I'll be in NZ during their winter school holidays (the first 2 weeks in July 2007). I'd like spend a few days either in the Northland or around Mt. Cook and I wonder how busy these will be at this time of year? Will I face jostling crowds and sold-out accommodations, or deserted ghost towns? I've previously been in the South Island at Easter, if that provides a point of comparison (it was quite ok).

TTT. Does anyone have experience to share? Thanks.

For what it's worth, we were in NZ during school holidays in April one year. Queenstown was busier than we'd ever seen it, but we usually visit in September, so take that with a grain of salt.

In all my visits to NZ, I've never encountered what I'd consider a "jostling crowd". Yes, Milford and Mt Cook get busy, but I doubt they'll be all that busy in July.

Even though locals may be on the road, there will be fewer international tourists.

I'm just guessing here, but I'd think ski resort towns would be busier than usual and perhaps warmer spots up north.

We were in NZ from July 2 until July 20 in 2004. Neither the North Island or the South Island were busy, although Auckland, being a larger city, was a bit more hectic. In general you will find lots of open spaces in New Zealand. Remember, there are 10 times as many sheep as people. We rented a campervan, and had no difficulty at this time of year finding open campsites. I would not hesitate to travel in July, but be prepared for cool temperatures on the South Island.

The ski resorts will be busy during the July school holidays especially Queenstown which normally has it's Winter Festival around this time. As a New Zealander living in Nelson I don't think you will face jostling crowds anywhere, but then again there won't be ghost towns either. It would pay to book accommodation.

Most New Zealanders holiday in the summer ie January, February. A lot do travel overseas in July to places like Sydney, the Gold Coast in Australia, Fiji, etc catching the warmer weather.