Day 1
Queenstown – Wanaka (69 miles)
Begin your trip by heading to THL Queenstown to pick up your pre-booked motorhome.
First up is a 1 and a half four drive to Wanaka, where you’ll see the Wanaka Tree, have time to enjoy the local eateries, and visit the National Transport Museum.
Suggested Overnight: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 2
Wanaka – Cromwell (33 miles)
Retrace your route along State Highway 6 to Cromwell. Don't miss the Light Up Winter event if you’re here in early August, featuring street food, entertainment, and lanterns. Explore gold rush history, enjoy summer fruit stalls, and visit Carrick Winery for certified organic wines and tours.
Suggested Overnight: Bannockburn Domain Camping Ground
Day 3
Cromwell – Te Anau (135 miles)
On day three of your South Island journey, reach Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Relax and reconnect with nature in this scenic town. Consider a Milford Sound cruise or explore Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the Bird Sanctuary for an enriching experience.
Suggested Overnight: Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels
Day 4
Te Anau – Invercargill (101 miles)
Today, explore Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost and westernmost city, with plenty for campervan enthusiasts. Begin at Classic Motorcycle Mecca, then visit Bill Richardson Transport World for rare vehicles. Don't miss Queens Park's beautiful gardens and sculptures.
Suggested Overnight: Central City Camping Park
Day 5
Invercargill – Kaka Point (90 miles)
Kaka Point, a charming seaside village, offers excellent wildlife viewing. Visit the iconic Nugget Point lighthouse, a short 20-minute walk to view 'the Nuggets' and observe fur seals, penguins, and sea birds with binoculars.
Suggested Overnight: Kaka Point Camping Ground
Day 6
Kaka Point - Moeraki (109 miles)
Moeraki, a quaint fishing village, is renowned for its captivating Moeraki Boulders—massive spherical rocks weighing several tons. Explore Trotters Gorge tracks for more natural beauty and savour a meal at Rick Stein-recommended waterfront restaurant, Fleurs Place.
Suggested Overnight: Moeraki Village Holiday Park
Day 7
Moeraki – Akaroa (210 miles)
Rise early for the next journey to the historic French village of Akaroa, teeming with fantastic activities and attractions. Don't miss The Giants House, a Garden of International Significance with mesmerising mosaic artworks and sculptures amidst lush gardens by artist Josie Martin.
Suggested Overnight: Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 8
Akaroa – Kaikoura (164 miles)
On this leg of your South Island road trip, reach Kaikoura, renowned for its remarkable wildlife and delicious seafood. Join a whale-watching tour to witness humpbacks, sperm whales, blue whales, and more in New Zealand's deepest marine reserve.
Suggested Overnight: Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 9
Kaikoura
Enjoy a leisurely morning and skip the drive to explore Kaikoura further. Begin with breakfast at Café Encounter, then seize the opportunity to book a Dolphin Encounter, a bucket list experience where you can see dolphin encounters in their natural habitat from your boat.
Suggested Overnight: Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 10
Kaikoura – Westport (204 miles)
Refreshed and prepared for another long drive? Today, traverse the South Island from one coast to the other en route to Westport. For surf enthusiasts, Carters Beach and North Beach offer options for all levels. Delve into Westport's history at the Coaltown Museum.
Suggested Overnight: Carters Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 11
Westport – Karamea (59 miles)
Karamea, the gateway to Kahurangi National Park, boasts caves, bush walks, and a stunning coastline. Explore the Heaphy Track through tussock downs, lush forests, and nikau palms to the West Coast. Don't miss the Oparara Arch, Australasia's largest limestone arch, accessible via a 2 km forest track.
Suggested Overnight: Kohaihai Campsite
Day 12
Karamea – Hokitika (145 miles)
Today, journey south to Hokitika for treetop walks, greenstone hunting, and breathtaking sunsets. After arrival, unwind with the Hokitika Gorge Walk's 2 km loop through lush forest. For adventure, explore the Hokitika Treetop Walk, 20 meters above West Coast rainforest canopy. Conclude your day at Hokitika Beach, searching for greenstone and savouring fish and chips at sunset.
Suggested Overnight: Hokitika Holiday Park
Day 13
Hokitika – Franz Josef Glacier (86 miles)
Today, prepare for an icy adventure! Explore the stunning Franz Josef Glacier, only 6 km from the village centre. Afterward, thaw out in the Waiho Hot Tubs, nestled in a lush rainforest setting. Pure bliss.
Suggested Overnight: Franz Josef TOP 10
Day 14
Franz Josef Glacier – Fox Glacier (16 miles)
Explore Fox Glacier, a premier South Island attraction, as it flows from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest, akin to Franz Josef. Elevate your glacier experience with scenic flights or ice-hiking. At night, experience the magical Minnehaha Walk with sparkling glow worm grottos along the track. Allow 30 minutes and bring a torch.
Suggested Overnight: Fox Glacier TOP 10
Day 15
Fox Glacier – Lake Hawea (162 miles)
Drive south on State Highway 6 through Boundary Creek, savouring stunning South Island landscapes. Stop at The Neck for Lake Hawea and Wanaka photos, walk near Lake Hawea, and enjoy treats at Hawea Store and Kitchen.
Suggested Overnight: The Camp
Day 16
Lake Hawea – Wanaka (10 miles)
Returning to Wanaka today is a short 15-minute drive, allowing you to relax, sleep in, and leisurely enjoy breakfast. Spend your day exploring Wanaka, its town, and surrounding countryside with various enjoyable tracks and trails, such as the scenic Outlet Track.
Suggested Overnight: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 17
Wanaka – Queenstown (42 miles)
Your South Island winter road trip concludes today as you head to Queenstown, just an hour away. Take it easy, grab coffee and breakfast to relax by the lake before returning your campervan to maui's Queenstown branch.
