Epic South Island Hidden Gems Road Trip

Pick up your Britz campervan in Christchurch and ease into South Island life with a relaxed first day close to the city.

Things To Do

1. Orana Wildlife Park - Head to Orana Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Christchurch to meet lions, rhinos, Tasmanian devils, and New Zealand’s only gorillas. This open-range zoo (the only one of its kind in New Zealand) is spread over 80 hectares, so it feels more like a safari than a traditional zoo. Time your visit for the keeper talks or schedule a giraffe feeding for something special.

2. Riccarton House and Bush - Just minutes from the CBD, Riccarton House is a historic building and the Bush is a 12-hectare oasis of native forest and heritage gardens. Wander the walking tracks under ancient kahikatea trees, explore the restored homestead, and, if you’re here on a Saturday, graze your way around the Christchurch Farmers Market held on site.

Where To Stay

Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - Base yourself at a city-fringe campground like Spencer Beach Holiday Park with powered sites, hot showers and easy access to both the city and the coast. It’s a handy night to stock up on groceries and road-trip snacks. 

Point the camper towards Banks Peninsula for your first taste of a true hidden-gems destination.. 

Things To Do

1. Scenic drive to Akaroa and Okains Bay - Follow the winding roads over the crater rim towards Akaroa, then continue on to the peaceful settlement of Okains Bay. The drive serves up big harbour views and classic rolling peninsula hills.

2. Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum - This tiny settlement is home to the impressive Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum, with one of New Zealand’s best collections of Māori taonga and early settler artefacts. It’s an intimate way to explore Aotearoa’s history.
   Okains Bay Campground fronts a long sandy beach and estuary. Walk at low tide, paddle in the shallows or simply settle in and enjoy the quiet.

Where To Stay

Okains Bay Campground -  Stay beachside at Okains Bay Campground, a relaxed coastal campground right by the estuary – the perfect first “park up and switch off” spot for your Britz road trip. Walk at low tide, paddle in the shallows or simply settle in and enjoy the quiet.

Head back out of Banks Peninsula and drive north into the Hurunui district, one of Canterbury’s most underrated regions.

Things To Do

1. Wine and food in the Hurunui- As you travel through Amberley and the Waipara Valley, you’ll pass a cluster of vineyards and cellar doors. Drop into a local winery for a relaxed tasting or long lunch to break up the drive.

2. Hanmer Springs option - If you feel like a soak, detour into Hanmer Springs. The alpine village is home to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa and easy forest walks. Check Visit Hanmer Springs for current trail and attraction info. .

Where To Stay

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park - Overnight at Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park or a similar holiday park in the Hurunui region. You’ll get powered sites, hot showers and that relaxed small-town vibe. 

Today you trace the coast north towards Kaikōura and Blenheim, finishing at one of the most peaceful DOC beach campgrounds in the South Island.

Things To Do

1. Coastal drive via Kaikōura – Enjoy one of New Zealand’s classic coastal drives as you hug the shoreline north of Kaikōura. Keep an eye out for seals on the rocks and take advantage of the many photo stops.

2. Marfells Beach & Cape Campbell – About 30 minutes southeast of Blenheim, turn off State Highway 1 for Marfells Beach. The Marfells Beach campsite sits just behind the dunes, with access to long stretches of sand and views towards Cape Campbell. If tides and conditions are right, you can walk part of the coastal route towards the lighthouse.

Where To Stay

Marfells Beach DOC campsite - Overnight at the Marfells Beach campsite,  basic beachfront campground with toilets, cold showers and a sheltered grass parking area.

Today you weave through Marlborough and Tasman, taking in small towns, wharves and easy coastal detours.

Things To Do

1. Havelock - Greenshell mussels and heritage streets – Halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, the historic township of Havelock is known as the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World. Treat yourself at The Mussel Pot and then wander the main street to check out galleries and historic buildings.

2. Māpua Wharf – Continue into the Tasman region and stop at Māpua Wharf. Once an old working port, it’s now a lively hub of cafés, bars, studios and small shops beside the water – a lovely place for a long lunch.

3. Motueka & Rabbit Island - Roll on to Motueka, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park but a destination in itself. On weekends, browse the Motueka Sunday Market. From nearby Māpua Wharf, a short ferry ride takes you to Moturoa / Rabbit Island – check Rabbit Island access updates before you go, then enjoy biking or beach time.

Where To Stay

Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park - Base yourself at Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park or another local holiday park. You’re well placed here for coastal walks, markets and day trips.

Today is a longer scenic drive as you leave Tasman behind and head for the far northern end of the West Coast.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Scenic drive via Murchison and Westport – The drive south through Motueka Valley and on to Murchison follows rivers and forested hills. From there, continue to Westport and then turn north towards Karamea. Expect twisting roads, wild coastline and very little traffic.

2. Karamea – edge of Kahurangi National Park – Karamea is a tiny settlement at the northern tip of the West Coast, sandwiched between the sea and Kahurangi National Park. It feels like the end of the road – because, literally, it is.

3. Ōpārara Basin and arches - Take the short track to Ōpārara Arch or combine it with the Moria Gate & Mirror Tarn loop. The tea-coloured river, rainforest and huge limestone formations make this a true hidden gem.

Where To Stay

Karamea campgrounds - Stay at Karamea Holiday Park or another local campground – check Karamea Info’s accommodation page for current options and opening details.

Travel back down the West Coast today, with time to explore one of the island’s most photogenic river gorges.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. West Coast stops en route - As you drive south, consider pausing around Punakaiki for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, or stopping in Greymouth and Hokitika for supplies and short beach walks.

2. Hokitika Gorge Walk – From Hokitika, it’s a short drive inland to the Hokitika Gorge Walk. The 2.1 km loop track crosses swing bridges and boardwalks through lush forest, with multiple viewpoints over the gorge’s unreal blue-green water. It’s an easy walk that can be done in under an hour, but you’ll probably want longer for photos.

Where To Stay

Hokitika holiday parks - Stay in or near town at somewhere like Links View Holiday Park or another local campground. If the sky is clear, finish the day with sunset on Hokitika Beach.

Turn inland today and cross the Southern Alps towards Canterbury’s foothills and the relaxed town of Methven.

Things to do

1. Alpine crossing (route dependent) - Depending on road conditions and your chosen route, you may travel via Arthur’s Pass or another alpine pass. Either way you’ll get big mountain views and plenty of photo stops.

2. Methven – snow town turned all-season base - Methven is best known as a winter hub for Mt Hutt, but it’s a great all-season base with cafés, walking and biking tracks, and a friendly small-town feel.

3. Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa - Treat yourself to an evening soak at Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, where hot pools and a tranquil adults-only area look out over the Canterbury plains and foothills.

Where To Stay

Methven Camping Ground - Overnight at Methven Camping Ground, a classic Kiwi campground a short walk from town.

Today you transition from farmland to wide-open tussock country and one of the South Island’s most scenic alpine passes.

Things To Do

1. Canterbury high country - Drive south through inland Canterbury, passing through small towns and big-sky landscapes as you make your way into the Mackenzie Country.

2. Towards the Lindis Pass - Continue towards Omarama and the Lindis Conservation Area, which surrounds the Lindis Pass. Rolling golden hills, scattered snow tussock and mountain ridges make this one of the most photographed stretches of highway in the South Island. Stop at the lookout for panoramic views and photos.

Where To Stay

Twizel Holiday Park or Omarama - Stay around Omarama or Twizel – a convenient base before you drop into Central Otago. Twizel Holiday Park offers powered and non-powered sites plus cabins in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin.

Leave the Mackenzie Country behind and drop into historic Central Otago, where gold history and rail trails meet vineyards and big, dry skies.

Things To Do

1. Saint Bathans and the Blue Lake - Saint Bathans is a tiny former goldmining town with a big surprise: the man-made Blue Lake, created by sluicing away a hillside of quartz rock. Walk the loop track around the lake to see old mining remnants and snap photos of the turquoise water against pale cliffs. Afterwards, reward yourself with a drink or warm meal at the historic Vulcan Hotel.

2. Otago Central Rail Trail - Continue to Clyde or Alexandra, both key hubs on the Otago Central Rail Trail (DOC overview) and the official Otago Central Rail Trail site. You don’t have to ride the full 150 km – short sections can be cycled or walked as easy out-and-back trips from car parks along the trail.

Where To Stay

Clyde/Alexandra holiday parks - Stay at a campground or holiday park in Clyde or Alexandra. Both towns make excellent bases for short Rail Trail rides and exploring nearby vineyards and historic sites.

Head southeast towards one of the least developed and most rewarding coastal regions in the South Island – The Catlins.

Things to do

1. Scenic drive to the South Coast - Travel via Roxburgh and Balclutha, watching the landscape shift from dry Central Otago to rolling farmland and then to rugged coastline.

2. Kaka Point - Kaka Point is a small seaside village with a beautiful surf beach and relaxed holiday-home feel. It’s also a good place to look for local wildlife, including fur seals, sea lions and, with luck, yellow-eyed penguins.

3. Nugget Point Lighthouse - Just 15 minutes’ drive from Kaka Point, the short Nugget Point / Tokatā Lighthouse Walk leads to one of the most iconic viewpoints in The Catlins. Look down on the “Nuggets” – rocky islets where fur seals and seabirds thrive.

Where To Stay

Kaka Point Camping Ground - Base yourself at Kaka Point Camping Ground or a nearby campground around Owaka. Both offer an easy launching pad for Catlins exploring.

Keep driving light today and spend your time exploring Catlins beaches and short walks.

Things to do

1. Pūrākaunui Bay & beach - Head to the Pūrākaunui Bay Campsite and beach – a DOC site perched above a dramatic surf bay. The area is popular with experienced surfers and anyone who loves wild, uncrowded coastline. Even if you’re not camping here, the bay is worth the drive.

2. Short walks and viewpoints - Use today to tick off nearby short walks, waterfalls and viewpoints around The Catlins, or simply enjoy another relaxed stroll around Kaka Point and local bays.

Where to stay

Stay a second night at Kaka Point Camping Ground or, if you prefer something more remote, shift to the Pūrākaunui Bay DOC campsite for a night under the cliffs.

Drive further along the Catlins coast to one of the South Island’s most intriguing coastal landscapes.

Things to do

1. Curio Bay & Petrified Forest - Curio Bay sits on a rugged stretch of the southern coastline. At low tide you can view the 170-million-year-old Petrified Forest from the lookout, or carefully explore the rock platform following DOC signage and guidelines.

2. Wildlife watching - Curio Bay and neighbouring Porpoise Bay are known for Hector’s dolphins in summer, and yellow-eyed penguins that may be seen coming ashore in the late afternoon. Always keep your distance and follow local guidance to protect the wildlife.

Where to stay

Curio Bay / Tumu Toka CurioScape’s campground - Stay at Tumu Toka CurioScape’s campground right above Curio Bay, or at other nearby campgrounds. Falling asleep to the sound of the Southern Ocean is all part of the experience.

Your final driving day takes you inland through Southland farmland and back into alpine terrain as you finish in Queenstown.

Things to do

1. Scenic drive via Invercargill and Lumsden - Wind your way north via Invercargill and Lumsden, stopping for coffee and short walks in small country towns along the way.

Optional Fiordland add-on

If your schedule allows, consider adding a night or two in Te Anau before finishing in Queenstown:

1. Doubtful Sound - Join a Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri for towering cliffs, waterfalls and a true “Sound of Silence” experience.

2. Lake Marian Track - Tackle the Lake Marian Track for a 3 km forest and alpine trail that finishes at a stunning hanging lake surrounded by peaks.

3. Finish in Queenstown - Roll into Queenstown, return your Britz campervan, and celebrate your hidden-gems loop with a final lakeside walk or dinner in town.

Where to stay

Queenstown holiday parks - If you’re staying on after drop-off, book into somewhere like Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park at Arthurs Point – a handy base for soaking up Queenstown’s restaurants, walks and activities.

Other South Island hidden gems to add or swap

If you have extra time, or want to customise this South Island itinerary, consider:

• Ngarua Caves – Guided cave tours on Takaka Hill with limestone formations, fossils and great views.

• St Arnaud & Lake Rotoiti – A lakeside village in Nelson Lakes National Park (DOC info via the main site) and home to a small maritime museum celebrating the annual classic boat show.

Ready to explore South Island’s hidden gems?

These 14 days will take you from remote DOC beach camps and limestone arches to historic gold towns, secret surf breaks and tiny museums packed with stories. The beauty of travelling by campervan is that you can linger longer wherever you fall in love with a place, or skip ahead if the weather changes.

Book your South Island campervan hire with Britz, check the latest Britz deals, and start planning your own hidden-gems road trip.