Make the most of Summer, NZ!

It’s definitely the year of the motorhome holiday in New Zealand, and if you haven't done it yet this year, maybe Christmas is your chance to get on the road and see the country from a home on wheels. It’s an incredibly liberating way to travel and there are so many options for great trips around our varied and beautiful landscape. Here are a few ideas for well trodden routes, book soon to avoid disappointment

Southern Scenic Route 
This trip winds its way from Dunedin - the Edinburgh of the South - to Te Anau with the Catlins, Lake Manapouri, and world famous Milford Sound on the way. You’ll see native bush, white sandy beaches, colourful coastal fishing villages, seaside settlements, fascinating wildlife, a 160 million year old fossilised forest, stunning lakes, towering peaks and so much more on your trip through this fascinating and wildly beautiful part of the South. This is a trip every New Zealander should do at least once and summer is the perfect time if you’re not fond of the cold.

Pacific Coast Highway
Explore the east coast of the North Island where the Pacific Coastal Highway links Coromandel to the Bay of Plenty, Whakatane and Eastland with Auckland in the north and Hawke's Bay in the south. Highlights are Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, East Cape, Tairawhiti Museum (you need to see this labour of love to believe it) and - of course - Hawke’s Bay where you can experience some of the best food and wine the country has to offer.

Lower North Island loop
Drive from Wellington in a loop and back to Wellington for an incredible mix of culture and natural beauty. Get your Te Papa, coffee, craft beer and great food fix in the capital, then head up the Kapiti Coast, via the Whanganui River to gorgeous New Plymouth and all the delights of the Taranaki area. Head along Surf Highway 45 for surf town action in Oakura and Opunake before looping back to Wellington to return your camper.

These are just a handful of suggestions for Christmas and summer road trips. There’s never been a better time to explore Aotearoa whether you’re looking for art and culture, surf and sun or natural wonders. Add in a couple of days to any suggested itinerary to linger at spots you like, and discover the magical hidden gems our country has to offer.