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 y 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 Entrada de blog sobre Rotorua.
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.
2,5 h / 180 km
Day 4: Walk the Tongarriro Crossing
Descubre los paisajes alucinantes del Parque Nacional Tongariro. Lánzate a hacer el épico Tongariro Alpine Crossing, camina hasta las cascadas Taranaki o explora los otros senderos increíbles del parque. El Tongariro Alpine Crossing toma como de 7 a 8 horas y ofrece vistas impresionantes de volcanes, lagos esmeralda y paisajes únicos. Asegúrate de llevar ropa abrigada porque hace bastante viento arriba.
Consejo pro: aparca el coche al final de la ruta y toma un autobús hasta el principio, así no tendrás que esperar cuando termines (¡es obligatorio reservar!). Para relajar los músculos doloridos después de la caminata, vete a las piscinas termales de Tokaanu.
¿El senderismo no es lo tuyo? Piensa en alquilar unas bicis en Turangi y pedalea al lado del río para disfrutar de unas vistas chulis.
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
Explora los Marlborough Sounds y el Queen Charlotte Track. La mejor forma de hacerlo es pillar un taxi acuático que te lleve hasta los sounds para dejarte en el punto de salida y luego elegir un sitio de recogida para la vuelta según lo mucho que te apetezca andar. Por ahí puedes encontrar algunas recomendaciones Aquí.
Our personal recommendation is the 3h walk Resolution Bay – Furneaux Lodge.
Day 10: Picton to Kaiteriteri
Un viaje escénico precioso por los Marlborough Sounds hacia el Parque Abel Tasman. Piensa en parar en Nelson o Mapua para tomar un café o almorzar y métete una palada en kayak por la tarde. Pasa una noche en Kaiteriteri o cerca.
3,15h / 200km
Day 11: Kaiteriteri to Punakaiki
Reserva un paseo en barco hasta Split Apple Rock, relájate en la playa o sal en barco hacia el Parque Abel Tasman antes de ir hacia Punakaiki.
4h / 277km
Day 12: Punakaiki to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Explora las Pancake Rocks y el Blowhole antes de tirar hacia Franz Josef y el glaciar Fox. Para en Hokitika a echar un vistazo a todas las tiendas de artesanía. Reserva un tour en helicóptero sobre los glaciares o piénsate hacer una caminata por el glaciar.
3h / 220km
Day 13: Fox Glacier to Lake Hawea
Da una vuelta por el lago Matheson para ver el monte Cook, y luego sigue hacia el lago Hawea. Un lugar genial para pasar la noche es el camping Kidds Bush Reserve, justo al lado del lago.
3,45 h / 250 km
Day 14: Lake Hawea to Wanaka
Disfruta de las vistas preciosas de los lagos Hawea y Wanaka. Este es uno de nuestros trayectos favoritos para empaparse de tanta belleza.
Pasea por la orilla del lago en Wanaka o alquila una bici y pedalea desde el centro por la costa y el río Clutha hacia Albert Town. Quédate en Outlet Camp Wanaka o en Glendhu Bay Holiday Park.
45 min / 42 km
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.
1.5 h / 70 km
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
Cruza los vastos paisajes de la cuenca de Mackenzie y las llanuras de Canterbury hasta llegar a 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
Conduce desde Christchurch hasta Kaikoura y disfruta de las pintorescas vistas de la costa por el camino. En Kaikoura, haz un tour para ver albatros o delfines. Quédate en un camping libre a unos 20 minutos al norte de Kaikoura, justo en la playa; si tienes suerte, te despertarás con delfines nadando en la orilla.
2,5 h / 180 km
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.
2 horas / 155 km
Day 28: Akaroa to Christchurch
Date un tranquilo paseo en coche de vuelta hacia Picton y toma el ferry de regreso a Wellington por la tarde. Quédate en Wellington en el camping gratuito de Owhiro Bay, justo en la playa, o si te apetece conducir un poco más, sube a Martinborough, un pueblito encantador con un montón viñedos.
2 horas / 155 km
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!
