Day 1
Christchurch
Distance 10km - Driving Time 0.5 hours
Your Christchurch itinerary begins gently. After arriving, collect your Britz campervan and take your time with the handover so you feel comfortable with the vehicle before heading off. This first day is best used to settle in, stock up on groceries, organise your gear and ease into the rhythm of campervan travel without pressure.
Things to do in Christchurch
If time and energy allow, take a short look around Christchurch or simply focus on getting organised for the trip ahead. Check your bookings, learn your campervan systems, top up supplies and enjoy an easy first evening. Starting slowly sets the tone for a more enjoyable Christchurch road trip over the next two weeks.
Where to stay in Christchurch
North South Holiday Park is a practical first-night stop for this campervan road trip. It is close to Christchurch Airport and the rental branchs, and it offers powered sites along with useful facilities including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry and a dump station.
Day 2
Christchurch to Ross
Distance 272km - Driving Time 4 hours
Today you leave the Canterbury Plains and head for the West Coast on one of the most scenic drives in South Island New Zealand. The journey climbs into the Southern Alps, crosses Arthur’s Pass and then descends into lush forest and river valleys before the landscape opens toward the coast.
Where to stop between Christchurch and Ross
Your standout alpine pause is the Arthur’s Pass viaduct area, better known as the Otira Viaduct Lookout. It is a great place to stop safely and take in the scale of the steep mountain terrain and dramatic highway engineering. Further west, the Treetop Walkway and zipline near Hokitika brings a totally different perspective, with elevated views through native forest and a fun burst of adventure before continuing south. Once you reach Ross, a short wander through the old gold mining town helps round out the day with a touch of local history.
Things to do in Ross
Ross is small, atmospheric and full of West Coast character. It is the kind of place where slowing down feels natural after a big scenic drive. Dinner at the Empire Hotel is a fitting way to end the day, with hearty food and an old-school country pub feel that suits the town perfectly.
Where to stay in Ross
Stay at Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Its campervan-friendly sites and beachside setting make it an excellent overnight stop, with the Tasman Sea close by and an easy, relaxed feel for your first night on the coast.
Day 3
Ross to Franz Josef
Distance 110km - Driving Time 2 hours
This is one of the advantages of a slower campervan itinerary. With only a short drive today, you have plenty of time to enjoy Franz Josef properly rather than just passing through. The route south is rich with rainforest, wetlands and ever-changing West Coast light.
Where to stop between Ross and Franz Josef
Things to do in Franz Josef
The Glacier Heli Hike Experience is the major draw here and one of the biggest adventure highlights on this outdoor itinerary. Combining a scenic helicopter flight with time on the glacier itself, it gives you a powerful sense of the landscape’s scale and texture. After that, head to Snakebite Brewery for lunch, then ease into a gentler afternoon with the Franz Josef Wilderness Tours Scenic Cruise and Walk. This contrast of ice, rainforest and calm water is exactly what makes the West Coast so compelling. Finish the day with dinner at Te Waonui, a memorable option in keeping with the area’s forested setting.
Where to stay in Franz Josef
Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park is a comfortable and convenient base, with powered campervan sites and easy access to the township’s activities and dining.
Day 4
Franz Josef to Reefton via Greymouth
Distance 255km - Driving Time 4 hours
Today combines a scenic return north along part of the West Coast with a shift inland toward one of the region’s most characterful towns. It is a day that balances driving with good food and local craft beverage experiences.
Where to stop between Franz Josef and Reefton
Break the journey in Greymouth with a Monteith's Brewery Tour and Lunch, a classic stop that adds both history and flavour to this food and wine itinerary. Continue inland to Reefton, where the Reefton Distillery Tour introduces a more contemporary artisan story in a town known for innovation and heritage. Taken together, these stops make today feel more like a curated tasting journey than just a transfer day.
Things to do in Reefton
Reefton has a distinctive small-town charm, with handsome historic buildings and a strong sense of identity. Once you have settled in, take a stroll through town before dinner at Bassano Pizza Parlour, an easy, relaxed choice after a full day of driving and tasting.
Where to stay in Reefton
Reefton Motor Camp is a reliable overnight stop for campervan travellers, with powered sites and essential facilities within easy reach of town.
Day 5
Reefton to Kaiteriteri
Distance 227km - Driving Time 3 hours
Today marks your move from the West Coast into the Top of the South. Even though it is a transition day, it is packed with memorable stops that keep the drive varied, scenic and engaging.
Where to stop between Reefton and Kaiteriteri
Things to do in Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri feels like a change of mood as much as a change of scenery. Golden sand, calm water and a classic summer-holiday atmosphere make it a lovely place to pause and breathe out after several days on the road. A waterfront walk in the late afternoon is an easy way to settle in before your Abel Tasman adventures begin.
Where to stay in Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Camp Ground is the ideal base here. Set right by the beach, it offers powered campervan sites and excellent facilities, making it easy to spend a couple of unhurried nights by the water.
Day 6
Abel Tasman National Park
Distance 20km - Driving Time 0.5 hours
Today is devoted to one of the most iconic parts of the Top of the South Island. Abel Tasman National Park is all golden beaches, clear bays, native bush and easy coastal beauty, making it a perfect match for a wellness itinerary or relaxed outdoor escape.
Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park
Spend the day with Wilsons Abel Tasman and choose a cruise, walk, or cruise-and-explore experience that suits your pace and energy. This is the sort of day where the scenery does a lot of the work for you, with sheltered coves, forest-fringed beaches and sparkling water around almost every bend. Because experiences here are shaped by tides and weather, it helps to keep your plans flexible and enjoy the day as it unfolds. Back in Kaiteriteri, dine at Waterfront by Toad Hall or The Beached Whale Restaurant & Bar for an easy evening by the coast.
Where to stay in Abel Tasman National Park
Return to Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Camp Ground for another night so you can continue enjoying the beachside setting without needing to move camp.
Day 7
Kaiteriteri to Nelson
Distance 61km - Driving Time 1 hour
This is another easygoing day that keeps driving short and the experiences varied. You begin on the water, enjoy lunch by the wharf, fit in some cycling and then finish with craft beer and nocturnal wildlife in Nelson.
Where to stop between Kaiteriteri and Nelson
Start with Waka Abel Tasman to Toka Ngāwhā, better known as Split Apple Rock, for a memorable coastal outing and a chance to see one of the region’s best-known natural landmarks from the water. Afterwards, make your way to Mapua Wharf for lunch at The Jellyfish or The Apple Shed, both excellent spots to linger over the maritime atmosphere. In the afternoon, ride a section of the Great Taste Trail, which is one of the best additions to any food and wine itinerary or outdoor itinerary in this region thanks to its estuary views, orchard landscapes and easy-going ride options.
Things to do in Nelson
Once you arrive in Nelson, keep the evening relaxed with dinner at Sprig & Fern Tahuna. Later, join the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary guided night tour for a completely different mood, with native forest, glowworms and the sounds of birdlife after dark creating a memorable end to the day.
Where to stay in Nelson
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park is a superb overnight base, with spacious campervan facilities, beach access and a convenient location for exploring Nelson.
Day 8
Nelson to Anakiwa
Distance 92km - Driving Time 1.5 hours
Today carries you from Nelson into the Marlborough Sounds, where the roads narrow, the bays become more sheltered and the whole trip seems to exhale into a quieter rhythm. It is a short drive, which gives you time to enjoy the stops along the way.
Where to stop between Nelson and Anakiwa
Pause at Pelorus Bridge for the Circle Walk & Loop Track, an easy 45 minute forest walk beside clear water that makes a lovely break from the road. Continue to Mills Bay Mussels for lunch before carrying on to Anakiwa. It is important to note that there are no shops in Anakiwa, so pick up anything you need before you arrive. If you still feel like stretching your legs later, the Grove Arm viewpoint walk is an optional outing with rewarding Sounds views.
Things to do in Anakiwa
Anakiwa is all about stillness, water and that tucked-away Marlborough Sounds feeling. Dinner at Queen Charlotte Tavern is a simple and satisfying way to end the day. After dark, the glow worm track onsite at the holiday park adds a gentle evening experience without needing to get back in the campervan.
Where to stay in Anakiwa
Stay at Smiths Farm Holiday park. It is well suited to campervans, has a peaceful rural-Sounds setting and offers the added bonus of a guest glowworm walk, which makes the overnight stop feel especially memorable.
Day 9
Anakiwa to Blenheim to Picton
Distance 50km - Driving Time 1 hour
Short driving distances make it easy to fit a lot into today without losing the slow-travel feel of the trip. Wildlife, maritime history and Marlborough wine all come together in one compact but rewarding day.
Where to stop between Anakiwa and Blenheim
Drive to Picton for a morning wildlife cruise to Motuara Island with Eko Tours, a brilliant way to experience the Marlborough Sounds and its birdlife. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Oxleys and spend time at the Edwin Fox Museum, which adds an interesting maritime layer to the day before you continue on to Blenheim.
Things to do in Blenheim
Once in Marlborough wine country, enjoy a self-guided wine and food experience at your own pace. Because you are travelling by campervan, this works best if you park up and stay put for the rest of the day rather than trying to fit in extra driving. Dinner at Fancy Cow is a stylish but approachable finish. This is also a good moment to repeat the golden rule for any food and wine itinerary in New Zealand: don’t drink and drive, even on short rural roads that seem quiet.
Where to stay in Blenheim
Blenheim Bridges holiday park is a practical and comfortable overnight base, with good campervan facilities and easy access to town.
Day 10
Blenheim to Kaikōura
Distance 128km - Driving Time 2.5 hours
The drive south to Kaikōura is one of the most memorable coastal sections of this Christchurch road trip. With the sea on one side and mountains rising sharply on the other, it is a route that rewards regular scenic pauses.
Where to stop between Blenheim and Kaikōura
Follow the cultural artwork trail as you head south and use the designated safe stopping areas to enjoy it properly. Karaka Lobster has long been a well-known stop on this route, so if it is open when you travel it can be a nice place for a break. Whether or not you stop there, be sure to pause at Paparoa Point and Ohau Point for coastal views and a chance to appreciate the storytelling and landscape of this stretch. On arrival in Kaikōura, head to the Kaikoura Lookout for sweeping 360 degree views over the town, coast and mountains.
Things to do in Kaikōura
Spend the afternoon on the water with Seal Kayak Kaikoura, an active wildlife experience that suits the marine-rich character of the region perfectly. For dinner, keep it easy and classic by walking to Coopers Catch and enjoying fish n chips on the beach.
Where to stay in Kaikōura
Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park is your base for the next three nights, allowing you to settle in properly and enjoy Kaikōura without constantly packing up.
Day 11
Kaikōura
Distance 15km - Driving Time 0.5 hours
Today focuses on some of Kaikōura’s signature experiences, with the ocean at the centre of almost everything you do.
Things to do in Kaikōura
Start the day with Whale Watch Kaikoura, one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the country. After lunch at Flo & Co Cafe, take to the skies with Air Kaikoura for a scenic flight over Kaikōura. Seeing the coastline, peninsula and mountains from above gives you a whole new appreciation for how dramatic this landscape really is. Finish with a session at the Sauna Project for a restorative seaside experience that brings a lovely wellness note to the trip.
Where to stay in Kaikōura
Return to Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park for another easy night in your already-settled camp.
Day 12
Kaikōura
Distance 25km - Driving Time 1 hour
Your final full day in Kaikōura shows just how much variety one destination can offer when you give it enough time.
Things to do in Kaikōura
Visit the Seal Colony and explore the coastline, making sure to stay at least 20 metres away from New Zealand fur seals and to leave their access to the sea clear. For lunch, stop at the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ for a casual meal that keeps the seafood theme going. In the afternoon, EcoZip Kaikoura adds another hit of adventure, pairing ziplining with bush and coastal views. Dinner at The Pier Hotel is a strong final evening choice, especially if you feel like another excellent local seafood meal. After dark, make the most of the Kaikoura Dark Sky Sanctuary and visit one of the self-guided stargazing locations.
Where to stay in Kaikōura
Spend one more night at Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park before leaving the coast tomorrow.
Day 13
Kaikōura to Hurunui Coast and Waipara, then return to Kaikōura
Distance 123km - Driving Time 2 hours
Today works best as a leisurely day trip south from your Kaikōura base, combining quiet coastal stops with an afternoon in Waipara wine country. By returning to the same campground at night, you keep the pace of the itinerary restful while still seeing more of the region.
Where to stop between Kaikōura and Hurunui Coast and Waipara
Enjoy the Hurunui Coast as you head south, pausing at Cathedral Cliffs lookout, Manuka Bay and St Anne's Lagoon. Number Eight Café in Cheviot makes a handy lunch stop. Rather than treating this as a named touring route, think of it as a scenic coastal detour through the Gore Bay area and surrounding coast, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the landscape.
Things to do in Hurunui Coast and Waipara
In the afternoon, shift from coastal scenery to cellar doors with tastings at Black Estate, Pegasus Bay and Greystone Wines. This trio gives you a strong sense of Waipara’s food and wine identity, from polished tasting experiences to a real feeling for the region’s terroir. Because this is a campervan itinerary, keep your tasting plans responsible and only do this day if you have a sober driver or limit tasting accordingly.
Where to stay in Kaikōura
Return to Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park for your final Kaikōura night. Keeping the same base helps preserve the slower, more restorative style of the trip.
Day 14
Kaikōura to Hanmer Springs via Hurunui heartland
Distance 130km - Driving Time 2 hours
Today turns inland and brings a fresh change of scenery after several days on the coast. The road into Hanmer Springs feels increasingly alpine, and the shift toward forest and mountains sets up the final stage of this Christchurch itinerary nicely.
Where to stop between Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs
Things to do in Hanmer Springs
Once you arrive, ease into Hanmer Springs with a long soak at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. After days of hiking, paddling, wildlife encounters and driving, it is the perfect reset and a natural fit for a wellness itinerary.
Where to stay in Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park is a dependable campervan base, with facilities designed for motorhome travellers and a handy location for enjoying the village and the attractions around town.
Day 16
Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
Distance 135km - Driving Time 2 hours
Your loop comes full circle today as you return to Christchurch. It is a straightforward final drive, but it pays to leave extra time so the campervan handover feels calm and easy rather than rushed.
Where to stop between Hanmer Springs and Christchurch
This final stretch is best kept simple. Stop as needed for a short break, a coffee or fuel, and allow time to empty grey water, dispose of rubbish and complete the usual end-of-trip tasks before returning the campervan.
Things to do in Christchurch
Once back in Christchurch, return your campervan and take a moment to appreciate the variety packed into this Christchurch road trip. In just over two weeks, you will have crossed the Southern Alps, explored the West Coast, cruised Abel Tasman, sampled Marlborough and Waipara wines, watched for whales in Kaikōura and finished with alpine relaxation in Hanmer Springs.
Where to stay in Christchurch
If you need one final powered site before a next-day departure, North South Holiday Park is a practical option. Otherwise, this marks the end of your campervan road trip.
This 16 day Christchurch road trip brings together some of the most memorable landscapes, flavours and outdoor experiences in the Top of the South and beyond. With glacier country, coastal wildlife, vineyard afternoons, quiet Sounds stays and a restorative finish in Hanmer Springs, it is a campervan itinerary that rewards travellers who prefer to slow down and really absorb each place. Follow it closely or use it as inspiration for your own version of the journey, and you’ll still end up with a remarkable slice of South Island New Zealand.
When you’re ready, you can easily book your Britz camper online and pick it up from Christchurch before setting off on this unforgettable Top of the South campervan road trip.
FAQs and quick answers
When is the best time to do this Top of the South Island itinerary?
Summer is best for beaches, cruises and long daylight hours, while autumn is especially good for a food and wine itinerary. Spring and winter also work well if you are flexible with weather-sensitive activities.
Do I need to pre-book activities?
Yes. Popular experiences like the Glacier Heli Hike Experience, Wilsons Abel Tasman, Whale Watch Kaikoura and key holiday parks can book out well ahead, especially in summer.
Is this a good campervan itinerary for a slower-paced trip?
Yes, that is exactly what it is designed for. Most days keep driving manageable so you can spend more time exploring and less time packing up and racing to the next stop.
Can I do winery visits while travelling by campervan?
Yes, but you should only taste when you are finished driving for the day or have a sober driver. It is important to plan Marlborough and Waipara wine stops responsibly.
How close can I get to seals in Kaikōura?
Stay at least 20 metres away from New Zealand fur seals. Never touch, feed or block their path to the water.
What should I know before visiting Anakiwa?
There are no shops in Anakiwa, so stock up before you arrive. It is a peaceful place to stay, but you will want food and essentials sorted in advance.