Overview
Got three weeks to explore Aotearoa? This is the ultimate New Zealand campervan itinerary, covering both islands from top to bottom. You’ll chase sunsets on golden beaches, hike volcanoes, sip world-class wines, and wake up beside mirror-still lakes.
Start in Auckland, wind through the North Island’s geothermal heart, cross Cook Strait by ferry, and finish among the alpine peaks of the South Island.
Week 1 – North Island Highlights
Day 1–2: Auckland → Bay of Islands (3 hrs)
Collect your campervan in Auckland and head north along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Base yourself in Paihia or Russell for dolphin cruises and beach days.
Stay: Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 3: Bay of Islands → Coromandel Peninsula (5 hrs)
Drive south to the laid-back Coromandel. Visit Cathedral Cove and soak in your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach.
Stay: Hahei Holiday Resort.
Day 4–5: Coromandel → Rotorua (3 hrs)
Head for Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal capital. Watch geysers erupt at Te Puia, experience Maori culture, and relax in hot mineral pools.
Stay: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park.
Day 6: Rotorua → Taupō → Tongariro National Park (3 hrs)
See Huka Falls, cruise Lake Taupō, then continue to Tongariro for the legendary Alpine Crossing hike.
Stay: Whakapapa Holiday Park.
Day 7: Tongariro → Wellington (4.5 hrs)
Finish the North Island in style at Wellington: visit Te Papa Museum, ride the Cable Car, and sample craft beers on Cuba Street.
Stay: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Week 2 – Marlborough & The Alps
Day 8: Interislander Ferry → Picton (3 hrs crossing)
Take your campervan aboard the Interislander Ferry. Arrive to the blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds.
Stay: Picton Campervan Park.
Day 9: Picton → Abel Tasman National Park (3 hrs)
Drive to Kaiteriteri and explore the beaches and coastal walks of Abel Tasman National Park.
Stay: Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Camp.
Day 10: Abel Tasman → Franz Josef Glacier (6 hrs)
Follow the spectacular West Coast route via Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Stay: Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 11–12: Explore Glacier Country
Take a heli-hike or scenic flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Wander rainforest trails and visit Lake Matheson for mirror reflections of Mt Cook.
Stay: Same park or Fox Glacier Holiday Park.
Day 13: Franz Josef → Wanaka (4 hrs)
Drive through Haast Pass with countless waterfalls and short walks. In Wanaka, relax by the lake or tackle Roy’s Peak.
Stay: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Week 3 – Southern Alps & Fiordland
Day 14–15: Wanaka → Queenstown (1 hr)
Take the Crown Range Road for alpine views. In Queenstown, choose your thrill: bungy, jet boat, or paragliding.
Stay: Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park.
Day 16–17: Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound (2–4 hrs)
Drive the world-famous Milford Road. Cruise beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls in Milford Sound.
Stay: Te Anau TOP 10 or Milford Sound Lodge.
Day 18: Te Anau → Lake Tekapo (5 hrs)
Head north past sheep-dotted highlands to the bright-blue Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and stargaze in the Dark Sky Reserve.
Stay: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park.
Day 19: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook Village (1.5 hrs)
Hike the Hooker Valley Track for glacier views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak.
Stay: White Horse Hill Campground.
Day 20: Mount Cook → Christchurch (4 hrs)
Return to Christchurch through the Mackenzie Basin. Stop at Lake Pukaki for turquoise-blue photo ops.
Stay: Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 21: Explore Christchurch & Depart
Walk the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Gondola before returning your campervan.
Pro Campervan Tips
- Book ferries early: Interislander crossings fill up fast.
- Carry cash for remote holiday parks.
- Fuel planning: long stretches on the West Coast have limited stations.
- Travel slowly: distances may be short, but scenery demands stops.
Ready to See It All?
Start your full New Zealand campervan adventure today → Search Campervans in New Zealand