The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: From Auckland to Queenstown

It’s the very first day of your ultimate Auckland to Queenstown road trip. Kick off your holiday by picking up your pre-booked Maui campervan from our Auckland branch on Manu Tapu Drive. It’s right next to Auckland International Airport – so easy if you’re flying in.

Spend day one exploring the sights and sounds of New Zealand’s biggest city. For the best vantage point, head into the CBD and up to the top of the Sky Tower. Take in 360-degree views of the city below, and if you’re feeling brave, you can try the Skyjump or Skywalk.

Keen to learn more about the history and heritage of New Zealand? Be sure to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum – regarded as one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn the story of Aotearoa and its long and fascinating Māori heritage and culture. Find out more about why Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’ at the Auckland Maritime Museum on the viaduct. Afterwards, experience the sparkling harbour for yourself on board the short 45-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island. Wander the boutique shops and art galleries. Go diving, snorkelling, or ziplining. Or for a truly relaxing afternoon, check out one of the many great Waiheke wineries. 

Tonight, enjoy a beachside stay at the beautiful Takapuna Beach Holiday Park.

Now that you’ve seen some of the Auckland highlights, it’s time to leave the big smoke and head south. Rotorua is known as New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. You’ll find geysers, bubbling mud pools, and thermal springs, along with plenty of cultural experiences. Our pick of the bunch includes a visit to Te Puia. Here, you can see a cultural show, enjoy a traditional Māori hangi (a meal cooked underground), and watch traditional carvers. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Pōhutu – the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere – as it erupts.   

To appreciate the vast beauty of this part of New Zealand, book yourself into a scenic flight. Treat yourself to a little luxury by arriving in a floatplane at a secluded thermal hot pool. For a special occasion, book a romantic lakeside champagne picnic with a special someone.

Enjoy a relaxing night’s stay at All Seasons Holiday Park Rotorua.

Today, you’ll be travelling from the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua to the volcanic waters of Lake Taupō. This central North Island spot is a dream destination for campervan travellers. And one of the unmissable highlights is the mesmerising Huka Falls. Witness the sheer power and beauty as nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second thunders over the 11-metre falls. If you’re keen on a closer look, try a jet boat ride or river cruise. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, take the easy one-hour walk alongside the river.

Looking for an ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience like no other? You’ll find it at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave where you can see the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. 

Park up your campervan and relax for the night Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park.

It’s day four, and your last day in the North Island. Today you’ll be driving to the nation’s capital, Wellington. For those keen to learn more about New Zealand’s parliamentary process, book into a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings, including the iconic ‘Beehive’.

Wellington is also a great place to see some of New Zealand’s precious native wildlife. Located just minutes from the central city, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully fenced, predator-proof ecosanctuary. This special spot is a haven for over 40 rare species of wildlife. For a special experience, book a night tour where you’ll have the chance to see unique species such as wētā, glow worms, and tuatara. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of the 150 little spotted kiwi that call Zealandia home.

Enjoy the convenience of a city stay by parking up at the Cuba Street Motorhome Park. 

You’ve reached the halfway point of your road trip as you cross from the North Island to the South. Today, you get the chance to put your feet up and take in some seriously good scenery as you cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds. Drive your campervan on board the Interislander Ferry, head up to the viewing deck, and enjoy! 

You’ll disembark in the picturesque village of Picton. From here, it’s a two-hour drive to New Zealand’s sunniest town, Nelson. If you’re a fan of classic cars, you’ll want to add a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum to your travel itinerary. Check out more than 150 immaculately presented classics from over 100 years of motoring. 

To see the great sights and tastes of the Nelson region, hire a bike and head out on the Tasman Great Taste Trail. The trail spans 200 km but can be done in smaller sections. Enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy as you pass through amazing scenery dotted with cafes, fruit stalls, craft breweries, and wineries. 

Park up at the conveniently located Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park.

Sitting right at the top of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is truly a coastal paradise. Renowned for its golden beaches and world-famous walking track, the park spans more than 22,000 hectares of natural beauty. And it’s up to you how you explore it. Take a few days extra and take the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Glide through the crystal clear waters on a kayaking tour or relax onboard a scenic cruise. 

Tonight, enjoy the fresh sea air at Abel Tasman Marahau Beach Camp.

It’s time to head west today where you’ll be parking up at Punakaiki – home to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. These fascinating rock structures are formed from layers of limestone and look like giant stacks of pancakes. At high tide, take the walk to the blowholes to see huge spouts of sea spray bursting into the air. Punakaiki is also a great base for exploring Paparoa National Park. One of the lovely short walks here is the 30-minute Truman Track. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you walk through unspoiled subtropical forest and emerge to spectacular coastal views.   

Park up next to the beach in the beautiful native bush surroundings of Punakaiki Beach Camp.

Ready for a wander down the West Coast? Today you’ll be taking the drive to the Franz Josef Glacier area, home to some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Along the way, be sure to stop in the coastal township of Hokitika. Made famous as the backdrop in Eleanor Catton’s The Luminaries, Hokitika has its roots in the gold mining industry. Explore the history of the area by taking the Hokitika Heritage Trail.  

Once you arrive in Franz Josef, you’ll want to get up close to the glacier that draws visitors from all over the world. There are plenty of guided tours to choose from including helicopter and hiking tours. After being out on the ice, warm up with a soak at the Waiho Hot Tubs. Enjoy your own private tubs, nestled in a lush rainforest setting.

Park up for the night at Franz Josef Campervan Park.

It’s another day of spectacular sights as your South Island road trip takes you to the resort town of Wānaka. Along the way, visit scenic Lake Matheson. Surrounded by native bush, the lake is famous for its mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. 

Once you arrive in Wānaka, consider taking one of the great walks on offer. This scenic wonderland has over 750 km of tracks and trails to explore. So there’s one to suit all abilities. A good short walk option is the Waterfall Creek Track. The 2.5 km track starts at the western end of Roys Bay and winds along Lake Wānaka’s western shores. You’ll be treated to superb views, including the famous ‘Wānaka Tree’, before reaching Waterfall Creek. After your walk, head to Big Fig for great coffee and good food on the lakefront. 

Enjoy a comfy night in your campervan at the Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park.

It’s the penultimate day of your ultimate New Zealand road trip! You’ll be heading to Queenstown today. Relax and take your time over the short 1.5-hour journey. The best route is along SH6 which will take you through Cromwell. This South Island township is renowned for its fabulous fruits. If you’re passing through in summer, treat yourself to some of Cromwell’s delicious cherries.  

Once you reach Queenstown, head down to the lakefront for a spot of lunch while you take in the tranquil view. Spend the afternoon perusing the great shops, exploring the walking tracks, or indulging in a wine or craft beer experience. 

For your last night’s stay, park up your campervan at Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.

It’s the final day of your Auckland to Queenstown road trip, so be sure to make the most of it! You may like to plan a day trip to the tiny township of Arrowtown. Just 20 minutes’ drive, there’s loads to see and do in this charming gold rush village. Explore the boutique shops, pan for gold, or just take in the stunning scenery. Another great day trip is the 45-minute drive to Glenorchy. This little slice of paradise sits at the end of one of the most spectacular scenic drives in New Zealand. While you’re there, explore the settlement of Paradise where you can see some of the landscapes that featured in Lord of the Rings. 

The last item on your travel itinerary is to return your camper to maui’s Queenstown branch. 

Ready to explore New Zealand?

Inspired to book your Auckland to Queenstown road trip and experience some of these incredible destinations for yourself? Make it happen and book your maui campervan today. 

Follow our great road trip itinerary planner or create your own. With branches in Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch you can pick up your campervan at one branch and drop it off at another.