Travelling New Zealand by Campervan in Winter

The most magical New Zealand road trips take place in winter. Choosing to roam by campervan or motorhome can make the journey even more special — experiencing the country’s untamed beauty from a unique winter perspective.

In this blog, we discuss what it’s like to travel by campervan through a New Zealand winter, why you should take a winter campervan road trip and what you can do during wintertime. We also call out some top tips for winter travelling across the country.

In addition, a few of the Wilderness marketing team share tips based on their own experiences of winter travelling in motorhomes.

The New Zealand winter campervan experience

Crowds diminish, temperatures drop, snow coats the mountains and a sense of tranquillity sets in. Winter can be an incredible time to visit New Zealand. Dramatic scenery becomes even more intense — with a slightly different light as the sun stays lower in the sky.

The air is crisper, the light is sharper and the landscapes feel more raw. There’s something about winter that only winter can offer.

It’s cold outside — but hiring the right motorhome can make it very warm inside.

Most domestic and international tourists choose not to travel to places in winter. This opens up an opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes in relative peace and serenity. Imagine:

• Lying on a subtropical Northland beach in a typically mild winter with no one else around
  
  
• Soaking in a natural hot spring surrounded by snow-topped mountain
  
  
• Driving around the Coromandel Peninsula with plenty of time to reach your next freedom camping spot
  
  
• Hiking a deserted Fiordland trail with only a fern forest for company.

Check out our guide to visiting Milford and Doubtful Sounds with a motorhome.

Why take a winter campervan road trip

Overpriced ice cream on crowded beaches with long queues doesn’t need to be the everlasting memory of your holiday.

If you’re thinking about hiring a motorhome or campervan for an epic New Zealand road trip, winter can offer plenty of unforgettable memories, due to:

• Fewer people — enjoy a more tranquil experience as less tourists visit the country during winter
  
  
• Lower prices — activity prices can cost less and your RV rental will certainly be priced lower than in the peak summer months
  
  
• Alpine scenery — mountains are spectacular any time of year but when covered with snow, they transform into something even more magical
  
  
• Winter activities— play in the snow for free, relax in a thermal hot pool, or participate in skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and even curling
  
  
• Relax in your warm motorhome — if you choose a fully winterised recreational vehicle, those winter nights will be warm, cosy and something to remember.

Discover how to stay warm on your New Zealand winter adventure.

What to do on a winter campervan adventure

You may be surprised at the number of winter activities that are easily available to motorhome travellers. From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, the country has something memorable for you.

Soak in mountain hot springs

Plan to stop and soak at some of the country’s best hot springs to rejuvenate your motorhome journey.

In the North Island, the Thermal Highway through Rotorua and Taupo presents natural springs, thermal springs and even mud springs. Pay a visit to:

• The Polynesian Spa — to enjoy the revitalising geothermal mineral waters in the area
  
  
• Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa — consider their restorative journey spa option.

If you’re travelling in the South Island, hot springs are aplenty with some of the best to try being:

• Waiho Hot Tubs — this experience in the bush in Franz Joseph village is a blissful way to take time out on your motorhome journey
  
  
• Tekapo Springs — especially in the middle of winter when you can cool down on the neighbouring ice skating rink, then heat up in the pools
  
  
• Maruia Hot Springs — one of the country’s most authentic hot spring experiences, algae and all.

Maruia also has an excellent camping facility for motorhome campers, which you can book as part of a hot spring package.

Look up and stargaze

You may not be familiar with the Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights as many people call them. Like the Northern Lights, this mainly winter spectacle is even more special if you see it while freedom camping in a motorhome.

The general rule is that the further south you drive, the more likely you’ll see the aurora. However, you’ll need to find a location without light pollution — The Catlins, Lake Tekapo and the southland coast are arguably the best spots.

If the aurora isn’t around, New Zealand’s winter nights offer outstanding opportunities to stargaze. There are often clear skies but it’s best to head to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Stargazing at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve comes with an interesting element in the local lighthouse and Tongariro National Park offers a dramatic backdrop when looking skyward.

Encounter local wildlife

Image by Penguin Place

Winter is the perfect time to observe some of New Zealand’s wildlife and driving around by motorhome hire will get you closer to the action. Be prepared to see:

• Yellow-eyed penguins — also known as hoiho which means noise shouter in Māori, they breed in winter, especially in places like Curio Bay on the Otago Peninsula

• Orca — these whales often come closer to shore in areas like the Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf over the winter months
  
  
• Sea lions — you can spot them lazing about on beaches around the Otago coast and in The Catlins
  
  
• Dolphins — although these intelligent creatures are viewable all year, calmer winter waters may offer closer encounters and better visibility
  
  
• Royal albatross — take advantage of the exceptional viewing opportunities in winter as the world’s largest seabird breeds at certain coastal points like Taiaroa Head
  
  
• Godwits — migratory wading birds like godwits and knots make New Zealand their winter home, especially in estuaries and mudflats
  
  
• Fur seals — the Kaikoura coastline and the Otago Peninsula see more seals on their rocky shores in winter.
  
  

Endemic New Zealand birdlife like kiwi, weka and kea can be spotted any time of the year.

Enjoy the wintry outdoors

Image by Graeme Murray

Make the most of what wintertime brings by planning outdoor adventures to suit the season, such as:

• Snowboarding or skiing — on the country’s world-renowned slopes in Otago, Canterbury and the central North Island
  
  
• Flying — in a scenic helicopter or fixed-wing plane over snow-capped mountains and impressive glaciers
  
  
• Roasting marshmallows — over bonfires on secluded West Coast beaches
  
  
• Winter festivals — like the Taupō Winter Festival, LUMA, Steampunk Festival, Alpine Winter Festival, Festival of Lights and Wellington on a Plate.
  
  
• Hiking — shorter walks on less crowded trails in winter can be a meditative experience where it’s just you and nature.
  
  

See our blogs on New Zealand’s best hikes and walks and how to fit snow chains during winter.

Photograph breathtaking winter landscapes

If you love taking memorable photos on holiday, pack your SLR camera for your New Zealand winter motorhome road trip. A canvas of starlit night skies, eye-opening sunrises and snow-covered mountains await.

Wear warm clothing so you can take your time outdoors in the cooler months, and welcome the golden hour when the soft light of sunrise and sunset creates photography magic.

Try different filters to enhance the contrast while looking for interesting patterns in the ice, snow and frost of winter.

Check out our best North and South Island places to park up your motorhome — and capture some amazing views.

Top tips for winter campervan travel in New Zealand

Preparing to travel by motorhome in winter may require a little extra planning, but you’ll undoubtedly be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime.

Take these tips onboard to make your preparation and motorhome adventure the best possible.

1. Book a fully winterised motorhome — with a central heating unit (ideally powered by gas when freedom camping), insulation and double glazed windows
   
   
2. Stock up on essential food and drink — particularly if you intend to freedom camp over consecutive nights
   
   
3. Monitor road conditions — by regularly checking the Waka Kotahi (NZTA) journey planner for road closures, traffic incidents and warnings.
   
   
4. Take care when driving — New Zealand roads in winter can have ice, potholes, snow, black ice and fallen debris so prepare well by looking over the Drive Safe website
   
   
5. Pack layers — you’ll want to stay warm when venturing outside of your cosy motorhome, so ensure you bring waterproof gear, thermal underlayers and weatherproof footwear.

Get some more tips from our packing for your campervan road trip blog. Then, download our helpful packing checklist to help you work through what to take.