What's the best time of year to travel in New Zealand?

It really depends on what interests you more. If you like relaxing on beaches, hiking mountain trails or visiting festivals and events, the summer months between December and February are ideal. If you enjoy activities like skiing, soaking in hot pools, stargazing and whale watching, from June to August in winter is your best time to visit. Prefer milder weather and fewer crowds? Consider travelling to New Zealand in autumn or spring to enjoy the best of those seasons.

How long should I plan for my motorhome trip?

If you only want to travel around one island, either the South or North Island, you’ll want at least ten days and ideally two to three weeks. Alternatively, if you intend to travel across both islands, you’ll need at least a month because New Zealand is quite a long country and has a lot of winding roads. Shorter trips less than ten days are best for focusing on one or two regions of the country. Check out our range of motorhome road trip itineraries.

Where can I freedom camp in New Zealand?

You can only freedom camp in New Zealand in certain designated locations — and in a certified self-contained (CSC) recreational vehicle. It’s therefore important to follow the national and local council regulations, and to hire a motorhome that meets CSC requirements, in order not to get fined. Take a look at useful apps like CamperMate where you can find most freedom camping spots throughout NZ. Find out more about freedom camping in New Zealand.

Do you need to book NZ campsites in advance?

It’s highly recommended to book campsites in advance in New Zealand — especially during the country’s peak summer tourist season from December to February. Also consider booking in advance during other busy periods like school holidays and Easter. By booking early, you’ll have a better chance of securing a site, particularly a powered spot. Discover more about motorhome camping in New Zealand.

What are the essential items to pack for an NZ motorhome trip?

You’ll want a balance of comfort and practicality to pack well for an NZ motorhome road trip. Essential items include warm, lightweight clothing that can be layered for all seasons, plus wet weather gear. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring and remember to bring protective items like sunscreen and insect repellent. Your driver licence and travel documents are also vitally important. Be sure to pack a sense of adventure and download our campervan packing checklist so you don’t miss anything.

Top 10 New Zealand Motorhome Holiday Themes

NZ Holiday Themes | Hike — Wildlife — Māori culture — Wineries — Snow — Relaxation — Surf — Stargazing — History — Movies

The world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page

Celebrated for striking mountain ranges, rich Māori culture and unique wildlife encounters, New Zealand offers a wealth of diverse holiday experiences — and you can easily access them by motorhome.

From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the scenic beauty of the Southern Alps, each region offers a fresh perspective and a new adventure.

With a multitude of options, planning your perfect trip can feel overwhelming. However, we've done some of the groundwork so you can focus on packing your bags and setting off on an epic adventure.

A New Zealand motorhome holiday promises to be like no other. It's Aotearoa NZ at your own pace — and in this guide, we cover some of the country's most amazing and fascinating holiday themes.

So, visualise your motorhome winding through scenic roads creating unforgettable experiences, as you plan your once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand experience.

Hike and the outdoors
Wildlife and nature
Māori and indigenous culture
Wineries and food markets
Winter and snow
Relaxation and wellness
Stargazing and astronomy
Summer and surf
Historic towns and heritage sites
Movie sets and famous locations

FAQs about planning your NZ motorhome holiday

: It really depends on what interests you more. If you like relaxing on beaches, hiking mountain trails or visiting festivals and events, the summer months between December and February are ideal.

If you enjoy activities like skiing, soaking in hot pools, stargazing and whale watching, from June to August in winter is your best time to visit.

Prefer milder weather and fewer crowds? Consider travelling to New Zealand in autumn or spring to enjoy the best of those seasons.
: If you only want to travel around one island, either the South or North Island, you’ll want at least ten days and ideally two to three weeks.

Alternatively, if you intend to travel across both islands, you’ll need at least a month because New Zealand is quite a long country and has a lot of winding roads.

Shorter trips less than ten days are best for focusing on one or two regions of the country.

Check out our range of motorhome road trip itineraries.
: You can only freedom camp in New Zealand in certain designated locations — and in a certified self-contained (CSC) recreational vehicle. It’s therefore important to follow the national and local council regulations, and to hire a motorhome that meets CSC requirements, in order not to get fined.

Take a look at useful apps like CamperMate where you can find most freedom camping spots throughout NZ.

Find out more about freedom camping in New Zealand.
: It’s highly recommended to book campsites in advance in New Zealand — especially during the country’s peak summer tourist season from December to February. Also consider booking in advance during other busy periods like school holidays and Easter.

By booking early, you’ll have a better chance of securing a site, particularly a powered spot.

Discover more about motorhome camping in New Zealand.
: You’ll want a balance of comfort and practicality to pack well for an NZ motorhome road trip.

Essential items include warm, lightweight clothing that can be layered for all seasons, plus wet weather gear. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring and remember to bring protective items like sunscreen and insect repellent.

Your driver licence and travel documents are also vitally important.

Be sure to pack a sense of adventure and download our campervan packing checklist so you don’t miss anything.

Top 10 New Zealand Motorhome Holiday Themes

Contents

FAQs about planning your NZ motorhome holiday