Weekend Getaways
Winter is the perfect time for a motorhome holiday. See New Zealand’s world-renowned scenery, snuggle up under rugs and read books, take lovely walks along the beach and eat incredible food. But don’t just think of typical winter destinations like Queenstown, Rotorua or Ohakune; the colder months are a great time to hit up some of those summer hot spots when they’re not so overrun with sunseeking crowds. Northland and Nelson are great examples of this. Park up, explore the beautiful coastline and indulge in these regions’ culinary offerings.
Northland
So many people associate Northland with summer holidays but it’s a beautiful destination for a campervan holiday any time of the year. Wind your way up to Kerikeri and wind your way back to Auckland for a fun winter food and wine road trip. In Kerikeri itself you’ll find a Farmers’ Market every Sunday morning (the whole of Northland takes its markets very seriously); Makana Chocolates - don’t even start us on their macadamia bark; and plenty of cafes and restaurants. From Kerikeri it's a 30 minute drive to Paihia where you absolutely must have a drink and a bite right on the water at Charlotte’s Kitchen after a day exploring the harbour. Take the ferry to historic Russell for a stroll around and lunch at the Duke of Marlborough or go a little bit further out of town for a charming lunch experience at Paroa Bay Winery; the views are lovely. Another great winery option in that area is Omata Estate, well known for their platters and tastings; you can while an afternoon away there very easily. If you’re heading back south there are plenty of great places to stop for supplies - Whangarei is home to award-winning Grinning Gecko cheese; Waipu has McLeods Craft brewery; Matakana has Bennetts of Mangawhai’s dreamy chocolates; and of course Matakana is famous for being one of Aucklanders’ favourite foodie destinations. Definitely don’t relegate the north to a summer motorhome destination, those beaches are still as gorgeous when you’re wearing your warm jacket - and you certainly won’t be short on delicious things to eat and drink.
Nelson
Nelson is another place people tend to only think of for summer holidays, but there’s plenty to do in winter too, especially if you like food and wine. It’s the heart of hop growing in New Zealand so beer lovers are well catered for and the area is obviously also well-known for their wines, cider, kombucha, seafood, cheese, mushrooms and chocolate products - you can’t really go wrong. Just half an hour from the airport is Upper Moutere where you’ll find New Zealand’s oldest pub and great vineyards like Neudorf, Moutere Hills and Kahurangi Estate. Tasteology is great if you want to sample local produce, wines and beer in a lovely setting and don’t leave the area without some Thorvald Sheep cheese, Neudorf mushrooms and olives in your camper fridge. In Nelson itself there’s River Kitchen, The Boat House, The Boat Shed Cafe (those cheese scones!) The Free House for craft beer action, Urban Eatery, Hopgood’s and Co, Burger Culture and Pizzeria Bella. Your only problem will be time (and stomach capacity) to fit them all in!
