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BUILT FOR A KIWI WINTER

CHASE THE SNOW. STAY WARM. GO PHAT.

THE PHAT WINTER EXPERIENCE

Snow-capped mountains, Crisp mornings, Quiet roads.

Winter transforms the South Island—and with a PHAT 4WD adventure setup, getting there is part of the experience.

Chase the snow from Christchurch to Wānaka.

Load up the skis for an alpine road trip.

Cross the Southern Alps to the wild West Coast.

Or simply follow the weather and see where winter takes you.

With 4WD capability, all-terrain tyres, ski racks available, heated rooftop tent options and full winter-ready bedding, PHAT is built to help you experience a completely different side of New Zealand—without sacrificing comfort when the temperature drops.

  • GO FURTHER.
  • SLEEP WARMER.
  • MAKE WINTER PHAT.
  • CHECK AVAILABILITY

WHY PHAT IN WINTER?

Winter is different down here. And that’s exactly why we love it.

Quieter roads, snow-covered mountains and spectacular landscapes make winter road trips unforgettable. But colder temperatures and changing alpine conditions call for the right vehicle, gear and preparation.

That’s where PHAT comes in.

With 4WD capability and winter-ready equipment built for adventure and comfort, you can worry less about the cold and focus on where to explore next.

ALL TERRAIN TYRES

Ready for winter road trips.

Heading into alpine country? Our vehicles are ready to get you there safely, without sacrificing comfort.

SKI RACKS

Bring the skis.

Chase the snow.

Keep your skis or boards secure while freeing up valuable storage space.

HEATED TENT OPTIONS

Cold outside, Cosy inside.

Our canopy camper tents can be heated, turning your campsite
into a warm retreat after a day in the mountains.

WINTER-READY BEDDING

Everything you need for a warm night’s sleep.

No need to pack bulky bedding.

We provide a complete winter bedding setup designed for
colder South Island nights.

ELECTRIC BLANKET

Because why rough it?

If you like things extra cosy, even an electric blanket is available.

Adventure during the day.

Warm bed at night.

4WD CAPABILITY

Ready for changing winter conditions.

Designed to help you confidently explore New Zealand’s winter landscapes while always driving to the conditions.

WILD OUTSIDE.
WARM INSIDE.

SLEEP UNDER THE STARS.
NOT UNDER TEN LAYERS.

There’s something pretty special about waking up in the South Island during winter.

Unzip the tent.

Cold mountain air.

Snow on the peaks.

Coffee on.

And the best part?

YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO FREEZE ALL NIGHT TO EXPERIENCE IT.

Our winter camping setups are designed with comfort in mind. With heated rooftop tent options, full winter-ready bedding and even an electric blanket if that takes your fancy, you can spend the day chasing snow and the evening relaxing somewhere warm and comfortable.

Adventure outside.

Cosy inside.

That’s winter the PHAT way.

WHEN WINTER CHANGES THE ROAD.

A South Island winter road trip can change with the weather. Blue skies one day.

Fresh snow the next.

That’s part of the adventure—but it’s also why the right setup matters.

PHAT combines 4WD capability with winter-focused equipment including all terrain tyres, ski racks, heated tents and winter bedding.

A New Zealand winter is beautiful. But it’s important to have a vehicle capable of the adventures you are seeking.

Roads can close.

Chains may be required (we got you!).

Conditions can change quickly.

That’s why we combine capable vehicles with local knowledge to help you get the most from your winter adventure.

READY FOR WINTER.
READY TO ADAPT.

WHEN WINTER CHANGES THE ROAD.

A South Island winter road trip can change with the weather. Blue skies one day, fresh snow the next.

That’s part of the adventure, but it’s also why the right setup matters. PHAT combines 4WD capability with winter-focused equipment including all terrain tyres, ski racks, heated tents and winter bedding.

A New Zealand winter is beautiful. But it’s important to have a vehicle capable of the adventures you are seeking.

Roads can close, Chains may be required (we got you!), and conditions can change quickly.

That’s why we combine capable vehicles with local knowledge to help you get the most from your winter adventure.

READY FOR WINTER | READY TO ADAPT

WHEN WINTER GETS REAL.

MARK’S STORY

Sometimes the difference between vehicles becomes much  more apparent when the weather changes.  

Mark, our founder, experienced that firsthand. 

During a South Island winter journey, snowfall had changed  the road conditions—and conventional camper-vans werent just struggling.  

THEY WERE STUCK. 

Our PHAT 4WD setup meant Mark was not only able to help  tow the stranded campervans out of their sticky situation, but  also had greater capability for the winter conditions ahead— allowing his own journey to continue.  

Its one of those moments that reinforces why choosing the right vehicle—and being properly prepared—matters when  exploring New Zealand in winter.  

Because winter here can change quickly. 

And sometimes your plans need to change with it. READY FOR WHEN WINTER GETS REAL.

WHERE WILL WINTER TAKE YOU?

THREE PHAT WINTER ROAD TRIPS

THE WĀNAKA WINTER ESCAPE
3 Days

Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
Wānaka
Christchurch

Three days, Big mountains, One seriously good road trip.

Good For
• Skiing
• Couples
• Photography
• Long weekends

THE WILD WEST COAST
5 Days

Cross Arthur’s Pass.

Discover glacier country.

Explore Nw Zealand’s rugged western coastline.

Good For
• Scenic drives
• Photography
• Couples
• Slower adventures

CHASE THE SNOW
7+ Days

Christchurch
Mt Hutt
Mackenzie
Wānaka
Queenstown

Follow the best conditions, Stay flexible, Wake up somewhere new tomorrow.

Good For
• Skiers
• Snowboarders
• Longer adventures

WINTER FAQ

PHAT FAQs

Do I need snow chains?

Depending on where you are travelling and the current conditions some roads (particularly ski access roads) may require snow chains. We have these available if necessary.

I’ve never driven in snow.

This is where choosing the right vehicle and the right equipment for your needs comes in. Our team can run you through all the aspects of the vehicle that you may need to consider when driving in snowy conditions. Including how to fit snow chains if necessary. We will also run you through some critical snow driving rules and tips to ensure you are set tip for a successful adventure.

Are all-terrain tyres available?

All our vehicles are fitted with specialised all-terrain snow capable tyres.

Can I heat the rooftop tent?

Our canopy campers are fitted with diesel powered heaters to keep you cosy even in the chilliest conditions. Ask our team if your chosen vehicle is equipped with this option.

Is winter bedding included?

Yes! We have kitted our campers with the cosiest of cosy winter bedding to keep you snug and warm throughout the night!

Can I get an electric blanket?

Yes! Ask our team about this option when booking!

Can I add ski racks?

Absolutely! Ask our team about this when booking!

Can I drive anywhere because it’s a 4WD?

We want you to have an epic adventure and our vehicles have been thoughtfully equipped to enable this. However inn order to keep you safe there are some limitations to where you can take our PHAT rigs. Ask our team about these when booking!

LESS TRAFFIC, MORE MOUNTAINS, BETTER STORIES.

Winter might just be the best time to experience the South Island.
And this might just be the best way to do it. MAKE THIS WINTER PHAT.