Christchurch is the perfect starting point for a South Island road trip. With its international airport and easy access to Canterbury’s coastlines and mountains, it’s a great base for campervan travellers. Whether you’re staying close to the city or venturing further out, powered campsites and holiday parks offer the convenience of hot showers, kitchen facilities, and a comfortable place to park up for the night. 

From central holiday parks to coastal escapes, we’ve rounded up some of the best powered camping sites near Christchurch – including a couple of pet-friendly options for those travelling with four-legged companions. 

Hawke’s Bay isn’t just one of New Zealand’s sunniest spots – it’s also home to some of the country’s best wineries. Rolling vineyards, historic cellar doors, and award-winning wines make it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a good drop. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or something a little different, there’s a cellar door here with your name on it. 

The best part? Exploring in a campervan means you can take your time – soak up the scenery – and visit as many wineries as you like without worrying about rushing back to a hotel. From iconic estates to hidden gems, here are the must-visit wineries and vineyards to add to your Hawke’s Bay travel itinerary. 

I’ve been lucky to have taken a New Zealand road trips by campervan – and no two are ever the same. That’s the beauty of it. One morning, you’re parked up beside a lake, sipping coffee while the mist lifts off the water. The next, you’re wandering through a cool farmers market in off-the-beaten-track township. No strict plans, no rushing from one hotel to the next – just the open road and the freedom to take the long way around, stay an extra night somewhere unexpected, and actually enjoy the drive instead of just getting from A to B. 

I always get friends asking me what the ultimate one-month New Zealand road trip looks like – where to go, what’s worth the drive, and where to park up for the night. So, I’ve finally put it all down in one place. This travel itinerary covers the best of both islands – hot water beaches and cultural performances in the north, mirror-like lakes and mountain passes in the south. There’ll be hikes, coastal detours, and a few spots where you’ll probably want to stay longer than planned. And honestly? That’s the best part of a trip like this. 

Planning a road trip between New Zealand’s North and South Islands? You’re in for a treat. Each island offers something unique and unforgettable. And the ferry crossing between them is something truly special. As you sail between Wellington and Picton across the Cook Strait, you’ll pass rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and the quiet, sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds. It’s the perfect chance to take a break from driving, relax with a coffee or a glass of wine, and soak it all in. 

If you’ve never taken a motorhome on a ferry before, you might be wondering how it all works. The good news? It’s incredibly straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from booking your spot to what to expect on board – so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. 

Hiring a campervan in New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore, but if you’ve never done it before, it can feel a little daunting. The good news? It’s easier than you think. Modern campervans are designed with first-time drivers in mind – large side mirrors, a reversing camera, and a standard automatic transmission make driving surprisingly straightforward. And no, you don’t need a special licence – just your regular full car licence will do. 

The key to a relaxed campervan trip is choosing the right route. Short, easy drives on well-maintained roads, with plenty of great stops along the way, make all the difference. Travel outside of peak times, stick to quieter roads where possible and give yourself time to enjoy the journey. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best campervan routes for first-time drivers – scenic, simple, and stress-free. 

Napier is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. With its Art Deco buildings, sun-soaked coastline, and some of the best food and wine in the country, it’s perfect for a couples’ getaway by motorhome.  

Whether you’re planning on exploring as part of a Napier campervan road trip or just passing through, there’s plenty to see, sip, and savour. From coastal walks and winery tours to hidden spots only the locals know about, we’ve rounded up some of the romantic things to do in Napier for couples. Make sure to add these unforgettable experiences to your travel itinerary. 

If you’re a couple looking for a motorhome road trip that blends adventure with relaxation, New Zealand is the perfect place to explore together. With ever-changing scenery, from rugged mountain ranges to rolling countryside and sun-drenched beaches, every drive offers something new to discover. And with a maui campervan, you can swap rigid schedules for open-ended exploring – stopping when and where you like. 

Whether it’s enjoying a lakeside sunrise, tasting your way through a wine region, or unwinding in a natural hot spring, a campervan road trip lets you experience it all without feeling rushed. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best road trips for couples in 2025, along with a few helpful tips to help you plan an unforgettable travel itinerary. 

Keen to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and local wildlife of New Zealand? In this guide, we’ll highlight must-see natural wonders across both the North and South Islands. 

If you want to explore these gems without rushing from hotel to hotel, we’ll also give you practical tips on planning a campervan travel itinerary, booking a campervan hire, and some general tips for exploring New Zealand in a campervan hire. Plus, we’ll address those burning questions like “Which part of New Zealand has the best scenery?” and more. 

Ready to discover some of the best nature spots in New Zealand? Let’s dive in. But first...