The Ultimate 14-Night New Zealand South Island Campervan Itinerary
There is something wildly freeing about having your home on wheels in a place like New Zealand’s South Island. After enjoying 8 nights in Fiji our next stop was off to New Zealand. For two weeks (April 13–27), we traded hotels for a 7-meter self-contained campervan and set out to explore glaciers, turquoise lakes, mountain hikes, fjords, wineries, and some seriously cute towns.
We rented through CamperCo, drove approximately 31 hours total, and learned very quickly that New Zealand’s South Island is even more beautiful in person than it looks in photos.
April is autumn in New Zealand, and it ended up being a fantastic time to visit. We had crisp mornings, cool sunny days, beautiful fall foliage (especially in Wanaka), fewer crowds at many stops, and incredible starry skies. The biggest crowds we encountered were at Hooker Valley Track and in Queenstown, but even those felt manageable.
This route includes some big hiking days and long drives, but also hot tubs, movie nights, wine tasting, and plenty of time to relax at campgrounds. Because one of the best parts of campervan travel is not having to pack up and change hotels every night.
If you’re planning your own trip, here’s our complete South Island campervan itinerary, including where we stayed, what we’d prioritize, and practical tips to help you plan.
Make sure to also check out my New Zealand Campervan Trip Guide.
New Zealand South Island Road Trip at a Glance
| Trip detail | Our experience |
|---|---|
| Duration | April 13–27: 14 nights, 15 days |
| Route | Christchurch → Mount Cook → Omarama → Wanaka → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Queenstown → West Coast → Marlborough → Kaikōura → Hanmer Springs → Christchurch |
| Campervan | 7-meter self-contained van |
| Rental company | CamperCo (Definitely recommend them) |
| Total driving | Approximately 31 hours, based on our trip estimate |
| Best for | Scenic drives, hiking, lakes, glaciers, wine, and hot springs |
| Season | Autumn (fall foliage and cooler temperatures) |
Our 14-Day South Island Campervan Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook
Drive time: approximately 4 hours 45 minutes
We landed in Christchurch, picked up our campervan, and immediately had to adjust to driving on the left side of the road. It’s definitely a little humbling at first!
Before leaving Christchurch, I highly recommend doing a big grocery shop. You’ll find supermarkets in larger towns, but shopping ahead makes remote stops and campground dinners much easier.
Our first scenic stop was the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo. It’s a pretty spot with mountain and lake views, although I’d consider it a quick photo stop rather than a must-do if you’re short on time.
From there, we continued toward Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where the mountain scenery gets increasingly impressive.
Where we stayed: White Horse Hill Campground, right near the Hooker Valley Track trailhead. Facilities are basic, with toilets and water but no powered sites or showers.
After a long travel day, keep things simple: make dinner, enjoy the mountain views, and get some sleep.
Day 2: Hooker Valley Track → Omarama
Drive time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to Omarama, plus time for stops
We didn’t start our hike until noon, which I’d recommend avoiding if you want a quieter trail!
Hooker Valley Track is one of the South Island’s iconic walks, taking you through an alpine valley with mountain views, suspension bridges, and scenery around the Hooker River.
| Hike details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) round trip |
| Time | Allow around 3–4 hours, depending on conditions and stops |
| Difficulty | Generally easy, with some uneven terrain |
| Highlight | Alpine scenery, river views, and Aoraki/Mount Cook |
Tip: Start early, check current Department of Conservation (DOC) trail conditions, and bring layers. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, even on a sunny day.
On the drive toward Omarama, stop at Lake Pukaki. We pulled over multiple times because the turquoise water looked almost fake against the mountains.
Where we stayed: Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park. We pulled out our camping chairs, poured some wine, and enjoyed a relaxed evening. A perfect campervan night.
Day 3: Omarama Hot Tubs → Wanaka
Drive time: approximately 2 hours, plus stops
Start the morning with Omarama Hot Tubs, where private wooden soaking tubs overlook the surrounding landscape. It’s a peaceful way to relax after hiking.
If you have extra time, consider the Clay Cliffs, a striking landscape of tall clay pinnacles. It’s a worthwhile detour if you enjoy unusual natural formations, but skippable if you’re behind schedule.
Continue to Wanaka, which was especially beautiful during our April visit thanks to the autumn colors.
Things we did:
- Beacon Point: Peaceful lake views.
- Ardmore Street: Cafés, restaurants, and a walk along the waterfront.
- That Wanaka Tree: The famous tree growing out of the lake.
- Lake Wanaka sunset cruise: A relaxing way to experience the scenery from the water. Book a Lake Wanaka sunset cruise.
Where we stayed: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park (now associated with the Tasman Holiday Parks brand).
Day 4: A Relaxed Day in Wanaka
We originally planned to hike Roy’s Peak, but cloudy skies made us change our plans.
Not every day of a road trip needs to be packed with activities, especially when you’re driving, hiking, and moving between destinations constantly.
Instead, we:
- Grabbed coffee at Velo Café near Glendhu Bay.
- Relaxed at the campground, where a cat literally joined us inside the van.
- Went to Cinema Paradiso, a quirky little movie theater with a cozy atmosphere that was worth visiting.
If you want to stay active, consider walking part of the Waterfall Creek Track or exploring more of the Lake Wanaka waterfront.
My advice: Keep a flexible day in Wanaka if you can. It’s a beautiful place to slow down, and clear weather makes a big difference if you’re planning a mountain hike.
Where we stayed: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park (now associated with the Tasman Holiday Parks brand).
Day 5: Roy’s Peak → Te Anau
Drive time: approximately 3 hours, excluding the hike
We had a 4 a.m. wake-up call, headlamps on, and stars overhead.
Roy’s Peak Track is famous for its sweeping views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. It’s also a serious workout, with a long, steep climb that doesn’t give you much of a break.
| Hike details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately 16 km (10 miles) total |
| Time | Allow 5–7 hours |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Bring | Headlamp, warm layers, water, hiking poles, snacks, and sturdy footwear |
Sunrise at the top was unreal. The descent, however, absolutely destroyed our knees. Hiking poles would have been a great idea but we didn’t bring any.
Check current track access and weather before setting out, and remember that the summit can be significantly colder and windier than the lakefront. Bring extra layers so you can enjoy the views at the top without being freezing.
After the hike, we drove to Te Anau and stayed at Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park.
If you have more energy or an extra evening, consider the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour. We skipped it, but it’s a popular activity in the area.
Days 6–7: Milford Sound
Drive time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes from Te Anau to Milford Sound
Milford Sound was one of those places where the weather almost made the experience better. It rained for much of our stay, creating waterfalls all over the surrounding cliffs and making the rainforest feel even more dramatic.
We stayed at Milford Sound Lodge, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
Our days were wonderfully low-key:
- Cooked meals in the campsite kitchen.
- Enjoyed a few beers and movies.
- Walked around in the rain.
- Took in the moody scenery instead of rushing from activity to activity.
Important campervan tip: Book your Milford Sound accommodation well in advance, especially if you need a powered campsite. Facilities and availability are limited compared with larger towns.
Also, fuel up in Te Anau and bring food and supplies. Services are limited farther along the Milford Road, and the drive itself deserves extra time for photo stops.
Day 8: Milford Sound Cruise → Queenstown
Drive time: approximately 4 hours 20 minutes, plus stops
We started the morning with a Milford Sound cruise through dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and incredible scenery. We booked with Cruise Milford, and I’d absolutely recommend adding a cruise to your itinerary.
Keep your camera ready for waterfalls and wildlife, including seals. Rainy weather doesn’t necessarily mean a bad cruise; it can actually make the waterfalls even more impressive.
Afterward, we drove to Queenstown and checked into Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde.
That evening, we:
- Grabbed drinks at Perky’s Floating Bar.
- Walked along Steamer Wharf.
- Explored the lively waterfront.
Queenstown is much busier than the smaller towns on this route, but it’s a fun change of pace.
Day 9: Glenorchy or a Queenstown Adventure Day
Use this day to explore more of Queenstown or take the scenic drive to Glenorchy.
Option 1: Glenorchy
The drive is roughly 45 minutes each way and follows Lake Wakatipu through beautiful mountain scenery. Glenorchy is also known for its connection to The Lord of the Rings filming locations. We haven’t even seen the movies, but we still loved the drive!
Option 2: Stay in Queenstown
- Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views.
- Try a jet boat ride.
- Book a wine tour.
- Wander around town and enjoy the restaurants.
For food, we recommend Fergburger (the line moves faster than you’d expect) and an affogato from Fergbaker.
End the day at Onsen Hot Pools, where you can soak in a private hot tub overlooking the Shotover River. Reservations are recommended.
Where we stayed: Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde.
Day 10: Queenstown → Franz Josef
Drive time: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, plus stops
This is a longer driving day, but the scenery along the way makes it worthwhile. Leave early so you’re not rushing through the West Coast.
Our stops included:
- Fantail Falls: A short walk from the road to a pretty waterfall.
- Lake Matheson: Famous for its potential mountain reflections. The full circuit is approximately 4.4 km (2.7 miles), so allow around 1.5 hours.
Reflections depend on the weather, so calm conditions are your best bet.
That evening, we visited Waiho Hot Tubs and had dinner at The Landing, within walking distance of our camp.
Where we stayed: Orange Sheep Campervan Park.
Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier → Hokitika Gorge
Driving time: about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
We had a little travel chaos when we missed our original helicopter reservation, but thankfully, we managed to get rebooked.
Our Franz Josef Glacier helicopter landing was short (only about 30 minutes) and expensive, but 100% worth it for the incredible aerial views and experience of landing on the glacier. Explore helicopter glacier landing tours.
Helicopter flights are weather-dependent, so book with some flexibility if possible. If your flight is canceled, use the extra time for a walk or explore the area.
Next, we visited Hokitika Gorge, famous for its striking turquoise water and suspension bridges. The walk is easy and only about 1.2 miles total.
Where we stayed: Riverside Holiday Park.
Day 12: Marlborough Wine Region
Drive time: about 2 hours and 20 minutes
After days of hiking clothes, rain jackets, and muddy shoes, it was finally time for wine tasting!
Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s best-known wine regions, particularly for Sauvignon Blanc. We visited:
- Cloudy Bay Vineyards
- Wither Hills
- Saint Clair Family Estate
I’d recommend choosing a couple of wineries rather than squeezing in too many. You’ll enjoy the experience more without watching the clock all afternoon.
Where we stayed: Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park
Day 13: Kaikōura → Hanmer Springs
Drive time: 4 hours
Important: Plan your fuel stops before leaving the larger towns. There was a long stretch during this drive where we didn’t see any gas stations and almost ran out of gas!
Kaikōura is worth exploring for its dramatic coastline and marine wildlife. If you have time, you can:
- Walk along the coastal paths.
- Book a whale-watching tour.
- Explore the small town and grab something to eat.
Whale-watching trips are weather-dependent, so book ahead and leave flexibility in your schedule if this is a priority.
Continue to Hanmer Springs for an evening soak at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. It was a little crowded when we visited, but still a relaxing way to end the day.
Where we stayed: Alpine Adventure Holiday Park.
Day 14: Hanmer Springs → Christchurch
Drive time: approximately 2 hours
Head back toward Christchurch for a relaxed final day.
We explored:
- Little High Eatery: A casual food spot with different options under one roof.
- New Regent Street: A colorful historic street lined with cafés and shops.
- Christchurch city center: Perfect for a casual stroll and a final meal.
Where we stayed: North South Holiday Park, convenient for our departure plans.
Day 15: Return the Campervan and Fly Home
Return your campervan according to the rental company’s instructions, allow time for refueling and vehicle checks, and head to the airport.
Then immediately start planning when you can come back.
Practical Tips for a South Island Campervan Road Trip
| Tip | What to know |
|---|---|
| Driving | Drive on the left, allow extra time on winding roads, and don’t underestimate distances. |
| Fuel | Fill up before remote stretches, particularly around Milford Sound and the West Coast. |
| Weather | Bring waterproof layers and warm clothing, even in autumn. |
| Campsites | Book popular places such as Milford Sound well in advance. |
| Groceries | Stock up in larger towns before heading into remote areas. |
| Hiking | We managed to fit in 3 hikes (Hooker Valley, Roys Peak and Hokitika Gorge walk) |
| Autumn travel | Expect cooler nights and shorter daylight hours than in summer. |
| Campervan size | A 7-meter van is comfortable but requires extra care on narrow roads and when parking. |
Is 14 Days Enough for New Zealand’s South Island?
Yes, but you’ll leave wanting more.
This route gave us a fantastic mix of bucket-list hikes, turquoise lakes, scenic drives, glacier experiences, fjords, wine tasting, and relaxing hot spring evenings. We covered a lot without spending every single day rushing between attractions.
That said, this is still a fairly ambitious itinerary. Some driving days are long, and bad weather can change your plans, especially around the glaciers and mountains. I’d add extra nights if you want more time for hiking, exploring the West Coast, or simply enjoying Queenstown and Wanaka.
April was a beautiful time for our trip, particularly for fall colors and fewer crowds. Just remember that autumn brings shorter days and colder nights, so flexibility is key.
If you’re planning a New Zealand South Island campervan road trip, I can’t recommend this kind of adventure enough. Waking up surrounded by mountains, cooking dinner with a view, and having the freedom to change plans along the way made this one of our most memorable road trips.
For more inspiration, check out my guide to 10 Must-See Spots on New Zealand’s South Island.
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