2 weeks in NZ in September - North vs. South or Both?
 

Hi All,
We will be in NZ around Sept 15 - Sept 28. We will be renting an RV for our family of 5 (2 adults, two 12-yo boys, one 9 year old girl) for the whole time we are there. Kids are adventurous types, so we'd like to do lots of outdoorsy stuff while there, as well as some cultural Maori activities as well. We also want to try to find a bit of warmer weather if possible - I know that it is just turning to Spring there.
We are trying to decide what makes the most sense: spend all 12+ days on the North Island, all on the South Island, or drive from Auckland to Christchurch in the RV?
Any advice is much appreciated!
Thx!

Absolutely no way I'd spend your twelve days on the North Island. I'd either spend them all on the South Island, or spend two nights in Rotorua (for the volcanic parks and a Maori hangi), then fly to Queenstown and pick up the RV there.

I tend to agree with Songdoc, but since you're after warmer weather, you might do best to stick to the top of the SI that time of year. Nelson is one of the sunniest places in NZ and it's still quite chilly in September.

There is heaps to do and great variety of scenery in the North Island with much less driving in between. It depends on what you want to see. If you want glaciers and fiords - then go south. Otherwise stay in the North.

We spent two week in the North Island over Easter one in Rotorua and one in the Bay of Islands (warm enough to swim)

I have a trip report for Rotorua with prices and free things.

Also read my thread on Freedom Camping. You can save yourselves heaps by not camping in commercial parks.

bmk