Along the way, you'll enjoy magnificent white sand beaches, forests, plains and vineyards as you cross New Zealand, take part in geothermal activities, admire the glaciers of the West Coast, and venture onto the trails of Mount Cook — in short, a dream itinerary awaits you throughout this New Zealand motorhome road trip. View the full New Zealand motorhome circuit on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PzLL2SJm2162
Day 1: Auckland - Whitianga (~210 km – 3h)
Kuaotunu, Matarangi and Whangapoua beaches, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach
After landing in Auckland and picking up your motorhome, head for the Coromandel Peninsula, a favourite holiday spot for Kiwis. After a good hour on the motorway, you'll follow the coast up to Coromandel, then turn off towards the magnificent beaches of Matarangi and Kuaotunu. After a swim, continue on to Whitianga. This road is rather winding, so take your time. The town of Whitianga is home to a fishing port, so get ready for some excellent seafood. Freedom camping around Buffalo Beach. Day 1 route: https://goo.gl/maps/NXME4Honke52
Day 2: Whitianga - Rotorua (~240 km – 3h15)
Tauranga, Te Puke, Lake Rotorua
Today, head for Rotorua via the town of Tauranga. If you have an extra day or two for this trip, hire a boat and try deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, or better still, go swimming with dolphins. Leaving Tauranga, the road climbs, and once you reach the Mamaku Range, you'll follow the shore of Lake Rotorua, which is actually a huge crater filled with water. Rotorua sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire — enjoy the geothermal areas and discover the unique Maori culture of New Zealand. Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park or Cosy Cottage Holiday Park. Day 2 route: https://goo.gl/maps/fGS912eBnyC2
Day 3: Rotorua - Taupo (~80 km – 1h)
Maori culture, geysers, silica terraces, boiling mud craters
Today you'll have much less driving than the previous two days, so take the time to enjoy Rotorua's Maori cultural activities and experiences before heading to Taupo. Rotorua has intense geothermal activity — admire the geysers, silica terraces and boiling mud craters on offer. Then head for the lakeside resort town of Taupo, on the shore of New Zealand's largest lake. If you arrive in the early afternoon, consider a boat trip to see the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay to learn more about the lake and its people. Taupo All Seasons Holiday Park. Day 3 route: https://goo.gl/maps/T6QXbFn9yHA2
Planning a motorhome road trip is never easy, wherever you're headed. Knowing which spots are worth it, which to skip, which you absolutely can't miss, the best tips from fellow motorhome travellers — you know how it is, all of that takes time! And often, on the road or after your trip, you find yourself thinking, "If only I'd known, I would have done it differently..."
So share your experience with other motorhome travellers!
Day 4: Taupo - Napier (~140 km – 2h)
The scenery!
On the road from Taupo to Napier, you'll be blown away by the scenery. There's a bit of everything: steep hills, valleys, plains, and above all, incredible views. In 1931, a devastating earthquake nearly destroyed the town of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the era and is now considered the Art Deco capital of the world. Bay View Snapper Park for beach access, or Kennedy Park TOP 10 Holiday Park in central Napier. Day 4 route: https://goo.gl/maps/48sDCGVvaFR2
Day 5: Napier - Wellington (~315 km – 4h)
Dannevirke, Manawatu Gorge, Palmerston North, Kapiti Island
This won't be the most relaxing day, since you'll spend half of it behind the wheel, but there are some great stops along the way. If you fancy a sporty break, stop at the Manawatu Gorge for some climbing or a spot of bungy jumping! After your jump, stop in Palmerston North for lunch — the town's rose gardens and Rugby Museum are perfect for a leisurely digestion. You'll then follow the Kapiti Coast. Kapiti Island Nature Reserve lies just off Paraparaumu if you'd like to spot some rare birds. Freedom camping or Capital Gateway Campervan Park. Day 5 route: https://goo.gl/maps/ctpvPaaynQJ2
Day 6: Wellington
Wellington city centre, museums, theatres... Te Papa
Spend a day exploring New Zealand's capital, but make sure to rest a little too! Wellington is a small city full of character, tucked between the harbour and the hills. The city centre is perfect for a stroll. Enjoy the cafés, restaurants, museums (Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum) and all sorts of shops. Capital Gateway Campervan Park, the closest to the ferry terminal for departing the next day.
Day 7: Wellington - Nelson (~210 km – 5h30 including the ferry)
Marlborough Sounds, Red Rocks seal colony, Blenheim vineyards, Havelock
Today you'll cross from the North Island to the South Island by ferry. The crossing of the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. The crossing takes just over 3 hours, and of course you'll bring your motorhome along. Things to see during the crossing: Lookout Cook, Tory Channel and Red Rocks with its seal colony. Once you land in Picton, you can also make a detour to Blenheim for its vineyards and tasting cellars. Blenheim is the heart of Marlborough wine country, with Sauvignon Blanc as the region's speciality. Heading on to Nelson, stop in Havelock for an excellent seafood meal. Freedom camping or Tahuna Beach Holiday Park. Day 7 route: https://goo.gl/maps/L9F2pUNDd6m
Day 8: Nelson to Westport (~220 km – 3h)
Nelson Lakes, rafting, jet boating, or horse riding
The road to Westport is thoroughly charming. Halfway there, you can make a detour to Nelson Lakes National Park. Passing through Lyell, you can try your hand at gold panning — you never know! Westport is known as a coal mining town, though these days it's mainly a base for outdoor adventures. Still, it's worth visiting the local coal mining museum, then lacing up your hiking boots to go in search of the seal colony. Otherwise, you could try rafting, jet boating, or horse riding. Freedom camping or Seal Colony TOP 10 Holiday Park. Day 8 route: https://goo.gl/maps/UNFJWZ6ZadA2
Day 9: Westport - Franz Josef Glacier (~270 km – 3h40)
Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park, Greymouth, the White Heron colony
The road from Greymouth offers spectacular views over wild beaches as it follows the coastline. Punakaiki is the centrepiece of Paparoa National Park, surrounded by stunning scenery. Greymouth has a long gold mining history and is the largest town on the West Coast — stop by the local brewery. Further on, the glacier route, forests and rivers will immerse you in nature. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a rare experience. Once you arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, you can attempt a hike towards the glacier, or simply relax in the heated glacial water pools. Rainforest Holiday Park or Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park. Day 9 route: https://goo.gl/maps/xvUoikXLMTJ2
Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier - Wanaka (~290 km – 3h30)
Copland Track, Welcome Flat hot springs, Lake Paringa, Lake Moeraki, Wanaka and Hawea, the penguin colony at Monro Beach
Near the glacier, you can head to the Welcome Flat hot springs, Lake Paringa for a delicious salmon meal, Lake Moeraki, or the penguin colony at Monro Beach. On your way to Wanaka, you'll pass the famous "Bra Fence" — but the lakes Wanaka and Hawea will impress you even more! Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park. Day 10 route: https://goo.gl/maps/aCQqGUfyGrB2
Day 11: - Wanaka - Queenstown (~70 km – 1h)
The scenery, and plenty of activities in Queenstown
The shortest route to Queenstown takes you over Crown Range Road, which isn't the easiest for a motorhome, but rewards you with exceptional views for your photo album. Otherwise, take the road following the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River. In Queenstown, there's a whole range of adrenaline activities such as jet boating, horse riding and rafting. But you might also prefer quieter experiences like local cuisine, wine tasting, spa treatments, or a round of golf. Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park. Day 11 route: https://goo.gl/maps/7cdDPDDydXn
Day 12: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown (~570 km – 7h30)
Milford Sound!
Making the round trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a single day means a lot of driving, and some of the roads are quite challenging. Note that you can also do this trip by coach, or plan for 2 days to make the most of your time in Milford Sound and take a cruise there. The underwater observatory is an interesting option offered by most cruises. Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park. Day 12 route: https://goo.gl/maps/cNoqwfS7SFm
Day 13: Queenstown - Aoraki / Mount Cook
Mount Cook, Gibbston Valley, Lake Pukaki
Today, head for New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, passing through the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley and then the Lindis Valley. The road continues towards Mount Cook along the shore of Lake Pukaki, whose opaque turquoise colour comes from fine glacial rock particles suspended in the water. Freedom camping. Day 13 route: https://goo.gl/maps/EbDn5mh3atw
Day 14: Aoraki / Mount Cook - Christchurch (~335 km – 4h)
Lake Tekapo, Mount Hutt
The last day of the trip ends in Christchurch. Enjoy the historic sites and museums in the towns of Fairlie and Geraldine. The scenic climb up to Mount Hutt is followed by the natural beauty of the Rakaia River. Explore the former coal mining settlement of Glentunnel before crossing through the farms and fields of the Canterbury Plains to the rural hub of Rangiora. Day 14 route: https://goo.gl/maps/Pw3QMWWTUUL2
