Day 1
Christchurch to Akaroa
Distance 80km - Driving Time 1.25 hours
Ease into your journey with a short, scenic run over the Port Hills to the French-influenced village of Akaroa. The road curls along bays and headlands, setting a tranquil tone from the first kilometre.
Where to stop between Christchurch and Akaroa
Pause at the Little River gallery and café for a leg stretch and coffee. Climb to the Hilltop Lookout for your first big, blue sweep of Akaroa Harbour before the gentle descent into town.
Things to do in Akaroa
Join a calm harbour cruise to spot rare Hector’s dolphins and coastal birdlife, or simply stroll the waterfront and heritage cottages. Unwind with a leisurely gelato on the promenade and a sunset wander along leafy Garden of Tane.
Where to stay in Akaroa
Settle into Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park for powered sites and elevated harbour views. For a peaceful base close to the water’s edge, Duvauchelle Holiday Park sits right on the harbour and makes a serene spot to rest.
Day 2
Akaroa to Geraldine
Distance 190km - Driving Time 2.5 hours
Return across the Peninsula and roll south on the open Canterbury Plains to Geraldine, a creative country town with restful forest walks and artisan treats.
Where to stop between Akaroa and Geraldine
Break in Tai Tapu or Lincoln for a café brunch. Stretch again at the Rakaia River bridges with a quick viewpoint stroll and deep breaths of alpine-fed air.
Things to do in Geraldine
Wander boutique stores and artisan food spots, then head to Peel Forest for easy, shaded loop walks among towering podocarps. This is a great day for a proper nap and an early night.
Where to stay in Geraldine
Geraldine TOP 10 Holiday Park offers roomy sites and quiet surrounds. For a touch of indulgence, look for local eco stays with private outdoor tubs and dark-sky ambience.
Day 3
Geraldine to Lake Tekapo
Distance 90km - Driving Time 1.25 hours
A short hop brings you into the Mackenzie Basin where big skies, tussock plains, and luminous lakes embrace you in calm.
Where to stop between Geraldine and Lake Tekapo
Call into Fairlie for a famous bakery pie and a gentle stroll. As the hills part, pull into Lake Tekapo’s first viewpoints to take in the surreal turquoise water.
Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Soak at Tekapo Springs hot pools with alpine and lake views, then visit the stone Church of the Good Shepherd for quiet reflection. After dusk, join a guided stargazing experience in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Where to stay in Lake Tekapo
Lakes Edge Holiday Park sits right by the water with powered sites and lake vistas. For a simple, scenic alternative, the DOC Lake McGregor campsite offers a peaceful, back-to-basics stay surrounded by high-country views.
Day 4
Lake Tekapo to Aoraki / Mount Cook
Distance 105km - Driving Time 1.25 hours
Follow the shoreline of Lake Pukaki toward New Zealand’s highest peak. The drive is short and spectacular, ideal for a genuine recovery morning.
Where to stop between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook
Pause at Lake Pukaki’s salmon shop for picnic supplies and at Peter’s Lookout for that classic glacier-fed blue framed by snow-dusted peaks.
Things to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook
Walk the Hooker Valley Track, a mostly flat path over swing bridges toward an iceberg-dotted lake beneath Aoraki. Sections of the upper track can be temporarily closed for safety, so check current conditions. Alternatively, take the short Tasman Glacier viewpoint stroll. Evening skies here can be astonishingly clear.
Where to stay in Aoraki / Mount Cook
For an immersive alpine night, White Horse Hill Campground places you close to trailheads with mountain views. Glentanner Park Centre offers powered sites and a well-equipped base just outside the village.
Day 5
Aoraki / Mount Cook to Wanaka
Distance 207km - Driving Time 2.5 hours
Set your sights on Central Otago’s lake country via golden tussock and the gentle curves of the Lindis Pass. This is a meditative, beautiful drive.
Where to stop between Aoraki / Mount Cook and Wanaka
Pause in Twizel for coffee, then enjoy a scenic break at Lindis Pass summit. Brief lakeside stops at Lake Hāwea prepare you for Wanaka’s laid-back energy.
Things to do in Wanaka
Take an easy lakefront amble or a short climb up Mount Iron for panoramic views. Wind down with a winery tasting at a lakeside cellar door and a gentle golden-hour stroll to the famous lone willow tree.
Where to stay in Wanaka
Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park offers quiet sites near trails and town. For a true waterside setting, Hampshire Holiday Parks - Glendhu Bay sits on a serene curve of Lake Wanaka with sunset views and easy beach access.
Day 6
Wanaka to Queenstown
Distance 68km - Driving Time 1.25 hours
Take the scenic route from Wanaka to Queenstown via State Highway 6 through Cromwell to Queenstown.
Where to stop between Wanaka and Queenstown
Stop at the stunning Kawarau Gorge, or the Gibston Valley. If you’re wanting to stretch your legs, check out the Lake Hayes loop for some of the best easy trails in Queenstown.
Things to do in Queenstown
Ride the Skyline Gondola for gentle views, wander the calm paths of Queenstown Gardens, and restore in a private hot pool suite overlooking river and forest. If energy allows, sample Central Otago pinot in the nearby Gibbston Valley.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park provides shuttle access and quiet nights. Hampshire Holiday Parks - Arrowtown is a peaceful alternative in a heritage township about 20 minutes away.
Day 7
Queenstown to Te Anau
Distance 172km - Driving Time 2 hours
Trace Lake Wakatipu’s edge past dramatic schist outcrops and calm bays, then sweep across rolling pasture to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland.
Where to stop between Queenstown and Te Anau
Pause at Kingston for lake views, then at Five Rivers Café for a relaxed break. Watch the mountains gather on the horizon as Fiordland approaches.
Things to do in Te Anau
Take a gentle lakeside walk on the lakefront path, visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, or book the tranquil glowworm caves cruise. Early dinner and an early night set you up for tomorrow’s fiord journey.
Where to stay in Te Anau
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park has spacious sites and Fiordland views. Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park is a convenient alternative near town.
Day 8
Milford Sound to Milford Sound
Today is a restorative day trip from Te Anau into the heart of Fiordland National Park without moving camp. To keep your own driving to zero and your pace relaxed, join a coach transfer with a scenic cruise at Milford Sound. You will enjoy commentary, photo stops, and a seamless return, all while your motorhome rests.
Where to stop between Te Anau and Milford Sound
Common coach photo and stretch stops include Eglinton Valley’s broad grasslands, Mirror Lakes’ calm reflections, the Lake Gunn Nature Walk among mossy beech, and The Chasm’s short forest loop. The approach through the Homer Tunnel opens to a grand amphitheatre of peaks.
Things to do in Milford Sound
Choose a relaxed scenic cruise to glide beneath waterfalls and granite walls. Keep watch for seals and dolphins. If you prefer, guided kayaking offers a quiet, contemplative perspective. The underwater observatory’s operating status can vary, so check current availability before you go.
Where to stay in Te Anau
Return to your Te Anau base. A slow evening stroll and a warm drink cap a big scenery day without the fatigue.
Day 9
Te Anau to Invercargill
Distance 160km - Driving Time 2 hours
Turn south across green farmland and river flats to New Zealand’s southernmost city, known for parks, character, and hearty fare.
Where to stop between Te Anau and Invercargill
Break at Tuatapere for coffee, then detour to Riverton / Aparima for a gentle beach walk and sea air. Both are ideal leg looseners.
Things to do in Invercargill
Stroll the expansive Queens Park gardens with mostly flat, well-kept paths. If you are up for a little indoor time, the region’s celebrated transport museum offers easy, engaging browsing and a relaxed café.
Where to stay in Invercargill
Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels provides roomy sites and quiet corners. Central motels offer a city-base alternative if you prefer to walk to dinner.
Day 10
Invercargill to The Catlins
Distance 120km - Driving Time 2 hours
Shift into coastal mode as you meander east into the Catlins, a realm of lush forest, sweeping bays, and easy-to-reach waterfalls.
Where to stop between Invercargill and The Catlins
Stretch at Waipapa Point lighthouse for seal-spotting and sea breeze. If tides and time allow, call in at Slope Point for a short amble to the South Island’s southernmost point.
Things to do in The Catlins
Walk the boardwalk at Curio Bay to see the ancient petrified forest and keep an eye out for visiting Hector’s dolphins at Porpoise Bay. Visit Pūrākaunui Falls for a gentle woodland trail to a tiered cascade, then take in Nugget Point’s lighthouse and dramatic coastal views toward Kaka Point. Check current track and site advisories before heading out, as access can occasionally change.
Where to stay in The Catlins
Base yourself at Kaka Point or nearby campgrounds for a shorter trip to Nugget Point at golden hour and an easy drive north tomorrow. If you prefer a beachfront setting near wildlife, Tumu Toka Curioscape’s Curio Bay Camping Ground offers serenity right by the ocean.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 11
The Caitlins to Dunedin
Distance 130km - Driving Time 2 hours
Continue north along the coast to Dunedin, a city of stately architecture, surf beaches, and the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula.
Where to stop between The Catlins and Dunedin
Make time for McLean Falls, a beautiful forest walk, and Cathedral Caves if the tide allows. A café stop in Owaka makes for a relaxed midpoint pause.
Things to do in Dunedin
Slow it right down with a soak at St Clair’s hot salt water pool overlooking the Pacific, then a seafront stroll. If you fancy gardens, Larnach Castle’s grounds offer meandering paths and views, with some areas including steps and slopes.
Where to stay in Dunedin
Dunedin Holiday Park near the beach is convenient and calm. Leith Valley Holiday Park is a green, sheltered alternative close to the city.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 12
Dunedin
With no driving obligations today, you can fully immerse yourself in the city’s nature and heritage at a restorative pace.
Where to stop between Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Take the scenic high road along the Peninsula with lookouts over the harbour and rolling hills. Taiaroa Head is a tranquil vantage point at the tip.
Things to do in Dunedin
Join guided visits to see the royal albatross at Taiaroa Head and yellow-eyed penguins on protected beaches. A relaxed harbour cruise is another gentle way to appreciate the region’s wildlife. Round out the day with a quiet wander through the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
Where to stay in Dunedin
Stay a second night at your chosen holiday park to keep routines simple and restful.
Day 13
Dunedin to Geraldine
Distance 235km - Driving Time 3 hours
Point the motorhome north through Otago and South Canterbury, with classic coastal pauses that break the journey into easy segments.
Where to stop between Dunedin and Geraldine
Start with a beach stroll at the Moeraki Boulders, then coffee and heritage browsing in Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct. If you need one more leg stretch, Caroline Bay’s flat promenade in Timaru is ideal.
Things to do in Geraldine
Take a gentle loop through Talbot Forest under dappled light and browse artisan food spots for dinner supplies. Clear nights here are often excellent for casual stargazing right from your site.
Where to stay in Geraldine
Geraldine TOP 10 Holiday Park is peaceful and convenient. If you prefer a boutique finish, look for local eco retreats with private outdoor tubs to soak beneath the stars.
Day 14
Geraldine to Christchurch
Distance 138km - Driving Time 1.75 hours
A short final leg returns you to Christchurch with time to enjoy leafy parks and a celebratory meal.
Where to stop between Geraldine and Christchurch
Take in the blue-green sweep of the Rakaia Gorge from easy-access viewpoints, then roll on to the city. If you are traveling early, a brief stop in Ashburton Domain makes for a calm garden walk.
Things to do in Christchurch
Unwind in Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, then try punting on the Avon for a slow, soothing glide. If you have an extra half day, a detour to the oceanfront hot pools in New Brighton makes a fitting finale for tired muscles.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch offers easy access to the city and roomy sites to regroup before your flight. Alternatively, return your motorhome to the Christchurch branch and enjoy a final night in a central hotel.
After completing the Coast to Coast Marathon, having enjoyed two restorative weeks on the road in a campervan, you will roll back into Christchurch feeling reset. This loop is all about soft landings after big efforts, with just enough variety to keep every day fresh, including short, gentle walks, starry skies and plenty of delicious food. Tweak the pacing to suit your recovery rhythm, swap a winery for a massage, or add an extra night where the mountains tug at you to stay. The South Island is ready to recharge you at every turn. Ready to hit the road? Book your Britz campervan online today.