children.
"We were really excited but also incredibly nervous," Nicky shares, reflecting on the big change. Moving from a spacious home and strong community ties into such a small space, while travelling full-time with their children, was a daunting challenge. But the opportunity to have a flexible, mobile lifestyle won out.
"We wanted to be able to go to amazing locations off-grid and still have the comforts and atmosphere of a home," adds Kane.
Their tiny house, which they designed and built from the ground up, wasn’t just functional and stylish, it also captured the hearts of many. At the 2024 NZ Tiny House Awards, Nicky and Kane's home took home the prestigious People's Choice Award, a recognition that highlights the uniqueness and appeal of their design.
Fortunately, Kane’s practical building skills came in handy when designing their tiny home. This wasn’t his first build – it was his third in over 25 years – and his experience helped them create a home that was both functional and adaptable. "We designed the house with three separate bedrooms, which is a real luxury in a tiny house," says Kane. "It means everyone has their own space and privacy."
Innovative features like airbag suspension on the trailer allow the family to set up quickly levelling the tiny house on uneven ground. Their custom-built wood burner not only keeps the house warm but also heats water through a clever water jacket system. In-floor storage, separate table tops, and strategic lighting make the space both practical and comfortable. The house was built to keep them cosy during the winter months while offering flexibility during warmer seasons.
Living in 20sqm with four people certainly has its challenges. "If one of us is having a bad day, everyone knows about it," Nicky laughs. "But we’ve learnt to address things quicker because we’re all in such close quarters."
They admit that homeschooling the kids on the road has been one of their biggest ongoing struggles. "Becoming a teacher overnight hasn’t been easy," say’s Nicky. But they’ve taken it all in stride, focusing on the positives: their tiny house gives them the freedom to explore New Zealand, change their view every few days, and spend more quality time together as a family. "We’re really understanding what makes each other tick," Nicky adds, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their journey.
Their tiny house adventure hasn’t just been about fun and exploration; it’s also been a financially savvy decision. Renting out their home in Hawke's Bay has enabled them to fund their travels, and they’re proud to share that the entire tiny house build cost just $45,000 – not including Kane’s labour, of course. Living tiny has also made them more mindful of their consumption. "We have less food waste, and we really think twice about buying anything new," they explain. "Living with less has been incredibly freeing."
For those considering the tiny life, Nicky and Kane offer some sage advice: "Simplify in stages. Have a big garage sale and live with less before making the jump." And perhaps most importantly, "Make sure your bed is comfortable! Sleeping well is key to enjoying tiny living."
Looking back, the couple says the most rewarding part of their journey has been realising how little they need to live well. "We’ve spent less time maintaining property and more time exploring New Zealand with our family. That’s what really matters."
While their adventure is still ongoing, Nicky and Kane are already thinking ahead. In 2025, they plan to sell the custom build plans for their tiny house. For those interested in following their journey or learning more, they can be found on Facebook and YouTube under "Travelling Tiny NZ."
For Nicky, Kane, and their family, tiny living has been a big adventure – one that’s opened doors to new experiences, deeper family connections, and the freedom to explore New Zealand in a way they hadn’t imagined possible. While tiny house living isn’t without its challenges, the rewards have far outweighed them. Could this lifestyle be the key to your next adventure?
