Welcome to New Zealand! One of the most beautiful countries to experience! Full of magnificent lakes, beaches, waterfalls, rock formations, sharp peaks, glaciers and so much more. New Zealand has to offer absolutely everything for nature seekers.

New Zealand, otherwise known as Aotearoa is an island country with over 700 islands, the two main ones being the North Island and the South Island, and it is known for the beautiful Maori culture. The first settlers were Polynesians who developed a distinctive Maori culture. Currently, however, they are a minority, since most of people nowadays living in New Zealand are of European descent.

We spent a whole month in New Zealand and discovered the most beautiful places with our campervan. In this article we will cover the best places on the South Island. Make sure you also discover the best places on the North Island of New Zealand.

Before coming to New Zealand we didn’t know much about it, although soon enough we realised that Aotearoa is one of a kind, beautiful and interesting country. Famous for its amazing nature and Maori culture often can leave you speechless.

The unique landscape of New Zealand has been used as a film set for various Hollywood productions, including the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ movies.

Isn’t this convincing enough?

We were fortunate enough to visit both main islands – South Island and North Island of New Zealand. Our initial plan was to travel around for a month, but we quickly realised that we will not be able to see everything on our list within this time period.

We could go on for at least a few more paragraphs about how special New Zealand is, but it’s time for you to experience how amazing this country is and why it holds a special place in our hearts.

#1 Christchurch

This amazing and cute city is the largest city on South Island, and second largest in New Zealand (the largest city is Auckland). Though despite its size, Christchurch seems to be a charming little town. In many places it resembles an English town, thanks to its low-rise colonial buildings.

While in Christchurch, be sure to take a ride on the famous tram, which offers City Tours. Ticket prices start at around $20, depending on whether you buy them online or in-store.

Don’t forget to go to the beautiful Art Gallery, and drop in for a snack at Riverside Market, where in near distance you can admire the tranquil Avon River and the Bridge of Remembrance. Those places are incredibly lively, especially on weekends, and loved by locals and tourists alike.

A short distance away from the attractions mentioned before you can visit Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral building. Yes – this cathedral is made of cardboard tubes and metal, as a replacement for the church destroyed by the 2011 earthquake.

After that head to the next stop – the New Regent Street, full of cute and colorful buildings, where through the middle of the street passes the above-mentioned tram. You will find numerous restaurants and cafes here, with delicious food and drinks.

While on the New Regent Street, drop by Isaac Theatre Royal. If there is no play that suits your taste, at least feast your eyes on this magnificent building.

For nature lovers, Christchurch Botanic Gardens will be an ideal place for a walk in the early afternoon.

If you love street art, Christchurch will not disappoint you, as the entire city is like one big street art gallery and at every turn you can observe huge murals that are beautifully painted in vibrant colors. Many of them showcase local flora and fauna. Admiring them is one of the best and free attractions in Christchurch.

#2 Oamaru – Blue Pinguin Colony

This magnificent attraction is one of its kind. Admire the Blue Pinguin Colony return from an all-day hunt in the ocean to their resting place. The penguins return to the land every evening (similar to the penguins on Philip Island in Australia), but the time can vary a bit depending on the season.

Special stands have been built on the spot, which allow every visitor to see the parade from their seat. It is important to dress thickly for such a parade, as evenings can be chilly. Tickets cost $27 (NZD 43) per person and can be purchased at the entrance, however it’s best to book tickets online due to the number of visitors.

Travel time: 3h 10min

Remember to stay until the end, when the penguins cross the beach and go to the main-built huts on the grassy area. That’s when they are very close to visitors, and that’s when they start their penguin “singing”. Watching these adorable animals is a wonderful experience that you are sure to remember for a lifetime.

I you do not manage to arrange everything in time to stay until the evening parade, because of your busy schedule during New Zealand Road trip, lounging sea lions on the cliffs and beautiful views of the cliffs can be quite a nice compensation.

#3 Moeraki Boulders Beach

Beaches in New Zealand are different from the beaches you probably had the opportunity to see in various corners of the world. Those here are more wild, large and very often empty. Probably some influence on this has also the time of the year when you are visiting New Zealand, but certainly you will not see crowds of tourists here. Unless at Meoraki Boulders Beach which can get quite busy even during winter months.

On Meoraki Boulders Beach you will see an interesting phenomenon, which are some large stones resembling dinosaur eggs. Some are just cracked, while the others are completely split in half. This makes them look even more as if something has just hatched from them. Definitely something unprecedented that you won’t see everywhere.

Travel time: 35min

#4 Shag Point Lookout

This wonderful lookout is not only a place full of beautiful views, but also a place where you will see sea lions in their natural habitat. These charming mammals love to lay on the cliffs and bask in the sun or swim in cold water of the ocean.

Getting to the viewpoint is very easy and takes only 5 minutes walk from the parking space. Nevertheless, it’s empty and inches away for you. Wonderful views guaranteed.

Travel time: 15min

#5 Baldwin Street – World Steepest Street

Dunedin is the second largest city on the South Island. In addition to the impressive Railway Station, it is also known for its incredibly steep Baldwin Street, which is also the steepest street in the world. And you have to admit, standing at the bottom of the street looks…

steep!

Cars approaching it have to shift into lowest gear to manage to drive up. Despite its steepness, there are many inhabited buildings along the street. As well as some daredevils who climb to the top of Baldwin Street on their own feet.

Travel time: 50min

#6 Taiaroa Head – Royal Albatros Centre

It takes a while and a full tank to get to Taiaroa Head, as the road leading to The Albatros Centre is not one of the shortest. However, the views that accompany the journey along Portobello Road and the Harington Point Road are magnificent.

Taiaroa Head is located at the very end of the Otago Peninsula overlooking the mouth of Otago Harbor. The views from here are unforgettable. However, to make the trip even more special, take a round at The Royal Albatros Center to admire these magnificent creatures and learn a little more about them.

You can buy tickets on the spot. Entrances to the Royal Albatros Centre are made in groups at least several times a day. Enjoying the views and surrounding cliffs however is for free.

Travel time: 45min

#7 Tunnel Beach

A beautiful beach surrounded by the amazing cliffs – Tunnel Beach, is a great place for a short trek. To get to it, you have to walk down a steep path. However, the road is full of great views of the ocean, cliffs, and the beach.

The last meters are leading through a tunnel, hence the name “Tunnel Beach”. The beach itself is tiny, but it’s the huge surrounding cliffs that make it special. This is a truly amazing and beautiful place with breathtaking views.

Standing on this beach, surrounded by the cliffs, you can feel like you are in another world. If you are lucky enough, you will also encounter a lazy sea lion, chilling on the rocks and not minding the presence of the visitors.

Travel time:45min

#8 Ocean View Beach

This long and huge beach is practically empty – especially in the early morning hours. It is a magnificent spot for a morning jog or walk. The sand here is white and incredibly soft. Aside from a few morning walkers with their dogs, you can be sure that you will be able to enjoy this place in solitude.

There is a small parking lot for campervans, where you can park and spend the night. Admittedly, there are no showers on site, and there are only two toilets. But for sure these beautiful natural circumstances are able to compensate for any inconvenience.

Travel time: 10min

#9 Nugget Point Lighthouse

The most beautifully located lighthouse in all of New Zealand? It is definitely the Nugget Point Lighthouse.

The road to the lighthouse itself is full of amazing views of the cliffs, and the green vegetation on the rocks, inhabited by all kinds of birds. The viewpoints located on the cliffs can make your legs feel like cotton wool as soon as you look out over the railing. The views are scary but magnificent at the same time.

Travel time: 1h 20min

The road to the lighthouse is only a few minutes’ walk, and you can see it from various spots along the way. After walking a short distance, you’ll spot a small hill with the lighthouse on top and stunning cliffs that take your breath away. Behind the lighthouse there is another surprise, scattered in the sea glazes – small islands which in their appearance really resemble nuggets.

The wonderful location makes it a unique place and it would be hard to find a more beautifully situated lighthouse.

#10 Florence Hill Lookout

As you approach the next point on the South Island map, stop for a while at the Florence Hill Lookout. A small lookout point providing great views of the huge beach in the distance, and the surrounding nature.

Travel time: 45min

#11 Mc Lean Falls

Beautifully located in the magnificent rainforest, Mc Lean Falls is a great place for a short walk during which you can admire not only the beautiful waterfalls, but also huge ferns and tall green trees. In some places there are small bridges, which allow you to cross the lovely streams. It’s the surrounding nature that plays the first fiddle here.

Travel time: 15min

#12 Slope Point

Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island in New Zealand, is another place worth visiting. Apart from the info sign and solar powered lighthouse, you can also expect spectacular cliffs and views of the endless sea.

It is worth mentioning that to get to Slope Point from the parking lot, there is a trail through private fields that takes about 20 minutes walk. During the walk you will see wind-blown trees, tall grass that looks a bit like Troll’s hair, and sheep, as this area is used for sheep farming.

There is no public access to the Slope Point during the lambing season (September – November).

Travel time: 50min

#13 Manapouri Lake

Beautifully located Manapouri Lake is a wonderful destination in itself, but this time something else deserves attention, namely the amazingly located Motor Inn, with cute cottages for rent. This is the most charming place to stay for the night on your way to the Milford Sound.

The owner of this facility is very nice, which also makes the stay here special. After all these adventures, it is worth staying here at least for one night to feel the charm of this place.

Travel time: 2h 40min

The cottages have different standards, but mostly they are one-room buildings, with shared kitchen and bathrooms. For larger groups, however houses with several bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen area are available.

For us, the cottages reminded us of childhood vacations and were a great place to stay after several nights in the car. On site, the owner is happy to tell you about the attractions of the region, and will be eager to rent you kayaks to sail on the Lake Manapouri.

#14 Mirror Lakes

Another quite popular attraction of this region are the magnificent Mirror Lakes, where on their calm surface you can see the reflection of the surrounding white peaks.

Walking along the broadwalk, you can enjoy the views of the nature; lake, mountains, trees and other greenery, as well as beautiful birds living in this area.

Travel time: 1h

#15 Lake Gunn

Lake Gunn, is a wonderful and peaceful place that provides unforgettable views. You won’t encounter many tourists here, rather locals peacefully fishing, and white peaks in the distance. Be sure to take a short walk on the Lake Gunn Nature Walk, leading through a wonderfully green forest. The route only takes about 20 minutes, and the most beautiful views of the lake are at the Lake Gunn Outlet.

The lake, the white peaks in the distance and the surrounding magnificent vegetation is something wonderful and unforgettable.

Travel time: 15min

#16 Milford Sound

One of the must-visit places on South Island is definitely Milford Sound – a magnificent fjord in New Zealand.

Just getting to the fjord guarantees unforgettable views, such that stops along the way will be a must during your tour. You will see not only the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, amazing greenery, white peaks, but also sheeps and wonderful birds (but about that in a moment).

Milford Sound is a fjord full of waterfalls, rainforests, mountain peaks, as well as home to dolphins, fur sea lions and penguins, the last two of which you are sure to see during a boat cruise in the middle of the fjord. And if you’re lucky, maybe there will be dolphins as well.

Travel time: 45min

The biggest attraction here is of course the catamaran cruise, which should definitely be on your list of “things to do in New Zealand”. The catamaran will take you through the entire length of the fjord, all the way to the Tasman Sea and back.

During this cruise you will see many waterfalls, but the most popular is Bowen Falls, and Stirling Falls, it is said that once the falling water gets you wet, you will stay forever young. The catamaran crew will be happy to show and name the cascading waterfalls, as well as the surrounding flora and fauna.

– Milford Sound catamaran cruise

You can choose from a cruise of a few hours, or an overnight cruise with an overnight stay on it.. Ships depart from the port every few hours.

Remember to be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your scheduled cruise time to check in.

– Route to Milford Sound

Starting in the early morning hours from Manapouri, you should allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Milford Sound, not including stops along the way to admire the magnificent landscape.

The road is quite rocky, so you should definitely take your foot off the gas pedal. In the winter months it can also be icy and therefore closed, so be sure to check before you travel.

– Parking at Milford Sound

Right next to the terminal there is a paid parking lot, however, its price is quite high at $ 6 USD per hour, which can be quite expensive for a few hours stop.

There is, however, another option and that is free parking, located about 30 minutes walk, in beautiful natural surroundings. These option is definitely more budget friendly and allows you to have a nice walk among the nature.

– Route Back from Milford Sound

It will definitely take you longer than the arrival, for several reasons.

• After the cruise, be sure to take a short walk along the walkway to the swing in Milford Sound from where you’ll have amazing views of the fjord.
• Stop at a passing tiny waterfall, bridge and stream.

Just before the waterfall, there is a small cove-parking area where Kea, New Zealand’s native bird, also known as the New Zealand parrot – the only true alpine parrot in the world – reigns supreme. Kea’s scientific name is Nestor Notabilis. It is an incredibly intelligent and curious bird that is unfortunately threatened with extinction. So remember not to feed them and to keep your distance.

#17 Devils Staircase Lookout Point

On the way to Queens Town, it’s worth stopping for a moment at Devils Staircase Lookout Point. The views in this place are great, and the lookout is located right next to a small parking lot. You can also go down to the lake for a moment, to observe the magnificent nature and local fishermen.

Travel time: 3h 15min

#18 Queenstown

One of the most popular towns in New Zealand – Queenstown is an ideal place for all kinds of activities and sports lovers.

The whole town looks a bit like one big resort, there are many accommodation options here, and in the center of town you will find a lot of travel agencies offering various activities and extreme sports.

In addition, you will find plenty of stores where you can buy all the outdoor equipment you may need while in Queenstown.

Travel time: 30min

Queenstown is also the place where you can eat the most delicious burger in all of New Zealand, namely Ferg Burger.The queue to this place is always long however, the Ferg Burger team is quite fast so your burger will be ready in no time.

In addition, right next door you can enjoy the products of Ferg Bakery with delicious pies, pastries, cakes and breads, and Mrs. Ferg Gelato with wonderful Italian ice cream and coffee.

After these delicacies, ride the Skyline Gondola to Bobs Peak, go for a walk at Lake Wakatipu, go wine tasting at one of the vineyards near Queenstown, enjoy the Hot Springs, or muster up the courage for slightly more extreme activities such as Skydiving, Bungee Jumping from AJ Hackett Bridge, take a helicopter ride and enjoy the amazing views from above or go rafting at Skippers Canyon.

The options for an active vacation in Queenstown are really many, it all depends only on you which attraction you decide on.

#19 Moke Lake

Nestled in the midst of the mountains, Moke Lake is an ideal place to relax by the lake, as well as for a short and undemanding walk. During windless days, the lake’s surface reflects the mountainous surroundings, making the place ideal for photography enthusiasts.

There is also a paid camping side at Moke Lake, as well as a stud farm that offers horseback riding tours among the tall grasses by the lake, surrounded by mountains.

Travel time: 25min

For those wishing to take a longer walk of about two hours, the Moke Lake Loop Track will be an ideal hike, leading around the lake. The route is easy and can be walked without much effort. However, it is worth mentioning that if it rained before your hike, part of the route leading through the locks may be flooded.

#20 Wilson Bay

While traveling from Queenstown to your next destination, stop for a moment at Wilson Bay. This gorgeous small and rocky beach guarantees great views of the lake and the mountains in the distance.

The water here is incredibly clear, but incredibly cold. Nevertheless, it’s worth dipping at least your feet in it.

Travel time: 20min

#21 Bob’s Cove Track

Located a few minutes’ drive from Queenstown, the Bobs Cove Track offers several longer and shorter hikes suitable for the less and more athletic.

Via loop track, this is a very easy trail that runs mostly through the forest and takes about 30 minutes.

Lime Kilns and Jetty is also a fairly easy trail right by the lake, offering great views of the lake and the mountains in the distance, ideal for the less athletic. At many points along this route you can reach the lake and soak your feet in the icy water. At the end of this route there is a pier from which you can observe the crystal clear lake.

Travel time: 5min

Lime Kilns and Jetty is also a fairly easy trail right by the lake, offering great views of the lake and the mountains in the distance, ideal for the less athletic. At many points along this route you can reach the lake and soak your feet in the icy water. At the end of this route there is a pier from which you can observe the crystal clear lake.

Twelve Mile Delta is a more challenging route, going mostly uphill, but the views from the top are magnificent and well worth the effort. The route begins at the point where the pier is located. The ascent is a bit easier physically, while the descent is on the other side of the hill, and although physically easier to negotiate, it is quite steep at times.

Each of these routes offers different views, experiences and requires a different physical effort, while all are worth going through.

#22 Arrow Town

This charming town used to be famous for gold mining. Today it is a beautifully preserved town, actually one street, with interesting stores, pharmacies and restaurants.

It is worth stopping here at least for a moment to see these wonderful buildings.

Travel time: 35min

#23 Wanaka Tree and Lake

The most popular tree in New Zealand is easily accessible and grows in the water of Lake Wanaka in the town of the same name. The place attracts tourists for its easy access and beautiful views of the white peaks in the distance and the tree in the lake, which looks magnificent against the backdrop of the mountains.

Legend has it, that eighty years ago a fence was built along the shoreline of the lake. One of the fence’s posts was made from a gallise of a willow tree growing nearby. The gallise was not quite dead, and over time it began to grow roots in the sandy substrate, and later leaves and gallises. This is how, according to legend, the famous Wanaka tree was created.

Travel time: 55min

#24 Blue Pools

Beautiful turquoise water, refreshing pools and swift current is what Blue Pools has to offer.

The road to this place leads through the forest, and to get to the pools you also have to cross two bridges, but it is nothing complicated, and the views are rewarding.

The braver ones, even on cold days, jump into the pools and cool their bodies in the icy water. No wonder altogether, as its color definitely encourages swimming.

Travel time: 1h 5min

#25 Lindis Pass Summit Lookout

On the way to the next point, it is worth stopping at least for a moment at Landis Pass Summit Lookout for some breathtaking views. The Lookout is located on a small rise, so the views of the surrounding nature are magnificent and easily accessible. A short stop at this location is a must!

Travel time: 1h 50min

#26 Lake Poaka

This quiet and not very well known lake is a great place to stay overnight. The surrounding area provides wonderful views of the lake, and amazing sunsets. Mornings here are peaceful and filled with birdsong. Only a local family of ducks can demand a snack as soon as they see you.

There are unfortunately no showers on site, and the toilets are definitely in need of repair and cleaning, but the setting in which this campground is located makes up for any inconvenience.

Travel time: 50min

#27 Clay Cliffs

The natural rock formations of Clay Cliffs near Omarama are beloved by tourists traveling in New Zealand, so you can expect quite a few other tourists when you come to this place. But what are these otherworldly formations anyway?

Clay Cliffs are made up of layers of gravel and silt, originally formed by the flow from ancient glaciers over a million years ago. Impressive, isn’t it? So is their unearthly appearance.

The walk to and among the cliffs will take you about 30 minutes, along the way be sure to look in all directions because the views here are definitely unique. Don’t forget to wear proper footwear, too, as it can be a bit slippery at times.

Travel time: 45min

#28 Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

One of the best places to observe the magnificent Lake Pukaki, and the famous Mt Cook in the distance Lake Pukaki Viewpoint, is also a great place for a short or long stopover.

The views are truly unforgettable from this vantage point, and if you have a little more time you can easily descend to the famous Lake Pukaki and enjoy its beautiful turquoise water.

Travel time: 50min

#29 Mt Cook

Cook’s Mountain is the highest peak in New Zealand at 3,724 meters above sea level, and sits in Southern Alps, a mountain range that runs through South Island. Its Maori name is Aoraki and is one of the symbols of New Zealand.

The mountain is located within Mount Cook National Park and is a very popular tourist destination, as well as a favorite challenge for mountain climbers. Here around you will find several hike trails, starting from easy effort to very experienced.

Mount Cook can be observed from several vantage points, but also from the road to the next destination – Tasman Glacier.

Travel time: 35min

#30 Tasman Glacier

Getting to Tasman Glacier is an attraction in itself. At times you can feel like you are on another planet. The views are truly magnificent and surprising.

After reaching the Tasman Glacier Car Park you will have a short 15-minute hike sharply uphill, but providing amazing views of the valley, wonderful vegetation, lakes and snow-capped peaks in the distance. This walk to the glacier is a feast for the eyes. However, the best is yet to come, as the Tasman Glacier and the lake next to it is something magnificent.

Travel time: 15min

The Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in NZ that definitely deserves its popularity. Its length is about 29 km, and its width is as much as 4 km.

In front of the glacier there is a lake of a feathery, bluish color, which, although it looks wonderful and photogenic, was unfortunately formed from the melting glacier, which melts by 180m per year. Until 1973 this lake did not exist. Nowadays, unfortunately, through the melting of the glacier, the lake is getting bigger and the glacier is getting smaller.

Visiting Tasman Glacier should stand high on your list of places to visit in New Zealand.

#31 Lake Tekapo

One of the most beautiful places on the map of New Zealand, is definitely Lake Tekapo. The turquoise color of the water and the peaks in the distance make this place look like a picture. But if you come here between November and January you can also be sure of the magnificent fields of Lubin, which makes this place even more beautiful.

In some places you can also meet here little ducks and bunnies, so it’s hard not to call this place “like from a fairytale”.

Travel time: 1h 15min

By the lake there is a paid camping site, which will allow you to enjoy this place from the morning until the evening. It is worth staying here even if only for one night.

A few kilometers away, by the lake there is also a tiny church – “Church of the good shepherd”, which against the backdrop of these magnificent landscapes impresses. Inside it is just one small room, but it attracts a mass of tourists looking for that perfect insta shot.

#32 Rakaia River

One of the largest braided rivers in New Zealand Rakaia River has a beautiful blue color and calm current. The color of the water definitely encourages to swim, but its temperature a little less so. Nevertheless, locals love to relax on the rocky beaches by the river.

Local anglers try their hand at catching as many salmon as possible, as the Rakaia River abounds in these fish, and the town of Rakaia is known as the “Salmon Capital” of New Zealand.

The river is crossed by two bridges, the most busy of which is the Rakaia Bridge, which is beautifully presented both from a vantage point located nearby and from one of the coves.

Travel time: 2h 5min

#33 Castle Hill

Castle Hill, New Zealand, is a stunning landscape known for its massive limestone boulders, which resemble the ruins of an ancient castle. These scattered rock formations give the area its name and make it a popular spot for hiking, climbing, and photography. Limestone from Castle Hill was historically used in the construction of the ChristChurch Cathedral in Christchurch, linking the site to the city’s architectural past. The area also holds spiritual significance for the Ngāi Tahu people. Castle Hill is an easy and unforgettable stop on any South Island itinerary.

Travel time: 1h 10min

#34 Gore Bay

The beautiful Gore Bay camping site is ideal for a short vacation and abounds with amazing scenery. While the beach is wild and a bit rocky in places, you’ll also find places full of sand and small tepees made by visitors from branches tossed by the sea.

It’s an ideal place for a walk in the cooler months, as well as for surfing in the hotter ones. From the beach you can also observe the huge Cathedral Cliffs, which look amazing especially during the sunset.

Travel time: 2h 35min

#35 Wharariki Beach

Have you ever wondered where the famous beach photo for Windows computers was taken that greets you every day in the office and screams in your face that there is ‘more’ out there?

Welcome to the Wharariki Beach!

Far up on the northern tip of South Island is the world-famous beach that enchants visitors with its beauty. If you have time, you should definitely visit it on your way to the second island.

Travel time: 7h 5min

#36 Picton

The last place on our list for the South Island is the town of Picton. Full of restaurants, souvenir stores, and views of the bay from which the ferry to North Island departs.

Although most travelers pass through Picton on their way to the ferry, it is worth stopping here at least for a moment to have a coffee in one of the restaurants, or to eat something delicious. In Picton it is also best to buy souvenirs from the journey, as you can find here really unique and special things.

Travel time: 4h 20min

The easiest way to travel to New Zealand is definitely by air. There are various cities to choose from as starting points. There are two international airports on the South Island of New Zealand – Queenstown and Christchurch. The latter is certainly the larger of the two.

The best way to explore New Zealand? Of course, similarly to Australia – by campervan! It will allow you incredible freedom, the feeling of „wind in your hair“, and the opportunity to sleep in a different place every day and wake up every day in a different nature setting.

Yes, we understand that not everyone has experience in traveling by campervan (neither did we), not for everyone it may be comfortable, but exactly in New Zealand it seems to us an absolute necessity.

There is nothing more wonderful than opening the window curtain and admiring the amazing and unforgettable views, and on top of that, a different one every day. Cooking dinners outdoors and having a tiny house on wheels with you at all times couldn’t be more exciting!

The advantages of traveling in a campervan could be listed here and we could rave about this form of travel for a long time, but ultimately the choice is up to you, dear traveler. This post can only help you make your decision.

If you decide that camping is not something you want to experience, the other option is to rent a car and sleep in hotels, motels or motor stays. It is definitely a more comfortable option, but we feel that it does not give that sense of freedom, and it is also much more expensive. But again the decision is up to you.

The last option for traveling in New Zealand is by bus on an organized tour, which takes care of the organization of your trip, from arrival to departure.

A big bus with other travelers takes you from place to place, while what you have to worry about is booking accommodations and finding restaurants for some delicious food.

Probably the best comfort of a campervan is that you not only have a means of transportation on four wheels, but also your entire home. Now you just need to know where you’re going to stay for the day and where you’re going to spend the night.

There is an app for that.

A camping trip in New Zealand wouldn’t work so easily without probably the most important app called WikiCamps . Rarely have we been so happy to live in an age of smartphones and apps.

With WikiCamps you can filter all the places and find exactly what you need.

• Where can I stay and cook during the day?
• Where can I fill up the campervan’s water tank?
• Where can I take a hot/cold shower?
• Where can I stay overnight for free?
• Where can I spend a paid night and charge the battery?

All this accompanied by numerous photos, ratings and reviews from a large camping community make planning so much easier and more enjoyable.

Download QR-Code

‎WikiCamps New Zealand

Developer: WikiCamps pty ltd

Price: 4,99 €

Download QR-Code

WikiCamps New Zealand

Developer: WikiCamps

Price: Free

Free vs. Paid Camping

Depending on how well equipped your campervan is and how often or if at all you need to recharge the electricity, you can decide every day whether you want to spend the night on a free or paid camping site. At the free ones you often only have one toilet, which is not necessarily clean, while at the paid ones you have a clean toilet and a warm shower.

To save money, we used a paid campsite every 3-4 days, also to recharge the batteries of the equipment and the campervan. On the days with free camping, we took a shower on the way and refilled the water tank, both of which you can also easily find in the app.

New Zealand is one of those places worth visiting practically any time of the year. In New Zealand, the seasons are the opposite of those we are used to. Consider the following overview.

• September – November: Spring
• December – February: Summer
• March – May: Fall
• June – August: Winter

Spring is the time when everything awakens to life, and the flowers at Lake Tekapo begin to bloom, which of course makes the environment even more beautiful and wonderful. And have we already mentioned the baby ducks and bunnies?

Summer has its advantages, of course, as the temperatures are warmer and you can definitely take a dip in one (or more) of New Zealand’s beautiful lakes.

Fall is a beautiful time when the trees and bushes take on wonderful, colorful hues, making the landscapes look gorgeous and the perfect environment for photography lovers

Winter in New Zealand can be a challenge and some attractions may be closed and access to the places mentioned in this post made difficult.

Most ‘western’ countries do not require a visa for New Zealand for 3 months (UK even 6 months). What you do need to do is fill out an application for NZeTA. The easiest way to do this is with the official app and you will be authorised to enter New Zealand in no time.

Download QR-Code

‎NZeTA

Developer: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Price: Free

Download QR-Code

NZeTA

Developer: MBIE

Price: Free

When it comes to SIM cards, it is important to us that we get a lot of data volume at a fair price and have good reception.
According to our research, the provider 2degrees had the best offer in New Zealand. We had a good experience during our stay and can definitely recommend it.

Unfortunately, in many places in New Zealand there is simply no internet, no matter what SIM card you choose, it can happen that the internet is limited or not there at all, the further away from the city the weaker the internet connection.

But don’t worry, you’ll experience the most beautiful moments in New Zealand off your smartphone anyway.

How much does it cost to travel New Zealand in a campervan? This question cannot be answered so easily, as it is somewhat more complex. That’s why we have dedicated an entire (coming soon) article to this specific topic.