Great Southern Land

Living in the South Island, you can’t help but notice the number of 4WDs on the road.

Stuart and Chris Humphrey, who’ve spent their lives in the expansive backyard of New Zealand, have learned the essentials of life.

They say their 22 year old Hilux double cab (LN106) is “about as handy as a hill stick and enjoyment here in South Canterbury”.

“It was an easy decision to buy a Hilux, and we patiently waited until we found the model and the colour we were after… and then came the extras.

While the truck was bought purely as an everyday drive, it was a key to unlocking the mountainous country the South Island has to offer and exploring further those iconic hunting places. Having enjoyed what the outdoors had given us, we felt it time to give something back to our community.

As we're active members of the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue team, this Toyota’s ability suited the type of operations in which we are involved. The extras were incorporated to be functional and complement the Hilux’s renowned reliability. It has allowed the pair to respond to those in need from wilderness searches and including fall out from the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes.

Could we see ourselves upgrading to any of the later models?… Well, as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Crumpy had the ‘knack’ and certainly a good eye, and he sure as hell picked an-all time winner here.

It’s been in our family for 15 years and we couldn’t bring ourselves to part with it. We certainly get noticed and are approached by all sorts asking questions about our choice.”

FACTS

1996 Hilux Double Cab
Distance travelled: 285,000km
Clean pallet other than breathers all round
on diffs and steering joints, 2.5” suspension lift courtesy of ARB
HF (radio telephone), VHF, UHF, AM radio
Winch

It’s been our intention to tidy up the back well side to blend in with body but otherwise it’s clean and just ‘‘run-in”.

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