Part 3/8:
Choosing when to embark on your New Zealand adventure directly impacts both your experience and expenses. Our journey took place largely in winter—an unconventional yet rewarding choice. Despite initial fears of unpleasant weather, we were pleasantly surprised by lighter crowds and stunning natural beauty. However, one downside was the impossibility of freedom camping due to frigid temperatures. Instead, we opted for powered sites that allowed us to stay warm and charge equipment.
The balance of planning ahead is crucial; six weeks provided enough time to explore while not feeling overly rushed.