8-day South Island campervan itinerary

Your South Island campervan itinerary kicks off in Christchurch, where the adventure begins. As you drive west towards Arthur’s Pass, be sure to make a pit stop at the Sheffield Pie Shop. Trust us, these are some of the best pies in New Zealand – perfect for a tasty, on-the-go lunch.

Once you reach Arthur’s Pass, stretch your legs with a hike to the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall. This stunning 131-metre waterfall is just a one-hour round trip from the start of the trail, and it’s absolutely worth the effort. The path winds through lush forest and offers incredible views, making it a highlight of your day.

For your overnight stay, you can't beat Jackson’s Retreat Alpine Holiday Park. Nestled in a beautiful alpine setting, it’s a great spot to park your campervan and relax. With excellent facilities and gorgeous surroundings, it’s the perfect end to your first day on the South Island road trip.

Day two of your South Island campervan trip leads you from Arthur’s Pass to the stunning Franz Josef region. On your journey, be sure to take a break at the Otira Viaduct Lookout. The dramatic scenery here, coupled with the impressive engineering of the viaduct, makes it a great spot for photos and a moment of awe.

One of the highlights of Franz Josef is undoubtedly the Franz Josef Glacier. You can choose to explore it through a guided glacier walk or take a helicopter tour for unparalleled views. The sight of the glacier’s icy blue expanse against the rugged mountains is truly breathtaking and an unforgettable part of your trip.

Settle in for the night at the Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park. This park offers excellent facilities and a convenient location, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploration. Enjoy the comfort and amenities as you prepare for the next leg of your South Island itinerary.

It’s a big day today, so be sure to get an early start as you make the drive to the picturesque town of Wānaka. Along the way, make a short detour to visit Fox Glacier. This stunning glacier offers a different perspective from Franz Josef and is well worth the stop to marvel at its icy beauty.

Upon reaching Wānaka, head to the Blue Pools Track. This easy walk leads you to crystal-clear pools in the Makarora River, surrounded by lush forest and breathtaking scenery. The vibrant blue water is perfect for photos and offers a serene spot to relax and enjoy nature.

For your overnight accommodation, check into the Mount Aspiring Holiday Park. This well-equipped holiday park provides everything you need for a comfortable stay, making it an ideal base to explore the charming town of Wānaka and its surroundings.

Today’s leg of your South Island campervan itinerary takes you from Wānaka to the breathtaking Lake Pukaki. As you journey east, make a stop at the Omarama Clay Cliffs. These unique geological formations offer a dramatic landscape of sharp pinnacles and ridges that are definitely worth exploring and photographing.

Arriving at Lake Pukaki, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of Mount Cook and the lake’s striking turquoise waters. The vibrant blue hue is caused by glacial flour suspended in the water, reflecting the sunlight. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or simply soaking in the incredible scenery.

Tonight, enjoy a more rustic camping experience at the Lake Wardel Campsite. This basic camping site offers a peaceful and natural setting, perfect for those who enjoy a more back-to-basics approach to their travels.

Leaving the stunning vistas of Lake Pukaki behind, your South Island road trip continues as you head towards the charming historic town of Arrowtown. On the way, be sure to take a break in Cromwell, known for its orchards and vineyards. This is a great spot to sample some local fruits and wines, and perhaps even pick up a few treats for the road.

Once you arrive in Arrowtown, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring the Chinese Settlement, a restored area that tells the story of the Chinese gold miners who lived there during the gold rush. Try your hand at panning for gold in the Arrow River, a fun activity that brings a piece of history to life. The town itself is full of quaint shops and cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon wander.

For your stay, the Arrowtown Holiday Park offers a convenient and comfortable base. Tucked away in a quiet location, this park provides excellent facilities and easy access to the town’s attractions, making it an ideal spot to relax after a day of exploration.

Enjoy a relaxed start today as your South Island drive adventure continues with a short but scenic trip from Arrowtown to Queenstown. On the way, make a stop at Lake Hayes, a picturesque spot perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic by the water. The reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lake’s surface make it a photographer's dream.

Once you reach Queenstown, one of the highlights is a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Board the historic TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a relaxing journey across the lake, taking in the stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range. This experience offers a unique perspective of Queenstown's beautiful landscape.

For your stay, head to the Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park. This well-located park offers great facilities and is within walking distance of the town centre, making it a convenient base for exploring all that Queenstown has to offer.

Today’s leg of your South Island campervan trip takes you from the bustling heart of Queenstown to the tranquil village of Glenorchy. This short but incredibly scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu offers numerous spots to stop and soak in the views. As you leave Queenstown, make sure to stop at the Bennett’s Bluff Lookout. This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for photos.

In Glenorchy, you’ll find a variety of walks and sights to explore. The Glenorchy Walkway is an easy trail that takes you through wetlands and offers stunning views of the mountains. For a more immersive experience, consider the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, which starts nearby and offers a taste of the country’s most spectacular wilderness. Glenorchy is also a gateway to the spectacular Dart River Valley, where you can enjoy jet boating, horse riding, or simply taking in the serene beauty of the area.

For your overnight stay, head to Mrs Woolly’s Campground. This charming and well-equipped campground offers a cosy and convenient spot to park your campervan and unwind after a day of exploration. 

Spend your final day exploring Queenstown. Start your morning with a visit to the Skyline Queenstown, where you can take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. For an added thrill, try the Skyline Luge, a fun downhill ride suitable for all ages.

For a taste of local culture, visit the Queenstown Gardens, a beautiful park featuring a variety of exotic and native plants. It's a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the lake.

Adventure seekers might want to experience the famous Shotover Jet, an exhilarating jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River. It's a quintessential Queenstown experience that promises both thrills and stunning scenery.

If you’re a fan of wine, consider a tour of the nearby Gibbston Valley. This renowned wine region is just a short drive from Queenstown and offers tastings of some of New Zealand’s best wines, set against a backdrop of beautiful vineyards.

Finally, as your South Island itinerary comes to an end, head to the Britz Queenstown branch to drop off your campervan. 

Ready to explore Marlborough and Christchurch?

Ready to start planning your own South Island road trip adventure? There’s no better way to see the South Island than with a campervan hire from Britz. With a wide range of vehicles to suit every traveller and top-notch service, Britz makes it easy to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

So why wait? Book your Britz campervan hire today and get ready to experience the magic of a South Island campervan trip. Your adventure awaits!