Relaxing two-week self-drive road trip in New Zealand

Your South Island adventure starts in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. After picking up your campervan hire from maui’s Queenstown branch near the airport, take some time to explore the town. Wander around the local shops or enjoy lunch by Lake Wakatipu. If you're up for a bit of exercise, a hike up Queenstown Hill will reward you with incredible views. For a more relaxed option, take the Skyline Gondola and soak in the scenery from above. Queenstown has plenty to offer, so make the most of your first day here. 

For tonight and tomorrow, park up at Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde. This eco-friendly holiday park is just a short walk from town and offers a great place to park up for the night. 

After a good night’s rest, take things slow today and enjoy some of the more relaxing activities Queenstown has to offer. Start your day with a peaceful stroll around the Queenstown Gardens, where you can wander through beautifully landscaped areas and along the lakefront. It’s a perfect spot for a morning walk or even a leisurely game of frisbee golf. 

If you’re in the mood to unwind further, treat yourself to some pampering at the Onsen Hot Pools. Overlooking the Shotover River, these private, cedar-lined pools are the ultimate way to relax and soak in the alpine views. 

For something a bit more cultural, take a scenic drive to the nearby Gibbston Valley, where you can enjoy a relaxed wine tasting at one of the region’s famous wineries. With plenty of options for a laid-back day, Queenstown makes it easy to recharge before you hit the road again. 

Today’s journey takes you from Queenstown to Milford Sound. The drive itself is an adventure, with plenty of scenic spots to enjoy along the way. Stop in Mossburn for a quick break and some refreshments before continuing your journey through Fiordland’s captivating landscapes. 

Once you reach Milford Sound, hop on a Milford Sound cruise to experience the dramatic fiord up close. With sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife like dolphins and seals, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. 

Park up for a couple of days surrounded by nature at Milford Sound Rainforest Campervan Park. Set in the heart of the lush rainforest, it offers a peaceful retreat where you can unwind after a day of adventure, with the sounds of the forest as your backdrop. 

Today you’ll be exploring more of Milford Sound. Start your day with a short walk to The Chasm where you can watch powerful waterfalls surge through sculpted rock formations. The walk is an easy 20-minute loop, but the sight of the waterfalls is well worth it. 

For a different perspective, consider going kayaking in Milford Sound. Paddling through the calm waters offers an up-close view of the towering cliffs and abundant wildlife, including seals and dolphins. It’s a peaceful way to take in the scenery while enjoying a bit of adventure. 

After soaking up the beauty of Milford Sound, it’s time to hit the road again and head towards Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. The drive itself is a treat, offering more stunning scenery as you wind your way through lush forests and past towering mountains. Once you arrive in Te Anau, spend some time visiting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, home to rare native species like the takahē and kākā. It’s a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and learn about New Zealand’s conservation efforts. 

Settle in for a few nights at Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park, a comfortable and well-equipped park just a short walk from the town centre.  

Kick off your day with a walk or bike ride around Lake Te Anau – there’s nothing like a morning by the water to start your day right. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can grab a kayak and paddle out for some amazing views of the surrounding mountains. 

Later, don’t miss the chance to explore the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves. This awesome experience takes you underground, where thousands of glowworms light up the caves like tiny stars. Floating through the caves is a must-do and a perfect way to cap off your day in Te Anau.

Today, you’ll be making your way from Te Anau to Wānaka. Along the way, take a break in Cromwell, a historic town that’s famous for its fruit and old gold mining heritage. It’s a great place to grab a snack or explore some local history. 

Once you arrive in Wānaka, you’ll want to get outdoors and explore. Hop on a bike and take a tour around Lake Wānaka – the views are unforgettable, and you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Wānaka Tree, one of New Zealand’s most photographed natural landmarks. The relaxed lakeside vibe makes it easy to unwind after your day of travel. 

Park up for a couple of nights at Wānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park. This spacious park has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including great facilities and a peaceful setting to help you relax before your next adventure. 

Start your day with a hike up Roys Peak Track if you're feeling energetic – it’s a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. If you'd prefer something more low-key, a walk along the Outlet Track is a great way to enjoy the lake and mountain views without breaking too much of a sweat. 

In the afternoon, why not check out Puzzling World? It’s a quirky, fun attraction with optical illusions and a giant maze that’s perfect for a bit of light-hearted entertainment.  

Today’s drive takes you from Wānaka to the West Coast town of Franz Josef, with some fantastic sights along the way. As you journey through the Haast Pass, take the opportunity to stop at the scenic lookouts and waterfalls—it's the perfect chance to stretch your legs and snap a few photos. 

Once you arrive in Franz Josef, make sure to head to the Franz Josef Glacier Walk. This popular trail takes you through lush rainforest to the terminal face of the glacier. It’s an easy walk with some jaw-dropping views of one of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. 

In the evening, settle in for a few nights at Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park, where you can unwind after your day of travel. With modern facilities and a peaceful setting, it’s the perfect place to relax before continuing your adventure. 

Franz Josef is home to some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural wonders, and today is all about exploring them. Start your day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll get an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the glacier, the Southern Alps, and the surrounding landscapes.  

After your flight, take a more relaxed pace and enjoy the Tatare Tunnels Walk, a gentle walk through the rainforest leading to historic tunnels that once provided water for gold mining. If you’re lucky, you might spot glowworms inside the tunnel.  

Today, you’ll be making your way from Franz Josef to Greymouth, travelling along one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal routes. Along the way, stop at Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman – it's a short, easy walk and offers great photo opportunities. Further along, take a break at the Fox Glacier Township for a coffee or to explore the nearby short walks. 

As you approach Greymouth, a must-see stop is Shantytown Heritage Park, where you can step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century gold-mining town. It’s a great spot for families or anyone interested in local history. 

Once in Greymouth, take a stroll along the Greymouth Coastal Walkway to enjoy views of the rugged coastline. If you're keen on sampling local brews, visit Monteith’s Brewery for a tour and tasting session. Greymouth also has plenty of galleries and shops to explore if you’re after some local crafts and souvenirs. 

Park up at Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park for a few nights. With its prime beachfront location and excellent facilities, it’s a great place to unwind while listening to the waves after a day of sightseeing. 

Spend today soaking up all that Greymouth has to offer. Start by visiting Punakaiki and the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes – just a 45-minute drive north of Greymouth. These unique rock formations are a must-see, and if you time it right, you can witness the blowholes in action as the waves surge through. 

Back in town, check out the Left Bank Art Gallery, housed in the old Bank of New Zealand building. It showcases local art and crafts, making it a great spot to pick up a unique souvenir. If you're into history, stop by the History House Museum to learn about the rich mining and maritime history of the West Coast. 

For something a little different, explore the Point Elizabeth Walkway. It’s an easy coastal track that offers views over the Tasman Sea and is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area. 

Today, you’ll be heading across the South Island from Greymouth to Christchurch, a journey that takes you through more amazing scenery. As you drive along the Great Alpine Highway, make a stop at Arthur’s Pass National Park. If time allows, take a short walk to see the Devil's Punchbowl Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush native forest. 

Continuing your journey, stop for a break at Castle Hill, known for its impressive limestone rock formations, which are great for a quick exploration or photo opportunity. It's a peaceful spot to stretch your legs before completing the final leg of your journey. 

Once you arrive in Christchurch, you’ll have time for a quick look around the city. Take a relaxing stroll through Hagley Park or visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, both perfect for winding down after a day of driving. If you fancy something more urban, check out the street art in the city centre, which is just a short walk from the gardens. 

Settle in for your final night at Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park, located just a short drive from the city centre. With spacious facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a great base for the night before exploring more of Christchurch. 

On your last day, take some time to explore Christchurch. Start your morning with a ride on the classic Christchurch Tram – it’s a fun and relaxing way to see the city’s key spots, winding through the central streets while giving you a great overview of what Christchurch has to offer. 

Next, head over to the Christchurch Gondola for some elevated views. The ride takes you up high, where you can soak in vistas of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and even the Southern Alps. Once you reach the top, you can either go for a short walk or just enjoy the view from the summit. 

Before dropping off your camper at maui’s Christchurch branch, make sure to visit the International Antarctic Centre, conveniently located near the airport. It’s a cool experience (literally), with interactive exhibits, a simulated Antarctic storm, and a chance to meet huskies – perfect for ending your trip on a fun note. 

Ready to explore New Zealand in a campervan?

If this New Zealand road trip has you feeling inspired, it’s time to start planning your adventure. With a maui campervan hire, you’ll have the freedom to explore in comfort and style, with all the convenience of a fully equipped home on wheels. Whether you’re chasing glaciers, relaxing by lakes, or soaking in the views from mountain peaks, your motorhome will take you wherever you want to go. 

Ready to hit the road? Book your maui campervan hire online today and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!