UKC Forums - New Zealand New Year

New Zealand New Year

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Lurking Dave 07 Oct 2009

I am escaping the penal colony of Australia (good behaviour and all that) for a two week leave of absence in New Zealand (S. Island) over Christmas and New Year.

I have heard that campsites get excessively busy with school holidays... is this just hype? any particular recommendations to visit or avoid?

Cheers
LD

Rampikino 07 Oct 2009

In reply to Lurking Dave:

Yes - some campsites are incredibly busy. When I was there over last Xmas and New Year a lot of businesses shut down for 2-3 weeks and a lot of people migrated south. However, there are still plenty of places if you are prepared to look around and not just stick to the most obvious and populated places.

Avoid the busiest places. Go southwest to Fjordland...

compact 07 Oct 2009

In reply to Lurking Dave:
Depends on what you wish to do and where you are heading.

The more popular walks get very busy, so go online and book the campsite/huts. Remember there are good ones that aren't as popular.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/

I spent 2 months Dec/Jan on 06/07 and didn't have any problem findind hostels, but did with booking up the huts for the more popular walks i.e.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/southland/te-a...