Proposed New Zealand Trip. (1 Viewer)

injebreck99

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Dec 5, 2011
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norfolk
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We are toying with a trip to NZ some time in the near future, would like to hire a campervan or M/H of some sort, probably for a month or so, I feel like some of you well travelled/funded M/Hers out there will have done the same thing, so any info on the costs involved, recommended companies and more importantly, any to avoid, would be appreciated, along with must see places and things to visit.
I think in that time we would be visiting both the north and south Islands, would that be feasible, I hear that the south island is more picturesque, any thoughts?
I am particularly interested in any information on total costs including flights from the UK, total fuel costs etc and any must have paperwork outside the norm for us travelling in Europe.
Any help appreciated. :Smile:
 
Jul 17, 2009
188
155
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7,535
NZ

We went to Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand a couple of years ago. New Zealand by far the best place in our opinion ! We rented a MH from Apollo who were based just outside Auckland airport. We had ordered a four berth but were given a six which meant we had loads of room and different beds to sleep in each night. Word of warning, the ferry from North to South Island is expensive in a large MH, we had to pay extra for the larger vehicle although we had booked it back in the UK for the 4 berth. Camp sites were very good and reasonably cheap, roads are not busy so you can dawdle along and look at the views.
Cost is difficult If I remember correctly 5K was about the total cost, but we did quite a few extra flights and 5 days in Hong Kong on the way back. Good luck, you can find out most of the prices on the internet.

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mr moo

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Jun 1, 2011
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east yorkshire
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VW van conversion
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on & off for some time!
Just got back

hi there, we have spent just over 3 weeks in NZ travelling via motorhome touring both north & south island, [mid january to mid february = summer]

We booked our trip independently, flight through air new zealand & the motorhome from kea motorhomes.

We did a fair bit of research into vehicles & floor plans before booking & chose the 3 berth kea, new for the 2013 season. we went for a decent sized bus as 3 weeks in a van conversion didn't sound like fun especially if the weather was not good! The van was fully equipped & as we were in the van for more than a couple of weeks asked for extra bed linen & towels. Oh, we didn't have a BBQ but all the sites have communal ones!

We didn't have a set route in mind, but allowed a week in north island & 2 weeks in south island. The reason for this was that we wanted the flexibility & with this in mind didn't book any campsites either, all we did book was the ferry crossing from wellington to picton, to give us a deadline so to speak.

So what info can l pass on? Well, don't go mad on the driving, NZ is large, we allowed about 150 -250 km per day, leaving campsites / DOC sites at around 10'ish & stopping for overnighters at about 4pm. Diesel, this is tax exempt, with drivers facing an annual fuel tax bill so that helps your cash flow, down side - food is expensive, we took prepaid currency cards. Plenty of campsites with facilities, your tourist map [c/o hire company] will show these, DOC sites are pretty special but get there early. average price from 12 - 30NZ$. Your hire company will provide loads of tourist literature together with a tourist radio, this plugs into the cigarette holder, you tune into a set station & low & behold you get a 'ding dong' sound as you approach a place of interest & are then informed all about what ever it is!!! sounds a bit tat, but was useful. :RollEyes:

take a selection of clothing, it can be warm, wet & snowing in one day, all campsites have wii-fii, pay for 24 hours use, it works out cheaper than buying an hour.

insider notes on motorhome sites, wellington, there is a motorhome site, bit like an aires, on the waterfront in wellington, drive straight into wellington & there are motorhome signs on the left, this is really good for the picton ferry. if you go to roturoua, go to the campsite south of the town, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, here you can have a welcome soak included in the overnight fee! Milford Sound you can park over night at the campsite at Milford lodge then catch the 1st boat of the day for the milford Sound cruise.

Finally on arrival in NZ allow at least 48 hours to recover from the flight, we stopped in a B & B with good access into Auckland city centre.

NZ is a fantastic place, really geared up for motorhomes, the roads are excellent in the sense of being empty & having no pot holes. Take the Rough Guide together with Explore New Zealand: Over 60 Scenic Driving Tours by John Cobb from amazon & a good supply of of insect repellent!
 
May 23, 2008
2,480
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Near Durham City
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Carthago
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Since 1984
We spent 9 weeks touring both north and south island. Our preference after the trip was the south island. Much more scenic and the coastline was supperb.
We were recommended a travel writer out there who arrange everything. He was a fulltimer who wrote articles for magazines and arranged motorhome holidays on a very small scale. He has now had to buy a house as ill health has taken over. The place of choice for him after many years on the road was the south island and a place called Picton. He did our itinery to avoid tourist areas and let us see the hidden gems we would have missed. He also gave us travelling distances, times, campsites and even hired our van. In all he saved us nearly £3000. It appears that using a UK email address automatically increases prices, that'll be right.
The total cost of EVERYTHING for the 9 weeks was just short of £7100.
We still have our full itinery and if you would like more details about the contact in New Zealand please PM me.
Wilf
 

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