Destinations
Top winter road trips through New Zealand
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Looking to embrace the cooler weather and get out for an adventure? Put New Zealand at the top of your list. It’s the perfect spot to breathe in the crisp, winter air, with many of its world-famous landscapes remaining perfectly accessible throughout the winter season. Tackle a multiday hike, head off on a spa-hopping road trip, or enjoy a casual cruise through the wineries of Waiheke Island; whatever your winter wishlist, we’ve got a van to help you complete it.
The North Island’s Thermal Highway
There’s no better way to warm up this winter than a road trip along New Zealand’s Thermal Highway. It’s a scenic route showcasing the North Island’s unique geothermal wonders, which can be explored in a loop starting from Auckland and visiting Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupō and Waitomo Caves, with an optional detour to Raglan.
One of the Thermal Highway’s main highlights is Wai-O-Tapu, which is home to bubbling bodies of geothermal water including the famous Champagne Pool. Te Puia, a Maori cultural centre in Rotorua, is another must-visit attraction, while the winter chill can be countered with a visit to one of the many natural hot springs, like Hell’s Gate or Kerosene Creek.
Aside from geothermal wonders, the Thermal Highway offers up all kinds of A+ landscapes from rolling hills to shimmering lakes. On the way back to Auckland, a detour to the surf town of Raglan will provide a much-needed saltwater fix, so be sure to bring a board and wetsuit and brave the cool water for a couple of waves. Oh, and Lord of the Rings fans better believe that a visit to Hobbiton is a highly encouraged stop on this itinerary, so don’t be afraid to point your van in the direction of The Shire.
Winter wines on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island, which is just a 40-minute ferry from Auckland, has long been a buzzing destination during the summer thanks to its top-notch beaches and boutique wineries. That said, with great beauty comes great crowds, which is why we’re all for wintering on Waiheke.
In a country renowned for its hiking trails, Waiheke Island packs a real punch when it comes to paths less travelled. In winter, the lush green hillsides and native bush are at their most verdant, while the rugged coast remains jaw-droppingly beautiful. The wineries have a laidback vibe through the quiet months though the wine tastes just as good as it does in summer. And given the smaller crowds, you might even get a chance to chat with the winemakers (no promises, though).
If the weather behaves, you can make the most of the sunshine and go kayaking or paddleboarding, or even take a scenic flight over the island. Prefer to be submerged? There are plenty of SCUBA diving opportunities too. Be sure to read over the freedom camping rules before setting up camp for the evening; if you’re after a campsite, spend the evening at Poukaraka Flats Campground. It’s packed during summer but you’re more likely to find a site in the winter.
New Zealand’s Great Walks (for winter)
Love hiking? You’ll be glad to hear that New Zealand remains a trail-friendly destination all year round, though some tracks turn into serious alpine challenges come winter. Fortunately, several of New Zealand’s Great Walks are not only accessible in the cooler months, but also much quieter. We recommend tackling the Abel Tasman Track and Heaphy Track, both of which are at the top of the South Island. Given their proximity to the coast, neither track experiences snowfall and though the evenings will be cold, there’ll be no sand flies to bother you – a trade we’re more than happy to take.
The closest city to both the Abel Tasman and Heaphy tracks is Nelson, nestled in Tasman Bay. It’s a great spot to base yourself before and after the hikes, with plenty of adventures to keep you entertained. It’s a renowned region for food and wine, while nearby Queen Charlotte Sound is an offensively attractive collection of islands and bays well worth exploring by foot, bike or boat. There are a number of caravan parks scattered throughout the area, so you should have no trouble finding a place for your van to call home for the night.
