Vineyard Stay & Taste: The Highlight of Your NZ South Island Adventure

Name: Vineyard Stay & Taste: The Highlight of Your NZ South Island Adventure
Brand: With-a-camper
Price: 120.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Make a vineyard stay the tranquil centrepiece of an unforgettable South Island journey

Whether you're traversing national parks, chasing adrenaline thrills with your family, or soaking up serene landscapes through alpine hikes, Gibson Bridge offers the perfect pause. Nestled among vines and riverbanks in Marlborough’s iconic wine region, this private campervan spot invites you to savour stillness, flavour, and unfiltered starlight in the middle of your South Island adventure.

Trip Highlights

Ideal for couples, wine lovers, families and off-grid seekers
Includes a private tasting of single estate, small batch wines
Surrounded by Marlborough's top vineyards with no crowds in sight
Can be paired with a longer loop across the South Island including the Kaikoura Coast, Tasman National Park, and Queenstown

Why With-a-Camper?

🚐 A campervan is a perfect way to explore the incredible variety of landscapes and activities on South Island—from glaciers to coastlines, mountains to vineyards—on your own schedule and in total comfort.
🍷 Park directly in the vineyard, with only one van allowed at a time
🪵 Unwind in total peace, with no light pollution and unobstructed vineyard views
🍇 Meet the winemakers and enjoy personal insight into sustainable boutique winemaking

Featured Trip Highlight

Spend the evening tucked into a private corner of Gibson Bridge Vineyard, sipping the vineyard's signature Pinot Gris as golden light hits the vines. Later, cook dinner beside your van with full access to the picnic terrace and a private fire bowl.

Book This Trip

Motorhome Rental: Wilderness NZ or Quirky Campers NZ – pickup in Christchurch or Nelson, from NZD $180/night
Vineyard Stay & tasting: Gibson Bridge Vineyard – private pitch and wine tasting NZD $245 for one night (booking essential)

Passion Categories

Itinerary details

This vineyard stay fits beautifully in the middle of a full South Island loop—perfect as a relaxing pause between high-energy and high-altitude adventures.
Day 1 – Arrival in Christchurch
Fly into Christchurch and pick up your campervan. Spend the evening exploring the revitalised city centre or relaxing in the foothills. Stock up on supplies and enjoy your first night under New Zealand skies.
Day 2 – Drive to Lake Tekapo
Head into Mackenzie Country, a region known for its wide skies and glacial lakes. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, stroll lakeside trails, and prepare for an evening of world-class stargazing in this designated Dark Sky Reserve.
Drive time: ~3 hrs
Day 3 – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Drive deeper into the Southern Alps and explore Mount Cook National Park. Hike the Hooker Valley Track for epic mountain views or book a scenic flight. Stay the night with views of New Zealand’s highest peak.
Drive time: ~1.5 hrs
Day 4 – Drive to Queenstown via Lindis Pass
Cross one of South Island’s most dramatic mountain passes, stopping at lookouts along the way. Arrive in Queenstown and enjoy the lakeside boardwalk, boutique shops, and a cosy dinner in this lively alpine town.
Drive time: ~3.5 hrs
Day 5 – Queenstown Thrills
Spend the day diving into Queenstown’s adrenaline-packed offerings. Bungy jump off Kawarau Bridge, speed down the Shotover River, or ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views and luge runs. Round off the day with a wine bar or lake cruise.
Day 6 – Hike or Relax in Glenorchy
Take a slow, stunning drive north along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy. Enjoy a gentle walk through beech forests or go horse trekking through filming locations from The Lord of the Rings. Picnic beside the Dart River.
Day 7 – Drive to Franz Josef
Wind your way through the Haast Pass into the wild, wet, and lush West Coast. Visit waterfalls like Thunder Creek and Monro Beach before settling near Franz Josef Glacier.
Drive time: ~5 hrs
Day 8 – Glacier Adventure
Take a guided glacier walk or helicopter flight to ice caves. In the afternoon, soak in Franz Josef’s outdoor hot pools nestled in rainforest.
Day 9 – Drive to Abel Tasman Region
Begin the long, scenic drive north to Abel Tasman National Park. Arrive in Kaiteriteri or Marahau and relax near the coast.
Drive time: ~6 hrs
Day 10 – Abel Tasman National Park
Explore New Zealand’s smallest and sunniest national park by kayak or on foot. Golden beaches, turquoise water, and lush forest trails await. Don’t miss the Cleopatra’s Pool or a water taxi ride to remote coves.
Day 11 – Drive to Marlborough (Renwick)
Make your way to Renwick, the heart of Marlborough wine country. Settle in at Gibson Bridge Vineyard and enjoy a quiet evening among the vines.
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
Day 12 – Wine Tasting + Relaxation
Wake up to vineyard tranquillity. Join a hosted wine tasting with Howard & Julie, then explore local wineries by bike or foot. Spend the afternoon reading, sketching, or sipping under the trees.
Day 13 – Kaikoura Coast
Drive south to the coast and set up camp by the sea. Go whale watching, visit the fur seal colony, or simply enjoy a seafood lunch with an ocean view.
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
Day 14 – Return to Christchurch
Wind your way back toward Christchurch with stops at scenic viewpoints or roadside vineyards. Enjoy your final evening in a boutique hotel or camper site near the airport.
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs

Top tips for this trip in a campervan

Only one van can stay per night – book well in advance
No powered hookup, but water available – bring solar or self-contained van
Gibson Bridge is pet-friendly and offers picnic tables and shaded nooks
Nearby Renwick is home to local cafés, wine shuttles, and bike rentals

Other great itineraries

Suggested campsites

Gibson Bridge Vineyard

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Why 'With a camper'?

Every experience tailored to a campervan

As campervan travelers ourselves, we understand both the delights of traveling in a motorhome and well as the smaller details (such as parking) which make it harder.

We use this knowledge to curate and design the very best experiences for you and your campervan.

Remarkable experiences you will remember

Our curated experiences are hand-picked to make your trip special. Whether it is an experience that is iconic to the destination, an inspiring place to take part in a certain activity or a visit to one of the best local restaurants, our goal is to introduce you to the experiences that you will want to write home about.

Something for every passion

We believe that campervan travel is a fantastic way to enjoy your passions.

Whether your interest hiking, cooking, architecture or to enjoy a great party we have a range of great campervan experiences to get you out traveling.

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Our experiences are designed for anyone traveling in a campervan. For travelers without their van we offer various 'campervan included trips' but also the opportunity to book a van from one of our preferred van rental partners.