Exploring New Zealand by campervan allows you the flexibility to stop and travel at your own pace. Check out our picks for top spots to see and things to do on your campervan adventure!
South Island suggested itinerary: 7 days
Day one: Begin your journey in Picton and spend the morning exploring the Marlborough Sounds on a dolphin swimming tour, boat cruise or walk. In the afternoon pack up the campervan and drive to Kaiteriteri, this will take approximately 3.5 hours. Spend the night in Kaiteriteri.
Day two: Spend the day exploring Able Tasman National Park. You can hire a kayak while you head up the coastline (be sure to look out for seals and dolphins!) or walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track to see the rainforest and the clear blue waters. After exploring Able Tasman National Park, spend the night in Kaiteriteri.
Day three: Pack up the campervan for a 3.5 hour drive to the West Coast in the morning. Spend the afternoon exploring Punakaiki and visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Spend the evening on a beach going on a walk and watch the sunset. Spend the night in Punakaiki.
Day four: Drive further South down the West Coast for about three hours until you reach Franz Josef Glacier. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour to explore the magnificent glacier and rainforest. At night dip into the waters at the Glacier Hot Pools. Spend the night in Franz Josef.
Day five: Hit the roads in the morning and travel to Wanaka (about 4 hours travel time). Stretch your legs and go for a walk in Mt Aspiring National Park. Jump back in the campervan and drive to Queenstown on the Crown Range (about 1.5 hours’ drive time). Spend the night in Queenstown.
Day six: Pick from a plethora of activities in Queenstown: jet boating, kayaking, bungy jumping, wine tasting, golfing and more! Walk around the town in the afternoon to buy some souvenirs and go shopping. Hit the clubs and pubs at night and enjoy Queenstown’s legendary nightlife. Spend the night in Queenstown.
Day seven: Wake up and hit the roads to head to Lake Tekapo. Total drive time will take about 3.5 hours, so you can spend the morning in Queenstown or start your drive earlier. When you arrive at Lake Tekapo, go for a walk on the water’s edge and enjoy scenery.
Day eight: Rise early to see the sunrise over the waters of Lake Tekapo. Drive to Christchurch to drop off your campervan (3.5 hours’ travel time). Depart from Christchurch International Airport.
North Island Suggested Itinerary - 14 days
Days one - three: Start in Auckland, pick up your motorhome and spend the next three days following the Twin Coast Discovery Highway – a circular touring route that will take you through the stunning Bay of Islands, to the top of the North Island and back down the west coast of the Northland region via the mystical Waipoua Forest. Stay in any of the region’s holiday parks or DOC campsites enroute. Total driving time for three days is approximately 9 hours.
Days four - five: Head south through Auckland and then east to the Coromandel district. Relax and spend the rest of day four and all of day five stopping at the Coromandel’s beautiful beaches and friendly townships. Don’t miss the chance to dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach, and be sure to enjoy a Kiwi favourite for dinner somewhere along the way: fish & chips on the beach! Total driving time from Auckland to Whangamata, via Coromandel is approximately 4 hours.
Day six: Today you head south, through the Bay of Plenty region. Stop off at Mt Maunganui for some more beach time, and enjoy the city of Tauranga before turning inland to Rotorua. If you arrive in time you can catch the quintessential Rotorua evening show, comprising a hangi (traditional dinner) and a Maori song and dance show. Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.
Day seven: Spend the day in Rotorua, exploring the geothermal attractions, Maori culture and adventure activities on offer.
Day eight: This morning, head to Taupo to experience New Zealand’s largest lake and a range of adventure activities. After lunch, continue on to Napier in the Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy the region’s specialties with a glass of wine, some local food and a self-guided walking tour of Napier’s art deco architecture. Total driving time today is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Day nine: Today you have a long drive (around four hours total) from Napier to Wellington. There is plenty to stop and see on the way, so take your time and enjoy the scenery! This evening, head out to enjoy Wellington’s famous restaurants, café culture and nightlife.
Day ten: Spend the day exploring the capital city of Wellington. Don’t miss the national museum – Te Papa, as well as a wander along the pretty waterfront and a ride up the cable car. There’s also an abundance of shopping and dining to be had throughout the city. At night, head to ZEALANDIA to experience an evening walking tour where you might spot a kiwi!
Day eleven: It’s time to hit the road again, so head north towards the Taranaki region. Here you’ll find plenty of surf beaches, friendly seaside towns, a national park and a thriving arts community in New Plymouth. Driving time: approximately 5 hours.
Day twelve: Departing Taranaki, head north to the famous Waitomo Caves - around 2.5 hours drive. Enjoy an afternoon activity – blackwater rafting perhaps? – and spend the night nearby so you can take a walking tour or glowworm tour through the caves in the morning.
Day thirteen: From Waitomo you’ll head back to Auckland, via Otorohanga – a small town where you can view kiwis in captivity at the Otorohanga Kiwi House. Take your time cruising back to Auckland and, depending on your arrival time in the City of Sails, spend the afternoon or evening exploring the big city. Driving time to Auckland is approximately 2.5 hours.
Day fourteen: Your last day can be spent enjoying the sights of Auckland. Suggestions include: a ferry across to Waiheke Island for a wine tasting tour, head up the skytower for a great view of Auckland (and leap off the side if you’re brave!), explore the boutique shops and cafes in the inner-city laneways, or catch a boat across to Devonport to visit the antique shops and relaxed village atmosphere. Whatever you opt for - make sure you schedule in enough time to get back to the Pacific Horizon Auckland Service Centre to return your motorhome!
South Island Five-Day Suggested Itinerary
Day one: Fly into Christchurch and pick up your vehicle from the Christchurch Service Centre. Hit the road and head over Arthur’s Pass. Spend the afternoon exploring the alpine area and go for a walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl to see the 131 metre waterfall. Spend the night in Arthur’s Pass.
Day two: Get an early start and head over to the West Coast to explore where glaciers meet rainforest in Fox Glacier (approximately 3.5 hours’ drive). Dedicate the afternoon to a guided glacier walk or heli-hike for a breath-taking experience. Spend the night in Fox Glacier.
Day three: Travel up the rugged West Coast to Punakaiki. The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a must-see while in Punakaiki. Take the afternoon to explore the rainforest coastal track and sit on the beach at night to watch a spectacular West Coast sunset. Spend the night in Punakaiki.
Day four: Spend the morning driving from Punakaiki to Kaiteriteri (approximately 4.5 hours’ drive time). Relax on the beach and take a dip in the water. Hire a kayak to see the seals and explore the coastline. Spend the night in Kaiteriteri.
Day five: Drive to Picton (approximately 3 hours’ drive). Grab a bite to eat and try one of Marlborough’s famous wines. Drop your campervan off at the Picton Service Centre. From Picton, you can catch a ferry to Wellington or catch a flight in Blenheim, which is the closest airport (30 minutes) to Picton.