New Zealand Tip to Toe: 21-Day Campervan Journey from Auckland to Christchurch

Roll out of Auckland and slip into green Waikato country toward limestone hills and native forest. Today is about easing into the road trip rhythm and meeting the glowworm galaxies of Waitomo. 

Where to stop between Auckland and Waitomo 

Pōkeno for a coffee and classic roadside treats before the expressway settles in. Huntly’s Lake Hakanoa walkway for a leg stretch and views over the Waikato River. Ōtorohanga Kiwi House if you want an early peek at native wildlife. 

Things to do in Waitomo 

Float through the famed Glowworm Caves and watch constellations of tiny lights shimmer across cathedral like limestone chambers. If you crave more adrenaline, try black water rafting through underground rivers and tumbling chutes. Above ground, stroll karst trails, explore Ruakuri Bush Walk’s limestone arches, and visit local caves with dramatic stalactites. 

Where to stay in Waitomo 

Base yourself in the village so you can walk to tours and eateries. Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park offers powered sites and a handy location close to cave departures. Alternatively, aim for a peaceful farm style campground in the surrounding hills for stargazing and quiet nights. 

Today’s drive crosses rolling Waikato farmland to the lakes and geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Arrive with enough time to sample a steamy thermal walk or a lakeside stroll before dinner. 

Where to stop between Waitomo and Rotorua 

Cambridge for willow lined river paths and artisan bakeries. Ōkere Falls for a quick walk to roaring rapids and lush bush. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

See Pohutu Geyser erupt at Te Puia, wander past bubbling mud pools, and learn about Māori carving and weaving at the arts institute. Soak in lakefront hot pools, wander the redwood forest tracks under towering Californian redwoods, or ride the Skyline gondola for sunset views across the volcanic caldera. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Choose a holiday park near the lake or the redwoods for easy access to trails and hot pools – like Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park. Look for landscaped sites with good facilities, thermal soaking options and bike friendly amenities. 

Wake to the scent of sulphur and a day of geothermal adventure. This is a full day to experience the region’s natural drama and cultural depth. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

Explore a geothermal park known for rainbow silica terraces and turquoise lakes, then drop by a cultural village for kapa haka performances and traditional hāngī flavours. If you prefer wheels underfoot, the Whakarewarewa Forest has some of the country’s best mountain bike trails through towering redwoods and plantation pines. Finish with an evening soak overlooking Lake Rotorua. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

It is a short hop south along State Highway 5 to New Zealand’s largest lake. Take your time, there is plenty to see between these two geothermal heavyweights. 

Where to stop between Rotorua and Taupō 

Things to do in Taupō 

Stand at the viewing platforms beside Huka Falls  to feel the thundering Waikato River squeeze through a narrow chasm. Walk the easy loop at Craters of the Moon to see steaming vents and strange lunar terrain. In town, browse lakeside cafes, or take a cruise to the giant Mine Bay Māori rock carvings if time allows. If you’re seeking a thrill, check out the Taupo bungy. 

Where to stay in Taupō 

Pick a lakeside holiday park with sheltered sites and views toward the snow capped peaks of Tongariro National Park on a clear day, like Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park. Facilities with hot tubs are a bonus in the cooler months. 

Slow down and enjoy lakeside life. Today is yours to wander on foot or venture out on the water. 

Things to do in Taupō 

Cycle a section of the Great Lake Pathway, try trout fishing with a local guide, or head to hot stream spots where warm water meets the Waikato River. In the afternoon, climb to a lookout for sweeping views across the lake to Tongariro’s volcanoes. 

Where to stay in Taupō 

Stay a second night at your chosen holiday park. Choose a site near the shore for sunrise coffees and easy access to the lake path. 

Head southwest through the volcanic plateau and pastoral heartland toward one of the country’s great rivers. It is an uncluttered drive with classic rural views. 

Where to stop between Taupō and Whanganui 

Things to do in Whanganui 

Walk the riverside boardwalks, ride the historic Durie Hill elevator and tower for sweeping town and river views, or pop into local galleries. If time allows, take a gentle kayak or jet boat excursion on the lower Whanganui River to glimpse the bush clad valleys. 

Where to stay in Whanganui 

Choose a riverside holiday park like Whanganui River Top 10 for easy access to walks and sunset reflections. A quiet, leafy site near the water makes for a restful evening. 

Follow the Kāpiti Coast as the Tasman Sea opens up to your right and the capital’s hills come into view. Aim to arrive by early afternoon to make the most of Wellington’s compact attractions. 

Where to stop between Whanganui and Wellington 

Foxton Beach for a brisk seaside walk. Paraparaumu for lunch and a quick supermarket stock up. 

Things to do in Wellington 

Stroll the waterfront, visit the national museum for interactive exhibits, ride the historic cable car to the botanic garden, and roam Zealandia’s predator fenced sanctuary to meet native birdlife. The dining scene is superb, from craft beer bars to intimate bistros. 

Where to stay in Wellington 

Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park sits in a peaceful spot with handy public transport to the city. It’s spacious, well equipped and a good base before the upcoming ferry crossing.  

Make space for one more day in the capital. With everything close by, you can explore on foot and by short rides without moving the campervan. 

Things to do in Wellington 

Browse Cuba Street’s boutiques and street art, hike a city ridge for harbour panoramas, and linger over an espresso in one of New Zealand’s coffee capitals. If the weather turns, the galleries and indoor attractions keep the day full. 

Where to stay in Wellington 

Stay a second night at your chosen base to enjoy a relaxed ferry morning tomorrow. 

Where to stop between Wellington and Picton 

Things to do in Picton 

Explore the compact waterfront, visit the heritage ship displays, or take an easy bayside walk to shake out your sea legs. The town has a relaxed holiday vibe, perfect after the crossing. 

Where to stay in Picton 

Choose a campervan park close to the ferry and town centre for a simple roll off and settle in, such as Tasman Holiday Parks Picton. Sites here are convenient for evening strolls and morning coffee runs. 

Ease into Marlborough with a short drive to Blenheim, heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region. Park up early and spend the day tasting crisp sauvignon blanc and exploring vineyard backroads. 

Where to stop between Picton and Blenheim 

Wairau Valley lookouts for vineyard panoramas. A cellar door with picnic lawn for a leisurely platter lunch. 

Things to do in Blenheim 

Join a guided winery circuit or create your own, mixing big name estates with boutique producers. Cycle friendly trails crisscross the vines, and there are artisan cheesemakers, chocolatiers and olive groves to discover. In town, the riverside paths make a lovely evening walk. 

Where to stay in Blenheim 

Holiday parks in or near town offer shaded sites, tidy facilities and easy access to cellar doors. Book ahead in peak season as the region is popular with wine lovers. 

Head south on the coastal highway with vineyard views giving way to blue sea and mountain backdrops. Kaikōura’s dramatic peninsula is a magnet for marine life and photographers. 

Where to stop between Blenheim and Kaikōura 

Ōhau Point seal viewing area to watch New Zealand fur seals haul out on the rocks. Clifftop lookouts for long views down the rugged coast. 

Things to do in Kaikōura 

Walk the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway for ocean cliffs, seabirds and occasional dolphins offshore. Book a whale watching cruise to meet the resident sperm whales, or take a guided kayaking tour among curious seals. Fresh crayfish from a local caravan is a classic local choice for dinner. 

Where to stay in Kaikōura 

Pick a seaside holiday park with mountain to ocean views. Many sites sit within easy reach of the peninsula walk and township eateries – check out Kaikōura Top 10. 

Turn inland through valleys and farm country to the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs, famous for hot pools and forested hills. 

Where to stop between Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs 

Waiau Ferry Bridge over the Waiau Uwha River for gorge views and photo stops. Forest walk trailheads just outside Hanmer for a leg stretch on arrival. 

Things to do in Hanmer Springs 

Soak in thermal pools surrounded by mountain scenery, then wander the boutique filled village. If you want more action, try jet boating on the Waiau, a bungy jump, or mountain biking through pine forest. Gentle forest walks are perfect for families and slower paced days. 

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs 

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park and similar in-village parks offer spacious powered sites, modern facilities and an easy walk to the pools. 

Make this a pure rest day. Relax, rehydrate and enjoy forest air before the road south continues. 

Things to do in Hanmer Springs 

Start with a late breakfast, then drift between hot pools of different temperatures. In the afternoon, browse village shops, try a local spa treatment, or rent bikes for an easy ride through the Heritage Forest. 

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs 

Stay a second night at your chosen alpine holiday park. Consider a site with afternoon sun and mountain glimpses. 

Descend across the North Canterbury plains to the South Island’s largest city. Christchurch blends English garden charm with bold new architecture and a creative food scene. 

Where to stop between Hanmer Springs and Christchurch 

Waipara wine region for cool climate pinot noir and riesling tastings. Amberley for a bakery stop and beach detour. 

Things to do in Christchurch 

Wander the Botanic Gardens and along the Avon River, go punting for a serene city perspective, and visit the International Antarctic Centre for interactive polar experiences. Explore the regenerated city centre with its laneways, street art and lively eateries. 

Where to stay in Christchurch

Choose a well equipped city holiday park with good transport links like Christchurch Tasman Holiday Parks. A park in the northwest or near the airport works well for the next stage south. 

Head down the Canterbury coastline through farmland and small towns to the port city of Timaru, a relaxed overnight that breaks the longer run to Dunedin. 

Where to stop between Christchurch and Timaru 

Ashburton Domain for gardens and a picnic. Caroline Bay beach in Timaru for a sunset stroll. 

Things to do in Timaru 

Explore the compact town centre, visit local museums or stretch your legs on clifftop paths above the bay. Keep an eye out in the evening for little blue penguins that sometimes come ashore near the breakwater. 

Where to stay in Timaru

Timaru has friendly holiday parks with sheltered, level sites and easy access to the bay and supermarkets for a restock – check out Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park. 

South to Otago, with historic towns and surreal coastal geology en route. Aim to arrive in Dunedin with time to explore the elegant city streets. 

Where to stop between Timaru and Dunedin 

Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct for limestone architecture and artisan shops. Koekohe Beach to see the large, near spherical Moeraki Boulders. 

Things to do in Dunedin 

Discover the Scottish heritage in the grand railway station and university quarter, then drive the winding road out to the Otago Peninsula. Visit the Royal Albatross colony to watch giants of the sky glide overhead and make time for Larnach Castle’s gardens and views. 

Where to stay in Dunedin 

Choose a holiday park near St Kilda or St Clair beaches for coastal sunsets and easy access to the peninsula. City fringe parks also offer quick routes into the centre – there's plenty of options including Dunedin Holiday Park. 

Keep the camper parked in town and spend the day with wildlife and coastal views. 

Things to do in Dunedin 

Return to the peninsula for penguin spotting, walk windswept beaches backed by cliffs, and browse the museums and cafes in the compact city. If you love rail heritage, consider a scenic train excursion into the Taieri Gorge when operating. 

Where to stay in Dunedin

Stay a second night at your chosen park. Book dinner at a cosy bistro in the historic centre. 

Turn inland through gold country and fruit orchards to Central Otago. The landscapes shift from coastline to tawny hills, big skies and blue lakes. 

Where to stop between Dunedin and Cromwell 

Things to do in Cromwell 

Wander the restored historic precinct on the lakeshore, sample stone fruit in season, and enjoy Central Otago’s cycle trails. Cromwell makes an excellent base for exploring both Queenstown and Wānaka without moving camps. 

Where to stay in Cromwell 

Cromwell holiday parks offer spacious powered sites, mountain views and easy access to supermarkets and the lake. Book two nights to allow a day trip tomorrow. 

Set out with a light daypack and choose your adventure. You can head to Queenstown for thrills or opt for Wānaka’s alpine calm and postcard lake views. 

Things to do in Cromwell 

Option 1 Queenstown adventures: drive the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown for bungy jumps, jet boating or a lake cruise, then ride the Skyline gondola for mountain to lake panoramas and enjoy a long lunch.  

Option 2 Wānaka scenery: follow the road to Wānaka for lakeside walks, the Mt Iron hike for broad views, a stop at That Wānaka Tree for a classic photo, and a tasting at a lakeside vineyard. Either way, return to Cromwell for a quiet evening by the lake. 

Where to stay in Cromwell 

Stay a second night at your Cromwell base. If you prefer to overnight in town on your chosen day trip, Queenstown and Wānaka both have well located holiday parks, though booking ahead is essential in summer. 

Head north over the Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country where mountains lift sharply from turquoise lakes. The colours and light here are spectacular. 

Where to stop between Cromwell and Lake Tekapo 

Lindis Pass summit for tussock country vistas. Omarama clay cliffs for a short detour to eerie badlands style formations. Lake Pukaki’s viewpoint for a dazzling blue lake and, on clear days, a dramatic alpine backdrop. 

Things to do in Lake Tekapo 

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeshore, wander the lakeside paths, and if skies are clear, book an evening stargazing session in this International Dark Sky Reserve. In spring, lupins add a burst of colour along the water’s edge. 

Where to stay in Lake Tekapo 

Lakes Edge Holiday Park, formerly Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park, sits close to the lake and walking tracks, with sheltered sites and views. It is a convenient base for sunset and night sky viewing.