Is it really weird to go backpacking in new zealand in june and july during winter?

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get a lot out of it

June/July is a great time to see NZ. There are less people and often backpacker hostels offer reduced rates or discounts on stays for more than 2 nights. Try this link BBH.CO.NZ for more info on hostels. They also have a page which advertises jobs. Often you can work for a week (2 hrs a day approx making beds and cleaning) in a hostel and get free accommodation.

Transport options are better in the winter also, cheap car hire for around $20 a day, or meet up with others and car share. Atomic shuttles are a great way to travel by bus in the South Island, and probably the intercity is best for the North. However if you purchase an intercity pass you may find it works well for both islands.

In terms of travelling around I'd suggest starting in the south and move north as the ski seasons start in the south from the end of june and can be more crowded and expensive. Also as you get further north to the Bay of Islands (called the winterless north) the weather will improve.

Suggested Itinerary. Christchurch, to Lake Tekapo, to Queenstown, then Wanaka and up the West Coast to see the glaciers (franz Josef) then onto Nelson, and cross via the interislander ferry from Picton to Wellington.

From Wellington head to Taupo via the Tongarriro National park, and eventually onto Rotorua. Then skip from Rotorua to the North and the bay of Islands, and eventually fly home from Auckland.

This trip could take you anywhere from 3.5 weeks to a nice leisurely 6-7 weeks.

Hope this helps as a starting point.

misscacazzy

i spent 2months back packing last year...if going now i am told very cold...get something called the majic ticket it really ease burden of travel costs...hostles are very nice clean and friendly...alot of income is generated by back packers so they out to impress..i woman on my own and had no problems it prob one of safest countries in world for back packers but wise take usual precautions cos there is a social devide...as i say it is winter so some of the activities may not be on...if you out to party then wellington the place if want warmer climes go up north to 90mile beach,if want freeze go dunedin...depends what you want...if pos go to picton the... sequier bp the best...then go over on ferry to wellington.from what i saw the bp hostles had lots of info what going on..hope you go enjoy it

Italian Guy

The southern temperate zone, a subsection of the southern hemisphere, is nearly all oceanic. New Zealand.

so it's summer time in nz

New Zealandâ€™s fabulous South Island for the Down Under summer (December- February), when all of the famed hiking trails are open.

The North Island offers milder climes year-round, with an average temperature of about 60 degrees on the coast during the winter months (June-August).

Winery hopping, skiing at Mount Ruapehu, fly fishing for trout in a lowland stream or surfing the great breaks outside of hip Auckland (the countryâ€™s biggest city), are just a taste of what awaits.

The happy atheist

Only an Australian would want to backpack around New Zealand in winter. While you're at it, head down south, but don't forget to take the sunblock which is essential if you are going near snow or ice.

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