7 Day South Island Campervan Itinerary

Start and finish in Christchurch

This 7-day South Island campervan itinerary is designed for travellers who want to see the very best of the South Island without rushing. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, it combines alpine landscapes, iconic lakes, adventure towns, scenic drives, and relaxed coastal detours, all at a pace that works for campervan travel.

Rather than trying to cover everything, this route focuses on the highlights: the Mackenzie Basin, Aoraki / Mount Cook views, Queenstown, Wanaka, and optional extensions to Akaroa and Christchurch. Driving times are realistic for a motorhome, with space to stop often and enjoy the journey , because in the South Island, the road is just as memorable as the destination.

This itinerary works perfectly as a 7-day loop, with easy options to extend to 8 or 9 days if you have more time.

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 → Lake Tekapo / Lake Pukaki

225 km | approx. 3.5 hours

Day summary: After collecting your campervan, a gentle first day easing into the South Island, ending with turquoise lakes and one of the world’s best night skies. Don't forget to take the opportunity to buy supplies at one of the larger Christchurch Supermarkets before leaving town.

Depart Christchurch and travel south through the Canterbury Plains into the wide-open landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin. Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are known for their unreal blue colour, alpine backdrops, and dark skies.

Things to do:

Walk along Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
Soak in the Tekapo hot pools
Stargaze at Mt John Observatory with the Dark Sky Project
Enjoy sunset views over Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki / Mount Cook

Overnight: Tekapo or Lake Pukaki area (camping outside town limits if freedom camping)

Day 2: Tekapo / Pukaki → Queenstown

260 km | approx. 3.5–4 hours

Day summary: Scenic driving through the Mackenzie and Central Otago, with historic towns, vineyards, and river gorges.

Travel south via Omarama and Cromwell, breaking up the drive with relaxed stops.

Recommended stops:

Cromwell Heritage Precinct for coffee and a riverside walk
Lake Dunstan (short walk or bike hire)
Gibbston Valley wineries and breweries
Kawarau Bridge Bungy — the world’s first commercial bungy site

Overnight: Queenstown area or Arrowtown

Day 3: Queenstown

Day summary: Adventure, scenery, and lakeside exploring in New Zealand’s most famous alpine town.

Queenstown offers something for everyone, whether you’re chasing adrenaline or a slower day by the lake.

Top options:

Shotover Jet
Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station
Walking and cycling tracks around the lake
Afternoon wandering Arrowtown’s historic streets

Overnight: Queenstown or Arrowtown

Day 4: Queenstown (Day Trips)

Day summary: A full day to experience one standout adventure or iconic landscape.

Choose one major experience today rather than trying to fit in everything.

Highly recommended:

Milford Sound – coach/cruise/fly options are strongly recommended to avoid a very long self-drive
Glenorchy and Paradise day trip for high-country scenery
Horse trekking, jet boating, or scenic hikes

Overnight: Queenstown or Arrowtown

Day 5: Queenstown → Wanaka (via Cromwell)

120 km | approx. 1 hour 45 minutes

Day summary: A short, scenic drive linking two of the South Island’s best lake towns.

Travel via Cromwell and avoid the Crown Range Road in a motorhome.

Afternoon in Wanaka:

Lakeside walks
Puzzling World
Dinner at The Big Fig or similar local favourites

Overnight: Wanaka area (camping outside town boundary if freedom camping)

Day 6: Wanaka

Day summary: A full day to slow the pace and enjoy Wanaka’s outdoor lifestyle.

Choose how active you want to be:

Mt Roy Track (early start recommended)
Mountain biking at Glendhu Bay
Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
WildWire via ferrata or horse trekking

Overnight: Wanaka area

Day 7: Wanaka → Christchurch

430 km | approx. 6–6.5 hours

Day summary: A scenic return journey through Central Otago and Canterbury, with café stops along the way.

Break up the drive with:

Lunch or coffee in Geraldine
Stop at Little River for its café and art gallery

Arrive back in Christchurch late afternoon or evening. Overnight: Christchurch or nearby campsite

Optional Extensions

Day 8: Christchurch → Akaroa

85 km | approx. 2 hours

Day summary: A relaxed coastal escape to a charming French-influenced harbour town.