Overview
Dreaming of a romantic New Zealand campervan itinerary? This 10-day road trip blends mountain views, cosy lakeside nights, and unforgettable adventures. Whether it’s your honeymoon or a spontaneous getaway, you’ll drive through some of the country’s most picturesque regions: Queenstown, Tekapo, Wanaka, and Marlborough, with hand-picked stays that feel a little extra special.
Day 1: Queenstown Arrival
Fly into Queenstown, collect your campervan, and ease into the rhythm of the South Island. Walk the waterfront, ride the Skyline Gondola for sunset views, and share dinner overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Stay: Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park, private sites, spa, and short stroll to town.
Day 2: Queenstown & Arrowtown
Spend a relaxed day exploring Arrowtown’s gold-rush charm. Picnic beside the river or taste Central Otago wines at nearby cellar doors. End the evening soaking in an outdoor hot tub at Onsen Hot Pools.
Stay: Same as previous night.
Day 3: Queenstown → Wanaka (1 hr)
Drive over the Crown Range Road, one of NZ’s most scenic alpine passes. In Wanaka, kayak the lake or walk to #ThatWanakaTree for an iconic photo.
Stay: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park, peaceful, romantic mountain views.
Day 4: Wanaka → Franz Josef Glacier (4 hrs)
Travel the wild Haast Pass to the lush West Coast. Stop for short waterfall walks before reaching Franz Josef. Treat yourselves to a private hot-pool soak surrounded by rainforest.
Stay: Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 5: Franz Josef → Hokitika → Punakaiki (3 hrs)
Drive north along the rugged coastline, pausing at Hokitika Gorge and artisan galleries. Continue to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks at sunset.
Stay: Punakaiki Beach Camp, sites right by the ocean.
Day 6: Punakaiki → Marlborough (5 hrs)
Follow the West Coast to Marlborough, NZ’s premier wine region. Arrive in Blenheim for afternoon tastings and a romantic dinner among the vines.
Stay: Blenheim TOP 10 Holiday Park or a vineyard glamping site if available.
Day 7: Marlborough → Kaikōura (2.5 hrs)
Drive the scenic coastal highway to Kaikōura, known for marine wildlife and dramatic cliffs. Take a whale-watching cruise or simply enjoy seafood fresh off the boats.
Stay: Alpine Pacific Holiday Park, great ocean views and hot tubs.
Day 8: Kaikōura → Lake Tekapo (4 hrs)
Head inland through rolling farmland to the turquoise jewel of Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, then stargaze under one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Stay: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park, lakefront setting made for couples.
Day 9: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook (1.5 hrs)
Take the short drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Walk the Hooker Valley Track, picnic by the glacier river, and toast the evening with a glass of local pinot.
Stay: White Horse Hill Campground, spectacular alpine backdrop.
Day 10: Mount Cook → Christchurch (4 hrs)
Enjoy your final drive through the Mackenzie Country back to Christchurch. Stop at Lake Pukaki for a last photo, then return your campervan and spend one last night exploring the city’s riverside bars and restaurants.
Pro Campervan Tips
- Plan winery stops early, some offer overnight parking for self-contained vans.
- Pack a stargazing app for Lake Tekapo nights.
- Book hot pools and scenic experiences in advance (they sell out fast).
- Keep drives short: the magic is in the moments, not the mileage.
Start Your Romantic Road Trip
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