The Ultimate South Island Motorhome Itinerary
Spending 8 Days Exploring the South Island
There's a moment on the drive from Tekapo to Aoraki/Mt Cook, as you wind you way around the bottom of Lake Pukaki, where you crest a peak and in the distance the Southern Alps come into focus. The formidable landscape is another reminder, on a trip of many, just how special New Zealand's South Island is. And there's no better way to see it than in the comfort of a motorhome. Being able to pull over, turn the heating on and make a cup of coffee while gazing out the window at some of the most spectacular views in the world is something everyone should get to experience once. Come with us as we explore the South Island for an 8 day road trip you'll never forget.
Why we Recommend Travelling the South Island in Winter
We know Winter isn't everyone's first choice for when to travel, but there are some serious benefits that we think makes it worthwhile:
- Fewer Crowds: With the possible exception of Queenstown, where crowds flock year-round, you're likely to encounter fewer crowds when travelling in Winter. Fewer queues, less traffic, unobstructed photo opportunities; what's not to love?
- Lower Prices: During Winter is a great time to take advantage of off-season deals, not only on your motorhome rental, but also on campgrounds and activities.
- Breathtaking Winter Landscapes: Snow-capped peaks, frost-dusted valleys, and misty lakes make for truly cinematic views, and you'll have no shortage of those!
Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Distance: 226KM | Drive duration: 3 hours | Recommended campground: Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Christchurch is the perfect place to pick up a campervan, thanks to the large number of rental options to choose from and the proximity to some truly spectacular locations. There is also Christchurch International Airport, which makes it convenient for flying in and out of.
Once you have picked up your motorhome and are ready to hit the road, we recommend Lake Tekapo as your first stop on your road, heading south via Ashburton and Rangitata on State Highway 1. Make sure you take a break in Geraldine to enjoy a visit to Barker's Foodstore & Eatery. Barker's is an iconic New Zealand brand, making jams and chutneys available throughout the country.
From Geraldine, it's about an hour to Lake Tekapo on State Highways 79 and 8. As you head down the hill during the final stretch and get your first glimpse of the lake surrounded by snow capped peaks, you'll understand why this is such a popular destination. But it won't be until night that the majesty of Lake Tekapo will truly reveal itself. You're sure to have seen pictures of the star-filled night sky with the Church of the Good Shepherd in the foreground, but nothing can beat seeing it in person. You have the option of either joining a tour offering powerful telescopes through which to enjoy the galaxy above, or simply head to a dark area and look up!
Day 2: Tekapo to Aoraki/Mt Cook
Distance: 104 km | Drive duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Recommended campground: White Horse Hill DOC Carpark
As you wake up, cosy in your campervan, with Lake Tekapo vistas welcoming you to a brand new day, you'll wonder if your trip has peaked early. Let us assure you, there are plenty more experiences to be amazed by, including your next destination; Aoraki/Mt Cook. This leisurely road trip will take you around Lake Pukaki and then north along the base of the Southern Alps. There are myriad photo opportunities as you circumnavigate the lake, so don't miss the chance to snap a few pics on your way past.
But the real prize reveals itself shortly after Glentanner Lookout, when you become enveloped by the majestic mountains, with none more awe-inspiring than Aoraki/Mt Cook in front of you. It only gets better as you head to White Horse Hill DOC Campsite, just 2.5 km from Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. From here, you can easily walk to Lake Muller Lookout and Kea Point. If you're lucky, you'll be able to time it to capture the sun rising over the mountains, illuminating the grey/blue water of Lake Muller. If you take a 10 minute drive from the campground, you can head to the Tasman Glacier View Track, a relatively easy 30 minute return walk that will give you spectacular views of the longest glacier in New Zealand.
Day 3: Aoraki to Wanaka, Via Lindis Pass
Distance: 206 km | Drive duration: 2 hours 30 minutes | Recommended campground: Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park
On day 3, it's time to head south, which means retracing some of your steps from the previous day. The good news is that you get another chance to stop and admire or photograph anything you missed on the way through. But it won't be long until you're in new territory, heading through Twizel and the plains of Glenbrook. But it's Lindis Pass that will likely give you your biggest thrill until you reach your destination. During Winter, the dramatic landscape of Lindis Pass serves as a rugged, windy highway along tussock lined roads, somewhere you definitely want to take it slow. A brief stop to roll in the snow or pelt your travelling companions with snowballs is definitely on the cards when travelling at this time of year.
However, we know you'll be keen to get your destination, as Wānaka is one of New Zealand's most famous holiday destinations. When you finally reach the lake, it'll be easy to see why. We recommend parking up on Ardmore Street and walking to the lake's edge to really take it all in. The intimidating mountains reflecting off the icy water is the perfect introduction to the town. Once you've collected yourself, you'll have plenty of options what to do next. Roys Peaks is a popular option, but isn't for the faint of heart. In winter, you'll definitely want to ensure you have the right gear to tackle the 5-6 hour climb, but we can ensure you that the journey is worth it. Alternatively, you can stay closer to the lake and find what Google Maps calls "That Wānaka tree"; a Willow Tree sitting in the water, allowing for some truly artistic photographs. Whatever option you choose, we're sure you won't soon forget what you saw in Wānaka.
Day 4: Wanaka to Queenstown
Distance: 70 km | Drive duration: 1 hour 10 minutes | Recommended campground: Driftaway Queenstown
If you're feeling a bit fatigued by all of the driving, don't worry. This is the shortest route of the trip. A quick jannt south via Cardrona, assuming you're not stopping for some skiing at the Cardrona Alpine Resort first, will have you in Queenstown in just over an hour, giving you plenty of time to relax, explore or get extreme. Almost definitely New Zealand's most popular tourist destination, you'll find the city humming with Winter sports enthusiasts, keen to take advantage of the snow. If you've brought your ski gear with you, you'll have a few options for where to head, including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Treble Cone. It will all depend on how much time you have and what kind of experience you have.
But it's not all about the snowfields, you can also get your adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump, jetboating on the Shotover River, or luging down a mountain via the Skyline Gondola. There are honestly so many options, we have a whole other blog about it. But what we can definitely recommend is booking a hot tub at Driftaway Queenstown. You'll enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu from a private hot tub, which if you've spent all day out in the elements, is the perfect way to wind down. Top it off with a burger from the world famous Ferg Burger (expect queues!) and you would have done Queenstown right.
Prefer to start your trip in Queenstown? Check out Queenstown campervan hire here.
“ There are plenty of different tours and groups you can join to take you from Queenstown to Milford Sound, but whichever one you choose, just make sure you do it. ”
Day 5: Day Trip to Milford Sound
You can leave the campervan where it is today, because now you can get someone else to drive you. There are plenty of different tours and groups you can join to take you from Queenstown to Milford Sound, but whichever one you choose, just make sure you do it. Fiordland National Park is one of the most unique places in New Zealand, where rainforests, waterfalls and towering peaks converge to bring you vistas that can only be described as epic. If you can, we think it's ideal to include a cruise on your trip, where you can get up close to the waterfalls, and if you're lucky, be able to spot dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat.
Trips vary in length, with some taking up to 13 hours, so when we say 'day trip', we mean it. Thankfully you'll be able to enjoy some incredible sites along the way, including the Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau and Mirror Lakes. Whether you fly or take a bus, you'll want to take the chance to visit Milford Sound when you're already so close.
Day 6: Queenstown to Franz Josef
Distance: 353 km | Drive duration: 5 hours | Recommended campground: Rainforest Retreat
Easily the longest drive on this itinerary, you'll be swapping Central Otago for New Zealand's wild West Cost. Going north, you'll pass through Wānaka and continue via Haast Pass alongside Mount Aspiring National Park. Snowy mountains will give way to deep green forest and views of the Tasman Sea before you wind your way up to the Rainforest Retreat near the highlight of this leg, Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier is only 5 km from Franz Joseph township, and can be reached via self-guided or guided walks, or helicopter. Either way you do it, standing on the mountain of frozen water will give you a new respect for mother nature.
If you have the time or prefer to explore different parts of Franz Joseph, there are more than a dozen walks to choose from, from easy to advanced. Always make sure you have suitable clothing and supplies before you undertake any of these walks, as the weather can change quickly. At the end of the day you can return to your powered campervan site at Rainforest Retreat to wind down and reflect back on your journey thus far.
Day 7: Franz Joseph to Arthur's Pass
Distance: 246 km | Drive duration: 4 hours | Recommended campground: Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite
You should be in no rush to get to Arthur's Pass as you leave Franz Joseph, especially once you rejoin the coastline at Ruatapu and then hit Hokitika, a small town with a lot of personality. Peruse the local shops, walk on the beach or enjoy a movie at the nearly 90 year old Regent Theatre. It's a great place to spend some time exploring or relaxing. If you are still craving more nature encounters, you can choose from one of the many scenic walks in the area, or get out on the water on a canoe or a boat tour. There are also glow-worm caves to discover near the northern entrance to Hokitika.
When you're ready to head for you final stop for the day, you'll continue north to Kumara Junction, at which point it's about an hour and fifteen minutes to Arthur's Pass Village, where you'll cross from the West Coast Region to the Canterbury Region. You won't find any powered sites here, so a campervan with a generator or dedicated battery is a must, especially in Winter when you'll want to keep the heating going. When not hunkering down, make sure you get a photo at the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall or visit the Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre to learn about the area and discover other must see locations.
Day 8: Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch
Distance: 149 km | Drive duration: 2 hours
This is it, the end of the road, so to speak. After over a week of seeing the best of what the South Island has to offer, you're ready to head back to when you started. The first part of your journey from Arthur's Pass will be mountainous and windy, but it's won't be long until the wide open plains of Canterbury open up before you, acres of farmland on either side. We're sure you won't want the trip to end, so make sure to stop for photo opportunities or to enjoy one last lunch break in your home on wheels.
Once you are back in Christchurch, you can keep the holiday feeling going, even after you've return your campervan. The Garden City, as it is known has plenty to see and day, including exploring the delicacies at the Riverside Market, shopping along Cashel Mall or High Street, and popping through the Port Hill Tunnel to the funky suburb of Lyttleton.
Looking Back at Your Journey
New Zealand's South Island is truly a unique and breathtaking place. Even though we've covered only about a third or it, the breadth of landscapes and experiences are vast. From gazing at the stars to standing on a centuries-old glacier, and watching dolphins cruise along beside your boat to watching a blockbuster at a historical art deco cinema, it'll be the kind of trip that lingers long in the memory. But what's next? Well, there always the Marlborough Region to explore, which even in Winter enjoys sunlight and glorious coastlines, as well as Invercargill and Bluff, the kinds of places where you can really test your mettle against the elements. And of course, there's always a whole other island to discover...
Planning Tips for Your Itinerary
Here at Motorhome Republic, we want your trip to be the best it can be. So here are our tips for making sure you can do it all:
- Book in advance: From campgrounds, to tours, to your campervan hire, make sure you don't leave it until the last minute to book. Some of the experiences we describe above are very popular, even in Winter, so you don't want to miss out by leaving it too late.
- Be prepared: When you're spending a lot of time outdoors in New Zealand in Winter, you want to make sure you are prepared. That means the right clothing, hiking gear, beacons or satellite phone, and even the right kind of tires on your motorhome. It's a good idea to let the rental company know your route so they can advise if you'll need snow tires. If you do, they'll happily provide them and show you ow to use them. A way to heat your motorhome is also essential, especially when power is not readily available at some campsites.
- Check driving conditions: Check the driving conditions before you set off. Some roads in Winter may be closed or require detours.
- Understand the rules and regulations: This includes your rental agreement, as well as camping regulations and rules when hiking. Some campsites won't have dumping facilities for example, so you'll need to take rubbish with you. Being a courteous camper and knowing the rules will ensure a smooth journey.
