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Worldwide, New Zealand is known as one of the best countries to go on campervan trips.
In this article, we will drive through the best campervan routes across North and South Island.
We will also share the best tips for traveling in New Zealand and provide some resources to complement them, providing the best advice and guides to prepare you for an adventure you’ll never forget!
🗾 North Island Routes
1. Auckland to Cape Reinga
This route will take you from the busy city of Auckland to the top northern point of New Zealand.
A trip through amazing coastal views, towns with a charming touch and cultural spots offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
🚐 Driving time: 6 hours
🔍 Highlights about the route:
- Bay of Islands: Find beautiful beaches and historic sites nearby.
- 90 Mile Beach: An iconic and the most famous beach in New Zealand.
- Cape Reinga: Visit the northernmost tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
2. Auckland to Wellington
This route will take you from Auckland to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
It is recommended to spend at least 5 days seeing as many places as possible; the route also has lots of campgrounds and campsites for you to stop overnight with your campervan.
🚐 Driving time: 12 hours (stopping everywhere)
🔍 Highlights about the route:
- Coromandel Peninsula: Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove.
- Rotorua: Geothermal wonders and Maori culture.
- Taupo: Lake Taupo and Huka Falls.
- Tongariro National Park: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Wellington: Visit the capital city, which has a vibrant arts scene.
🗾 South Island Routes
1. Christchurch to Queenstown (via West Coast)
Spend a day in Christchurch, visiting numerous cultural places and its beautiful gardens, and tour the city with its iconic train.
The next day, you can start driving to Queenstown, with numerous short stops, which is a route you can take on the same day.
🚐 Driving time: 6 hours
🔍 Highlights:
- Christchurch: Start in the “Garden City.”
- Arthur’s Pass: Scenic mountain drive.
- West Coast: Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, Franz Josef, and Fox Glaciers.
- Wanaka: Stunning lake views and hikes.
- Queenstown: Adventure capital with bungee jumping, skiing, and more.
2. Queenstown to Milford Sound
This short but spectacular route takes you from the thrill-seeking haven of Queenstown to the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound.
Known for its dramatic landscapes and serene beauty, this route is one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys.
🚐 Driving time: 4 hours
🔍 Highlights:
- Queenstown: Adventure sports and vibrant nightlife.
- Te Anau: Gateway to Fiordland National Park.
- Milford Sound: Boat cruises and kayaking.
🚢 Combined North and South Island Route
If you’re considering a long journey campervan route in New Zealand, you can also see both islands by crossing them with the ferry located in Picton.
It is a perfect journey for those who have the time to explore and are willing to drive for several hours every day.
⏳ Duration: 2–3 weeks (minimum)
🔍 Highlights:
- North Island: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington.
- Ferry Crossing: From Wellington to Picton through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
- South Island: Picton, Kaikoura (whale watching), Christchurch.
Note: Depending on where you spend the night with your campervan, you’ll or not require a Self-Contained certification.
🎯 More information can be found here: Self-Contained Vans & Campervans
🥇 Tips for Campervan Travel in New Zealand
In a brief way, we can say that some of the most basic and essential tips for campervan are:
- Plan Ahead: Campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak season (December to February).
- Freedom Camping: While many designated free camping spots exist, follow local regulations to avoid fines.
- Weather: Be prepared for variable weather, especially in mountainous regions.
- Driving: New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. Many roads are winding and narrow, so take your time.
- Campervan Rentals: Book your campervan well in advance, especially during the peak season.
🧑💻 If you want more information about this, you can check the following guide: 12 Best Campervan Tips to Travel in New Zealand
Planning to Hire a Campervan in New Zealand ❓
Using the Travel Cars NZ search and compare tool, you can find the best campervan deals for the dates and destinations you need to travel.
Remember that the more advance time you book, the cheaper the price you will get.
