14-Day South Island Campervan Itinerary

Christchurch → West Coast → Wanaka → Queenstown → Oamaru → Tekapo → Christchurch

This 14-day South Island campervan itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to experience New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes at a relaxed pace. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, this anticlockwise route takes you along the West Coast, over alpine passes, through adventure towns, and past turquoise lakes, glaciers, and historic villages.

Highlights include Arthur’s Pass, Pancake Rocks, Franz Joseph Glacier, Haast Pass, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, the Moeraki Boulders, and Lake Tekapo. With two weeks, you can explore major sights, enjoy local walks, and add adventure activities without rushing.

Before we start here are some important campervan travel notes:

Book campsites in advance during December and January
Freedom camping is only permitted in certified self-contained vehicles
Freedom camping is not allowed within town limits in Tekapo, Wanaka, or Queenstown
Google Maps drive times are optimistic for campervans. Expect much slower speeds and frequent scenic stops

Day 1: Christchurch → Moana (Lake Brunner)

211 km | approx. 3.5 hours driving plus stops

Summary: Begin your South Island adventure with a scenic drive through Arthur’s Pass National Park. Expect alpine valleys, waterfalls, and unique wildlife like Kea parrots along the way. A gentle first day lets you settle into campervan travel while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery.

Highlights:

Arthur’s Pass village
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall walk
Otira Viaduct lookout for Kea spotting

Overnight: Moana / Lake Brunner

Day 2: Moana → Punakaiki → Hokitika

Total 158 km | approx. 2 hours 45 mins

Summary: Explore the West Coast’s rugged coastline and rainforest. Marvel at the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, hike in Hokitika Gorge, and finish the day with a sunset on Hokitika Beach.

Highlights:

Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki
Hokitika Gorge walkway
Treetops Walk near Hokitika
Sunset on Hokitika Beach

Overnight: Hokitika area

Day 3: Hokitika → Franz Josef Glacier

135 km | approx. 2 hours

Summary: Travel south to the heart of New Zealand’s glacier region. Franz Joseph offers glacier hikes, scenic flights, and walks through temperate rainforest — a full day to explore natural wonders.

Highlights:

Franz Joseph Glacier valley walks
Glacier viewpoint and optional guided tour
Nearby Fox Glacier if time permits

Overnight: Franz Joseph

Day 4: Franz Joseph → Wanaka (via Haast Pass)

285 km | approx. 5 hours driving plus stops

Summary: One of the most scenic drives in the country. Haast Pass features waterfalls, rivers, and forested landscapes before you reach the turquoise waters of Lake Wanaka.

Highlights:

Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls
Blue Pools Walk
Haast Pass lookouts

Overnight: Wanaka outskirts (freedom camping available 20 mins out of town)

Day 5: Wanaka

Summary: A full day to enjoy Wanaka’s outdoor lifestyle. Choose adventure or relaxation, from mountain biking to lake kayaking, indoor attractions, or abseiling.

Highlights:

Mt Roy Track for panoramic views
Glendhu Bay mountain biking
Paddle Wanaka kayaking
Puzzling World indoor attraction
WildWire abseiling / canyon adventure
Horse trekking

Overnight: Wanaka

Day 6: Wanaka → Queenstown (via Cromwell)

115 km | approx. 2 hours driving plus stops

Summary: Travel through Central Otago’s vineyards, historic towns, and gold-mining settlements before arriving in Queenstown. Stop for coffee, cycling, and wine tasting en route.

Highlights:

Cromwell Heritage Precinct and cafés
Lake Dunstan Rail Trail cycling or walk
Gibbston Valley wineries and breweries
Kawarau Bridge Bungy

Overnight: Queenstown or Arrowtown

Days 7–10: Queenstown & Day Trips

Summary: Four days to experience adventure capital New Zealand. Mix adrenaline activities, scenic cruises, hiking, and village exploration. Take a day trip to Milford Sound for an unforgettable fiord experience.

Highlights:

Shotover Jet Boat
Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Station for farm tour & lunch
Glenorchy day trip: Dart River adventure or horse trekking
Milford Sound day trip: coach/cruise/fly recommended
Walking and cycling tracks
Arrowtown historic village

Overnight: Queenstown / Arrowtown

Day 11: Queenstown → Oamaru

303 km | approx. 4 hours plus stops

Summary: Drive east through Central Otago toward the historic town of Oamaru. Along the way, stop at the Moeraki Boulders and enjoy coastal scenery. Finish the day watching Little Blue Penguins at sunset.

Highlights:

Moeraki Boulders
Oamaru Victorian Precinct
Penguin viewing at dusk

Overnight: Oamaru

Day 12: Oamaru → Tekapo

175 km | approx. 2.5 hours

Summary: Travel inland to the Mackenzie Basin. Relax in the hot pools, explore the village, and prepare for stargazing in one of New Zealand’s darkest skies.

Highlights:

Tekapo hot pools
Lake Tekapo foreshore walks
Dark Sky Project stargazing

Overnight: Tekapo

Day 13: Tekapo / Lake Pukaki

Summary: A scenic exploration day. Take the Hooker Valley Walk for glacier views, enjoy Lake Pukaki’s turquoise waters, and capture Aoraki / Mount Cook on camera.

Highlights:

Hooker Valley Track
Lake Pukaki viewpoints
Optional short walks around the area

Overnight: Tekapo / Lake Pukaki

Day 14: Tekapo → Christchurch

225 km | approx. 3.5 hours

Summary: Return to Christchurch, completing your anticlockwise South Island loop. If time allows, explore city highlights or unwind at nearby beaches before returning your campervan.

Highlights:

Scenic drive across the Canterbury Plains
Optional stop at Rakaia Gorge
Explore Christchurch city or Sumner Beach

Overnight: Christchurch

On your final day make sure you leave enough time to return your campervan and make your way back to the airport for your flight.