Day 1: Arrive Queenstown, Collect your RVArrive in Queenstown, collect your RV, and begin the ultimate New Zealand road trip, where breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences await around every corner.
Please note that the suggested motorhome venues outlined in this itinerary are not included in the package and have not been pre-booked. Guests are welcome to select and arrange their preferred motorhome sites directly.
Suggested where to Stay: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.
Day 2: Milford Sound (Daytrip)Leave the RV parked today and let someone else take the wheel while you sit back and soak up some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. Take a short 10–12-minute walk into town to board your coach for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound, one of the country's most iconic natural wonders. Journey through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park, passing mirror-like lakes, ancient rainforests, and towering mountain peaks before boarding a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Cruise beneath dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls while keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. At the end of this unforgettable day, relax on the coach journey back to Queenstown
Suggested where to Stay: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.
Day 3: Queenstown to Arrowtown & Glenorchy (Daytrip)Begin your adventure in Queenstown, a vibrant town known for its stunning lake and mountain views. Take a day trip to Glenorchy, traveling along one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. Stop at Bennetts Bluff for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Continue to Bob’s Cove, a great spot for a swim in summer or a hike to Picnic Point for year-round vistas. In Glenorchy, capture a photo of the iconic Red Shed and explore short walks through landscapes featured in the Lord of the Rings films. Return to Queenstown for the night.
Suggested where to Stay: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.
Day 4: Arrowtown to Wanaka (Distance: 99 km/62 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes)Travel through Cromwell, another historic gold-mining town, before reaching Wanaka. (Note: If driving a maui camper, avoid the Crown Range Road and take SH6.) In Wanaka, visit the famous Wanaka Tree, standing alone in the lake with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. For family fun, explore Puzzling World, known for its optical illusions and challenging maze.
Suggested where to Stay: Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park
Day 5: Wanaka to Aoraki/Mount Cook (Distance: 219 km/136 miles | Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes)Stop in Twizel to peek around, perhaps refuel and restock supplies. Continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. Drive along Lake Pukaki’s vibrant blue waters, offering breathtaking views. In addition to the Hooker Valley Track, enjoy the Glacier Explorer Cruise, taking a boat ride on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier for a unique perspective of New Zealand's largest glacier. Finish the day with spectacular alpine scenery and mountain views
Suggested where to Stay: Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park
Day 6: Aoraki/Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo (Distance: 106 km/66 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes)Depart Mount Cook and travel to Lake Tekapo. Stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a charming stone church with stunning views of the turquoise lake and Southern Alps. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting and take memorable photos. After sunset, experience a Stargazing Tour in the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world to view the night sky
Suggested where to Stay: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park
Day 7: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch Distance: (225 km/140 miles | Travel time: 3 hoursDepart the stunning alpine setting of Lake Tekapo and begin your journey north toward Christchurch. Your first stop is the charming township of Fairlie, where a visit to the famous Fairlie Bakehouse is highly recommended. Continue to the welcoming country town of Geraldine, renowned for its boutique shops, artisan producers, and relaxed atmosphere. If time permits, visit the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum which showcases New Zealand's rich agricultural and motoring heritage.
From Geraldine, travel through the picturesque Canterbury countryside to Rakaia Gorge. Stretch your legs with a short walk along the Rakaia Gorge Walkway or simply pause at one of the scenic lookouts to take in the spectacular views. Continue across the expansive Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch.
Suggested where to Stay: Tasman Holiday Park Christchurch
Day 8: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs (Distance: 130 km/81 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes)Before leaving Christchurch, if time allows, spend the afternoon exploring the city's beautiful Botanic Gardens, vibrant Riverside Market, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the Avon River before your onward journey. Coffee lovers may want to stop at Ally & Sid before starting the drive. The journey to Hanmer Springs is approximately 130 km and takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Upon arrival, relax and unwind with entry to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, the perfect way to enjoy this alpine resort town
Suggested where to Stay: Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 9: Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura (Distance: 122 km/76 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes)Choose one of three routes from Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura, with the drive taking around 2 to 3 hours depending on the route. Once in Kaikoura, sample local crayfish at Nins Bin or enjoy classic fish and chips by the beach. Kaikoura is well known for whale watching, enjoy a Whale Watch Cruise for outstanding whale and marine life viewing for a memorable overnight stop, aim for beachfront camping and enjoy the sunrise from the coast.
Suggested where to stay: Peketa Beach Holiday Park
Day 10: Kaikoura to Blenheim (Distance: 138 km/86 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes)Today’s drive is a short journey of about 138 km and 1 hour 50 minutes. Along the way, consider stops for lavender fields, seal spotting, or a walk along a black-sand beach. On arrival, visit the acclaimed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, featuring world-class aviation exhibitions and cinematic displays. In Blenheim, wine lovers can enjoy a Marlborough wine tour and pick up a bottle or two to keep chilled in the camper fridge. Outdoor enthusiasts may prefer hiking or biking at Wither Hills Farm Park or nearby trails.
Suggested where to stay: Blenheim TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 11: Blenheim to Nelson (Distance: 120 km/75 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes)Drive approximately 120 km in about 1 hour 45 minutes to reach Nelson, a sunny city known for its creative scene. Consider a detour to Nelson Lakes National Park for walking, swimming, or biking. In town, explore local art galleries or, if your timing works, visit the Nelson Farmers Market on Wednesday morning to stock up on fresh local produce.
Suggested where to stay: Tahuna Beach Holiday Park
Day 12: Nelson to Picton (Distance: 138 km/86 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 55 minutes)Back-track along State Highway 6 from Nelson to Picton. The drive is about 138 km and takes around 1 hour 55 minutes but allow extra time because this is the day to take the campervan ferry to the North Island. If you arrive in Picton early, wander through the township, relax before the crossing, or stop for lunch at Gusto.
Suggested where to stay: Tasman Holiday Parks – Picton
Day 13: Wellington to Napier (Distance: 305 km/190 miles | Travel time: 4 hours)After arriving back on land, stop for coffee before the longest leg of the itinerary: the drive from Wellington to Napier. Choose either the Kapiti Coast route or the Wairarapa route via Rimutaka Hill. Once in Napier, explore the Art Deco architecture, climb Te Mata Peak for views, dine at Mister D, or visit nearby wineries such as Craggy Range. If your visit falls on a Saturday, the local farmers market is another worthwhile stop.
Suggested where to stay: Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 14: Napier to Taupo (Distance: 158 km/98 miles | Travel time: 2 hours 5 minutes)This morning discovers the city’s famous 1930s architecture with a guided or self-guided Art Deco Walk. Fill the camper with fuel and take the Napier-Taupo Road. Drive inland to Taupo and enjoy a Maori Rock Carvings Cruise on Lake Taupo offering close-up views of the impressive Ngatoroirangi carvings accessible only by water. You may also visit Huka Falls or Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
Suggested where to stay: Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 15: Taupo to Rotorua (Distance: 81 km/50 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes)This is a short driving day of around 81 km and 1 hour 10 minutes. Rotorua offers geothermal attractions and outdoor experiences. Included today is entry to the Polynesian Spa, where you can relax in natural mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Other highlights include the Redwoods Treewalk and Skyline Rotorua.
Suggested where to stay: Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 16: Rotorua to Mount Maunganui (Distance: 71 km/44 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes)Head back toward the beach with a drive of about 71 km and 1 hour 10 minutes to Mount Maunganui. Known as “The Mount,” this coastal destination is ideal for surf, sand, boutique shopping, and views. Walk up the Mauao/Mount Maunganui Summit Track, then unwind by the sea with a coffee, ice cream, or wine.
Suggested where to stay: Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
Day 17: Mount Maunganui to Hamilton (Distance: 111 km/69 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes)Travel to Hamilton via Matamata. En route, visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand's most popular attractions. On arrival in Hamilton, explore the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens, renowned for its themed and destination-inspired garden collections
Suggested where to stay: Hamilton City Holiday Park
Day 18: Hamilton to Auckland (Distance: 116 km/72 miles | Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes)Complete the final 116 km of the trip with a drive of around 1 hour 30 minutes to Auckland. Before dropping off the camper at the Auckland branch, visit La Cigale, explore the Auckland Art Gallery, or browse the shops in Ponsonby.
You could choose to extend your rental and travel north to the Bay of Islands or return your vehicle and spend a few nights in Auckland. Your Goway Destination Expert can customise the perfect extension of your epic New Zealand adventure