Real adventures,
real people, real Aotearoa
We’re a friendly group of Kiwis exploring New Zealand together — 4×4 expeditions, beach drives, camping, fishing and easy family days out. No 4×4? No worries. Everyone’s welcome.
A crew held together by good yarns and good company
Expedition Aotearoa started with a simple idea: get out into this beautiful country, take on a track or a beach, and meet good people along the way. Whether it’s a hard climb up a hill, a low-tide beach run, a quiet river campsite or a big steak over the coals — if it’s outdoors, we’re keen.
Every trip is filled with laughter. It’s a space where kids and parents alike can have fun, make new friends, and go home with the best photos and memories of New Zealand.
🧡 What makes us different
Plenty of groups are 4×4-only. We’re not. Families and non-4×4 folks are genuinely part of the crew — campers, caravans and tents all welcome, and loads of our outings need no 4×4 at all. Come as you are.
What we get up to
A little bit of everything — pick your flavour of adventure.
4×4 Expeditions
Tracks, hills and hidden gems — with experienced leaders and full recovery gear along for the ride.
Beach Driving
Low-tide runs along some of the country’s most stunning coastline, done safely and with respect for the sea.
Camping & Caravanning
River campsites and weekends away — tents, campers and caravans all welcome around the fire.
Fishing
From wild trout to a feed off the beach, there’s always someone keen to wet a line.
Family Days Out
Relaxed outings built for kids and grandparents alike — the memories are the whole point.
Non-4×4 Outings
Nature walks, social gatherings and easy explores where any car (or no car) will do.
Started by Jan, grown by good people
Jan Viljoen started Expedition Aotearoa for the simplest of reasons — to meet new people while doing what he loves: 4×4, camping, fishing and exploring New Zealand, on road and off. What began as a few like-minded folk heading out together has grown into a warm community.
These days Jan’s joined by a handful of trusted leaders who help plan and guide trips, so there’s always someone to show you the ropes and the best spots. Off the trail, Jan is also a financial adviser — which is why JV Financial Services proudly backs the group and helps keep the campfires burning.
“Come for the adventure, stay for the people.”
The people who lead the way
Always planning the next trip together — and always up for a yarn around the fire.
Jan Viljoen FOUNDER
The heart of Expedition Aotearoa. Jan started the group to share his love of the outdoors and bring good people together — on the tracks, on the beach and around the fire. A financial adviser by day, adventurer at heart.
Charl Viljoen
One of our keenest members — a fisherman who’ll try anything outdoors, from catching wild trout to cooking huge steaks over the fire. New dad with wife Elana, so expect a stroller poking out of the ute. Loves learning about the landscapes we travel through and the friends made along the way.
Arthur “Oupa” Boucher
A plumber by trade and a very experienced four-wheel driver — well equipped and a pro at winching out stuck vehicles. Recently a grandad (hence “Oupa”), he’s always keen to tackle the harder obstacles, so you’ll see plenty of him in our videos. Great adventures, amazing memories, beautiful photos of NZ.
Trevor Roux
A well-known car dealer and owner of Long Term Car Hire, who’s been off-roading for years — he even guided trips through the Namibian desert. Carries more gear in his cruiser than most have in the house, and you’ll usually find him by the Waikato river with a guitar in hand, sons in tow. Loves showing people NZ’s hidden gems.
Straight from the trail
A snapshot of what a weekend with us looks like — real photos from real trips around Aotearoa.
First catch of the day
Mountain lake stop
Wild horses, wild coast
Top of the country
The whole crew
Beach day out
Little explorers
Lines in the water
Low-tide mirror
Golden hour drive
Last light stroll
Lakeside base
Braai time
Through the wet stuff
Fireside skiesSafety comes first — always
Adventure is only fun when everyone gets home safe. From the bush to the beach, safety is built into everything we do — especially with kids along.
📋 Trip briefings
Every trip starts with a clear briefing — the plan, the route, the risks and what to do if something goes wrong.
🪝 Recovery gear & know-how
We travel with proper recovery equipment and experienced leaders who know how to use it safely.
🌊 Tides & weather
On the beach we plan around the tides and keep a close eye on the forecast. The sea always wins, so we respect it.
📻 Radio comms
Convoys stay in touch by radio so no one gets left behind and help is only a call away.
🩹 First aid ready
First aid kits come on every trip, and we head out prepared for the remote spots we love to explore.
👧 Looking after the kids
Family trips are planned with little ones in mind — sensible pace, safe stops, and plenty of eyes watching out.
Join us on our next adventure
We’re always planning the next trip. The easiest way to keep up and get involved is through our socials or a quick message to Jan — that’s where the latest trips and yarns live.
Find us & say kia ora
Our founder Jan is a financial adviser, and JV Financial Services helps keep the group rolling and the campfires burning. If you’d like a hand with your own financial journey, Jan’s just a message away.
Visit jvfs.co.nzFrequently asked questions
What is Expedition Aotearoa?
We’re a friendly, family-oriented group that explores New Zealand together — 4×4 expeditions, beach driving, camping, fishing and relaxed outings. Founder Jan Viljoen started the group to meet like-minded people while doing what he loves outdoors.
Do I need a 4×4 to join?
Nope! Many outings welcome campers, caravans and tents with no 4×4 required. What makes us different is that families and non-4×4 folks are genuinely part of the crew — not an afterthought.
Is it family friendly?
Absolutely. Kids and parents are welcome, and trips are planned with little ones in mind. Every trip is filled with laughter and new friendships around the campfire.
How seriously do you take safety?
Very. Every trip includes a briefing, we travel with recovery gear and experienced leaders, we plan around tides and weather on the beach, keep radio comms and carry first aid. Safety comes before any obstacle.
How do I join?
Join our Facebook group, follow us on Instagram and YouTube, or message Jan directly on WhatsApp at +64 22 599 8127. Then come along to our next adventure and say kia ora!