The South Island road trip between Christchurch and Queenstown is jam-packed with picture-postcard scenery, from majestic mountain ranges and mirrored lakes to quaint country villages and vast southern landscapes. And there’s no better way to enjoy it all than with a Mighty campervan hire.
Take your time, stop where you fancy, and make the most of New Zealand’s attractions along the way. Soak in the hot springs, test your nerve on a jetboat, or try your luck panning for gold.
With lots to see and do on this incredible South Island road trip, we’ve put together a terrific 8-day itinerary that will take you from the wildlife in Christchurch to the nightlife in Queenstown, with all the best South Island must-do attractions along the way.
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Before you head out of Christchurch, plan a stop at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can see New Zealand’s iconic Kiwi up close, experience a Māori cultural performance, or watch as the hungry otters have lunch (feeding time is at 1 pm).
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are another great South Island must-do. From the spring blossoms to the cosy conservatories, there’s always something fascinating to see, whatever the time of year. Plan for a picnic in summer or relax with a hot drink and something tasty at the onsite café in the cooler months.
We recommend making the most of your visit to Christchurch with an overnight stay. A great spot to park up is the Amber Kiwi Holiday Park which is conveniently located between the airport and the CBD.
The Ashburton Aviation Museum, just an hour’s drive out of Christchurch, is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and memorabilia. The museum is home to over 27 aircraft, including the rare Hawker Harrier.
Lake Tekapo is home to an iconic New Zealand tourist attraction, the Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935, this picturesque church sits near the shores of Lake Tekapo and is a must-see South Island landmark and uber Instagrammable!
Another top must-do in the region is to enjoy a long, hot soak at Tekapo Springs. Each soothing hot pool provides a different view – from the brilliant blue waters of Lake Tekapo to the pine forests and mountain ranges of the surrounding Mackenzie region. Bliss!
After all that soaking and stargazing, you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep at the Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park. The park is set on the shores of Lake Tekapo so you can wake up to some of the best views in the country before heading off on your next adventure.
Why not enjoy it from a different perspective with a scenic helicopter ride. Choose an experience to suit, from a 25-minute taster to a 90-minute picnic among the peaks!
Make the most of the dark skies of this special part of New Zealand with an evening under the stars at Big Sky Stargazing. Your one-hour tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes is both fascinating and informative, as your guides share their knowledge about the cosmos. Hot chocolate and sweet treats included!
Plan your stay at the White Horse Hill Campground where you can park up your campervan surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Don’t forget to book online first.
The trail begins at either Aoraki/Mt Cook or Tekapo with both routes meeting at Lake Pukaki. Next, the trail winds through Twizel, the shoreline of Lake Ohau, through Omarama and eventually finishing in Oamaru. You can plan to do the entire trail or choose sections to suit. If you’re carrying your own bikes, don’t forget to organise a bike rack when you book your Mighty campervan. You can also arrange bike hire with a cycle tour provider when you get there.
If you’d prefer to see the sights on foot, there are plenty of great walks in Twizel, including the Twizel Walkway which loops for 9km around the township and takes around 2.5 hours.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Twizel Holiday Park on Mackenzie Drive.
Plan a picnic stop at the old stone Lindis Pass Historic Hotel on Old Faithful Road (off SH8) in the Lindis Valley area. The hotel was set up during the goldrush of 1861 and there are still old mine workings and huts nearby – a great stop for those interested in the region’s history.
As you arrive in Wānaka, you’ll find another of the top places to visit in New Zealand, the famous Wānaka tree. This hardy willow is possibly one of the most Instagrammed trees in the country. The solitary tree is just a stone’s throw from the shore and seems quite out of place jutting from the lake’s waters. Visit in the ‘golden hours’ of dawn or dusk for the best photo op.
Roy’s Peak is another very popular spot in Wānaka and guarantees jaw-dropping views. Plan a full day for this walk though, the 16km return track takes around 5-6 hours to complete – but we promise, the views are worth it!
After all that sightseeing and walking, you’ll be ready for a comfy night in your campervan. Grab a gourmet burger from Red Star Burger Bar and park up at the Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park.
The best route is along SH6 which will take you through Cromwell. This South Island township is renowned for its summer fruits, so plan a photo stop at the famous fruit sculpture, and if you’re passing through in summer, treat yourself to some of Cromwell’s delicious cherries. Be sure to also swing by the Cromwell Heritage Precinct to see gold-rush era buildings that have been restored into quaint shops and cafes, the perfect picnic stop right next to Lake Dunstan. Cromwell is also home to some of the best Central Otago wineries, so be sure to call into a tasting room or cellar door to pick up a bottle for the road.
From Cromwell, carry on along SH6 until you reach the charming township of Arrowtown. The town sits along the Arrow River which attracted gold miners from around the world during the gold rush of 1862. You can still try your hand at panning for gold today, or visit the Chinese Settlement which was once home to the hopeful miners who flocked to the region.
For a welcoming overnight stay, book in the Arrowtown Holiday Park on Centennial Ave.
Our top recommendation? You can’t beat the thrill of a ride on the famous Shotover Jet. It’s the ultimate blend of incredible scenery and unforgettable excitement! There’s an onsite café too, so you can relax with a coffee and lunch afterwards.
To top off the day, make your way to Queenstown Hill. This 1.5km walk through a lush pine forest takes around 2-3 hours and will reward you with sweeping views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the mountain ranges beyond. The starting point is by the small car park off Belfast Terrace in Queenstown, not far from the city centre.
You can’t visit Queenstown without trying a famous Fergburger – bring a big appetite! Savour your burger with a glass of wine as you put your feet up for the night at the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.
Your last stop on your incredible 8-day South Island adventure is to drop your campervan off at Mighty Campers’ Queenstown branch on Lucas Place in Frankton. While you’re there, have a chat with the friendly team about planning your next New Zealand itinerary – there are plenty more to be had!
A campervan trip from Christchurch to Queenstown is a classic Kiwi road trip. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:
New Zealand Itineraries