Day 1: Auckland to Hobbiton
Leave Auckland behind and head south through the rolling green countryside of the Waikato. Your destination is the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll step into the magical world of Middle-earth and wander among the charming Hobbit holes featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After your guided tour, spend the night in nearby Matamata or continue to a local holiday park, ready for tomorrow’s short drive to Rotorua.
2.5h / 165km
Day 2: Matamata to Rotorua
After a Hobbiton Tour or after exploring the Waitomo Caves head to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal wonders and Maori culture. Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland or experience traditional Maori culture at Te Puia. Also check out more tips on Rotorua in our Rotorua Blog Post.
1h / 75km
Day 3: Rotorua to Tongarriro
Travel south through the volcanic heart of the North Island towards Tongariro National Park. Along the way you’ll pass forests, lakes and expansive volcanic landscapes before arriving beneath the towering peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. Spend the afternoon preparing for tomorrow’s famous hike or simply enjoy one of the many shorter walks around Whakapapa Village.
2.5h / 180km
Day 4: Walk the Tongarriro Crossing
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Embark on the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hike to Taranaki Falls, or explore the park’s other stunning trails. The Tongarriro Alpine Crossing takes about 7 to 8 hours and offers stunning views of volcanoes, emerald lakes, and unique landscapes. Make sure to bring warm clothes as it is quite windy at the top.
Pro Tip: park the car at the end of the track and take a shuttle to the start of the track, so you don’t have to wait around once you are done (Booking essential!). To relax your sore muscles after the hike, head over to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools.
Hiking not your thing? Consider renting some bikes in Turangi and cycle along the river for beautiful views.
Day 5: Tongarriro to Taranaki
Head west across the central North Island towards Taranaki (formerly Egmont National Park), home to the perfectly symmetrical cone of Mount Taranaki. Frequently compared to Japan’s Mount Fuji, the mountain dominates the landscape and offers beautiful rainforest walks, waterfalls and stunning viewpoints. Finish your day in the coastal city of New Plymouth.
4h / 300km
Day 6: Explore Taranaki
Spend a full day discovering the Taranaki region. Walk sections of the award-winning Coastal Walkway, visit Pukekura Park, explore the striking Len Lye Centre or head into Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, formerly known as Egmont National Park, for one of the many scenic hikes through native rainforest. If the weather is clear, the mountain provides a spectacular backdrop from almost anywhere in the region.
Day 7: Taranaki to Wellington
Today’s scenic drive follows the rugged west coast before reaching New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Spend a few hours in Whanganui, a quirky little town and consider a stop at the Fishermans Table Restaurant in Paekakariki with gorgeous views over the cost.
Wellington offers a lively waterfront, excellent restaurants, boutique shopping and the outstanding Te Papa Museum. Spend the evening exploring Cuba Street or enjoying the city’s famous café culture.
5.5h / 355km
Day 8: Wellington to Picton
Board the Interislander Ferry for one of the world’s most scenic ferry crossings. Cruise across Cook Strait before winding through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds as you arrive in Picton. Spend the afternoon strolling the marina or relaxing with a waterfront meal and book in a trip to the Queen Charlotte Sounds for the next day.
3.5h on the ferry
Day 9: Picton & Marlborough Sounds
Explore the Marlborough Sounds/Queen Charlotte Track. The best way to do that is taking a water taxi out into the sounds to drop you off at the starting point and then choose a return pickup location depending on how much you want to walk. You can find some recommendations HERE.
Our personal recommendation is the 3h walk Resolution Bay – Furneaux Lodge.
Day 10: Picton to Kaiteriteri
A beautiful scenic drive through the Marlborough Sounds towards the Abel Tasman Park. Consider stopping in Nelson or Mapua for a coffee or lunch and fit in a kayak paddle in the afternoon. Spend a night in Kaiteriteri or close by.
3.15h / 200km
Day 11: Kaiteriteri to Punakaiki
Book a boat cruise out to the Split Apple Rock, hang out at the beach or take a boat out into the Abel Tasman Park before heading towards Punakaiki.
4h / 277km
Day 12: Punakaiki to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Explore the Pancake rocks & Blowhole before making your way towards Franz Josef & Fox Glacier. Stop in Hokitika for a wander at all the crafty stores. Book in a helicopter tour over the glaciers or consider a glacier walk.
3h / 220km
Day 13: Fox Glacier to Lake Hawea
Wander around Lake Matheson to get a view over to Mount Cook, before moving on towards Lake Hawea. A great place to spend the night is the Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite right on the lake.
3.45h / 250km
Day 14: Lake Hawea to Wanaka
Just take in the beautiful views over Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. This is one of our favourites drives to just soak up the beauty.
Wander along the waterfront in Wanaka or consider renting a bike and cycle from the city center along the water front and the Clutha River towards Albert Town. Consider staying at Outlet Camp Wanaka or Glendhu Bay Holiday Park.
45min/ 42km
Day 15: Wanaka
Wanaka offers one of the most beautiful day walks. Depending on your fitness level, consider the famous Roys Peak with stunning views, or for an easier option, explore Diamond Lake and the Rocky Mountains that also offer amazing lake views. Stay at the Albert town campground right next to the Clutha River.
Day 16: Wanaka to Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown via Cardrona, stop for a stroll in beautiful Arrowtown. Consider taking the gondola up to Bob’s Peak for stunning views over Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu. Stay at one of the few freedom campsites or spend the night at Driftaway Queenstown.
1.5h / 70km
Day 17: Queenstown to Te Anau
Leave Queenstown behind and travel through rolling farmland towards the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Te Anau sits on the shores of New Zealand’s second-largest lake and provides a peaceful base before tomorrow’s unforgettable journey to Milford Sound.
2h/170km
Day 18: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Take one of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenic drives through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Cruise beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and rainforest-covered mountains while keeping an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Alternatively, choose the more remote and less-visited Doubtful Sound for an equally unforgettable wilderness experience.
4.5h / 330km or book a tour
Day 19-21: Te Anau Dunedin via Catlins
Rather than driving directly, take your time exploring the spectacular Catlins. Discover hidden waterfalls, windswept beaches, native forests, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins and dramatic coastal scenery before arriving in the historic city of Dunedin. This slower pace allows you to experience one of New Zealand’s most underrated regions. The Catlins have many scenic freedom camping opportunities.
4.5h / 330km
Day 22: Dunedin to Lake Benmore
Before leaving Dunedin, make time to explore the spectacular Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s premier wildlife destinations. Visit the famous Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world, where you can watch these magnificent birds soaring effortlessly above the dramatic coastal cliffs. If time allows, take a guided tour of nearby Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, renowned for its beautifully restored interiors, stunning gardens and panoramic views over Otago Harbour.
After a morning of wildlife and history, begin your drive inland through the rolling landscapes of Otago towards the Mackenzie Country. The scenery gradually transforms from rugged coastline to wide open valleys, golden tussock grasslands and turquoise lakes. Arrive at peaceful Lake Benmore in the afternoon, where you can relax beside one of New Zealand’s largest man-made lakes and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by spectacular South Island scenery. Stay at the Aviemore campsite right on the lake.
3.5h / 260km
Day 23: Lake Benmore to Lake Pukaki via Clay Cliffs
Visit the remarkable Clay Cliffs near Omarama before continuing towards the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to one of New Zealand’s most iconic views as Aoraki/Mount Cook rises above the lake in the distance. Stay at the Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking freedom camping spot.
3h / 200km
Day 24: Mount Cook
Spend the day exploring New Zealand’s highest mountain. Walk the famous Hooker Valley Track, climb up the Sealy Tarns track, visit the Tasman Glacier or simply admire the breathtaking alpine scenery that surrounds Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Stay at the White Horse Hill campsite in Mount Cook Village.
Day 25: Mount Cook to Christchurch
Make your way across the wide-open landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. For the best views in Christchurch, take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. Enjoy the sunset at the Sumner beach.
4h / 330km
Day 26: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura, enjoying the picturesque coastal views along the way. In Kaikoura, embark on an albatross tour or dophing watching tour. Stay at a freedom campsite about 20minutes north of Kaikoura on the beach – if you are lucky, you’ll wake up with dophins swimming on the beach.
2.5h / 180km
Day 27: Kaikoura to Akaroa
Journey south through Christchurch before crossing Banks Peninsula to the charming French-inspired village of Akaroa. Surrounded by an ancient volcanic harbour, Akaroa is famous for its colourful streets, boutique shops, excellent cafés and opportunities to swim with the world’s smallest dolphins.
2h / 155km
Day 28: Akaroa to Christchurch
Take a leisurely drive back towards Picton and take the ferry back to Wellington in the afternoon. Stay either in Wellington at the Owhiro Bay Freedom Campground right on the beach or if you feel like driving a bit further, go up to Martinborough, a cute little town with lots of vineyards.
2h / 155km
This 28 day itinerary showcases our recommended highlights of the New Zealand’s North and South Island. Feel free to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and add additional stops along the way. Enjoy the freedom of campervan travel and create unforgettable memories and don’t forget to tag #nomado_nz on your New Zealand Campervan adventure!
