Christchurch Travel Forum

I am planning a 3 week's family (2 adults/2 kids) trip to NZ for this July. One friend recommended me by campervan, which is the way I haven't experienced before. But is it OK to drive further south in NZ winter time? Will it be too cold to sleep in the Campervan in July?

Thank you in advance.

Without knowing what size campervan you are thinking of getting, I wouldn't imagine you would be too cold with four sleeping in a reasonably confined space. Some campers have plug in fan heaters.

A couple of years ago I did a similar trip in April and we had some early winter snow. Friends of mine did a three week trip in June last year and had no bad weather at all. You may find some roads closed due to weather conditions but most of the tourist routes (ones suitable for campervans anyway) are well used even in winter. If you are a confident driver you should be fine.

Many tourists travel by campervan in winter. I would surely not do it because I prefer a cosy and warm room. It is not just sleeping in a cold van, it is also having to dry wet clothes, and probably cook and air the van, and walk to the showers and toilets...

In case of snow a motorhome is the worst thing you can drive. With two kids you would need a bigger van/motorhome. The compact vans have, as far as I am informed, only two seats for adults and one for a kid between them. I have seen people with kids playing in the rear area of the van while driving but I do not consider this a safe option, as everybody should wear seatbelts.

The other day I saw a long-term weather forecast which said that we will not get a lot of snow this winter. But since when can you trust the weather forecast?

We had the first snow last Saturday, some people were even skiing on Mt. Hutt. But it quickly melted away and did not create any danger on the roads. The rule of thumb is: The further south you get, the higher the risk of snow on the roads. You should make sure that you have snow chains aboard. And, as said, I would prefer a car and have a warm room at the end of the day. Reservations are not needed in winter, apart from festival time in Queenstown. And you can get two bedroom/family units in motels.

On reflection, your idea Kakapo2, sounds much more civilised. You made me feel cold just reading your post. Might be nice to be able to get more than 3 feet away from the kids too. Unless they are little angels of course!

LOL

Thanks. Swissfondue and Kakapo2.

I think I will hire a 4 berth Campervan in North Island, and then drop off at Wellington to shift to a 4WD to further down to South Island.

100% pure New Zealand, we are coming!

Good plan. Have fun - and make sure you get chains on the South Island. 4WD is great but not absolutely necessary if you do not travel off road.