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14-Day South Island Campervan Itinerary
The South Island has it all, mountains, fiords, beaches, and gorgeous wine regions. With two weeks you can take your time exploring the best of the island in one unforgettable loop!
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Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau
- Drive: Around 3 hours (campervan pace).
- Activities: Pick up your camper and head south. In the evening, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, or watch Ata Whenua – Fiordland on Film.
- Stay: Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park (enjoy powered sites and hot showers).
Day 2: Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Drive: Around 3 hours with scenic stops.
- Activities: Cruise Milford Sound to marvel at sheer cliffs and waterfalls. Stop at The Chasm and alpine trails like Lake Marian.
- Stay: Milford Sound Lodge (pre-book early) or Cascade Creek DOC campsite.
Day 3: Milford Sound to Wānaka
- Drive: 5 to 6 hours, scenic mountain passes.
- Activities: Evening lakeside stroll in Wānaka.
- Stay: Glendhu Bay Holiday Park (lakefront campervan sites).
Day 4: Explore Wānaka
- Activities: Enjoy lakeside walks, or relax in town.
- Optional add-ons: Visit Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve via Boat Cruise, or enjoy a wine tour.
- Stay: Glendhu Bay for a second night, or LandEscape with unique motorhome sites and private hot tubs.
Day 5: Wānaka to Franz Josef (West Coast)
- Drive: Around 5 hours via Haast Pass (scenic stops at Blue Pools or Thunder Creek Falls).
- Activities: Explore glaciers and rainforest walks.
- Stay: Franz Josef Campervan Park.
Day 6: Franz Josef to Punakaiki (West Coast)
- Drive: 4 hours along the rugged coast.
- Activities: Walk to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier in the morning, then see Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
- Stay: Punakaiki Beach Camp.
Day 7: Punakaiki to Abel Tasman
- Drive: Around 5 to 6 hours to Motueka/Abel Tasman region.
- Activities: Scenic coastal stops on the way.
- Stay: Kaiteriteri Recreational Reserve (gateway to Abel Tasman).
Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park
- Activities: Spend the day in Abel Tasman. Options include kayaking, a water taxi + coastal walk, or relaxing on golden sand beaches.
- Stay: Kaiteriteri Recreational Reserve.
Day 9: Abel Tasman to Marlborough
- Drive: Around 3 to 4 hours to Blenheim.
- Activities: Afternoon wine tasting in Marlborough, famous for sauvignon blanc.
- Stay: Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park.
Day 10: Marlborough to Kaikōura
- Drive: Around 2.5 hours down the Pacific Coast.
- Activities: Whale watching cruise, dolphin swim, or helicopter flight.
- Stay: Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Day 11: Kaikōura to Christchurch
- Drive: Around 3 hours.
- Activities: Explore Christchurch’s botanical gardens, riverside markets, or cycle paths.
- Stay: Christchurch Holiday Park.
Day 12: Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook
- Drive: 4–5 hours inland via Lake Tekapo.
- Activities: Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve, or evening at Tekapo Hot Springs.
- Stay: Glentanner Park near Mount Cook.
Day 13: Aoraki Mount Cook to Lake Pukaki / Twizel
- Drive: 1-hour drive.
- Activities: Walk the Hooker Valley Track, or try the Glacier Explorer Boat Tour on Tasman Lake.
- Stay: Freedom camp at Lake Pukaki or camp near Twizel.
Day 14: Lake Pukaki to Queenstown
- Drive: Around 4 hours.
- Activities: Return to Queenstown for a final adventure. Add Shotover Jet or the Skyline Gondola & Luge if you want one last thrill before dropping off the camper.
- Stay: — (drop-off day).