Ultimate 10-Day South Island New Zealand Campervan Itinerary

Plan the perfect 10-day South Island road trip with Tui Campers. From Queenstown to Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo to Kaikōura, discover the best campervan itinerary for your New Zealand adventure.

 
Why Explore the South Island by Campervan?
The South Island of New Zealand is a paradise of towering mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and coastal gems. With a campervan from Tui Campers, you have the freedom to set your own pace, stay close to nature, and wake up to jaw-dropping views every single day.

Forget rigid schedules — your campervan is your home on wheels.

 
10-Day South Island Campervan Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo (3 hrs)
Pick up your Tui Camper in Christchurch.
Stop at Geraldine for coffee and local treats.
Continue to Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise water and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Overnight: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park or freedom camping (self-contained).

 
Day 2: Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook National Park (1 hr)
Short drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Hike the Hooker Valley Track for glacier and alpine views.
Optional: Scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Overnight: White Horse Hill DOC Campsite (near Mt Cook Village).

 
Day 3: Mount Cook → Queenstown (3 hrs)
Drive through the Lindis Pass to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Enjoy the lakeside vibe, gondola rides, or a jet boat thrill.
Sample local wines and food in the evening.
Overnight: Queenstown Holiday Park or freedom camping near Lake Wakatipu.

 
Day 4: Queenstown → Milford Sound → Te Anau (Full Day)
Take a day trip to Milford Sound, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Drive through Fiordland National Park — waterfalls, mirror lakes, and lush rainforest.
Join a scenic cruise on Milford Sound.
Return and stay in Te Anau.
Overnight: Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park.

 
Day 5: Te Anau → Wanaka (3.5 hrs)
Scenic drive to Wanaka, a relaxed alpine town.
Don’t miss the famous Wanaka Tree photo spot.
Try a short hike up Mt Iron or Roy’s Peak (if you’re keen on a challenge).
Overnight: Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park.

 
Day 6: Wanaka → Franz Josef Glacier (4 hrs)
Drive through the stunning Haast Pass with waterfalls and rainforests.
Continue to Franz Josef Glacier.
Walk to the glacier viewpoint or book a heli-hike.
Overnight: Franz Josef Campervan Park.

 
Day 7: Franz Josef → Hokitika (2 hrs)
Head north to Hokitika, known for its greenstone (pounamu) and driftwood beach.
Stop at Lake Matheson for mirror reflections of Mt Cook.
Explore Hokitika Gorge with its turquoise waters.
Overnight: Hokitika Holiday Park.

 
Day 8: Hokitika → Punakaiki → Abel Tasman (6 hrs)
Drive north along the rugged West Coast.
Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
Continue to Abel Tasman National Park.
Overnight: Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp.

 
Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park
Spend a full day exploring this coastal paradise.
Options: Kayaking, boat cruise, or hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Relax at golden beaches.
Overnight: Kaiteriteri or Marahau campsites.

 
Day 10: Abel Tasman → Kaikōura (5 hrs)
Final drive down the East Coast to Kaikōura, famous for marine wildlife.
Go whale watching or swim with dolphins.
Fresh crayfish is a must-try here.
Overnight: Kaikōura Top 10 Holiday Park.

Drop off your Tui Camper in Christchurch the next day.
 
Freedom Camping & Tips
Download the CamperMate app for free and paid campsite locations.
Always check for self-contained restrictions before freedom camping.
Stock up on groceries in major towns — remote areas have limited options.
 
 Travel Tips for Your South Island Campervan Trip
Allow extra time: NZ roads are winding and slower than they look on a map.
Weather can change fast: Pack layers and rain gear.
Fuel up often: Stations are sparse on the West Coast.
Book Milford Sound cruises and Abel Tasman activities in advance (especially in summer).
 
Ready to Hit the Road?
The South Island is pure magic — from glaciers and fjords to golden beaches. A Tui Camper gives you the freedom to see it all at your own pace.

???? Book your campervan with Tui Campers today and start your unforgettable 10-day South Island adventure!