Overview
Planning a family campervan trip in New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore this incredible country. With safe roads, short driving distances, and world-class scenery, New Zealand is ideal for families travelling by campervan or motorhome.
This 14-day New Zealand campervan itinerary takes you from Auckland to Queenstown, covering both the North Island and South Island. Along the way, your family will experience glowworm caves, geothermal parks, wildlife encounters, scenic lakes, and unforgettable mountain landscapes.
If you’re looking to hire a campervan in New Zealand, this itinerary is designed to balance driving time, fun activities, and relaxation.
New Zealand Campervan Itinerary Overview (14 Days)
Route: Auckland → Waitomo → Rotorua → Taupō → Tongariro → Wellington → Picton → Kaikōura → Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown
Total duration: 14 days
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and relaxed travellers
North Island Campervan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland – Start Your Campervan Adventure
Auckland is the perfect starting point for your New Zealand road trip. After collecting your campervan, spend the day exploring family-friendly attractions.
Top things to do in Auckland with kids:
- Visit Auckland Zoo
- Go up the Sky Tower for city views
- Relax at Mission Bay Beach
- Explore waterfront parks and playgrounds
Stay: Takapuna Beach Holiday Park (safe, beachfront location)
Day 2: Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Drive time: 3 hours
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions. Families can take a guided underground boat tour to see thousands of glowing blue worms lighting up the cave ceiling.
Highlights:
- Glowworm cave boat tour
- Family-friendly walking trails
- Scenic countryside drive
Stay: Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders
Drive time: 2 hours
Rotorua is famous for geothermal activity and family attractions.
Top family activities in Rotorua:
- Watch geysers erupt at geothermal parks
- Walk the Redwoods Treewalk
- Visit Velocity Valley adventure park
- Explore lakes and nature reserves
Stay: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
Day 4: Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Drive time: 1 hour
Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake and a fantastic family destination.
Must-see attractions:
- Huka Falls (short, easy walk)
- Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs
- Lakeside playgrounds and picnic areas
Stay: Lake Taupō Holiday Resort
Day 5: Taupō to Tongariro National Park
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with family-friendly hiking trails.
Best family walks:
- Taranaki Falls Track
- Short Tongariro Alpine Crossing sections
- Scenic viewpoints and nature walks
Stay: Whakapapa Holiday Park
Day 6: Tongariro to Wellington
Drive time: 4.5 hours
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and offers plenty of family attractions.
Things to do in Wellington:
- Visit Te Papa National Museum (free entry)
- Ride the Wellington Cable Car
- Explore Wētā Workshop (Lord of the Rings experience)
Stay: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park
South Island Campervan Itinerary
Day 7: Ferry from Wellington to Picton
Take the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait. This scenic ferry crossing is one of the highlights of any New Zealand road trip.
Once in Picton:
- Walk the Picton Harbour Foreshore
- Relax and enjoy coastal views
Stay: Picton Campervan Park
Day 8: Picton to Kaikōura – Wildlife Encounters
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Kaikōura is famous for marine wildlife.
Family activities include:
- Whale watching tours
- Seal colony viewing
- Coastal walks
Stay: Alpine Pacific Holiday Park
Day 9: Kaikōura to Christchurch
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Christchurch is a modern, family-friendly city.
Top attractions:
- Orana Wildlife Park
- Margaret Mahy Playground
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Stay: Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 10: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Drive time: 3 hours
Lake Tekapo is famous for its bright blue water and mountain scenery.
Things to do:
- Tekapo Springs pools
- Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve
- Lakeside walks
Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Day 11: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook National Park
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Family-friendly activities:
- Hooker Valley Track
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Glacier viewpoints
Stay: White Horse Hill Campground
Day 12: Mount Cook to Wanaka
Drive time: 3 hours
Wanaka is perfect for families and outdoor adventures.
Top activities:
- Visit Puzzling World
- Lakeside walks and cycling
- Scenic viewpoints
Stay: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 13: Wanaka to Queenstown
Drive time: 1 hour
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Family activities include:
- Skyline Gondola and Luge
- Lake Wakatipu cruise
- Kiwi wildlife park
Stay: Queenstown Creeksyde Holiday Park
Day 14: Queenstown – Departure Day
Spend your final day exploring Queenstown before returning your campervan.
Options include:
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Visiting local attractions
- Relaxing by the lake
Campervan Travel Tips for Families in New Zealand
To make your New Zealand campervan trip easier:
- Keep driving days under 4 hours
- Stay at holiday parks with family facilities
- Pack swimwear for hot springs and lakes
- Download CamperMate for campsites and facilities
- Book campervans early during peak seasons
Best Time for a New Zealand Campervan Road Trip
New Zealand is great year-round, but the best times are:
- Summer (December–February): Warm weather, ideal for families
- Spring (September–November): Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery
- Autumn (March–May): Mild weather and stunning colours
Hire the Best Campervan for Your New Zealand Family Road Trip
New Zealand Backpackers helps you compare and book campervan hire from trusted operators across New Zealand.
We offer:
- Best price guarantee
- Access to major campervan brands
- Expert travel advice
- Campervan hire across Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and more
Start planning your trip today:
→ Search Campervan Hire in New Zealand
Related New Zealand Campervan Itineraries
You may also enjoy:
- 7-Day North Island Campervan Itinerary
- 10-Day South Island Campervan Itinerary
- 3-Week Complete New Zealand Road Trip
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