New Zeeland - Campervan

Not trying to be unhelpful but have you tried Tripadvisor's New Zealand Forums? Their Destination Experts are particularly knowledeable and helpful. My 2 cents worth - we always (and will for our trip next Jan/Feb) hire a car these days and use the excellent motel/motor lodge network in NZ. They range from basic to luxury and are studio or multi room with kitchen facilities. We tried a campervan once and found it a liability but lots of people seem to like them. And yes if you want to get your first choice accom, hotel or motel. I would make reservations. February is still peak tourist season and seems to get busier by the year. These two sites will give you some idea of what's available. http://www.jasons.co.nz/accommodation http://www.aatravel.co.nz/accommodation-newzealand/ Edit - meant to say that it is probably advisable to book a couple of days in advance your overnight stops for the campervan. The best sites fill up very quickly and have seen people turning up on spec being turned away.

Hi Jan. Speaking to a friend yesterdy who has just returned from New Zealand. She highly recommended the motel chain Bella Vista. We did both the North and South Islands in two weeks. Try to make it to the Bay of Islands on the North Island and spend a couple of days in Russell. Check out the web site Pure New Zealand for some great ideas and helpful advice. There is such an amazing diversity of scenery in both the South and North Island. Queenstown is a good spot to base yourself for at least 3 days. You can do a day trip to Milford Sound from here. When in Queenstown reward yourself with a trip to Glenorchy, a reasonably short drive from Queenstown. We hired a car in Greymouth on west coast of the South Island. We took the scenic train from Christchurch to Greymouth, where we picked up our hire vehicle. We had to leave our car in Picton on the South Island where you take the ferry to the North Island and re-hire in Wellington. No big deal. If you have a couple of days in Christchurch, make sure you go to Arkoroa.
You will be fine with a car or camper van on both islands.

Hi Jan. Speaking to a friend yesterdy who has just returned from New Zealand. She highly recommended the motel chain Bella Vista. We did both the North and South Islands in two weeks. Try to make it to the Bay of Islands on the North Island and spend a couple of days in Russell. Check out the web site Pure New Zealand for some great ideas and helpful advice. There is such an amazing diversity of scenery in both the South and North Island. Queenstown is a good spot to base yourself for at least 3 days. You can do a day trip to Milford Sound from here. When in Queenstown reward yourself with a trip to Glenorchy, a reasonably short drive from Queenstown. We hired a car in Greymouth on west coast of the South Island. We took the scenic train from Christchurch to Greymouth, where we picked up our hire vehicle. We had to leave our car in Picton on the South Island where you take the ferry to the North Island and re-hire in Wellington. No big deal. If you have a couple of days in Christchurch, make sure you go to Arkoroa.
You will be fine with a car or camper van on both islands.

Jan, You'll probably get a wider range of responses by asking this question on The Thorn Tree Message Board (Lonely Planet). Although LP tends to cater more to young Backpackers, the TT has a huge membership so I suspect someone there will have answers for you. Have fun in New Zealand!

Thank you for all the advice! We will definitely make one of our first stops Arkoroa near Christchurch. We will do our best to visit the Bay of Islands on the North Island. Still unsure about camper van v.s. automobile, but have a better understanding of each. Will also get on the forums suggested and check out the web sites. We're a bit late in getting this trip together, but sometimes they are the best ones! We're so excited about visiting New Zeeland at our own pace! Thanks for all the information! Jan