Gypsy life for Franziska | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Giving up her painting and decorating business and hitting the road a decade ago, Franziska finds the life of a gypsy rewarding.

The 40-year-old who now lives in a Bedford TK decked out like a gypsy vardo wagon with a bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen and living area with a woodburner, was one of dozens of gypsies selling their wares on the Village Green at the weekend.

She is part of the Tinkers and Traders Travelling Gypsies fair which travels around the North Island selling home crafted wares.

Gypsies are only known by their first names.

Franziska is a fortune teller and sells crystal products.

She loves the travelling lifestyle.

"It's just awesome. You meet some lovely people. You see a lot of the countryside too ... I've been a life coach in the past and try and bring that into my readings. I love it when I've done a reading for someone and then I come back in a year or so and notice the difference it has made in their lives," she said.

When she first hit the road, Franziska lived in a small bus but she just loves her old Bedford truck.

"Lots of people like the modern trucks and buses but I love my old girl. She is comfortable but she doesn't have all the bells and whistles, like the modern trucks. But then again she doesn't have them to break down with," she said.

Wally lives in a large Hino bus selling jewellery and hanging crystals.

It's also a lifestyle he adores.

"I sold the lawnmower in 95 and the house went with it," he said.

As for the travelling life - it's a winner.

"You don't have to put with noisy neighbours, you don't have to worry about mowing the lawns and you meet some awesome people on the road.

"If you have nasty neighbours you just turn the key and drive away. You can change the view any time you like. Where else can you get a free million dollar view of the beach? It's beaut," he told The Daily Post.

Phil, says it the perfect way to escape.

"When you have had enough of your wife, you just send her off to the grocery store and drive away without her," he said with a giggle.

"Honestly, though, it's a great lifestyle. You are your own boss and you get to see so much of the country you wouldn't otherwise see. You aren't tied down by clocks and appointments," he said.

The Tinkers and Traders Travelling Gypsies visit Rotorua twice a year.