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1. Why Camping in Winter?
Camping in winter in New Zealand has many advantages over other seasons.
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The country doesn’t get too crowded, prices are slightly lower, and it is the best time to travel if you love winter sports and activities.Β
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When camping at campgrounds and holiday parks, winter brings a serene atmosphere. These places are generally quiet, and you usually only need to make bookings if it’s during specific school holidays.
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Let’s begin with the best spots for camping on both islands.
2. Best Winter Spots for Camping in The North Island
These spots offer a range of activities and amenities, making them perfect for winter camping adventures in the North Island of New Zealand.
- Tongariro National Park – Mangahuia Campsite, Whakapapa Holiday Park
- Egmont National Park – North Egmont Camphouse, Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge
- Lake Waikaremoana – Waikaremoana Holiday Park, Korokoro Campsite
- Te Urewera – Ngaputahi Campsite, Whakatane River Campsite
- Coromandel Peninsula – Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Waikawau Bay Campsite
- Pureora Forest Park – Piropiro Campsite, Pureora Village Campsite
- Waipoua Forest – Waipoua Forest Camp, Trounson Kauri Park Campsite
π For more information about camping spots, we have created the following article: The Best 12 Campgrounds in the South Island, NZ
3. Best Summer Spots for Camping in The South Island
These camping spots offer a range of facilities and access to the natural beauty and outdoor activities available in each location throughout the South Island of New Zealand.
- Fiordland National Park – Milford Sound Lodge, Cascade Creek Campsite
- Mount Cook National Park – White Horse Hill Campground, Glentanner Park Centre
- Abel Tasman National Park – Totaranui Campground, Anchorage Campground
- Arthur’s Pass National Park – Klondyke Corner Campground, Arthur’s Pass Village Campground
- Queenstown – Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park, Moke Lake Campsite
- Nelson Lakes National Park – Kerr Bay Campground, Lake Rotoroa Campground
- Catlins Conservation Park – Curio Bay Campground, Papatowai Campground
π For more information about camping spots, we have created the following article: The Best 12 Campgrounds in the South Island, NZ
4. Best Tips for Travel in Winter
Traveling in winter can be both magical and challenging. Here are some of the best tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable winter travel experience:
π Accommodation
Accommodation plays a pivotal role in travel, often varying significantly in cost depending on location, especially during peak seasons like summer when prices soar.
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In bustling cities such as Queenstown, accommodations can be fully booked for weeks in advance, underscoring the importance of early reservations.
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Booking.com stands out as a versatile platform offering a wide range of options, from campsites to luxurious resorts, making it a favorite for travelers seeking the perfect stay.
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For budget-conscious backpackers exploring New Zealand, there is a platform called HostelWorld that provides an ideal solution with its extensive network of affordable hostel accommodations, ensuring the best deals are easily accessible.
π Buying a Campervan
Planning to come to New Zealand and planning to buy a campervan?
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In that case, you can check sites like Travel Cars NZ and Facebook Groups where backpackers and locals sell their cars and campervans.
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During winter, prices are also pretty low, and there are plenty of cars available in the market.
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π For more information, you can check the following post: 12 Tips for Buying a Campervan in New Zealand
π Renting a Campervan or Motorhome
Renting a campervan in New Zealand can be a fantastic option, especially during winter when prices lowers due to a lack of demand.Β
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Using the Travel Cars NZ search tool, you can easily compare different campervan models and rental prices based on your preferred pick-up and drop-off locations.Β
π΅ββοΈ Outdoor Activities
New Zealand has plenty of free activities and also paid ones. Depending on the experience you want to get, there are different platforms for booking them.
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One of the most popular is Viator, followed by BookMe, which offers discounts depending on the day and spots available for the requested date.
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Hereβs a brief overview of the outdoor adventures you can enjoy during winter:
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
- Glacier Hiking (e.g., Franz Josef Glacier)
- Hot Pools and Thermal Springs (e.g., Hanmer Springs, Rotorua)
- Northern Lights Viewing (Aurora Australis)
- Winter Festivals and Events
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wine Tasting and Food Trails
5. Considerations for Responsible Camping
Following these guidelines ensures a positive camping experience while protecting New Zealand’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all your rubbish and leave your campsite as you found it.
Wildlife Etiquette: Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them to maintain their natural behavior.
Campground Etiquette: Utilize designated camping areas to minimize impact on the environment.
Waste Management: Use designated toilets and dispose of greywater properly to protect the environment.
Fire Safety: Adhere to local fire regulations and use camp stoves where permitted to prevent wildfires.
Water Conservation: Camp away from water sources and treat drinking water to preserve natural habitats.
Respectful Camping: Maintain quiet hours, respect fellow campers’ space, and keep noise levels low.
Driving and Parking: Stick to designated roads and park responsibly to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
Cultural Awareness: Honor MΔori land and traditions by seeking permission when necessary and respecting local customs.
Safety Preparedness: Be prepared for weather changes with appropriate gear and equipment for a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
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π§βπ» For more information about camping laws, you can check: New Zealand Camping Laws: All You Need to Know
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