Day 1-3: Explore Auckland
Pick up your campervan from Nomado in Auckland and spend your first few days exploring the city and surrounding area.
Alternatively book our holiday home in Beachlands with a ferry directly into CBD. You can collect your camper straight from the holiday home on day 3.
Head up Mount Eden for panoramic views across the city, wander along the waterfront and Viaduct Harbour, visit Auckland Museum or take the ferry across to Devonport and walk up North Head.
For a full-day adventure, catch the ferry to Waiheke Island for beaches, vineyards and coastal walks, or take a trip to the wild black-sand beaches of Auckland’s west coast.
Check our 3 Day Auckland Itinerary here.
Day 4: Auckland to Tāwharanui
Head north towards Matakana. If you’re travelling on a Saturday, stop at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market; otherwise wander through the village, visit a local winery or pick up supplies for the night. Tāwharanui has no shops or cafés, so Matakana or Warkworth is the place to stock up.
Before reaching Tāwharanui, detour to Omaha for a beach walk or visit the bird sanctuary at nearby Tāwharanui. Spend the afternoon swimming, walking or exploring Anchor Bay before watching the sunset from this spectacular regional park.
Stay: Tāwharanui Regional Park Campground.
Approx. 1 hr 30 min / 90 km.
Day 5: Tāwharanui to Whangarei
Head to Goat Island for some snorkeling or glass bottom kayak adventure. Continue north through Mangawhai and Waipū. Stop at Mangawhai Heads for coffee or a beach walk, then visit Waipū Cove or the impressive Waipū Caves before continuing towards Whangārei. In Whangārei, explore the Town Basin and Hundertwasser Art Centre, or continue towards Whangārei Heads and Ocean Beach if you still have time.
Stay: Wellingtons Bay Reserve Freedom Camping or Tutukaka Holiday Park
Approx. 2 hr / 130 km, without sightseeing stops.
Day 6 & 7: Tutukaka Coast & Poor Knights Islands
Spend two days exploring the Tutukaka Coast. This stretch of Northland has gorgeous beaches, coves and coastal walks, but the real highlight is a trip out to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.
The Poor Knights Islands are renowned for diving and snorkelling, and Tutukaka is the main departure point. Book a dive, snorkelling or sightseeing trip, then leave some time to explore Matapōuri Bay, Whale Bay and the coast.
Stay: Tutukaka Holiday Park or Matapouri freedom campsite
Day 8 & 9: Bay of Islands
Drive north to Paihia and use it as your base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Take a Hole in the Rock cruise, go sailing or dolphin watching, or simply spend a day hopping between beaches and bays.
Take the passenger ferry across to Russell and wander through one of New Zealand’s oldest European settlements. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and, if you have time, kayak or walk around Haruru Falls. Paihia is an excellent base for this part of the trip.
Stay: Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park or Waitangi Holiday Park
Approx. 1 hr 30 min / 85 km from Tutukaka.
Day 10: Karikari Peninsula
Head north towards the Karikari Peninsula, stopping at Kerikeri along the way for the Stone Store and historic Kemp House. Continue past beautiful Doubtless Bay and spend the afternoon exploring beaches such as Maitai Bay and Tokerau Beach.
If you’re after classic Northland scenery, Maitai Bay is hard to beat.
Stay: Maitai Bay DOC Campsite or Tokerau Beach Freedom Camping area
Approx. 2 hr / 125 km from Paihia.
Day 11: Cape Reinga
Make an early start for Cape Reinga. Stop at the enormous Te Paki Sand Dunes and hire a sandboard before continuing to Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
Stay: Tapotupotu Bay Camping Area or Spirits Bay campsite
Approx. 1 hr 45 min / 120 km each way from Karikari Peninsula, plus stops.
Day 12: Wairere Boulders
Turn south and make your way towards Hokianga. Stop around Awanui or Kaitaia for supplies before crossing Northland to Wairere Boulders.
Take the walking trail through this unusual valley of enormous basalt boulders before settling in for the evening.
Stay: Wairere Boulders Nature Park camping area or continue towards Rawene/Opononi.
Allow approx. 3 hr / 190 km from the Cape Reinga area.
Day 13: Hokianga Harbour & Waipoua Forest
Explore the Hokianga Harbour, stopping at Opononi and Omapere for beautiful harbour views. Take the short walk to Arai Te Uru Nature Reserve before continuing south into Waipoua Forest.
Walk amongst some of New Zealand’s greatest kauri trees and visit Tāne Mahuta, the country’s largest known living kauri. Continue south towards the Kai Iwi Lakes.
Stay: Kai Iwi Lakes camping area.
Approx. 2 hr 30 min / 140 km, depending on your overnight starting point.
Day 14: Kai Iwi Lakes to Muriwai
Start the morning with a swim or paddle in the crystal-clear waters of the Kai Iwi Lakes before heading south through Dargaville and towards Auckland’s west coast. Stop for lunch along the way before reaching Muriwai. Explore the dramatic black-sand beach, walk the clifftop tracks and visit the gannet colony when the birds are in season.
Stay: Muriwai Beach Campground.
Approx. 3 hr / 200 km.
Day 15: Muriwai to Matamata
Leave Auckland’s west coast and travel south through Waikato towards Matamata.
Spend the afternoon at Hobbiton Movie Set – definitely book this in advance – then settle in for the evening surrounded by the rolling green Waikato countryside.
Your existing Waikato River Trails freedom camping options can remain, although for less backtracking I’d also suggest staying around Matamata or Cambridge.
Approx. 3 hr / 220 km.
Day 16: Waitomo
Head west to the Waitomo region and explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Choose the classic boat tour or, for something adventurous, try black-water rafting through the underground cave system.
Afterwards, head south towards Taranaki. Stop at Three Sisters near Tongapōrutu – it’s a fantastic coastal stop, especially around low tide.
Stay: New Plymouth TOP 10 or another campground around New Plymouth.
Approx. 3 hr 30 min / 250 km including the route from Matamata via Waitomo to New Plymouth.
Day 17 & 18: Taranaki
Give yourself two days here. Walk part of the Pouākai Circuit or tackle the Pouākai Tarns track for iconic views of Mount Taranaki. For an easier day, explore Egmont National Park from the North Egmont or Dawson Falls side.
Spend time in New Plymouth as well: visit the vibrant Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre, stroll or cycle the Coastal Walkway and see the famous Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Stay: New Plymouth TOP 10, Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park or a campsite closer to Egmont National Park.
Day 19 & 20: Taranaki to Wellington
This is a longer travelling section, so break up the drive. Follow the west coast south through Whanganui and stop for lunch or a walk along the riverfront. Consider an early dinner with beautiful beach views at Fisherman’s Table at Paekākāriki before heading to the Ōtaki Beach Freedom Campsite to watch the sunset. Move on to Wellington the next morning and spend the day exploring Wellington’s waterfront, Cuba Street and Te Papa Museum. Ride the Wellington Cable Car for views across the harbour and finish with dinner around Cuba Street or Courtenay Place.
Stay: Evans Bay Marina Freedom Camping or right in the city at the Barnett Street Carpark
Approx. 5 hr 30 min / 355 km total.
Day 21: Wellington to Picton
Board the Bluebridge or Interislander ferry and cross Cook Strait – one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the country. The final section through the Marlborough Sounds is particularly beautiful, so head outside as you approach Picton. Spend the afternoon exploring Picton’s waterfront and marina, or walk part of the Snout Track for views across Queen Charlotte Sound.
Stay: Picton Campervan Park or Momorangi Bay Campground
Approx. 3½ hr ferry crossing, plus check-in time.
Day 22: Picton & Marlborough Sounds
Spend the day exploring the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track. One of the best ways to experience it is to take a water taxi into the Sounds and walk one section before being collected later in the day.
Our personal favourite is the approximately three-hour walk from Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge.
Enjoy a drink or meal at Furneaux Lodge before taking the water taxi back to Picton.
Day 23 & 24: Picton to Kaiteriteri
Travel through Marlborough wine country towards Nelson. Stop at one of the region’s wineries or visit Havelock – famous for its green-lipped mussels – before continuing through Nelson to Kaiteriteri.
Use Kaiteriteri as your base for Abel Tasman National Park. Spend Day 24 taking a water taxi into the park and walking a section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, kayaking along the coast or simply exploring its golden beaches.
Stay: Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Campground.
Approx. 3 hr / 180 km.
Day 25: Kaiteriteri to Punakaiki
If you didn’t explore Abel Tasman the previous day, squeeze in an early boat trip or visit Split Apple Rock before heading south. Travel through the Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast. Stop at the Buller Gorge Swingbridge if you’re looking for a quick adventure, then continue to Punakaiki. Visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in the late afternoon or around high tide when conditions are right.
Stay: Punakaiki Beach Camp
Approx. 4 hr 30 min / 280 km.
Day 26: Punakaiki to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Start with the Pancake Rocks if you missed them yesterday, then drive south through Greymouth and Hokitika. Stop at Hokitika Gorge for its incredible turquoise water before continuing into Glacier Country. Explore Franz Josef Glacier valley or take one of the short rainforest walks. If your budget allows, a scenic helicopter flight or heli-hike provides a completely different perspective of the Southern Alps. Continue to Fox Glacier for the night.
Stay: Fox Glacier TOP 10 or one of the local campervan parks.
Approx. 4 hr / 260 km including Hokitika Gorge detour.
Day 27: Fox Glacier to Lake Hawea
Visit Lake Matheson early in the morning – on a calm day you’ll get beautiful reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Then travel south through Haast and over the Haast Pass. Stop at Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools area before reaching Lake Hāwea.
Stay: Lake Hāwea Holiday Park or Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite right on the lake.
Approx. 4 hr / 260 km, but allow 5–6 hours with stops.
Day 28: 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.
Stay: Outlet Camp Wanaka, Albert Town Campground or Glendhu Bay Holiday Park, depending on your plans for the next day
45min/ 42km
Day 29: Wanaka
Spend a full day in Wānaka. For experienced hikers with suitable conditions, Roys Peak offers spectacular views. For something easier, walk Mount Iron or explore Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain.
Alternatively, hire bikes, paddle on the lake, visit Puzzling World or simply give yourself a slower day – after almost a month on the road, this is a good place to do it.
Day 30: Wanaka to Queenstown
Drive over the spectacular Crown Range, stopping at the Cardrona Hotel and Crown Range lookout. Continue through Arrowtown and spend a couple of hours exploring its historic streets and old Chinese settlement. Continue into Queenstown. Ride the Skyline Gondola, walk the waterfront or take the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu.
Stay: Consider spending the night at Driftaway Queenstown or head towrads Glenorchy for one of the freedom campsites
1.5h / 70km
Day 31: Queenstown to Te Anau
Leave Queenstown and follow Lake Wakatipu south through some classic South Island scenery. Stop at Kingston or around the lake before continuing through farmland to Te Anau. Spend the afternoon walking along Lake Te Anau or visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Stay: Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park or Tasman Holiday Parks Te Anau.
Approx. 2 hr 45 min / 170 km. RealNZ gives the Queenstown–Te Anau route as about 170 km.
Day 32 & 33: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Allow two days for Fiordland rather than rushing it.
For Milford Sound, drive the spectacular Milford Road and stop at places such as Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes and The Chasm area before taking a cruise beneath the towering peaks and waterfalls of Milford Sound. Alternatively, take a Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise from Manapouri. Doubtful Sound is harder to reach and generally a longer experience, but it feels much more remote. If budget allows, an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise would be an incredible addition to an eight-week trip.
Te Anau to Milford Sound is about 121 km / 2½ hours each way without sightseeing stops, so allow virtually the entire day.
Day 34 - 36: Te Anau to Dunedin via Catlins
Rather than driving directly to Dunedin, spend a couple of days exploring the Catlins. Travel via the south coast and stop at places such as Waipapa Point, Curio Bay, Cathedral Caves when tides allow, McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls and Nugget Point. Keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, penguins and dolphins.
Stay: The Catlins have some excellent scenic camping areas
4.5h / 330km Total
Day 37: Dunedin to Lake Benmore
Before leaving Dunedin, explore the Otago Peninsula. Keep your existing suggestions of the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, Larnach Castle and the coastal wildlife tours.
Then head north, stopping at Moeraki Boulders before turning inland through the Waitaki Valley. Stop around Oamaru if time allows before continuing past the hydro lakes towards Lake Benmore.
Stay: Ahuriri Bridge Campsite near Omarama or continue to Lake Aviemore for a beautiful lakeside night.
Approx. 4 hr / 300 km, excluding the Otago Peninsula sightseeing.
Day 38: 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: the Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking freedom camping spot.
Approx. 1½–2 hr / 100 km actual driving, plus the Clay Cliffs detour and sightseeing.
Day 39: 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: White Horse Hill campsite in Mount Cook Village.
45min / 60km
Day 40: 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 Brighton Beach or Sumner beach.
Stay: Brighton Beach Motor Camp
4.5h / 350km
Day 41: Akaroa
In the morning explore Akaroa, a charming harbour village on the Banks Peninsula with a unique French heritage. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through the hills with beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour – stop at the Hilltop Lookout on the way down for one of the best views. Wander along Akaroa’s waterfront, explore the little shops and cafés, or take a harbour cruise to spot the rare Hector’s dolphins, seals and other marine wildlife. If you have time, walk part of the Banks Track or visit the nearby Ōnawe Peninsula. In the afternoon drive waters.
Stay: Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park or Akaroa Freedom campsite
1.5h / 90km
Day 42: 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: 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 43: Kaikoura to Wellington
Take a leisurely drive back towards Picton and take the ferry back to Wellington in the afternoon.
Stay: either 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
Day 44: Wellington to National Park
Leave Wellington and head north towards Tongariro National Park. Break up the drive with a walk at the Whitecliffs Boulders. If time allows, stop in Ohakune and walk to the colourful carrot playground or take the short drive to Mangawhero Falls. Continue to National Park Village and get organised for tomorrow’s Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Stay: Mangahuia Campsite or a campground in National Park Village and be prepared for an early start the next morning.
4.5h / 325km
Day 45: 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.
Stay: Stay another night around National Park or Tūrangi.
Day 46: National Park to Taupo
After a big day of hiking, enjoy an easy drive north to Lake Taupō. Stop at Tūrangi for coffee before following the eastern side of the lake towards Taupō.
Visit the powerful Huka Falls and take a short walk along the Waikato River. For something more adventurous, book a jet boat ride or take a cruise or kayak trip to see the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Finish the afternoon with a soak at DeBretts Hot Springs (or stay at the Taupo Holiday Resort instead)
Stay: Freedom camp at the Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve or splurge on the Taupo Holiday Resort with pool & swim up bar
Approx. 1 hr 15 min / 100 km from National Park
Day 47: Taupo to Napier
Napier is renowned for its Art Deco architecture that transports you back in time. Explore the city’s streets and consider joining a guided Art Deco tour to delve deeper into the history and stories behind these iconic structures. If you can time it right, then the Annual Art Deco Festival in Napier is the event of the year. A trip to Napier wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the region’s renowned wineries. Consider scheduling a wine tour to explore multiple vineyards and sample a variety of exceptional wines. Check out more tips on Napier in our Napier Blog Post.
Stay: Beach Domain Freedom Camping
2h / 150km from Taupo
Day 48: Napier to Gisborne
Follow the Pacific Coast north towards Gisborne, stopping along the way at Lake Tūtira for a short walk or picnic. Continue through the rolling hills and valleys of northern Hawke’s Bay before reaching the relaxed coastal city of Gisborne.
Spend the afternoon exploring Gisborne’s waterfront, visit one of the region’s wineries or head to Wainui Beach for a swim or sunset walk. Gisborne is also one of the first cities in the world to see the sunrise, so an early start tomorrow is well worth it.
Stay: Tatapouri Bay, just north of Gisborne
Approx. 3 hrs / 215 km
Day 49-51: East Cape
Take your time exploring one of New Zealand’s most remote and culturally rich road trips as you follow State Highway 35 around the East Cape. This is not a route to rush – allow three days to enjoy the small coastal communities, beaches and spectacular scenery.
From Gisborne, travel north through Tolaga Bay and walk along the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf before continuing towards Tokomaru Bay. Stop at Te Puia Springs and explore some of the beautiful beaches and bays scattered along the coast.
Continue towards Te Araroa and, if conditions and access allow, visit the East Cape Lighthouse. From here, follow the coastline through Te Kaha and Ōpōtiki, stopping wherever something catches your eye. This part of New Zealand is less about ticking off attractions and more about slowing down and enjoying the journey.
There are several holiday parks and basic camping options along the East Cape. Consider staying around Tolaga Bay or Tokomaru Bay for the first night and Te Araroa or Te Kaha for the second.
Approx. 334 km total – allow 3 days
Important: State Highway 35 is remote, winding and can be affected by slips and weather-related closures. Fill up with fuel whenever you have the opportunity and check current NZTA road conditions before travelling.
Day 52: Bay of Plenty
Continue from Ōpōtiki along the Bay of Plenty coastline. Stop at Ōhope Beach for a swim or walk before continuing towards Whakatāne. If you enjoy wildlife, Whakatāne is also a great base for marine and nature experiences.
Continue towards Mount Maunganui and spend the following day enjoying one of the Bay of Plenty’s most popular beach towns. Walk around the base of Mauao or climb to the summit for fantastic views across Tauranga and the coastline, then relax on the long sandy beach below.
Stay: one of the holiday parks around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa freedom camping, ideally close enough to walk to the beach.
Approx. 2 hrs / 140 km from Ōpōtiki to Mount Maunganui
Day 53 & 54: Rotorua
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. In the afternoon, go for a walk through the Redwood Forest. Finish off with a hot tubs experience at the Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua. The next morning, hire some bikes for a bike ride or mountainbiking adventure in the Redwood Forest. In the afternoon, head over to the Blue Lake or Lake Tarawera. Also check out more tips on Rotorua in our Rotorua Blog Post.
Stay: Waipa Forest Camp
Day 55: Rotorua to Waihi Beach
Drive from Rotorua to Waihi Beach, a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the local cafes and shops.
Stay: Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, offering beachfront camping facilities.
2h/ 115km
Day 56: Waihi Beach to Whangamata
Leave Rotorua and head north towards the beautiful beach town of Whangamatā. On the way, consider stopping at Karangahake Gorge to explore the historic gold-mining trails, old railway tunnels and bridges along the river – the Windows Walk is a great short option if you don’t want a long hike. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the long sandy beach of Whangamatā, exploring the little town or hiring a kayak and paddling out to Whenuakura (Donut) Island, famous for its hidden turquoise lagoon.
Stay: one of the local holiday parks or the freedom camping spot on the beach
2 hrs / 140 km
Day 57-59: Coromandel
The Coromandel is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a few relaxing days by the beach before your New Zealand road trip comes to an end. Spend your final days swimming, exploring hidden bays, visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach or just enjoy long beach walks.
Stay: Matarangi Freedom Camping, right on the beach.
3h/180km from Whangamatā to Thames via Matarangi
Day 60: Coromandel to Auckland
Make your way back towards Auckland to drop off your campervan. If you have time, take the slower router via Miranda Springs and Kawakawa Bay. Make sure you plan enough time to clean the camper and fill everything up.
1.5h / 100km
After two months on the road, you’ll have experienced an incredible cross-section of what makes New Zealand so special – from remote beaches and subtropical forests in the Far North to glaciers, alpine lakes and towering mountains in the South Island, with plenty of unforgettable places in between.
This itinerary is designed as a guide rather than a schedule you need to follow exactly. Take your time, follow the weather, stay an extra night when you find somewhere you love and don’t worry if you don’t tick off every stop. Some of the best campervan memories come from the unexpected places you discover along the way.
Whether you’ve hiked across volcanic landscapes, cruised through the fiords, spotted dolphins and seals, soaked in hot pools, discovered tiny coastal towns or simply enjoyed your morning coffee beside a beautiful lake, we hope this road trip leaves you with plenty of stories to take home.
And after eight weeks exploring Aotearoa, there’s only one problem: you might not be ready to give the campervan back.
Ready to start your own New Zealand adventure? Find your perfect campervan with Nomado and start planning the road trip of a lifetime.
