Arrive in the afternoon, collect the motorhome, complete handover/orientation (typically 60–90 min), and stay close to Christchurch so the first day stays relaxed and in daylight. A short evening walk in the Botanic Gardens is an easy way to reset.
🚐 Drive time: — (airport transfers only)
📅 Day 2 — Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Head south across open farmland toward the Mackenzie Basin. As Tekapo's turquoise water and the Southern Alps come into view, settle in and walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd; if it's clear, this is one of NZ's best night-sky locations (International Dark Sky Reserve).
🚐 Drive time: 2 h 30 min
lake-tekapo-dark-sky-stargazing
📅 Day 3 — Lake Tekapo to Wānaka
Drive the high-country valleys and the Lindis Pass before dropping into Wānaka's lake setting. Stroll the flat foreshore to the "That Wānaka Tree," or take a short headland path for open views. Keep the evening easy with a relaxed dinner in town.
🚐 Drive time: 3 h 00 min
📅 Day 4 — Wānaka to Fox Glacier
This is one of NZ's finest drives: over Haast Pass past blue pools and waterfalls, then along a wild West Coast of rainforest, rivers and black-sand beaches. In Fox Glacier village, the easy Lake Matheson loop (1–1.5 hrs) often gives classic mirror views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
🚐 Drive time: 3 h 30 min
Follow SH6 north past river mouths, rainforest and small settlements to walkable, characterful Hokitika. The Hokitika Gorge loop (easy, ~45–60 min) is a highlight: firm paths, bright blue water and a suspension bridge set in lush forest.
🚐 Drive time: 2 h 15 min
hokitika-gorge-suspension-bridge-walk
📅 Day 6 — Hokitika to Arthur's Pass
Climb from the coast through the Otira Viaduct into Arthur's Pass National Park. Short tracks give immediate access to valley and waterfall views (e.g., Devil's Punchbowl Falls, ~1 h return). Include the side trip to Lake Pearson and Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti for limestone outcrops and open basin views.
🚐 Drive time: 2 h
castle-hill-kura-tawhiti-walk
📅 Day 7 — Arthur's Pass to Murchison
Descend the eastern side and turn north toward Lewis Pass and the Buller River. Murchison is a friendly farming town, a good place for a motorhome-friendly farmstay, local conversation, and a slower evening in open countryside.
🚐 Drive time: 3 h 45 min
murchison-farmstay-swing-bridge
📅 Day 8 — Murchison to Nelson to Picton
Quiet valleys lead toward the coast and then through rolling country to Picton, gateway to the North Island. Choose a compact culture stop in Nelson (Classic Car Museum) or turn east earlier into the Marlborough hills for a vineyard lunch/tasting.
🚐 Drive time: 3 h 30 min
Return motorhome at the ferry terminal before onward travel. If timing allows, a short waterfront walk and coffee make for a relaxed send-off.
🚐 Drive time: —
Experience Summary
Walk the gentle loop track around Lake Matheson through ancient kahikatea forest to the famous Reflection Island viewpoint. When conditions are calm, the lake becomes a perfect mirror reflecting Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman — one of New Zealand's most iconic views.
Arrive with time to spare — allow 60–90 minutes for campervan pickup and orientation, plus a grocery stop before heading south.
Keep driving distances short — 2–3 hour hops are ideal; South Island roads wind through mountains and reward slower travel.
Book Milford Sound flights early — if adding the Queenstown extension, scenic fly-cruise-fly slots fill quickly in peak season.
Layer up and pack repellent — West Coast sandflies are persistent; mornings can be cool even in summer.
Freedom camp responsibly — download CamperMate or Rankers apps for certified self-contained sites; always check local signage.
Best time of year
Best (Nov–Mar): NZ summer brings long daylight, warm days and reliable access to alpine passes and West Coast tracks — ideal for campervanning and walking.
Shoulder (Oct, Apr): Cooler mornings and shorter days but often clear; mountain passes remain open; quieter campsites.
Winter (May–Sep): Some alpine roads close or require chains; shorter days and cold nights; not recommended for campervan touring.
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.
Book an individual experience or the whole trip
Our experiences come in a range of shapes and sizes. So whether you want to add an individual activity to your existing itinerary or you are looking for an end-to-end trip then we have choices for you.
Travel with your own camper or let us help you find the perfect rental
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.
Let’s Get Your Trip Started
🧭 Your experiences
Tell us about your plans and we will contact the experience provider to request a booking for you.
We have reached out to the experience provider to see what availability and prices they have for your dates.
We will contact you by email as soon as we have an answer from them.
