Hi forum: I am in the weeds of the details at this point for our trip and I am trying to incorporate all the information you all have provided, so my question is about flexibility vs availability. Many of you may have seen our itinerary for the South Island portion of our tour and know we have booked a camper van for this part of our trip. What I am wondering is about booking camp sites. If I do that, and the weather is bad or roads are closed as people suggest may be, I am out money but also maybe out of a place to stay. Will sites be filled in August? Should I book and hope for the best? I am not really sure as I have never planned a trip without precise lodging known at the end of each day. Any guidance will be appreciated. Also, if you have recommendations about the best sites at each of stops (Queenstown, Te Anua, Dunedin, will stay at White Horse at Aoraki, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo, and Omarama- out of order) we would be most appreciative. Thanks!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6969 posts
We didn't camp in New Zealand so I can't help with your specific question. Have you found the group, New Zealand Travel tips (NZTT)? There's a website and facebook group. I highly recommend using it. Not only is it a great help to plan travel, they also help folks with difficulties during their travel.
EDITED TO ADD:
There are many discounts to be had from NZTT. I found them after much of my trip planning and wished I'd found them sooner. The facebook group is where you would get a lot of interaction from experienced travelers and locals. The moderators are quite active on it, too, providing comments and links. I know, Facebook, UGG. But it is worth using it for NZTT.
Posted by
OP
102 posts
Thanks. I had not heard of them. I am a hold out and don't have Facebook, but I will check out their website. Thanks!
Posted by
USA
132 posts
It might be worth searching and asking Tripadvisor's New Zealand Travel Forum. I found the locals/experts quite helpful when planning our time in NZ.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g255104-i125-New_Zealand.html
Posted by
OP
102 posts
Thanks. I have. They are my other go to for info, but I am a long time and dedicated Rick Steve's follower, having planned many international trips with the travel forum's help, so I decided to post here too : )
Posted by
OP
102 posts
Wonderful! We will not book and will purchase that book Thanks a lot!