South Island Winter Tour

By dtalic - Flickr Commons

Winter in New Zealand is approaching, and the South Island is getting ready to be the most beautiful place in the world once again! At the foot of freshly snow covered mountains are the most pristine transparent lakes shored by smooth round rocks. The roads are bordered with Paddocks of sheep or you can drive through spectacular valleys. Take a Campervan through the South Island of this beautiful country New Zealand and let the roads take you where they want you to go. Depending on how much time you've got, you can decide how much time you'll spend in each place, but you'll wish you had weeks. Go skiiing or snowboarding or just relax in your Campervan among beautiful vistas with a hot coffee.

Suggested Route (open to your alterations) is as follows:

Christchurch -- > Lake Tekapo --> Queenstown (via Cromwell) -- > Wanaka --> Hawea --> Fox Glacier --> Franz Josef --> Through Arthur's pass back to Christchurch or Greymouth --> Hamner Springs --> Christchurch

Fly or drive to Christchurch and begin your winter sightsee and adventure holiday. Pick up your Campervan in Christchurch, explore the surrounding area of Christchurch or get on the road to Lake Tekapo. 225 km out of Christchurch and through quaint Cantabrian towns like Ashburton you'll find the most tranquil, serene place in NZ. Step out of the Campervan and your ears will ring because it's so peaceful. The lake is so still the reflection of the background snowcapped mountains will astound you. Feel as if you've walked into a photograph when you spot the pretty stone church aside the lake.
Lake Tekapo Camping - Lake Tekapo Motel's and Holiday Park.

Church of the Good Shepherd- Lake Tekapo
By Achim - Wikimedia Commons

When you're ready to get back on the road, head for Queenstown. A three hour journey passing through beautiful landscapes will lead you to the world famous city. Sit alongside the lake watching the Earnslaw boat come and go, jump on the Earnslaw and go over to Glenorchy or use this as a base for snowboarding/skiing Coronet Peak or The Remarkables (which truly are remarkable). The lovely town is filled with cobbled streets, fine restaurants and cafes and good shopping.
Queenstown Campervan Park - Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

By Wrumsby - Flickr Commons

Once you've had your fill of Queenstown (if it's possible) head over the Crown Range for Wanaka. But before you do stop in at the quaint gold mining town, Arrowtown. Once over the range, if you're game, go for a ski or snowboard up Cardrona or for the tricksters, Snowpark. Both are fantastic riding experiences. In Wanaka, sit back in one of the cosy bars with a mulled wine or snuggle up lakeside in the Campervan.
Wanaka Campervan Park - Lake Outlet Holiday Park

By gregor_ronald - Flickr Commons

Take a drive to Lake Hawea on your way to Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. Lake Hawea is yet another example of picture perfect New Zealand Lakes and Mountain. Be awed by the glaciers Franz Josef and Fox but be careful of the Kea birds. They may try investigate your camper and belongings.

Franz Josef Campervan Park - Rain Forrest Holiday Park.

By Edwin.11 - Flickr Commons

Drive back to Christchurch through the spectacular Arthur's pass or take a longer journey up to Greymouth and through Hamner Springs. Hamner springs will welcome you with hot water to soak in amongst the snowy trees and mountains around you.
Arthur's Pass Campervan Park - Jackson's Retreat

By JSilver - Flickr Commons

If you want a more extended trip, add these towns on to the beginning, middle or end of your journey.

Manapouri (post Queenstown) - The Fjordlands will definitely impress.
Bluff (post Queenstown) - Try some famous Bluff Oysters. Yum!
Dunedin (post Queenstown) - the Scottish city of NZ
Timaru (pre Lake Tekapo)
Start the journey in Picton and travel Nelson, Blenheim or Kaikoura. - Beautiful beaches and Sounds

Change the pick up and drop off point of your Campervan. Find a Campervan depot location at Motorhome Republic.

Whether you're from New Zealand or overseas, this trip is a must do for any body young and old. Not only will you experience spectacular scenery but also the friendliness and hospitality of Southland.

If you'd prefer to do this route or another route by car, find a rental car at Car Rental Republic.