Are you dreaming of a New Zealand road trip filled with breathtaking landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and unforgettable memories? Look no further, because we've got you covered!
Our three-week journey through both the North and South Islands, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch, was the ultimate adventure. We rented a self-contained campervan, giving us the flexibility to travel at our own pace and have the freedom to explore even remote areas.
We experienced the natural beauty of New Zealand, from the stunning beaches of the North Island to the towering mountains and majestic fjords of the South Island. We hiked to epic viewpoints, went bungee jumping and jet boating, swam with dolphins, and we saw the elusive kiwi bird.
In this blog article, I'll take you through our itinerary and share all the details, including the best stops, campsites, activities, and even our favorite places to grab a bite to eat. Whether you're planning a similar journey or just looking for some inspiration, I hope to inspire you to explore the stunning country of New Zealand. So pack your bags, buckle up, and let's hit the road!
Start your trip in Auckland, the country’s largest city. At the airport, activate your Airalo eSIM to stay connected throughout your journey and head to "Take Home" or "AirGo Convenience" to purchase a HOP card for public transportation. With your HOP card in hand, head to your hotel or your rental company, depending on if you want to spend an optional day to explore the city. I definitely recommend at least one night in Auckland. If you're on a budget but tired of dorm rooms I recommend the Fort Street Accomodation. It's a cheap hotel with shared bathrooms, but it's conveniently located and perfect for budget-conscious travelers. For a more luxurious option with a view (and of course equally central located) try the voco Auckland city centre. In the evening, head to the Auckland Night Market, where you can indulge in delicious street food and soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere. There are different locations for different days of the week, all accessible via public transport. See the schedule here.
On day two, take a ferry from Auckland to Devonport (for only 5NZD roundtrip), a charming seaside village just a short distance away. From there, take in the stunning views of the Auckland Skyline and explore the local shops and cafes. After you're back, head to the La Zeppa rooftop bar and enjoy a refreshing drink with panoramic views of the Sky Tower. Return to your accommodation and recharge for the next day.
Get ready for an exciting day as you finally pick up your van and drive to Waitomo (2,5 hour drive), famous for its glow worm caves. Take a guided tour of the caves and witness the breathtaking glow of thousands of tiny lights in the darkness. Keep in mind that the CO2 levels in the cave can rise throughout the day, so avoid going too late. The tour costs about 61NZD per person. After the tour, make your way to Matamata and spend the night at Brocks Place Matamata, an unpowered campsite that costs only $8 per person.
Day two is all about exploring some of the most iconic attractions in New Zealand. Embark on a tour of Hobbiton Village, a must-visit attraction for Lord of the Rings fans. The tour costs 110NZD per person, and even if you're not a fan of the series, the village's charming setting makes for a delightful experience.
Afterward, drive to Rotorua, where you can relax in the Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. Don't miss the chance to visit Te Puia, a cultural center that features the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere and a Maori art school where you can learn about the local culture. The guided tour is about $75 per adult.
Finish the day with at the mesmerizing Redwood Treewalk at night. Spend the night in Rotorua at a budget-friendly option like POP (Park-over Property for self-contained vehicles) for $4 per person on a powered site or at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park for $30 per person on a powered site.
Drive to Taupo, a 40-minute drive from Rotorua, and go on a little hike to the Huka Falls. The hike offers a unique perspective on the powerful waterfall with its intense pressure. For some adrenalin, try the Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride. Afterward, visit Lake Taupo and experience the Craters of the Moon hike, which costs only $10 per person. Then, head to the Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa for a relaxing soak. Admission to the pools costs 25NZD, and the terrace walk 15NZD (definitely recommended). For the ultimate relaxation, add a 30-minute massage for only 85NZD. Spend the night at Parklands Motor Lodge Turangi for $30 per person for a powered site, or Turangi Holiday Park, which costs $22 per person and is close to the Tongariro car park.
The Tongariro Crossing is considered one of the best hikes in the world, and for good reason. The 19km point-to-point hike takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand, including volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and stunning views of Mount Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies).
To make the most of this incredible hike, arrange transfer from Ketetahi Car Park to the start of the hike, which is available hourly from 6am to 10am. You'll need to book the shuttle and parking in advance, and it should cost around 70NZD in total for two people.
After completing the hike, make your way to Whakapapa and settle in for the night. Whakapapa Holiday Park is a great option for affordable accommodation, with powered sites starting at $25 per person and unpowered sites starting at $23 per person.
Get ready for a full day of driving and spectacular scenery as you take on the Forgotten World Highway. This 148km stretch of road runs from Taumarunui to Taranaki and takes around three hours to complete. Make sure you fuel up before starting, as there are no fuel stations along the way.
As you wind your way through the hills and valleys, keep an eye out for the stunning views of Mount Taranaki. There are plenty of photo stops along the way, but be sure to stop at Kent Road for an especially awesome photo opportunity.
After a full day on the road, settle in for the night at Waitarere Beach Motor Camp, where powered sites start at just $20 per person.
After all the driving and hiking, it's time to explore New Zealand's capital city. Start your day at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, a unique wildlife sanctuary where you can see some of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered species in their natural habitat. Day tours and night tours are available, and prices start at 22NZD per adult.
Next, head to the top of Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbor. This is a great spot for photos, and it's totally free.
In the evening, make your way to Cuba Street for a night out on the town. This vibrant street is lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues, making it the perfect place to experience Wellington's nightlife.
For affordable accommodation in the heart of the city, check out Cuba Street Motorhome Park. Prices start at $35 for a 4pm-8am stay, with early bird and late checkout options available for an additional $10.
On your final day in New Zealand, make sure to visit Te Papa Museum, a fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of New Zealand. Best of all, admission is free!
After the museum, take a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car for stunning views of the city and harbor.
In the evening, it's time to catch the Cook Strait Ferry to Picton. Make sure to book your ferry ticket at least one month in advance, as ferries are pretty booked and often canceled due to bad weather. There are two ferry companies, Blue Bridge Ferries and Interislander. There's not much difference between those two, Interislander is a bit bigger. Prices vary depending on the time of year and type of ticket, but a two passenger ticket including a van should cost around 300NZD
After arriving in Picton, it's time to hit the road to Nelson, a charming city with plenty of sights to see and things to do. But first, make a stop at Pic's Peanut Butter World for a free factory tour. Learn about the peanut butter-making process, taste some of their delicious products, and maybe even take a jar or two home with you.
Once you arrive in Nelson, head to Split Apple Rock for a picturesque view of a unique rock formation. This stunning natural landmark is named for its shape, which resembles a split apple, and it's well worth a visit.
Due to our ferry troubles we sadly hat to skip these two stops, but I heard just great things, especially about the factory tour. If your ferry is delayed as well, drive directly to Blenheim.
If not, there are a couple of nice options for campgrounds in Nelson. If you're on a budget, you can park overnight for free at the Fittal Street Carpark, which has toilets available. Alternatively, stay at the Top 10 Holiday Park Nelson for $30 per person for a powered site.
Take a scenic drive to Blenheim, which is about 1 hour and 50 minutes away from Nelson. Once there, embark on a self-guided wine tour by bike. You'll start your tour at 10:30am with or without complimentary pick-up, and then spend the day cycling from vineyard to vineyard, sampling delicious wines and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
This tour costs $50 per person, and it's even more fun if you rent a tandem bike to share with a friend or partner.
For overnight accommodations, there are two holiday parks to choose from. Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park offers powered sites for $25 per person, while Spring Creek Holiday Park charges $23 per person for a powered site.
Today, drive to the beautiful coastal town of Kaikoura. Here, you can embark on a whale watching or dolphin swimming tour. Get up close and personal with these majestic creatures, and marvel at their size and grace.
Afterward, visit the Albatross colony for some birdwatching, and then take a walk along the promenade to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning views. If you're visiting during low tide, don't miss the opportunity to walk down to the Seal Colony at Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.
For overnight options, you can stay at the Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park.
Today, take a 3 hour and 40 minute drive to Akaroa, a charming town with a unique French influence. En route, stop by Okains Beach. The drive is long and steep, but beautiful.
Once you arrive in Akaroa, check out the Akaroa Freedom Parking Car Park, which is free for self-contained vehicles. Alternatively, you can stay at the Top 10 Holiday Park, which offers a range of accommodation options: powered sites with harbor views for $36 per person, normal powered sites for $34 per person, and unpowered sites for $29 per person.
On day 12, embark on a scenic driving adventure. First stop, the famous Fairlie Bakehouse for the best pie in New Zealand. The bakery is famous for its delicious savory pies and sweet treats, and it's a must-visit for anyone traveling through the area.
After indulging in some tasty treats, continue your journey to Lake Tekapo. There's a fee for the road to the Astro Café, but the drive is incredibly beautiful and well worth the cost. Once there, stop by for a coffee and to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
From Lake Tekapo, continue your drive along the beautiful Lake Pukaki with its iconic photo spot before arriving at your final destination for the day: Mount Cook. Sleep at White Horse Hill Campground for an unbeatable price of $15 per person for an unpowered site, with no stoves or showers but located directly at the Hooker Valley Track.
Start your day early to hike the Hooker Valley Track at dawn. This easygoing 5km hike offers stunning views of the Hooker Lake and the surrounding mountains. Arriving just in time for the sunrise is truly a breathtaking experience.
For those looking for a different experience, consider a Heli Hike on the Tasman or Fox Glacier, or a Glacier Explorers Boat Tour.
After your hike, drive to the charming town of Wanaka. Stop by #thatwanakatree, an iconic tree located in the lake that has become a popular photography spot. While you're there, take advantage of the town's many shopping, cafes, and bars.
For overnight accommodations, there are several options to choose from. Outlet Camp Wanaka offers powered sites for $22 per person, while Wanaka Lake View Holiday Park offers powered sites for $23 per person. If you're looking for a budget option, Albert Town Campground offers unpowered sites for only $10 per person, but it's first come, first served and cash only.
Make sure to get a good rest, as the next day brings a challenging hike!
Start your day bright and early by embarking on the Roy's Peak Track. The 16km hike is a challenging but rewarding trek that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Be sure to start the hike at 5am so you can catch the sunrise from the top.
After the hike, take a scenic drive to Arrowtown, a charming historical city that's particularly beautiful during autumn. Stop by one of the cute cafes in town for a cup of coffee and soak up the quaint atmosphere.
Next, drive to Glenorchy and take a stroll along the Lagoon Walkway. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and it's the perfect place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
For overnight accommodations, head back to Queenstown. There are a few different holiday parks to choose from, including the centrally located Holiday Park Creeksyde, which offers powered sites for $30 per person per night, and the Top 10 Holiday Park, which has both powered ($30 per person) and unpowered ($27 per person) sites available. If you're traveling in a motorhome, the Qbox Motorhome Park offers powered sites for $27 per person per night, and unpowered sites for $22 per person per night.
Sleep in or have a nice breakfast in Queenstown and recharge your batteries after the challenging Roys Peak Track.
In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Tour. The tour costs $180 per person and lasts for 3 hours. The Skippers Road is known as the 22nd most dangerous road in the world, but it also offers some of the most stunning views you'll ever see. Jet boating along the Shotover River is a lot of fun, and a great way to take in the rugged beauty of the area.
In the evening, be sure to visit the famous the Fergbar, if you want to celebrate surviving the Skippers Road.
For overnight accommodations, return to your chosen holiday park in Queenstown.
Start your day with a thrilling bungee jump from the Kawarau Bridge. The Kawarau Bridge is the site of the world's first commercial bungee jump, and it's a must-do activity for adrenaline junkies visiting Queenstown. The jump costs $110 per person and you can additionally buy photos or videos of your jump.
After the jump, be sure to try a famous Fergburger before embarking on a scenic drive to Te Anau. The drive takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes, and offers plenty of stunning views along the way.
For overnight accommodations, consider the Henry Creek Campsite, which offers unpowered sites for $15 per person, that have to be paid in cash, on a first come, first serve basis. Alternatively, the Top 10 Holiday Park in Te Anau offers powered sites for $30 per person per night, and unpowered sites for $26 per person per night.
Start the day by driving to Milford Sound, a stunning fjord that's often called the eighth wonder of the world. Along the way, there are many photo opportunities: the Mirror Lake, Cascade Creek, Hollyford Lookout, Marian Cascade, Fall’s Creek and Monkey Creek, Gertrude Valley, Cleddau Valley, and The Chasm.
Once you arrive at Milford Sound, hop aboard a cruise to experience the area from a different perspective. There are different options to chose from, from a small group boat to an overnight experience. Make sure to be on time and consider time for finding a parking spot and walking to the harbour.
Afterward, you have the option to either drive 30 minutes back to TeAnau and stay there for the night or continue driving for another 3,5 hours to Curio Bay. If you choose the latter, consider staying at the Curioscape Campground, where you might even spot some dolphins.
Today, explore the stunning Catlins National Park, which is full of natural wonders. Highlights include Purakaunui Falls and Florence Hill Lookout.
Afterward, drive to Dunedin, where you can experience the thrill of watching little blue penguins return to their nests in the evening. This tour is starts 17:45 pm at the Royal Albatross Centre and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
For overnight accommodations in Dunedin, you can choose between the free Warrington Domain self-contained freedom camping (which we really liked) or the Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels, which offers powered sites for $28 per person.
On day 19, it's time to hit the road and make the 4 hour and 45 minute drive to Christchurch. Along the way, you'll pass through some beautiful scenery, so be sure to stop and take it all in.
Once you arrive in Christchurch, park your van at your chosen campground, take a break from driving and enjoy the city's nightlife with a bar tour. Check out the Pink Lady Rooftop Bar, Paddy McNaughtons Irish Pub, the O.G.B., and Austin Club (don't forget to check the monthly password beforehand).
After a night out on the town, head back to your campground by taxi or bus for some rest. There are a couple of great options in the area: Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, which charges $23 per person for a powered site or $21 per person for an unpowered site, and Tasman Holiday Park, which costs $27 per person for a powered site or $22 per person for an unpowered site.
On your last full day, take the scenic route over Castle Hill to Arthurs Pass, which offers stunning views of the Southern Alps. Alternatively, you can opt for the TranzAlpine Train, which is widely regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train departs from Christchurch and travels across the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps, and all the way to Greymouth on the West Coast. The journey takes about 4.5 hours one-way, and there are several departures throughout the day. You can choose to do a round-trip, or just a one-way journey.
If you're traveling with children or you need some bad weather alternatives, consider visiting some of the area's top attractions. The International Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Kea Point, Orana Wildlife Park, and Quake City are all great options.
It's time to return your van and catch your flight home . It's been an unforgettable journey through the Island of New Zealand, filled with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and plenty of adv
