A road trip across New Zealand is unlike anywhere else in the world. The changing landscapes and unique natural wonders in this small Pacific Ocean country are world-famous for a reason, and many locals will tell you that the best way to see them all is to hit the road in your very own campervan.
Subtropical Shores
If your dream New Zealand vacation includes sparkling turquoise water, palm trees, and a classic Kiwi summer atmosphere, the subtropical shores north of Auckland will make your dreams come true. Heading north from the bustling North Island city, you will eventually arrive at the Bay of Islands, a collection of 144 islands, sheltered bays, and plenty of rich history and exciting hidden adventures waiting to be explored.
This 4-hour drive will not demand much of you but will reward you with some of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Settle yourself at the Okiato Point Reserve campsite in Russel, the country’s first capital city, or head to Paihia for plenty of campervan-friendly parks close to the beach. Before you leave, make sure to take a cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock landmark.
The Road to Hobbiton
If you are a fan of Lord of the Rings or simply want to experience the beauty of the North Island, the drive from Rotorua or Tauranga to the Hobbiton movie set is an exceptional trip. The countryside looks as if it has been taken straight out of a storybook, with rolling hills and perfectly green grass.
Any visit here is simply not complete without taking a tour around Hobbiton itself before grabbing a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. During peak season, it is strongly advised to book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Freedom camping is available at Lake ลkฤreka DOC Campground, and the car park at the movie-set town is large enough to accommodate a campervan during your visit.
Mountains & Lakes
If you are after postcard-worthy views of dazzling turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains, the South Island route from Christchurch to Mount Cook/Aoraki will check all your boxes. Heading southwest from Christchurch, you will cross the beautiful Canterbury Plains before reaching Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, with the dramatic slopes of Mouth Cook up ahead.
This spectacular 5-hour drive is a well-sealed, easy route for campervans to navigate, so it’s worth booking your campsite at Mount Cook well in advance to secure a spot during peak season. Alternatively, you can set up at Lake Pukaki Camping Area, located roughly 50 miles away.
Geothermal Wonders
If you are after an otherworldly adventure, the geothermal wonders between Rotorua and Taupล will make you feel as if you have been transported to a different planet. While it is a fairly short drive, the landscape changes quickly before your eyes, with steam rising steadily from the ground and a noticeable sulphuric smell in the air.
Thanks to its status as a popular tourist stop, there are plenty of campsites to choose from, including Reid’s Farm Reserve in Taupล. Many holiday parks have geothermal hot pools for visitors to enjoy after a long day of walking.
Central Otago
Located in Central Otago is the picture-perfect scenic drive from Queenstown to Wanaka. While it is a relatively short drive, roughly an hour long, it is arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country.
A trip along this road takes you on a winding adventure around mountains and past two incredible lakes, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, home to the famous Wanaka Tree. This lone willow tree grows in the middle of the large body of water, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable photoshoot. Book a camping spot at Wanaka Lakefront Reserve for an affordable home base to explore the surrounding region and the city of Queenstown.
A Classic Adventure
If you are new to the campervan lifestyle or want to experience the beauty of New Zealand without going too far from a bustling major city, the spectacular coastal drive from Auckland to Coromandel Town will ensure you experience just some of the natural beauty this country is famous for.
This twisting road will take you along the coast, with pohutukawa trees bending over the crystal-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, backed by golden-sand beaches. For a unique day activity, visit Hot Water Beach, where you can rent a space and dig your own hot pool in the sand.
The roads here can get fairly narrow and windy, especially the Coromandel loop, so it is important to take your time and use mirror extenders if you have them. For overnight stays, book a place at the Simpsons Beach Reserve in Whangamatฤ for an unobstructed ocean view.
Local Tips for Your NZ Road Trip
New Zealand drives on the left, and if you’re renting a campervan from out of the country, give yourself a day to adjust before tackling any of the mountain routes above. Roads outside the main cities are often narrow and winding, with one-lane bridges on some rural stretches, so slow down and watch for oncoming traffic signs.
Cell coverage drops out across a lot of the more remote stretches, especially through Central Otago and along the Coromandel loop, so download offline maps before you leave town. Fill up your tank whenever you pass a station instead of waiting until you’re running low.
For vape users, it is important to familiarise yourself with local laws surrounding the use of e-cigarettes and smoking. Vapes and vaping are generally banned in indoor spaces and around kids’ areas across the nation, while campgrounds, holiday parks, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites have their own property policies. To ensure you follow regulations, research the policy of each campsite you plan to visit, as you may be subject to costly penalties and fines should you be in violation of their rules.
Weather can shift fast in New Zealand, sometimes within the same afternoon, so pack layers no matter which route you choose. If you’re staying at a DOC site, bring cash or check ahead for fees, since many of the more remote campgrounds don’t take cards or have cell signal to process payment.
