Auckland Travel Forum

Hi, I will be in NZ for 5 weeks in July/August, travelling with 2 teenagers. We will probably hire a campervan and do a trip from Northland to Canterbury. Is this feasible in a campervan or will it be too cold? Are the campsites open in winter? I have seen on the forum that some people have gone for the hire car/staying in cabins option, but I'm wondering if this is more suitable for a summer trip, would cabins be too cold in winter?
Does anyone have any special advice for a winter trip? Thanks! Gail

If you travel by campervan in winter you should really have one with good heating system, or it can become rather chilly, even in subtropical Northland.

To me, the biggest advantage of doing the car/cabin or motel thing is that in case of rain you have a real roof over your head, can dry your clothes and shoes well, do not have to walk through the rain to the facilities, and keep the heating going if you are cold without additional costs.

I have seen many people who have travelled by campervan in winter, and keep on seeing them. But the ones I offered a warm room and easily accessible shower for a few nights were very grateful ;-) But I can assure you, everybody has survived the cold so far ;-)))

You might encounter snow in the centre of the North Island (Desert Road/Tongariro National Park), and everywhere in Canterbury, especially in the hills and on the pass roads. This can chill down the atmosphere quite a lot.

I,m sure cabins would provide heaters of some sort, admittedly we didn,t use cabins in N.Z. but have in Australia and they are well equipped.

Rather than the cold (which it will certainly be in the South) your biggest problem will probably be sharing a small space with 2 teenagers for 5 weeks, trust me! Before moving to NZ 14 years ago, we did 3 x one month trips with our kids and we hired a car and stayed in motels. It is great to have real warmth, electric blankets, unlimiited hot showers, laundry & drying facilities and loads of space. Even keeping a campervan clean and tidy with 3 or 4 occupants and their belongings is a mission! Friends who have done it and survived told us their stories. Whatever you choose, have a great experience in the greatest little country in the World.