My daughter, who's a teacher, and I want to go to New Zealand in June. We understand June is the beginning of winter. We don't mind the cold, but will we be restricted in our travels? Will we be able to drive and see all the sites? We both love nature and sports. Any help will be appreciated as we are blind as bats right now and are in the beginning of planning.

www.newzealand.com the official travel site is a good place to start. Bookmark it.

Probably will answer most of your initial questions. They have lots of sample itineraries.

We spent June and July 2008 in New Zealand and had a fantastic time. We rented a campervan and toured both the North and South Island stayeing at both commercial and DOC campsites as well as abit of free camping. We experienced a wide variety of weather conditions from snow and frost to blues skies and 75f. My overall memories are of blue skies and sunshine and even the rain did not spoil our enjoyment. Yes it was cold, but go equiped with the right clothing (or buy it there) and it will be fine.

For more deatil of our trip and lots of photos have a look at our blog. Our time in NZ starts at entry 39.

Look at it this way:

The south of the SI compares to the Rockies or Norway or the Swiss Alps, so think about how you would equip yourself it that's where you went in January.

At the same time the north of the NI reminds you of Hawaii - can be almost as warm and similarly subtropical.

With everything in between depending on latitude and altitude.

With that in mind, pull up a good topographical map that shows elevations and isobars and such, and you get a sense of the lay of the land.

While you look at the options of getting from one island to the other with your own wheels, read the fine print of rental contracts and such - some companies won't allow a vehicle to cross, others do, and there could be extra costs involved.

Typo (this website doesn't allow corrections...): "...equip yourself <i>if</i> [not <i>it</i>] that's where you went in January..."

We have travelled the North Island in late June, early July. On of the mountain passes had a bit of snow and ice on it. Maybe half and inch or so. Just ask at petrol stations etc. what the higher passes are like. That is it unless you are purposely heading for the snow.

In New Zealand the accomodation for Ski resorts is off Mountain. Book early as these places will be starting to get busy. Ausgust/September are the busiest.

The coastal areas will be mild with temperatures in the low to mid teens Celsius. You will get some rain as well.But be flexible and all will be good.

The wet caves will be very cold.

Basically, if you can't see the mountains it is raining. If you can see the mountains it is going to rain.

Do you have all of June? If not focus on one Island. Ten days per island would really be the minimum if you are both active types.

Besure to put Napier on your list. It was largely setroyed by an earthquake in the twenties and is full of Art Deco Buildings.

Likewise, White Island off the North Coast is an active Volcano and well worth the Helicopter ride. Don't go by boat unless you really can't affor the chopper.

Waimangu Thermal Valley is great. You walk down the valley and a bus takes you to the top.It is near Rotorua on theNorth Island.
http://www.waimangu.co.nz/

I agree with PeterSale who rec's Napier - absolutely, and when you're there, make sure you drive along Marine Parade then up to Bluff Hill which sits at the northern end of downtown overlooking the harbour. A nice place to relax, look out on the sea, eat a sandwich and takes pictures!

And be sure to go to Taupo which sits on a lovely lake (former volcanic crater) - sunset on the sand, quite stunning!

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. We will start planning in earnest now that the trip seems like it is doable.