New Zealand Campervan - Advice Please

fatboyandy

Can anyone tell me what the weather is going to be like during april. I plan on hiring a 2 person tourer with shower/toilet facilities for like 25 days.

Could anyone say if it will be too cold for this as we are planning on staying in campsites and hooking the van up.

Can you recommend any sites for cheap hire too? Is a self drive with hotels a better option.

Please help us.

ginvzt

I think it also depends if you are doing south or north island or both? I can't comment on the weather in April as we were there in December, but even then, when the wind turned, temperature dropped from about 20C to 14C in a matter of hours in Kaikoura!!!

We did self drive with hotels/B&Bs/motels, and I prefer it that way. I have a breakfast ready for me in the morning, have a proper bed and shower or bath. We had a use of hot tub in quite a few places as well... Oh, and you can have your washing done while at motel/B&B.

fatboyandy

Thanks, yeah we are going to both islands.

Did you book your hotels before you went or was it more a case of book wherever you turned up?


cheers

jimsam

We traveled around the south island in a camper a couple of years back We used the Top 10 parks a lot http://www.top10.co.nz/

They had good facilities etc. They also had chalets type rooms for hire if you are considering using a car. I also think you can get a discount if you become a member, but you will need to check that out?
Sorry i can not dig out the camper hire info i had but i think we paid around £750 for 10 days hire of a 6 berth when we were their 3 years ago.

As for the weather both times i have been it has been there it was summer so can not help there? but the South is much cooler than the north in winter. Friends we know in Queenstown say it covered in deep snow in the winter and the Kiwis are big on skiing in these resorts?

ginvzt

fatboyandy wrote: »

Thanks, yeah we are going to both islands.

Did you book your hotels before you went or was it more a case of book wherever you turned up?

cheers

As it was our honeymoon we had all booked before we left - to be extravagant, we decided to let travel agent to organise everything, including the trips/excursions (we told her what exactly we want and left the rest to her - wanted something unsexpected on the trip!)

olias

Hi, I'd advise getting hold of a lonely planet guide or similar. They aren't just aimed at backpackers but have details of accommodation in cheap/mid/expensive ranges in just about any town in NZ. Don't rule out hostels, as most of these are just as good as a budget hotel with private rooms/ensuite etc etc and some of them are in the most amazing locations with views to die for

kiwifruit_2

I agree with other posters in that it depends where you are planning to be in April....Northland (North of Auckland) is still pretty much tshirt and shorts at that time of the year....the further south you go -the colder it gets....April is autumn and so usually pretty windy more than anything....
A good link is the NZ AA http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/index.php and also http://www.nznewsuk.co.uk/ Most motor camps have tourist motels which are pretty much self contained and roomy..... oh and dont forget the locals - good source of information - dairy owners (corner shop) and petrol station workers are very used to folk from overseas stopping and asking where the best chippie is, best beach, best motor camp etc..... have fun and enjoy my homeland

marklar_2

Lonely Planet travel guides are superb, I suggest its money well spent and has so much info you won't regret buying it. It has accomodation suggestions from Budget to Luxury.

knightstyle

To save money get a basic camper like those from Wicked Campers. They have a bed, small portable cooker washing bowl and not much else. Then use the excellent cooking, washing facilities on camp sites

dawsinho

Weather will be nice especially the further north you go.. wicked camper vans are a very cheap mode of transport but very very basic!

I hired a car for around 8 pound a day a few years back and did both islands whilst staying in hostels and a few camp sites.

self drive or camper is really down to personal choice.. i was traveling solo so enjoyed staying at hostels and meeting people.. if your going with the otherhalf and want some alone time maybe opt for the campa!

phil

fatboyandy

Just to say everyone i found a small family company called affordable and it cost me like £1200 for the month which was cheaper than britz etc. The people were great and the van was flawless. Would recommend them and everyone is right the south island is fantastic.

Hoping to emigrate or go back soon!!!