How many days do you need for a road trip to New Zealand?

You need at least 3-4 weeks for a road trip to New Zealand to ensure you have enough time to explore all the fantastic sights and attractions New Zealand offers. This is because the country is composed of two islands, the South and the North Islands, and it would take several days to travel from one end to another.

What month is the cheapest to visit NZ?

From May through October, New Zealand is the cheapest to visit. This is a great time to plan a trip! Flights and accommodations are more affordable during this period. Plus, the weather is still warm enough for pleasant days out!

How to plan a 3-week trip to New Zealand?

Research the best times of year to visit New Zealand to make sure you experience good weather and have access to activities and attractions. Choose a few cities or regions you'd like to explore and create an itinerary that allows enough time for each destination. Decide on the type of accommodation you will stay in and book your accommodations beforehand. Consider how you will get around in New Zealand - whether by renting a campervan, public transport, or other hiking/biking trails. Compare different transportation providers and services to get the best value for your money. Look into what activities are available throughout the country and nearby areas; book any tickets or tours in advance to ensure availability during peak travel periods. Find out what budget-friendly meals are available, research local culinary delights, plan where you'll be eating, and look into grocery stores where you can buy groceries for self-catering meals if needed. Prepare for any visa requirements before departure, gather appropriate insurance coverage, and check essential documents like passports are up-to-date with plenty of time before your trip starts. Plan out your daily schedule so that you can experience all activities and attractions; build in some flexibility for surprises along the way!

How many weeks should I spend in New Zealand?

It depends on how much time you have and what your travel plans are. If you want to explore the country in-depth, 3 weeks is an excellent time to spend in New Zealand. You can take in the diverse landscapes, check out some of the outdoor activities available, enjoy the local cuisine, and have time to visit some of the major cities like Auckland or Wellington.

New Zealand Campervan Itinerary (3 Weeks)

Are you planning a road trip in New Zealand and thinking of renting a campervan for your trip? We have curated this great New Zealand campervan itinerary for a 3-week road trip.

New Zealand is beautiful and offers such diversity in the scenery on a relatively small surface. Unlike Canada or the United States, you don’t have to drive a lot to find a completely new landscape. If you are an adventure and outdoor family, New Zealand won’t disappoint you. From hot springs to eternal mountain peaks, you’ll be amazed by New Zealand.

But first, why should you consider renting a campervan to explore New Zealand?

New Zealand Campervan Itinerary (3 Weeks) show

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Why a Campervan is the Best Way to See New Zealand

Traveling New Zealand by campervan is the ultimate way to explore its stunning outdoors at your own pace. With a campervan, you can enjoy the flexibility of self-driving and stay in breathtaking locations. New Zealand’s excellent campervan infrastructure includes fee-paying campsites like Top 10 Holiday Park and over 200 basic Department of Conservation (DOC) sites, offering minimal fees, drinking water, and basic toilets.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider Freedom Camping, available to certified self-contained campervans with their own waste tanks. This initiative allows free camping in diverse locations, from city-center car parks to secluded rural areas.

While renting a campervan can be pricier than a car, it eliminates the hassle of hotel check-ins and offers built-in cooking facilities. Keep in mind, fuel costs can be higher, and larger vehicles might be challenging to drive and park. Remember to pack all the essentials for a stress-free road trip adventure in New Zealand!

»» Read our: Escape Campervans Review for an Adventure Family

Your New Zealand Campervan Itinerary (3 Weeks)

This 3 week New Zealand itinerary covers both the North Island and the South Island. The North and South islands are very different from one another. Both should definitely be included on a New Zealand campervan itinerary. It’s a one-way route designed to maximize time and avoid a costly return ticket on the inter-island ferry.

Week 1: Auckland – Rotorua – Wellington

Fly into Auckland and explore New Zealand’s biggest city before picking up your campervan.

Drive 2 hours south to Hobbiton, the film set for The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Kids will love exploring the landscaped site with 44 Hobbit houses whether they have seen the movies or not!

Your next stop is the cave region of Waitomo. In Waitomo, you can take a family-friendly caving trip to see the glow worms. Seeing the glow worms is truly a magical experience.

Continue to Rotorua. The town is famous for its sulfurous smell and its geothermic features. You’ll see bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot pools. Then, make a stop at Tamaki Maori Village to learn about Maori culture and enjoy a traditional Hangi dinner.

Finally, visit Lake Taupo before arriving in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. You’ll want to make time for a tour of Te Papa. Te Papa is a fantastic and varied museum of New Zealand.

»» For a more detailed itinerary of New Zealand’s North Island, check out our New Zealand’s North Island 7-Days Road Trip Itinerary.

Week 2: Wellington – Christchurch – Queenstown

Take the car ferry from Wellington to Picton to reach South Island. The ferry drive is about 3.5 hours. Drive to Kaikoura on the east coast, a town renowned for whale and dolphin spotting. Head south to Hanmer to enjoy hot springs before arriving in Christchurch.

Spend a day exploring this charming city which has some of the best city center playgrounds in New Zealand. Turning inland, Lake Tekapo is reputed to have the darkest skies in New Zealand. V

Then, visit the awe-inspiring Mt Cook and hike the family-friendly Hooker Valley Track. It’s a 5 kilometers trail perfect for families. From here, drive to Queenstown. Make sure to spend some time at stunning Wanaka en route.

Week 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound- Christchurch

Explore bustling Queenstown and take a steamboat trip on Lake Wakatipu. You can also take part in one of Queenstown’s many adrenaline-pumping activities, such as jet boating. Visit nearby Arrowtown, where kids can hire gold panning equipment to pan for gold in the river.

Drive to Te Anau for an overnight stay before visiting Milford Sound. The driving time from Te Anau to Milford Sound is about 2.5 hours (according to the kilometers between both places). But it will take much longer as you’ll want to stop to savor the incredible views.

Take a boat trip on the 15-kilometer-long Milford Sound to fully appreciate its size, scale, and jaw-dropping scenery. From here, it’s a full-day drive to reach Fox Glacier and its neighbor, the Franz Josef Glacier. There are family-friendly paths that wind through the valley to the base of the glacier. There are also numerous activities on offer, such as heli-hiking (age restrictions apply) or a helicopter ride.

It is now time to return to Queenstown to drop off your rental campervan. You can also decide to continue up the East Coast. If you do so, you’ll want to stop at the family-friendly Hokitika Gorge and Kahikatea Forest. Then, you can make your back across the stunning Arthurs Pass to Christchurch.

FAQ New Zealand Campervan Itinerary (3 Weeks)

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?

No, you can’t sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand. This is because there are restrictions on where campervans can be parked overnight. But, there are many freedom camping sites where you can park for free or for a small fee. Freedom camping sites are designated areas where you can only stay overnight. They can be found in parks, beaches, and other recreational areas.

When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

Long warm days will maximize sightseeing opportunities and your enjoyment of New Zealand’s outdoor attractions. However, New Zealand’s extended school summer holidays run from late November/December to early February.

If you choose to visit in summer, it’s the high season. Attractions will be busier. There will be more competition and demand for camping spots. And, of course, you’ll experience higher campervan rental fees and camping fees.

Visiting New Zealand in Spring and Autumn will avoid this but be prepared for some cooler and wetter weather.

A campervan trip in New Zealand in the winter will be cold, especially on the South Island. Ok, it may not be as cold as the winter in Canada, but it still can get cold. You may encounter poor driving conditions and multiple road closures in mountain regions. But it’s an ideal time to visit if you love winter sports and snowy landscapes.

Where to Rent a Campervan in New Zealand

Major cities on the North Island and the South Island have a few campervan rental companies. such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, are offering city center or airport depots for most campervan rental companies.

Well-known campervan brands include:

You can also check Auto Europe to compare the different campervan options that are available in New Zealand.

How much money do I need for 3 weeks in New Zealand?

It depends on your budget and the activities you plan during your stay in New Zealand. You could get away with spending around $2,800-3000 for 3 weeks if you want to stick to budget-friendly activities and accommodations. Still, you might need more money if you plan on doing more expensive activities or staying in nicer accommodation.

Which New Zealand island is better to visit?

South Island is the better of the two New Zealand islands to visit. With its rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and breathtaking glaciers, it’s truly a sight to behold. Of course, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, from hiking and kayaking to skiing and exploring the various towns and cities. You’ll also find some of the country’s best food and wine there!

When can you see Aurora in New Zealand?

The best time to see Aurora in New Zealand is from March to September. The best chance of seeing the aurora can generally be found on nights with a clear sky and little light pollution, which are more common during this period.

Final Thoughts on New Zealand Campervan Itinerary (3 Weeks)

There are so many things to do and see around both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. You could spend months exploring New Zealand. With 3 weeks in a campervan, you’ll get a great overview of most must-see places.

Would you rather visit New Zealand in a campervan or in a rental car?

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Emilie Brillon

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She's based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

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