Top 10 Places to Visit on a 2 Week South Island New Zealand Campervan Adventure
For two weeks, we traded hotel rooms for mountain sunrises, fjord views, glacier landings, and lakeside campsites. From April 13–27, we lived on wheels — chasing good weather, hiking iconic trails, soaking in hot pools, sipping Marlborough wine, and waking up somewhere completely new almost every morning. Here are 10 must-do stops while roadtripping around South New Zealand.
1. Milford Sound Cruise
This is non-negotiable.
We booked a small boutique cruise with Viator Cruise Milford and sailed past towering cliffs, waterfalls, and misty peaks. It rains often here — which actually makes the waterfalls even more dramatic.
Make sure you bring your waterproof rain jacket so you can take in all the views from the outside cruise deck.
Our cruise included coffee and snacks and it had plenty of warm seating options on the inside.
We stayed 2 nights at the Milford Sound Lodge (powered site) which was situated in the forrest and we really felt the nature all around us especially when it was raining while we slept in the campervan- such a soothing sound.
Cost: ~$100 USD per person for a 1 hour and 45 minute cruise.
2. Roy’s Peak (Wanaka)
- 10 miles out-and-back (16km). Brutal incline. No shade. Knee-destroying descent
- But that sunrise view? Worth every step
- Considered challenging/hard
- Elevation gain: ~4000 feet (1200 meters)
- Takes about 5-7 hours to complete
- We started at 4 AM with headlamps. Pro tip: bring hiking poles and extra layers — it’s freezing at the top before sunrise
- You will pass through private farmland – we hiked past cows and sheep along the way
- The small parking lot fills up – you can also park along Mount Aspiring Road if the lot is full
- Closed Oct 1–Nov 10 for lambing season
3. Wanaka
Very cute modern town with shops, restaurants and cafes. We spent 2 nights here and this was one of our favorite stops.
- Beacon point for lake views
- Walked around the town admiring all the fall foliage
- Saw the famous “That Wanaka Tree”
- Did a Lake Wanaka Sunset Cruise (which included one drink and cheese/crackers)
- Saw a movie in the unique small boutique cinema (Cinema Paradiso)
- Roys peak hike (see details above)
4. Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour
Flying over glaciers and landing on one was unreal.
Short (about 25 minutes) but unforgettable. Yes, it’s pricey (~$230 USD per person) — but if it’s in your budget, do it.
We booked our glacier tour with Viator Franz Josef Glacier Tour (Highly recommend- our guide was super knowledgable and friendly).
5. Queenstown
Adventure capital of New Zealand.
Must-dos:
- Onsen Hot Pools at sunset
- Fergburger (yes, the line moves fast and I recommend getting an affogato from the place next door called Fergbaker)
- Scenic drive to Glenorchy
- Lord of the Rings filming locations
- 45 minute drive from Queenstown
- Perky’s Floating Bar
- Other activities we didn’t have time for
- Shotover jet boat ride
- Skyline Gondola
Queenstown has energy. After several nature-heavy days, it felt lively and fun.
6. Hooker Valley Track (Mount Cook Region)
An easy-moderate 7-mile roundtrip hike with suspension bridges and glacier views. Mostly flat and absolutely stunning. The hike begins right at White Horse Hill Campground and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. This hike was pretty busy even in April and there was a lot of mist blocking the view of the mountains once we got to the lake but it was still such a beautiful view.
7. Marlborough Wine Region
Over 150 wineries, famous for Sauvignon Blanc.
We visited:
- Cloudy Bay
- Wither Hills
- St Clair
Sunny, peaceful, and a perfect break from hiking boots.
8. Hokitika Gorge Walk
- The most turquoise water I’ve ever seen in my life.
- Short, easy 1.2 mile loop hike with rainforest scenery and 2 suspension bridges.
- Takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
- There was a lot of sand flies near the water.
- There is a large parking lot at the trailhead
9. Hamner Springs Thermal Pools
- 22 geothermally heated pools, lazy river, waterslides. We went at night — all lit up and vibrant.
- Includes: sulfur, rock and freshwater pools
- There is a cafe, locker room and changing rooms
- You can bring your own towel or buy one there
- Cost: ~ $40 NZD per adult
10. Christchurch
Our final stop.
- C1 Espresso (pneumatic tube food delivery!)
- Little High Eatery (food court with an assortment of restaurants)
- New Regent Street (Spanish Mission-style architecture filled with shops, restaurants and cafes)
- Cathedral Square (the heart of Christchurch)
A creative, resilient city with great food.
A Great Addition to Our 2 Week New Zealand Road Trip
3 Relaxing Onsens Along the Route:
One of our favorite ways to slow down during our campervan trip was soaking in a few wooden hot pools along the way. After long hikes and scenic drives, these stops felt relaxing.
1. Omarama Hot Tubs
These were our first soak — private wooden tubs overlooking a peaceful lake. For $120 NZD (90 minutes for two adults), we adjusted the temperature to our liking and relaxed as the cool autumn air rolled in. The setting was quiet, simple, and exactly what we needed at the start of the trip.
2. Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa (Queenstown)
Perched above Shotover Canyon was a fun addition. We booked a sunset slot (highly recommend), bought wine, and soaked for 1 hour for $175 NZD for 2 adults. The views alone made it worth it.
3. Waiho Hot Tubs
Located in Franz Josef offered a cozy rainforest vibe. These private tubs (135 NZD for one hour for two adults) were the perfect way to unwind before our glacier adventures.
Final Reflections
Two weeks in a campervan around New Zealand’s South Island gave us more than just incredible views — it gave us freedom. Freedom to change plans, chase sunshine and to linger longer in places we loved. From glacier landings and sunrise hikes to quiet lakeside mornings and late-night hot pool soaks, every day felt different.
If you’re considering exploring the South Island by campervan, do it. It’s the kind of trip that challenges you, excites you, and stays with you long after you’ve flown home.
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