New Zealand North Island, in the winter, with family

[PugwasHDJ80]

Hi All,

going out to NZ for 3 weeks in July- to see two tests but also to see the country.

Never been before and we are taking our 4 year old and 4 month old!!

We are hiring a very nice camper van for 12 days and staying in hotels for the rest.

Any top tips of things to do, ways to make travel better, or our lives easier?

first time on a plane with a baby!

Any hints, ideas, tips and help very much appreciated.

Thanks All

[David Beer]

Went two xmas ago in the summer though. Gave up with the idea of camper though, have you looked into sites ? I do the USA twice a year in motor home so quite used to it, Nz is certainly not so easy. Do not wish to put a dampener on your trip. Where are you thinking of going?

[chip*]

Quite a few years ago, we visited North Island in May and we remember daytime was cold but fresh, and night time was very chilly. We were given electric blankets in the hostel at Lake Taupo which was most welcomed so I would most definitely want some heating in a camper van! Also don't rule out using hostels as many have private ensuite rooms if you / family can handle basic rooms.

[chip*]

Quite a few years ago, we visited North Island in May and we remember daytime was cold but fresh, and night time was very chilly. We were given electric blankets in the hostel at Lake Taupo which was most welcomed so I would most definitely want some heating in a camper van! Also don't rule out using hostels as many have private ensuite rooms if you / family can handle basic rooms.

[magooagain]

A camper van that time of year might be a bit risky with kiddies,it will be cold at night.
A lot of the campsites have kitchens where you can congregate and cook. Some have a lounge also.

We were there in September and October (spring). And it was cold at times in the evening and we caught a bit of snow in the South Island.

But hey most big campers have heating etc so may not be so bad. If you hire one make sure the heating works. Get them to show you that it works and how to use it.

You will find plenty to do for 3 weeks in the north,but for me the South Island was fantastic.

[Kenty]

For a 100 reasons I wouldn't use a camper. The motels in NZ are really nice, roomy heated and with kitchens - average about £80-£100 night. Costs will be fairly similar, choose carefully from trip advisor and pre book without a deposit.
A car/motel is far more convenient especially with kiddies.

[PugwasHDJ80]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the thoughts

We are financially committed to the motorhome thing now- we are hiring a 4 birth European model with double glazing and electric/gas heating and we do a lot of camping in tents with the kids, so hopefully the motorhome thing will be ok!!! Bit late now...............ummmm

http://wilderness.co.nz/vehicles/alpine-4

We preferred the idea of a motorhome as with a little one I "think" it'll be easier- moving motels every day just sounds like a complete mare! having a fridge with food for the kids and no real hassles on where we can stop wil be stress free we hope....

[Super Slo Mo]

We had a motorhome when we went ( and have done also in other countries), we love them. It's a personal thing though and I appreciate they're not for everyone.
I would imagine the kids would think it's a great adventure.
It will be chilly but if you are prepared for that I am sure it will be fantastic.
I have a mate that lives by lake taupo, he moved there a couple of years back, is now retired and not planning on moving again. He adores the place.

[audidoody]

Don't fly via Los Angeles or Honolulu. you have to deplane, claim luggage and go through immigration if you change planes. Last time I did this the concept of transit lounges hadn't made it to the USA.

Fly East and do a night's stopover in Singapore.

It's 30 hours door to door non- stop with time and date changes that will make your head spin.

When you get to Auckland don't drive for 24 hours. You will be disoriented and dazed even though it is same driving on the left as here. Book a night at a nice hotel around Viaduct Basin and spend a day decompressing from the journey. You'd be surprised at the number of jet-lagged tourists who pick up the rental car as soon as they land and have a crash soon after (mainly Yanks driving on the 'wrong side')

Last time I was there they had a very strange traffic rule. If you are turning left - and an oncoming car wants to turn right into the same road as you are turning left into - you have to stop and give way. They might have scrapped it but it's one to watch.

Edited by audidoody on Thursday 1st June 12:51

[magooagain]

That camper looks spot on for what you need.

I seem to recall being charged some sort of mileage tax when returning the camper.

Beware of driving on unmade roads as some campervan insurances don't cover,so worth checking that out with them.
Also beware about windscreen insurance. I didn't have it and low and behold a stone got thrown up and I had to pay for a new one.

When we arrived I bought a cheap fishing rod and beached fished in the evenings for our supper,'twas great fun.

We were there for the 2011 World Cup and just before it started the NZ government declared that wild camping was illegal without a full amenity camper.
Most campsites were about 25 dollars a night.

It may be wise to check that all campsites are open for the time you are there.

Enjoy,as it's a great country with nice people.

[Super Slo Mo]

Just a comment on the wild camping comment above, I understand from my mate who live there that the wild camping rule has been relaxed or replealed now.
They had loads of people wild camping last year as a result, tourism was up hugely, mostly from Europe.

[Simon Brooks]

I'm heading over to NZ north island on 21st for all three tests. Have been to NZ twice before Concentrating on north island only this time. Give me a shout if you need any info or help