Places To See On A New Zealand Road Trip In Winter

If there’s one place you want to travel during the winter months, it’s New Zealand. Of course, it’s a beautiful country to explore all year round, but each season brings with it different advantages. As soon as the cold weather hits, you’ll find snow-clad mountains, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. It has the added benefit of less crowds, which also makes your trip a fair bit cheaper too. Below, we share the best places to visit and some helpful tips for the ultimate New Zealand road trip in winter!

Best places to visit on a North Island road trip in winter

Stop 1: Auckland

There’s so much to see and do during your stay in Auckland. You can check out their famous beaches, visit one of their 48 extinct volcanoes, head to the wineries, or go to local cafes and restaurants to soak up some of the local culture.

There’s a lot of iconic landmarks to add to your list, such as Sky Tower, where you can head up and enjoy 360-degree views.

Stop 2: Waitomo

Travel time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

The Waitomo Caves are some of the best glowworm caves in New Zealand. They have an extensive underground cave system, with stunning waterfalls and limestone foundations.

You can take plenty of walks around this area and soak up some of the amazing views along the way.

Stop 3: Ohakune & Whakapapa Ski Area

Travel time: 2 hours and 11 minutes

You can’t have a winter trip through New Zealand without some skiing. This area is home to New Zealand’s only skiable volcano, Mount Ruapehu. There are areas for both experienced skiers and beginners alike, for you to explore this amazing area.

You can venture across to Turoa, the second ski field for a bit of variety during your stay, and can even enjoy a sunset walk to check out the area.

If you’re not keen on hitting the ski slopes, there are cafes where you can relax and enjoy all the views without having to get up on the snow.

Stop 4: Taupo

Travel time: 43 minutes

It’s time to leave the snow behind and see what else there is on the North Island. Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake and has too much to see and do during your stay. Head to Huka Falls and check out the views, or head off on other walks for geysers, craters of boiling mud and more at Craters of the Moon.

If you have a daredevil inside you, this is a great spot to bungey or skydive! If that isn't quite for you, then head to one of the Geothermal pools and have a soak.

Best places to visit on a South Island road trip in winter

If you’re going to head to the South Island in winter, then you want to make the most of their amazing ski slopes!

Stop 1: Queenstown

A must-stop on a New Zealand road trip in winter. While you’re here, check out the Winter Festival that is hosted every year at the beginning of winter. You’ll enjoy music, comedy, snow and plenty of fun. It’s one of the biggest celebrations of winter and is a reason on its own to visit New Zealand in winter.

You can even do a spot of skiing while you’re here. Head to Coronet Peak or the Remarkables for some of their fabulous ski fields.

Stop 2: Wanaka

Travel time: 1 hour and 2 minutes

This skiing town is the perfect stop on a New Zealand road trip in winter. Head to Cardona, where you’ll find the family-friendly ski fields, which are great for kids or adults still learning the ropes.

If you’re looking to steer clear of the crowds, then it makes sense to head over the Treble Cone, which is New Zealand’s largest ski field – easy not to bump into people here with all that space.

The Snow Farm at Wanaka also offers plenty of winter activities to keep you entertained, with a kids fun zone, snow-shoeing, ski skating and much more.

Stop 3: Timaru

Travel time: 3 hours and 13 minutes

This is the perfect place to stay for a night on your South Island road trip. There’s plenty to do in the town and you can take a short break from the snowfields for a while.

Head out and watch the Little Blue Penguins who come out when the sun goes down. Get a little culture from the South Canterbury Museum, or check out their local art gallery. It’s the perfect way to wind down on a busy road trip.

Stop 4: Christchurch

Travel time: 1 hour and 59 minutes

From Christchurch, you can access some amazing hot springs to help you escape the cold for a little while. Relax in the thermal pools, or even enjoy a massage at one of their nearby villages. The ideal way to unwind.

There’s also plenty to explore in the heart of Christchurch. Rug up for a stroll down the Avon River and you’ll be able to see all the sites while keeping as warm as possible.

Tips for a winter road trip in New Zealand

Pack your winter woolies

While grabbing a campervan and hitting the open (and more than usually quiet) road is a fabulous idea, it’s important that you pack correctly for this colder weather. Here’s an idea of what the average temperatures are like in New Zealand over winter:

• Auckland: High 15, low 9

• Wellington: High 12, low 6

• Christchurch: High 12, low 3

• Queenstown: High 10, low 1

• Dunedin: High 11, low -2

The good news is, most campervans on Camplify have been built for this weather! They are well-insulated, to keep you as warm as possible while you climb those snow-peaked mountains. While that’s an added bonus, you still want to bring that warmth with you. Here are a few extra things you should pack to bring along in the campervan with you:

• Blankets: always helps to have a few spare to layer on at night. They are also great for wrapping around yourself at the campfire.

• Thermos: you’ll want a hot drink in hand for most of the day!

• Hot water bottles: there’s no better way to warm up your bed each night. Toasty.

Stay on top of road conditions

It’s also important to make sure you stay on top of road conditions when travelling in the winter months. Snow chains are only needed on particular roads in the South Island, so as long as you stay clear of these, you won’t have an issue. While New Zealand is known for its snow in the cooler months, the roads don’t tend to get too icy or slippery (thank goodness!), which makesdriving in New Zealand easy enough.

Here are some top sites to help you when it comes to checking out the weather and road conditions:

• Get your weather updates fromWeather Service New Zealand.

• For Road & Traffic, head toAA Roadwatch Service.

• New Zealand Transport Agency keeps track ofroad conditions.

Plan a New Zealand road trip this winter

Instead of going into hibernation like everyone else this winter, take the opportunity to jump off the beaten track and discover a whole new side to New Zealand, without the crowds and while the costs are nice and (relatively) low.

For the best New Zealand road trip in winter, pick up your campervan rental on the North Island or South Island and map out the perfect itinerary to suit those you’re travelling with!

Plus, make sure you know what to wear camping in winter so you can pack all the right gear!