We travelled to the South Island of New Zealand during the winter of 2025 and spent a week exploring the region by caravan. Road-tripping through the stunning landscapes made the experience even more memorable — from snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes to scenic drives that felt straight out of a postcard. Travelling by caravan also gave us the freedom to move at our own pace and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.

Day 1 – Day trip to Kaikoura

We had planned to take a whale-watching flight in Kaikōura, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the weather—one of the realities of travelling in winter! Despite that, we still had a wonderful time exploring the town and taking in the stunning coastal scenery. We even spotted what might have been a whale in the distance. I was tempted to fly my drone over for a closer look, but I couldn’t be bothered walking all the way back to the car to fetch it and then trekking back to the beach again—so I let it go. Maybe next time! 

Day 2 – Day trip to Rakaia Gorge

Day 3 – A night in Hanmer Springs

We went horse riding for two hours, and by the end of the session, we could barely feel our legs! It was my very first time riding a horse, and although I was nervous at the beginning, it turned out to be a great experience overall. The only challenge was that my horse seemed unable to resist the grass and kept trying to stop for a snack! I’d definitely do it again—just maybe not for two hours next time.

Day 4 – Drive to Mount Cook

The views at Mount Cook were absolutely unreal—I’ll just let the photos speak for themselves. We were quite lucky that the Hooker Valley Track was open, as it had been closed for a period of time before our visit. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it all the way to the suspension bridges because the trail was incredibly slippery, and not everyone in our group had winter crampons. Even so, the scenery along the way was more than enough to make the trip worthwhile!

Day 5 – Drive to Lake Tekapo

Day 6 – Drive to Queenstown

Day 7 – Explore Milford Sound

We decided to take a tour bus to Milford Sound instead of driving the caravan, as we thought it would be the quicker and more convenient option. Since caravans have lower speed limits and we only had one day to travel to Milford Sound and return to Queenstown, it made more sense to leave the driving to someone else. The journey is quite long—around 3 to 4 hours each way—so it would have been a very tiring day behind the wheel.

Fortunately, the weather was on our side, which meant we were able to take a helicopter back to Queenstown—an unexpected bonus! Along the way, we landed on a snow-covered mountain peak and got to enjoy some time playing in the snow, which was definitely a highlight of the trip.

The helicopter ride back costs around $700 per person for a one-way journey, so it’s certainly not cheap. However, if it fits within your budget, I’d highly recommend it. The views are incredible, and it’s one of those experiences that makes the trip even more memorable. 

Day 8 – Activities in Queenstown

There were quite a few activities we had planned to do in Queenstown, but unfortunately the rain had other ideas. Even so, the Shotover Jet is a must-do, rain or shine! The combination of speed, sharp turns, and getting completely soaked just adds to the thrill.

We also decided to try an escape room, which turned out to be one of the funniest experiences of the trip. Watching a group of self-proclaimed “alphas” attempt to work together under pressure was pure entertainment. There was plenty of confidence, lots of questionable decision-making, and somehow we still managed to make it out in the end!

All in all, winter in New Zealand is definitely not for those who struggle with the cold! That said, travelling during the winter season comes with its perks. Since it’s considered the low season, car rentals, accommodation, and holiday parks tend to be much more affordable compared to the busy summer months.

The shorter daylight hours also mean slower-paced days and, more often than not, an early night and a good rest after a day of exploring. While the weather can be unpredictable and some activities may be affected, the snow-covered landscapes and quieter attractions make it a unique experience in its own right.

I’ll definitely be back—this time during New Zealand’s summer in 2026. See you again soon, New Zealand! 🇳🇿☀️❄️✨