10 Reasons to Plan a Winter Campervan Road Trip in NZ

Planning to hire a camper for a winter road trip in NZ? Exploring New Zealand's diverse landscapes in a campervan during the cooler months is a truly special experience. There’s something magical about rugging up under the stars before bed, and then waking up to crispy mornings with a hot coffee and a cooked breakfast. If you’re looking for NZ winter holiday ideas, then you simply can’t go past a campervan road trip. 

To help inspire the ultimate travel itinerary, we’ll share ten reasons why booking an Apollo campervan hire this winter could be your most memorable adventure yet. 

Our top 10 reasons you should explore New Zealand in a campervan this winter

Travelling in a campervan during winter offers a unique perspective of Aotearoa, offering a blend of adventure and breathtaking beauty. Here are our top picks for why a campervan hire should be your go-to choice for a New Zealand winter road trip.

Image: Instagram - @scotthowes

Spectacular scenery

There's nothing quite like the sight of New Zealand's landscapes as they transform in winter. The mountains, parks, and forests take on a new life, adorned with snow and frost in many areas, offering scenes straight out of a postcard. And when you drive New Zealand by campervan, these captivating views aren't just a part of your journey; they're the first thing you see when you wake up, your backdrop for lunch, and your sunset scene. Imagine sipping your morning brew surrounded by the snow-dusted Southern Alps or listening to the dawn chorus of native birds in one of New Zealand’s national parks. That's the beauty of campervan travel in winter.

Tranquillity and serenity

If you're seeking a getaway from the crowds, winter is your season. The usual buzz of tourist spots simmers down, leaving behind quieter roads and peaceful campsites. This shift allows you to experience New Zealand's natural wonders and attractions without the usual hustle and bustle. As an added bonus, some attractions and campgrounds provide off-peak pricing during winter making your campervan hire holiday even more appealing (this may not apply during the school holiday period). It's a win-win: fewer people and potentially lower costs, all while you're wrapped up in the stunning winter scenery.

Unique outdoor activities

A New Zealand road trip in winter isn't just about enjoying the scenery, it’s also an opportunity to add some unique outdoor activities to your travel itinerary. Whether you're carving down the slopes of renowned ski resorts like Cardrona and Treble Cone, or taking a glacier hike across the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, winter offers an exhilarating playground for adventure seekers. With a campervan, you have the ultimate flexibility to hop from one winter wonderland to the next.

The Southern Lights

Winter in New Zealand brings with it the chance to witness one of the most enchanting natural phenomena: the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis. These lights weave a tapestry of vibrant colours across the night sky, creating a spectacle that's both surreal and captivating. For the best views, venture to the remote areas of the South Island, where the darkness and clarity of the skies serve as the perfect backdrop for this celestial dance. With your Apollo campervan hire, you're equipped to chase these lights at their most brilliant, turning an ordinary night into an extraordinary experience.

Cosy campervan living

The charm of a winter adventure in New Zealand is perfectly complemented by the cosy living a modern campervan offers. Apollo's campervan and motorhome fleet comes with all the home comforts, from snug bedding to fully equipped kitchens. For unbeatable cosiness, pack a hot water bottle and your favourite warm socks. And if you’d like an extra touch of warmth, you can also hire a fan heater when you book your Apollo campervan hire. After a day of exploring New Zealand’s wintery landscapes, you'll love returning to your own warm and welcoming sanctuary.

Culinary delights

Winter is the ideal season to dive into the hearty comfort foods that New Zealand is celebrated for. With an abundance of local delicacies – from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses, your taste buds are in for a treat. Local farmers markets are a great place to pick up something tasty that showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients. And what better way to enjoy these culinary delights than by preparing them in your campervan's well-equipped kitchen? Embrace the joy of cooking on the road, turning each meal into a cosy and memorable dining experience amidst the stunning winter landscapes of New Zealand.

Hot springs and thermal pools

New Zealand's geothermal wonders come to life in winter, offering the perfect escape into the warmth of natural hot springs and thermal pools. From the geothermal heartland of Rotorua to the hidden gems in the South Island, these warm waters provide a sanctuary against the winter chill. Places like the Miranda Holiday Park or the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools not only offer a rejuvenating soak but also overnight campervan parking. This means you can enjoy a soothing dip under the stars and retreat to the comfort of your campervan, parked just a stone's throw away. It's an experience that blends the rustic charm of outdoor living with the indulgent pleasure of a spa retreat, all within the backdrop of New Zealand's stunning winter landscapes.

Captivating wildlife

New Zealand’s winters offer the opportunity to experience some unique wildlife encounters. The cooler months mark the migration of majestic whales along the coastlines, making it a great time for a whale watching cruise. The shores also become playgrounds for playful seals, basking in the winter sun or frolicking in the waters. Not to be outdone, adorable penguins make their appearance, waddling along beaches and nesting in coastal areas, providing heartwarming sights for nature lovers. 

For bird enthusiasts, winter is an excellent time to observe native species in their natural habitats. Guided tours are available, taking you through dense forests and protected reserves where the chorus of native birds fills the air. From the melodious calls of the Tūī to the elusive sight of the Kiwi under the cover of dusk, these experiences bring you closer to the heart of New Zealand's wildlife. 

Fun winter festivals

Winter in New Zealand is not just about picturesque landscapes and cosy nights; it's also a time for vibrant celebrations and community spirit. Embrace the festive atmosphere by diving into some of the country's most invigorating winter festivals. Queenstown's Winter Festival is a highlight, transforming the adventure capital into a hub of excitement with street parties, fireworks, and a wide array of events that celebrate the chilly season in style.

Another significant winter event is Matariki, marking the Māori New Year. This cultural festival is a time of reflection, remembrance, and renewal, observed with various events across the country, including art exhibitions, traditional performances, and community gatherings. 

Image: Instagram - @scotthowes

Stargazing under winter skies

Winter's clear nights in New Zealand offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The crisp, cool air reduces atmospheric distortion, making the stars appear brighter and more numerous. With your Apollo campervan hire, you can venture out to some of the most remote and dark locations, far from city lights, to gaze up at the celestial wonders overhead.

Aotearoa is home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world, located in the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island. Here, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in a dazzling display, with constellations, planets, and shooting stars visible to the naked eye. Whether you're an avid astronomer or simply wish to enjoy the natural beauty of a starlit sky, winter provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable nights under the stars. So, grab a blanket, step outside your campervan, and look up to be mesmerised by the universe's vast beauty.

Ready to explore New Zealand in a campervan this winter?

From the warmth of thermal pools to the thrill of winter festivals and the awe of natural wonders, your Apollo campervan hire is your ticket to experiencing the best of New Zealand's winter. With state-of-the-art features, cosy interiors, and the flexibility to take you from snow-capped mountains to starlit skies, Apollo ensures your winter adventure is nothing short of magical.

Ready to kick off your unforgettable winter journey? Book your Apollo campervan online today and unlock the wonders of New Zealand's winter landscape at your own pace.