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9-day New Zealand South Island Camper Itinerary
Planning a campervan road trip through New Zealand’s South Island? Start your journey in Queenstown and experience alpine lakes, dramatic fjords, wild coastlines, and charming town, all from the comfort of a motorhome.
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Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau
- Drive: Around 3 hours (campervan pace).
- Activities: Kick off your Fiordland trip with a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, or watch Ata Whenua, (Fiordland on Film) for a spectacular introduction to the region.
- Stay: Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park (enjoy powered sites and hot showers).
Day 2: Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Drive: About 3 hours with scenic pull-over spots.
- Activities: Cruise Milford Sound to marvel at dramatic fjords, cliffs, and waterfalls. Stop at The Chasm and alpine trails like Lake Marian.
- Optional Activity add-ons:
- Kayak Milford Sound – paddle beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls.
- Milford Sound Cruise – beautiful sightseeing from the water.
- Stay: Milford Sound Lodge (pre-book early) or Cascade Creek DOC campsite.
Day 3: Relax and take in Fiordland
- Drive: Minimal.
- Activities: Slow day with short forest walks, riverside relaxation, and lakeside photo stops.
- Optional paid add-ons:
- Stay: Cascade Creek or Lake Gunn DOC campsite.
Day 4: Fiordland to Wānaka
- Drive: 5 to 6 hours of spectacular mountain scenery.
- Activities: Chill by the lakeside or try one of Wānaka’s adventure activities.
- Stay: Glendhu Bay Holiday Park (right on the lake, perfect for campervans).
Day 5: Explore Wānaka
- Drive: Optional 1-hour tour to the Blue Pools.
- Activities: Explore Wānaka township, lakeside walks, and nearby trails.
- Optional paid add-ons:
- Fishing Lake Hawea – the ultimate fishing adventure with alpine views.
- Wanaka Wine Tour – discover Central Otago’s boutique wineries and world-famous pinot noir.
- Stay: Glendhu Bay for a second night, or LandEscape with unique motorhome sites and private hot tubs.
Day 6: Wānaka to Lake Tekapo (Mackenzie Region)
- Drive: Around 3 hours.
- Activities: Soak in Tekapo Hot Pools, stargaze in the Dark Sky Reserve, or do both for a magical evening.
- Optional paid add-ons:
- Dark Sky Project Observatory Tour – guided telescope viewing with expert hosts.
- Hot Pools at Tekapo Springs – relax with a fabulous view.
- Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park (powered sites on the lake) or freedom camp if you prefer.
Day 7: Lake Tekapo to Aoraki Mount Cook
- Drive: About 1 hour.
- Activities: Walk the Hooker Valley Track or try other alpine hikes.
- Optional paid add-ons:
- Scenic Flight – Enjoy beautiful views from the sky.
- Stay: Glentanner Park (powered sites) or freedom camp at Lake Pukaki.
Day 8: Lake Pukaki Reset
- Drive: Short hop if not already lakeside.
- Activities: Relax by the turquoise waters, enjoy sunrise and sunset views, and stargaze at night.
- Stay: Freedom camp at Lake Pukaki.
Day 9: Lake Pukaki to Queenstown
- Drive: Around 4 hours.
- Activities: Return your campervan, enjoy a stroll through Queenstown, and celebrate your adventure.
- Optional paid add-ons:
- Shotover Jet – the world-famous jetboat ride through narrow canyons.
- TSS Earnslaw and BBQ – enjoy a return cruise on a classic steamship across Lake Wakitipu with a buffet meal.
- Final Drop off.