Overview
Travelling New Zealand with the family? This two-week family campervan itinerary mixes short scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and easy adventures the whole crew will love. From glowworm caves to luge rides and stargazing, every stop is designed to keep kids entertained and parents relaxed.
Start in Auckland, journey south through Rotorua and Taupō, then cross to the South Island for lakes, mountains, and unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Collect your campervan and spend the afternoon exploring the Auckland Zoo or Sky Tower. Stretch little legs at Mission Bay Beach before your first night on the road.
Stay: Takapuna Beach Holiday Park, safe beachfront location.
Day 2: Auckland → Waitomo Caves (3 hrs)
Head south to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Kids will love the magical underground boat ride through twinkling blue lights.
Stay: Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park, heated pool and BBQ area.
Day 3: Waitomo → Rotorua (2 hrs)
Next stop: Rotorua, the geothermal wonderland. Watch geysers erupt, visit the Redwoods Treewalk, and spend the afternoon at Velocity Valley for kid-friendly thrills.
Stay: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park.
Day 4: Rotorua → Taupō (1 hr)
Drive to Lake Taupō. Stop at Huka Falls and visit the Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs, complete with hydroslides for the kids.
Stay: Lake Taupō Holiday Resort, huge pool and family vibe.
Day 5: Taupō → Tongariro National Park (1.5 hrs)
Take a family walk to Taranaki Falls or short sections of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Even younger travellers can handle the easy scenic trails.
Stay: Whakapapa Holiday Park.
Day 6: Tongariro → Wellington (4.5 hrs)
Drive to Wellington, New Zealand’s compact capital. Visit Te Papa Museum, ride the Cable Car, and meet creatures from The Lord of the Rings at Wētā Workshop.
Stay: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 7: Ferry to Picton (3 hrs)
Sail across Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, a mini-cruise kids won’t forget. Once in Picton, walk the Harbour Foreshore Trail.
Stay: Picton Campervan Park.
Day 8: Picton → Kaikōura (2.5 hrs)
Drive the stunning coastal route to Kaikōura. Take the family on a whale-watching or seal-swimming tour (suitable for older kids).
Stay: Alpine Pacific Holiday Park, pool and hot tubs.
Day 9: Kaikōura → Christchurch (2.5 hrs)
Visit the Kaikōura Seal Colony on the way south. In Christchurch, stop by Orana Wildlife Park and Margaret Mahy Playground, one of NZ’s best.
Stay: Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 10: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo (3 hrs)
Head inland to the bright-blue Lake Tekapo. Visit the Tekapo Springs pools and let the kids zoom down the snow or tubing slopes (winter) or water slides (summer).
Stay: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park.
Day 11: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook (1.5 hrs)
Short drive to Mount Cook Village. Stop at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, then walk the easy Hooker Valley Track to swing bridges and glacier views.
Stay: White Horse Hill Campground.
Day 12: Mount Cook → Wanaka (3 hrs)
Pass through Lindis Pass to family-friendly Wanaka. Try Puzzling World, Rippon Vineyard (great for parents), and lakeside cycling trails.
Stay: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 13: Wanaka → Queenstown (1 hr)
Drive the Crown Range Road into Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Take the Skyline Gondola, race each other on the Luge, or relax on a Lake Wakatipu cruise.
Stay: Queenstown Creeksyde Holiday Park, close to town with family facilities.
Day 14: Queenstown Exploration & Departure
Spend your final day souvenir shopping or visiting the Kiwi Park before returning your campervan.
Pro Campervan Tips
- Keep drives under 4 hours, plan frequent stops.
- Holiday parks with playgrounds make life easy after long drives.
- Pack swimwear year-round, NZ is full of hot pools and lakes.
- Download CamperMate to locate family-friendly facilities and free play areas.
Plan Your Family Road Trip
Find the perfect campervan for your family adventure → Search Campervans in New Zealand