New Zealand with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural beauty, has captured the hearts of travellers and photographers worldwide. From the snow-capped peaks to pristine beaches, New Zealand offers an endless amount of stunning landscapes to explore and capture.
The country’s unique Maori culture, vibrant cities, and friendly locals add richness to the travel experience. With its reputation for adventure sports like hiking, skiing, and kayaking, as well as its commitment to environmental conservation, New Zealand consistently ranks among the top travel destinations globally. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments in nature, New Zealand is a must-visit at least once in your life.
What is the best way to travel around New Zealand?
The best way to travel around New Zealand depends on your preferences, budget, and time constraints. Here are some options:
Campervan Rental
Renting or buying a campervan is an excellent option for a long road trip around New Zealand. It provides both transportation and accommodation, giving you the flexibility to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the country at your own pace. Remember this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Renting a campervan is particularly convenient for travelers who prefer not to deal with the hassle of buying and selling a vehicle. Companies like Motorhome Republic offer a wide range of options, allowing you to find the perfect campervan to suit your needs and budget. Their search engine makes it easy to compare prices, features, and inclusions, simplifying the road trip planning process. They often have up to 30% discount on rentals and you can always check their prices and compare without any commitment.
Car rental
If camping isn’t your thing and you want a bit more comfort, you can opt for a regular rental car and stay in hostels or hotels. I suggest checking out for awesome deals on compact car rentals. We recommend checking out the deals on Airport Rentals to book your rental car.
But here’s the scoop: New Zealand gets super busy in the summer, so it’s smart to book your places to stay well ahead of time. It happened to us a few times, especially on weekends.
Our Tips Before You Go
First time visiting New Zealand and looking at campervan rentals? Check out our top tips before you book: Campervan Rental in New Zealand: 20+ Tips Before You Book
New Zealand Itinerary
When we landed in Auckland after 4 weeks of living in a campervan in Australia and driving up the east coast from Melbourne to Cairns, at first, we didn’t have an exact plan of what to do in New Zealand.
We rented a camper van from Motorhome Rentals, drove 5856km through north and south island, and we got to see and experience many cool spots on the road that we would love to share with you.
Auckland
Starting your road trip in Auckland offers several advantages, especially in terms of car rental deals and connectivity to popular attractions. Auckland serves as a convenient gateway to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
While Auckland, and other cities in New Zealand, may not offer the same level of excitement or cultural richness as European cities, they still have their own unique charm and attractions worth exploring, such as vibrant markets, cultural institutions, and waterfront dining.
Depending on your arrival flight schedule, we recommend spending 2-3 days in Auckland to experience this beautiful city before picking up your campervan or car rental.
Day 1-3: Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula is a gem of New Zealand’s North Island, drawing tourists from all over the world to its stunning natural beauty. Few spots, in particular, have captured the hearts of visitors and earned international acclaim. Only 2.5 hours from Auckland, this is a great first stop on your road trip journey through the north island.
Hahei Beach
One of these iconic spots is Hahei, a charming little town that serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the Coromandel Peninsula. located along the coastline, Hahei boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere that beckons travelers to unwind and soak in the coastal charm.
Cathedral Cove
This is Coromandel’s famous spot, located an hour walk from Hahei Beach, unlucky for us when we arrived the track was closed due to landslides covering the trail, which has been like this for a year, so the only way to reach Cathedral Cove was either by kayak that cost 140 NZD or water taxi was around 80 NZD per person, we found it a bit expensive so instead we decided to fly the drone and try to capture as far as we could this memorable place.
Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is a natural wonder that has captured the imagination of travelers in recent years, becoming a must-visit destination on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. Despite its relatively recent discovery, this spot has quickly gained popularity among tourists, drawing crowds eager to experience its unique phenomenon. What sets Hot Water Beach apart is its geothermal activity, which creates a rare opportunity for visitors to dig their own hot spring in the sand.
Where to stay in Coromandel
We stayed at Hahei Beach Resort located just along the beach this campsite offers very good camp spots just looking at the sea, as well as very good facilities. We paid 55 NZD a night for a powered campsite.
Day 3-4: Hobbiton & Mount Maunganui
After Hahei, we are going to drive 3 hours to Mount Maunganui. But before reaching there, there’s one iconic stop you simply can’t miss: Hobbiton! Located in the countryside near Matamata, Hobbiton is a must-visit destination for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” series, but also a really cool experience for those who have not followed the franchise.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Setting out in the morning from Hahei, 2.5 hours drive you reach Matamata, the charming town that is home to the legendary Hobbiton movie set.
As you wander through the enchanting movie set, you’ll be transported to the whimsical world of hobbits, with their quaint homes nestled into the rolling green hills of the Shire. From Bag End to the Green Dragon Inn, every corner of Hobbiton is brimming with charm and attention to detail, making it feel like a living, breathing fantasy realm.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the films or simply appreciate the stunning scenery and captivating storytelling, Hobbiton offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Sure, some might say it’s a bit pricey, but for die-hard fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” like us, visiting Hobbiton is an absolute must-do. So, go ahead and indulge your inner hobbit by splurging on the 80 NZD tour. Trust us, it’s worth every penny! We recommend arriving early to check if the tour before you is smaller in size as usually gets very busy. You don’t want to be in a group with 40 people and wait for each of them to take a picture in your favourite spot.
Book your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Note that you cannot access the Hobbiton on your own and wander around, you have to go on a guided tour. They have tours departing every 20 minutes with groups of up to 40 people, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance and arrive early to your check-in time.
Catch the sunrise at Mount Maunganui
Once you’ve arrived in Mount Maunganui, a gem within the greater city of Tauranga, there’s one activity you absolutely can’t miss: hiking to the summit of the mountain that shares its name at sunrise.
We stayed in Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park located just at the start of the hiking trail, this was the best campground we have been just located in front of the beach with no barriers to stop you from going for a swim any time, we paid 59 NZD for a campsite with electricity, the facilities were clean and the staff very helpful. Our only regret was not staying here longer if we knew Cathedral Cove was closed.
Walks not to be Missed
Mauao Summit Walk
The hike promises breathtaking views and a refreshing dose of adventure. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the sparkling ocean, pristine beaches, and lush greenery that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
Mauao stands 232 metres above sea level and its summit tracks are not a casual stroll. You’ll need a reasonably good level of fitness and mobility to climb to the top but it’s certainly worth the effort.
It’ll take 60 minutes to reach the summit, depending on how frequently you stop along the way. Once you’re at the top, there’s a picnic table and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the 360° view. Seek shade in the large P?hutukawa trees or find a large rock to perch on.
Mauao Summit Walk Distance: 3.8km
Elevation: 231m
Track: Very good. There is no flat ground on the whole track. It’s all up and all down.
Level: Medium
Day 4-6: Rotorua
Before you make your way to Rotorua, it’s worth noting that the entire city carries a distinctive scent reminiscent of rotten eggs. This smell arises from the sulphur emissions of the many geothermal features scattered throughout the area.
Rotorua offers an array of activities to captivate visitors for days. From marvelling at the geothermal phenomena to immersing yourself in Maori culture, there’s an abundance of adventures awaiting here.
Stroll Rotorua Kuirau Park
Kuirau park is located in the city and is free to visit. It is a nature park with geothermal baths, hot springs, and a lake. Despite the smell, it can be a nice afternoon walk for the entire family.
Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest
This is the perfect spot if you are a nature lover. It’s home to the famous Californian Coast Redwoods. And you can see them if you follow the Redwood Memorial Grove track.
Since it first appeared, it’s become a big part of Rotorua’s scenery. Taking a walk through this beautiful forest is a must-do. The hiking trails are super close to the town centre and easy to get to by car, so everyone can enjoy them.
If you want to take the hike to new heights, you can do the Redwoods Treewalk for 39 NZD. The tree walk features 28 suspension bridges through the redwood trees and lots of Instagram spots.
Other Rotorua Activities
Day 6-8: Lake Taupo & Tongariro Crossing
If you are in New Zealand’s North Island make sure you don’t miss the Tongariro Crossing. It’s one of the most famous hikes in the world, and we highly recommend doing this if you are here. It is the most challenged yet rewarding hikes we have done to date.
Lake Taupo
As there are no big shops or cellular signal in Tongariro, we suggest to stop in Taupo a beautiful lakeside town just an hour away from Tongariro. Make sure while you are in Taupo to get as many snacks and water as you need for the hike. Taupo is about an hour from Rotorua, and you have another hour drive to Tongariro, so it is the perfect stop on the way to also enjoy a lunch by the beautiful Lake Taupo. There is lots of parking just next to the lake.
Walks not to be Missed
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a world-renowned hike located in Tongariro National Park on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s often considered one of the best day hikes in the world, and we couldn’t agree more!
The hike takes you through different landscapes, including volcanic craters, steaming vents, ancient lava flows, alpine meadows, and stunning emerald and blue lakes.
Tongariro is famous for three iconic volcanoes: Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings), Tongariro, and Ruapehu. These volcanic peaks create a dramatic backdrop throughout the hike.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is approximately 19.4 kilometres long and typically takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and weather conditions. Remember this hike is not a circuit, you will start at Mangatepopo and finish at Ketetahi or the other way around, however, is highly advisable to start at Mangatepopo as it is more difficult to do the hike in the opposite direction. You can take a return shuttle from your campsite near Tongariro or Taupo. Alternatively, you can drive to the end of the crossing (Ketetahi car park) and book a shuttle to the start of the crossing (Mangatepopo).
We booked the return shuttle to and from our camp site for convenience which cost 55 NZD. They will give you a time of which you have to reach the end of the trail or you will not get a ride back to your camp site. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time, we arrived 1 hour before the last bus departure time and we are quite slow hikers. They also give you a map and timings of when you should reach each check point in order to make it back on time plus phone numbers to call should you turn around or miss the bus.
We stayed at Tongariro Holiday Park, it is well located just few km from where the trail starts, we paid 60 NZD per night. Note that there is no mobile reception in the area, however, they have a communal room where you can play games and watch movies. You can also purchase internet from the camp site, but we took the opportunity to disconnect from the outside worlds and social media for two days.
While the hiking trail is incredibly rewarding, it’s also physically demanding. The terrain can be steep and rugged in places, and weather conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared with appropriate clothing, food, and water. When we were there, we got stuck in the rain and heavy wind at the top.
Some of the highlights along the route include the South Crater, Red Crater (the highest point of the crossing), Emerald Lakes (vividly coloured from mineral deposits), Blue Lake (the largest and deepest lake on the crossing), and the Soda Springs.
Overall, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers an unforgettable hiking experience with its stunning views, geological wonders, and cultural significance (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site). If you are in New Zealand don’t miss the chance to do this, is an unforgettable experience.
Tongario Alpine Crossing
Distance: 19.4 km
Elevation: 1.9 km
Track: The track is marked, at time can be very challenging with loose rocks and volcanic ashes.
Level: Difficult (make sure you are fit enough to complete this hike because is very challenging)
Time: 6-8 hours
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Day 8-10: New Plymouth & Mount Taranaki
New Plymouth is the largest, most populous city in the Taranaki region. It is located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. We completely loved this city, it has all the checks for a city we would like to settle one day. It is located near Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea giving you both to experience, full of beautiful gardens and parks all around. New Plymouth is considered a safe and peaceful city, with low crime rates and a high standard of living.
We stayed at Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park, conveniently located near the city with private sites looking over the ocean.
Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock
When driving towards New Plymouth from Tongariro, on your 4 hours route, you can make a stop at the Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock. An impressive rock formation directly on the beach. If you arrive during low tide, you can walk out on the shore for a better view, we passed by during higher tides and were not so fortunate with the weather.
Mount Taranaki
Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, is a stunning example of a stratovolcano located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Its symmetrical cone shape and prominent silhouette make it a striking natural landmark in the region. The resemblance to Mount Fuji in Japan is often noted, as both volcanoes exhibit similar conical profiles. They look alike so much that Mt Taranaki was set of ‘The Last Samurai’ as Mt Fuji.
Mount Taranaki is part of the Egmont National Park and is surrounded by lush forests, fertile farmland, and picturesque landscapes. It stands at an elevation of 2,518 meters (8,261 feet) above sea level, dominating the skyline of the Taranaki region.
Walks not to be Missed
Pouakai Tarns
The Pouakai Tarn is indeed a spectacular hike in the vicinity of Mount Taranaki, offering breathtaking views and a serene natural setting. The bush walk leading up to the tarn is a journey through native forests, with the anticipation of the stunning vista awaiting you at the top. The track is marked make sure you follow the arrows attached to the trees. The hike to the top takes around 5 hour return, our legs were a bit tired because we did the Tongariro the day before, but if we had the time to rest one day we would do the Poukai Crossing, also recommended as alternative of Tongariro.
Reaching the Pouakai Tarn and witnessing the mirror-like reflection of Mount Taranaki in its calm waters is truly a memorable experience. It’s no wonder that this spot is a favourite among hikers and photographers alike. The beauty of the scene is enhanced by sharing it with fellow nature enthusiasts, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for the natural world.
Spending hours at the tarn allows you to fully immerse yourself in the changing scenes and moods of Mount Taranaki as the light shifts throughout the day. It’s an opportunity to capture stunning photographs, engage in meaningful conversations with fellow travellers, and simply bask in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Pouakai Tarns
Distance: 12.4 km
Elevation: 774 mt
Track: The track is marked and well maintained, there are impressive wooden boardwalks/steps almost the whole way to the hut (very steep).
Level: Medium
Time: 5 hours
Day 10-12: Wellington
After 4.5 hours driving south we finally arrived in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city (that’s right, it is not Auckland). New Zealand’s capital is Wellington we were surprised when we found out.
Taking the ferry from Wellington to Picton across the Cook Strait is supposed to be an unforgettable journey. The scenic ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds, with its intricate network of bays, coves, and forested hillsides. Unfortunately, we had to take the ferry that departs at 2 am so we didn’t have the chance to see the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
We were in New Zealand over the holiday period and the ferry tickets sold out quickly. We booked ours 3 months in advance and this was the only one available! Book your ferry tickets online. Make sure you book your tickets early if you are traveling to New Zealand during high season. Although we traveled during the night, the ferry was very comfortable with a movie room, restaurants and a big seating area. They also have cabins, but they were all fully booked so we slept a couple of hours in the movie room.
Day 12-14: Abel Tasman National Park
Despite being New Zealand’s smallest national park, Abel Tasman National Park is packed with natural beauty and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The park is crisscrossed with a network of walking tracks, ranging from short, easy strolls to multi-day hikes. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is the most famous, offering stunning views of golden beaches, lush forests, and turquoise waters. We were unlucky with the weather, it was raining the two days we were there, anyway, we found our way around on the rain.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to connect with nature, Abel Tasman National Park has something for everyone. With its stunning scenery, diverse activities, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this coastal gem is a favourite destination for visitors to New Zealand.
Day 14-19: New Year Music Festival: Takaka Hill
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in New Zealand sounds like a magical experience, especially during a campervan adventure through such stunning landscapes. Most people would flock in Queenstown, but it is a very popular destination and can be hard to find camping spots, a good alternative is Takaka Hill – a fantastic spot to ring in the New Year, especially with the vibrant atmosphere of the Twisted Frequencies festival.
After exploring the pristine beaches and lush forests of Abel Tasman National Park, returning to Takaka Hill for the festival was an exciting continuation of our New Zealand adventure. Dancing the night away, making new friends, and embracing the festive spirit of the New Year surrounded by such natural beauty was an unforgettable experience. The festival takes place for 5 days in the beautiful Takaka Hill just beside the river, the highlight was that you can bring your own campervan and just stay and cook there.
Day 19-21: Nelson Lakes
The journey from Takaka Hill to Nelson Lakes National Park is a delightful drive through the scenic landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, which takes 2.5 hours. We recommend staying in Murchinson, a little village just a few minutes away from Nelson Lakes National Park, this small town have everything you need cafe, restaurants and a supermarket to stock up before the next hike.
Overall, Nelson Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty and outdoor adventure that New Zealand has to offer. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and wealth of recreational opportunities, it’s the perfect playground for nature lovers of all ages.
Walks not to be Missed
Mount Robert Circuit
The Mount Robert Loop hike was our favourite hike in New Zealand and a must-do experience in the Nelson Lakes area, offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Rotoiti and the surrounding mountains.
The Mount Robert Loop is a moderately challenging hike that typically takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. While parts of the trail involve steep ascents and descents, the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter along the way. And the best of all, you have a view during almost the entire track so even though you are swearing during the ascend, it is worth it when you see this view.
Mount Robert Circuit
Distance: 8.5 km
Elevation: 635 mt
Track: It is a consistently uphill slope, very solid with few loose rocks, make sure you sit and relax at the top before going down.
Level: Medium
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Day 21-23: Arthur’s Pass National Park
Arthur’s Pass is not only a road but also a scenic highlight of the South Island of New Zealand. It traverses the Southern Alps, connecting the east and west coasts, and passes through the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Walks not to be Missed
Bealey Spur Track
A delightful day trip awaits with the moderate Bailey Spur Track, a 5-hour return hike primarily immersed in lush forest surroundings. We didn’t like much this hike as it does not offer any views during the ascend and you will be walking back the same way. Also, at the end of the trail was a hut inside the forest with no view and very dirty to be fair. It also has many loose rocks so you have to walk carefully. We recommend you to do half the way until you reach the viewpoint.
The track commences 14 kilometers south of Arthur’s Pass village, located at the terminus of Cloudesley Road.
Bealey Spur Track
Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 640 meters
Track: It is a consistently uphill slope, lots of loose rocks and branches from trees, always watch your step.
Level: Medium
Castle Hill
We took a scenic drive from Arthur’s Pass to Castle Hill, which was about 40 kilometers and took us around 40 minutes. The views were amazing, with mountains, forests, and meadows along the way. Castle Hill is famous for being in a movie called “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Lake Pearson
On our way back, we stopped at Lake Pearson, a beautiful spot in the Canterbury high country. The lake was calm and reflected the mountains around it. If we had known we could camp there for free, we would have stayed overnight. It’s such a peaceful and stunning place to be. If you want to stay the night, we recommend arriving early as this is a popular spot for self-contained campervans.
Glow worms at Jackson’s Retreat
We stayed at Jackson’s Retreat a very beautiful campground with great facilities and also near to many activities around Arthur Pass National Park, there were waterfalls within walking distance and even a cave with glowing worms that at night they resembled stars in the sky. We payed 54 NZD per night for a private powered site with good shade.
Day 23-24: Franz Josef
After 3 hours drive, we arrive in Franz Josef, a small town similar to any ski town in Switzerland, we decided to stop here on our way to Wanaka to spend the night and continue driving the next day, we didn’t have any expectations but we found a lovely place near here that we would like to share with you. We stayed at Rainforest Retreat, they have everything you need within walking distance from the town. The spaces are very big and private surrounded by big trees.
Walks not to be Missed
Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson, just a short drive from Fox Glacier, offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the perfect reflection of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, in its tranquil waters. For the best experience, rise early and go on the counterclockwise hike around the lake, heading towards the reflection island.
From this vantage point, positioned strategically to capture the stunning reflection, photographers can capture the iconic image of Mount Cook mirrored in the mirror-like surface of the lake, but in our case, the weather wasn’t great so we only got a partial reflection of the trees surrounding the lake.
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Day 24-26: Wanaka
Wanaka is like no other place you’ve ever seen. It’s a magical spot in New Zealand’s South Island, filled with stunning natural beauty, yummy food, cool stuff to do, and nice people. Trust me, it’s our favourite place in New Zealand! When you visit, you’ll get why.
It takes 4 hours to drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka and the views on the way are insanely beautiful. You’ll pass lots of waterfalls and lakes to make this drive a memorable one.
Just a quick 5-minute walk from the Car Park, you’ll find the famous Wanaka Tree, which is a big deal in New Zealand’s landscape photography scene. It can get very busy so we recommend you just hang around the lake and eventually you’ll have it all to yourself.
Walks not to be Missed
Roys Peak
Roys Peak is a tough hike situated near Wanaka that’ll really put your endurance to the test, even if you’re super fit. But trust me, once you make it to the summit, the views are absolutely breathtaking and totally worth every ounce of effort you put in to get there. The Roy’s Peak hike is super famous, especially because it’s all over Instagram. It’s stunning, but it can get pretty crowded. There is parking at the start of the track, but limited, so recommend going early.
Roys Peak is difficult in that it is non-stop uphill for nearly 3 hours straight. If you’re prepared for the conditions, wear comfortable footwear and take it at your own pace, we saw lots of people from different ages going up and down.
Roys Peak
Distance: 16 km
Elevation: 1.5 km
Track: It is a consistently uphill slope, lots of loose rocks, always watch your step.
Level: Medium
Day 26-28: Queenstown
The drive from Wanaka to Queenstown is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand via Crown Range Road. Unfortunately, our rental company had a list of forbidden roads to drive on with their camper vans and this was one of them. The detour, however, going the extra 30 minutes around the mountain did not disappoint either. Along the road runs a river with crystal turquoise water with plenty of rest stops to take a short stop and take photos. Additionally, the village that we passed on this road have fruit picking farms, which could be another fun activity on the to Queenstown.
Queenstown is a sought-after destination year-round, drawing travelers in both winter and summer. With its scenic beauty and abundance of activities, it attracts a steady stream of visitors seeking adventure and relaxation regardless of the season.
Things to do in Queenstown
Soak in the scenic views
Experience Queenstown’s renowned Skyline Gondola, a must-do activity for visitors. This scenic ride takes you to Bob’s Peak, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Picnic on the beach
Enjoy a beach picnic in Queenstown, where the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu provide an idyllic backdrop. With stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed outdoor meal. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a family outing, a beach picnic in Queenstown offers unforgettable moments by the water.
Eat a Fergburger
The number 1 must-do activity in Queenstown is to eat a burger, and not at any place, only at Fergburger. There is always a long queue to get your burger, but trust us, it is worth it. The burger joint is super organised and although the line looks long it only takes about 15 minutes. There aren’t many seats at this restaurants, but that doesn’t matter, because the best is to bring your deliciousness in a take-away bag down to the lake. Soak in the sun and enjoy your Fergburger. Just watch out for the seagulls, they are not shy trying to steal a bite.
Bar Hopping
Queenstown is not short of restaurants and bars. There are so many options to cater all travellers. On top of that, they also have a lot of nice bars. Here is our recommended pub crawl spots to have a good night on the town where you can meet fellow travellers and still maintain your travel budget:
- Sundeck Rooftop Bar – great atmosphere with the best views of the lake and an in-house DJ playing electronic tunes
- Pig n Whistle – go here if you enjoy having a few drinks and playing a game of pool
- 1876 – enjoy cheap drinks in the sun on their outdoor terrace
- Cowboys – this bar can be fun if you like drinking games such as beer pong
- Surreal Bar & Restaurant – their rooftop bar is a good place later in the evening with an in-house techno DJ
- The Bunker – finish the evening at The Bunker. We didn’t make it this far but locals told us this is where you end the night
Day 28-29: Te Anau & Milford Sound
Te Anau is the closest city near Milford Sound and is an excellent place to stay for the night before going there the next day in the morning. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is renowned as one of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand, offering breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a place you’ll never forget. It’s so amazing that even years later, when you think back to your trip to New Zealand, the memories of Milford Sound will be the first to pop into your head.
Cruising on the serene waters of Milford Sound, with waterfalls and wildlife all around you, is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in New Zealand.
When you reach the Milford Sound pier, you’ll hop aboard the Real NZ Cruise, which offers plenty of space for you to choose from. If you’re into photography, there’s an outdoor deck where you can snap some amazing photos.
We paid 145 NZD per person just include the ferry ride, we managed to drive with our campervan from Te Anau very early in the morning. There are few options for parking, if you don’t get the free parking spaces there are plenty paid spots available for 10 NZD per hour. It gets crowded for the tours departing after 12pm, so we recommend trying to go earlier.
After cruising towards Dale Point, the boat will turn back, allowing you to get up close to each of the waterfalls and animal colonies you passed earlier. Near Dale Point, you’ll come across a seal colony nestled at the base of the cliffs along both sides of the fjord.
This was one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip make sure you check the weather before going there believe it or not you want a rainy day instead of a sunny one when you are in Milford Sound (imagine hundreds of waterfalls in one place that’s how it is when rains a lot).
Get Your Milford Sound Tickets
Whether you are looking to drive to Milford Sound yourself and just do the cruise like we did, or if you are looking for tickets that include transfer from Te Anau or Queenstown, we recommend checking the deals on Get Your Guide.
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Day 29-30: Nugget Point
The Nugget Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses still in use on the South Island of New Zealand. It sits tall above a bunch of rocks scattered around Tokata Point.
The walk to the lighthouse is easy and takes less than 10 minutes from the parking, the view from the top is really breathtaking, and believe us you will feel very rewarded when you reach the end. But hold on because it gets very windy out here.
Day 30-31: Moeraki Boulders & Katiki Point Lighthouse
Moeraki Boulders
If you head an hour further north, you’ll come across the charming town of Moeraki, famous for its unique globular Moeraki Boulders scattered along the beach. These boulders, around 5 million years old, are an intriguing natural formation that you can easily reach with just a two-minute walk from the nearby parking lot.
Make sure to check the tide before you go. If it’s high tide, the boulders will be underwater, and you won’t be able to walk to them!
Katiki Lighthouse
If you drive about ten minutes south of Moeraki, you’ll reach the Katiki Point Lighthouse. In the late afternoon, near the lighthouse, if you are lucky, you can spot yellow-eyed Penguins, a native species of penguin in New Zealand. We came at the wrong time of the season so we didn’t see any penguins.
Instead, we found the most beautiful sunset in New Zealand, and probably in our lives, we had the chance to see a stunning double rainbow on one side of the lighthouse and an incredible sunset in the other.
We do recommend you drive up there during sunset, the lighthouse will be closed but still you can bring your chairs and park in the parking lot and enjoy that beautiful sunset, something we didn’t find in any blog and we do recommend you.
Day 31-34: Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook
Driving from Moeraki to Lake Tekapo offers a scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Located close to Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and is considered one of the most stunning lakes in the country.
Lake Tekapo
We stayed in Lakes Edge Holiday Park, which is located right in front of the lake, just 10 minutes walking from the town of Lake Tekapo. The location is fantastic.
Near the town is the The Church of the Good Shepherd, a small Anglican church situated next to the lake with mountains in the background. This is your perfect Instagram spot.
Lake Tekapo is also well known for its International Dark Sky Reserve is the biggest dark sky reserve in the world. They are like special windows to the stars. They’re places where efforts are made to keep the night sky as dark as possible by minimizing artificial light. This means no city lights or light pollution. These reserves are dedicated to protecting the night sky so that everyone can enjoy its beauty.
Mount Cook
Mount Cook, also called Aoraki in M?ori, is New Zealand’s highest peak. Situated in the Southern Alps on the South Island, it’s a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers. With its stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities, Mount Cook is a must-see attraction in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Walks Not to be Missed
Hooker Valley Track
This is one of the most scenic, easy day walks that you can do in New Zealand. This easy hike takes you along the Hooker River, surrounded by big mountains. You’ll cross three cool suspension bridges before reaching Hooker Glacial Lake, where you’ll see the huge Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand.
Hooker Valley Track
Distance: 10 km return
Elevation: 124 meters
Track: Easy and well maintained, good track for beginners and families.
Level: Easy
Day 35: Christchurch
The final destination in this itinerary is Christchurch, the biggest city in the south island, it takes about 4 hours to drive from Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo to Christchurch. This is where we dropped off our campervan, which was a very smooth experience since we paid for the full insurance, there were no surprises at the end.
Christchurch has a good vibe in the city centre, and also many cruise ships stop here. After 5 weeks of living in a campervan, we spent a couple of days here just relaxing, doing laundry, and preparing for our next adventure.
Go to The Church in Christchurch
Here is a unique concept, the restaurant and bar, The Church Pub, is inside a church in the city centre. Enjoy their specialty draft beer, The Church Ale, on your next visit to Christchurch.
Watch New Zealand Road Trip (Part 5)
Watch the fifth and final part of our New Zealand road trip on YouTube! And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
The total distance for this New Zealand itinerary
And that’s a wrap! We’ve just completed an amazing 5-week virtual road trip around this stunning country together. Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts. Now is up to you to decide where you want to go – North or South Island, or both!
The total distance for this itinerary is 5,856 kilometres or 3,638 miles.
Remember this distance doesn’t include distances like driving around the cities and towns, if you want to add that to your itinerary, we reckon you should add at least 500 km more to the distance above.
Budget your road trip
To help you prepare for your road trip, we are sharing below how much it cost us to complete this 5 weeks trip (January 2024).
Campervan: 7,882 USD (This price is for 5 weeks including the full insurance that we do recommend taking so you don’t have to worry if you get hit by a small rock in the windscreen or a flat tire, the price also changes depending on the season and how far in advance you booked). It was also during high season so expect higher rates during this period. This also includes the cost of the ferry.
Petrol: 942 USD (Unleaded). Note that New Zealand has a diesel tax charge if you get a diesel van.
Campsites: 961 USD (All the campsites were powered but if you feel that could handle few days without electricity, perhaps you could save a bit more on this).
Groceries: 2,789 USD (This includes all foods, drinks, and other things like spices and clothes).
Activities: 1,006 USD (Festival tickets, walks, tours, etc.)
Total: 13,580 USD.
The best part of driving with your own vehicle is that you can stop anywhere and don’t need to follow timetables from buses and trains so you have the freedom to decide when and where to go next.
We spent 5 weeks in New Zealand, our daily spent was 388 USD for 2 people per day, our average daily travel budget includes all our travel costs in the country and does not include the costs for our flight tickets to and from New Zealand.
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