Plan your trip

So, you’ve decided to tackle the South Island by van - excellent choice. While the best parts of a road trip are often the unplanned detours, a little bit of groundwork goes a long way when you're navigating alpine passes and scouting for the best overnight spots. This is your home base for figuring out the logistics: from picking the perfect season for those Southern Alps views to nailing down a budget that covers both the fuel and the Fergburgers. We’ve broken down the essentials so you can spend less time staring at spreadsheets and more time actually hitting the road.

When to go

Timing is everything in a van. Do you want 10:00 PM sunsets, or quiet, snow-capped peaks without the crowds? The South Island’s seasons shift the vibe and rental prices massively. Check out our breakdown of the best months to hit the road.

How to get around

From choosing the right van to navigating narrow, winding mountain passes, how you move matters. We weigh up the pros and cons of different van sizes, fuel costs, and why the "slow travel" approach is the only way to see the South Island properly.

New Zealand money budgeting campervan holiday.webp

Budgeting and costs

Van life in NZ can be as cheap or as pricey as you make it. Between fuel, campsite fees, and the occasional splurge, costs add up. We’ve crunched the numbers on daily expenses so you can plan a trip that’s epic without breaking the bank.

Safety and road conditions

Kiwi roads are stunning but can be a wake-up call. Between one-lane bridges, steep alpine passes, and high winds, driving a van here takes focus. We’ve rounded up the essentials to help you navigate our winding roads safely and drive like a local.

Freedom camping rules in New Zealand.jpg

FAQ

Got questions about freedom camping rules, dump stations, or where to find the best meat pies? We’ve got answers. This is the spot for all the practical "how-to" info you need for a smooth, stress-free South Island mission.