Canadian Snowbirds: 21 Days Exploring New Zealand by RV

Do you dream of a destination far from the crowds and surrounded by nature? Lucie and Alain, both 65, traded their usual routine in Canada for three weeks of adventure in New Zealand aboard a recreational vehicle (RV). 

Mountains, fjords, glaciers, and spectacular roads welcomed them to breathtaking scenery. Life on the road, mixed with the connections they made in campgrounds, opened the door to another way of living, where nature and spontaneity set the pace. 

Let yourself be inspired by this destination at the end of the world for your next snowbird getaway.

As Snowbirds, Why Did You Choose New Zealand for a Long Stay?

"We wanted nature, rugged landscapes, far from big cities. In New Zealand, that is pretty much all you find: mountains, fjords, glaciers, roads that cross empty stretches, and views that take your breath away. 

It all started with my husband Alain’s work, which brought us to that part of the world for a few months in Australia. Since we were already so close to New Zealand, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to spend a few weeks there. 

For 21 days, we drove in an RV, nothing luxurious, but very functional, and immersed ourselves in a completely different and new way of travelling."

Before Travelling to New Zealand, How Did You Do Your Research and Prepare?

"We started by buying a few travel guides on New Zealand, just to browse through itineraries and have a better understanding of the regions we wanted to explore. 

Then I did some research online on blogs and forums that offered different itineraries, such as ‘New Zealand in 21 days’. 

To get an even better sense of the vibe, we watched several videos and documentaries on YouTube. Seeing the places, hearing the accents, and discovering the landscapes beforehand only added to the excitement of leaving."

Where Did You Stay in New Zealand?

"We explored New Zealand in a 21-foot RV, and it was a revelation. This way of travelling got us hooked. Since then, we have even bought one of our own in Canada! 

What van life gave us was the human experience. At campsites, we talked with other travellers and shared stories over a cup of tea. That's something you don't get when you stay in a hotel or Airbnb. 

In New Zealand, it's simple: about 60% of vehicles on the road are campers. It's a road trip culture."

How Was Your RV Trip in New Zealand?

"New Zealand is the perfect place for road trips in a van. The whole country is set up to welcome RV travellers: there are campgrounds everywhere, some of which are even free. They are often very well equipped with toilets, showers, dump stations, and open-air communal kitchens with 4 to 6 stations for cooking meals. 

We quickly realized that everyone travels like that there, so it naturally creates a sense of community. We met lots of people from different backgrounds, but who share this way of travelling."

What’s the Weather Like in New Zealand During the Winter? Is the Water Warm Enough for Swimming?

"We were there in March, at the end of summer, which meant that fall was fast approaching! It was cold, especially at night. Let’s just say I learned to hold my pee longer than usual because stepping out of the van into that cold at night was no fun at all! 

We mastered the onion method, stacking wool socks, thermal gear, and merino wool to keep warm. The South of the island is much colder than the North. So if you want warmth, it's best to go in January, in the middle of their summer. 

Swimming? Forget it at that time of year. The water was much too cold for us to even consider going in."

Did You Feel Safe in New Zealand?

"Yes, absolutely! We never felt unsafe, no matter where we were. Even on the road, people drive respectfully, never in an aggressive way. Of course, it takes a little time to get used to driving on the left side, especially on narrow, winding roads, but you get used to it pretty quickly.

The general vibe in New Zealand is very relaxed. People are friendly and welcoming, and there's a real laid-back lifestyle. We stopped at lovely little cafés, drove through charming villages, and constantly met other travellers." 

How’s the Food in New Zealand? Any Local Dishes or Flavours That Stood Out to You?

"We didn't eat out much, but in terms of fresh produce, we found everything we needed to eat well in the van.

We cooked most of the time inside the van or the campgrounds' communal kitchens, so we mainly discovered the local food through the grocery store. 

One thing that stood out: lamb chops. It is the most affordable meat there, so we ate it often."

If English Is Not Your First Language, Is It Possible to Travel There?

"Yes, but I won’t lie, the New Zealand accent is a real shock. I was expecting English to sound a little different, but this... phew! You really have to listen carefully. It's very British English, with an extra layer of accent on top. 

In the end, we always manage to understand each other. It just takes a little adjustment at first!"

What Did You Enjoy Most About New Zealand?

"The South, without a doubt. That's where New Zealand blew me away. The trip to Milford Sound was magical. The landscapes are magnificent, with mountains, fjords, and waterfalls everywhere.

One thing that surprised me was the glaciers. We expected something much more spectacular, but they have melted a lot. You can clearly see the impact of global warming.

Otherwise, Queenstown is a must. And the very first place we discovered in Akaroa, with a view of the sea... it was truly our favourite spot to spend the night."

What Are Some Things That Shook Up Your Routine During the Trip?

"Travelling by van in New Zealand, it must be said, is not without its challenges. 

The roads are often narrow and winding, and there are hardly any shortcuts. You cover a lot of miles, and it takes energy. You need to be ready to handle a bit of stress, especially in the tighter passages. 

In a van, you discover not only the country, but also the hidden sides of your personality... and that of your partner!"

Is the Cost of Living More Expensive in New Zealand or Less Than in Canada?

Transportation and accommodation:

"In terms of budget, we debated between renting a van or staying in Airbnbs, but in the end, it comes out to the same thing. You have to rent a car anyway, so the costs balance out at around $5,000 for three weeks. "

Groceries and restaurants: 

"It's cheaper than the east coast of Australia, but I'd say it's pretty similar to prices in the Canadian Rockies.

We cooked all our meals in the van: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So we can't compare restaurants, but grocery prices were pretty standard. We managed fine."

Did You Find Any Tricks for Spending Less During Your Snowbird Stay in New Zealand?

"Yes! Cooking for ourselves in the van made a big difference. 

There's also a whole network of free campgrounds where you can park for the night. They are not always the nicest spots, sometimes it is just a patch of land, but other times you are parked right next to a waterfall! 

Just that saved us about $60 a day."

What Day Trips Do You Recommend in New Zealand?

"There are so many! Rotorua was special with its geysers and lunar landscapes. It felt like we were on another planet. 

The day trip to Milford Sound is a must. It's packed with things to do: you leave by bus, stop to see Mirror Lake, take a boat trip through the fjords with the waterfalls, go on a short hike... We were amazed from start to finish.

Hobbiton was more for fun. It was like a kind of Disneyland for Lord of the Rings fans. 

In Queenstown, we also took a small boat ride in the afternoon, simple but really enjoyable.

One of my favourite things was in Te Anau: an inexpensive outing to see glowworms in a cave. You sit in a boat in total darkness, and above your head, thousands of tiny glowworms shine like a starry sky. I couldn't believe it!"

How Did You Stay in Touch With Family and Friends During Your Extended Stay in New Zealand? 

 "We got a new SIM card when we arrived in New Zealand, and honestly, the connection was good almost everywhere, even on the road. We made video calls and sent photos, so it was easy to stay in touch."

Did You Have Travel Insurance for This Long Trip to New Zealand? Did You Ever Need to Use It?

 "Yes, always. We never leave without travel insurance, especially when we go so far away. We didn't need it this time (thankfully!), but we prefer not to take any chances."

What Would You Say to Someone Who’s Thinking About Becoming a Snowbird but Still Hesitating?

"It all depends on what you're looking for, but New Zealand is a stunning destination. 

The country is made up of two islands with so much to see. Travelling by van is easy thanks to the well-designed infrastructure, but you have to enjoy driving because you cover a lot of distance.

Each region has its own atmosphere. The South, for example, feels a bit like British Columbia but with even steeper mountains. It's a safe country, and people are friendly, which often leads to great conversations.

If you don't have much time, it's best to focus on one island. To see the North and South without rushing, you should plan on spending a good 30 days."

Embark On an Adventure in the Land of the Kiwis!

You can follow Lucie and Alain’s footsteps and have your own trip to New Zealand. Drive the long roads, see the fjords, and spend time with other travellers you meet along the way. This country offers a memorable experience for those who have time, such as snowbirds. 

With a little preparation and the right travel insurance, your RV trip to New Zealand could become the winter getaway you've always dreamed of. Make sure you’re protected before you go, get a quick quote with soNomad.