South Island : Mountains, Forests, Glaciers,
Beaches and Wildlife

Stage 1: Christchurch

Pick up your campervan and hit the road to the city centre. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, and is slowly being rebuilt after a strong earthquake in 2012. Despite this, visitors are always welcome and we encourage you to stay at least one night to visit surrounding areas such as Sumner (a family resort) and the small village of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, both of these can be done in one day. Camping: All Seasons Holiday Park : powered site, $38 per night

To Do: Visit the beaches of Sumner Bay, explore Banks Peninsula, in Christchurch visit the Antarctica Centre and the art galleries.

Stage 2: Christchurch - Mt Cook

Today you’ll head in the direction of Mt Cook. Don’t forget to stop at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Shepherd to admire the colours of the lake and enjoy the peace and quiet of the place. The village of Mt Cook is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the country , Mt Cook (3754 meters). This is an excellent base for exploring the National Park, Tasman Glacier and the Southern Alps in general. It's an amazing place that offers magnificent views. After the turn-off to reach the alpine village, you follow the turquoise Lake Pukaki with a backdrop view of the mountains. This area is also a paradise for fishermen, it is world renowned for trout fishing and salmon, it would be a rare day where you came home empty-handed! Camping: Glentanner Park Centre: powered site, $44 per night

To Do: Discover the Sir Edmund Hillary Museum, view the Tasman glacier by boat, See the sunrise in an hot air balloon, stroll around the beautiful Tekapo and Pukaki lakes, take a scenic flight over this beautiful region.

Stage 3: Twizel - Dunedin

Today you drive to Dunedin, or Edinburgh in Gaelic, and yes the city is like its Scottish origins. Dunedin is Otago’s capital and the 2nd largest city the South Island, it’s a college town that comes to life every night in the streets and bars of the city centre. Besides the clean green charm of the town, beaches and cliffs, Dunedin is the place for wildlife lovers. Here you can see sea lions, penguins or huge sea lions, not forgetting the Albatross colony. Camping: Dundedin Holiday Park: powered site, $39 per night

To Do: Go on an eco-safari to explore the wildlife of the area, enjoy the many surrounding beaches, discover the architecture of the city or party with students at night.

Stage 4: Dunedin - Catlins Forest

Located in the extreme south of the country, this region is well preserved from mass tourism. View beautiful beaches, lush forests, waterfalls and not to mention a unique wildlife with dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins and sea elephants. The Catlins are a door to New Zealand’s past where life was simple and in harmonious with nature. Camping: Catlins Kiwi Holiday Park at McLean Falls: powered site, $39 per night

Do: Explore the region on horseback, kayak or on foot, walking to Nugget Point, and discover Curio Bay.

Stage 5: Catlins - Te Anau / Fiordland

Two hour’s drive from Invercargill, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the largest park, and certainly the most impressive, in New Zealand. Recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This region is monumental with huge peaks (Mitre Peak  is 1,652 metres) plunging directly into the sea, breathtaking waterfalls and rain measured in metres rather than centimetres. Don’t forget your camera! Camping: Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park: powered site, $50 per night

To Do: Cruise Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, visit glow worm caves, see the film about the Fiordland region in Te Anau.

Stage 6: Te Anau - Queenstown

At the foot of the mountains and nestled beside Lake Wakatipu is Queenstown, recognised as New Zealand’s adventure capital for extreme sports. In addition to adrenaline rush activities such as bungy jumping, rafting, parachute, jet boating... it's a beautiful town with many scenic vantage points. This is a paradise for walkers, golfers, fishermen and lovers of nature. Camping: Queenstown Top10 Holiday Park, Creeksyde: powered site, $50 per night

To Do: Go on a horseback ride, explore the backcountry with a nature safari, bungy jump, cruise and Kiwi BBQ on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, rafting, enjoy the many golf courses in the area, scenic flight over the Southern Alps.

Stage 7: Queenstown - Wanaka

At the foot of the mountains and nestled beside Lake Wakatipu is Queenstown, recognised as New Zealand’s adventure capital for extreme sports. In addition to adrenaline rush activities such as bungy jumping, rafting, parachute, jet boating... it's a beautiful town with many scenic vantage points. This is a paradise for walkers, golfers, fishermen and lovers of nature. Visit the old gold mining town of Arrowtown, with its original miners cottages and beautiful tree lined streets, it's a great day trip to do a bit of shopping, don't miss the pie shop on the corner for a classic kiwi meat pie. Camping: Wanaka Lake View Holiday Park : powered site, $36 per night

To Do: Visit Arrowtown, Go on a horseback ride, explore the backcountry with a nature safari, bungy jump, cruise and Kiwi BBQ on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, rafting, enjoy the many golf courses in the area, scenic flight over the Southern Alps.

Stage 8: Wanaka - Franz Josef

Continue along the West Coast, you’ll notice the scenery becoming increasingly rough, wild and often very wet. Finally you’ll reach New Zealand’s famous glaciers: Fox and Franz Josef. These are virtually on the sea front and less than 300 metre above sea level, they are the highlights of the region. Don’t hesitate to ask us about a scenic flight to appreciate the true value of their pristine vastness, or a glacier hike. Camping: Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park : powered site, $42 per night

To Do: Scenic flight of the glaciers by helicopter, go on a Heli-Hike adventure, relax at the spa on the edge of the glacier, discover the many hikes in this area.

Stage 9: Franz Josef - Punakaiki

Leave the ice behind and head further north along the west coast. Here you’ll discover a rugged landscape with dense subtropical vegetation, wild beaches and an unleashed sea, as well as a very small population. This is New Zealand at its purest! Along this coast Punakaiki attracts travellers for its natural sculptures, the famous "Pancake Rocks" formed by the erosion from the sea, rain and rivers. Camping: Punakaiki Beach Camp: powered site, $31 per night

To Do: Visit the Pancake Rocks, walks in the subtropical forest, canoe on the Pororari River.

Stage 10: Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park

You continue on to the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park, considered one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. Enjoy the contrast of the colours of the tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea. Hiking, kayaking, boating and relaxing on the beach, are just some activities you can do during your stay. Camping: Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park : powered site, $45 per night

To Do: Swim with sea lions, explore the park on foot, go on an eco-Safari on Farewell Spit and explore the National Park by kayak or catamaran.      

Stage 11: Abel Tasman National Park - Blenheim

Blenheim is an ideal town for travellers who enjoy excellent local produce and the finest wines. The best way to explore the area is to rent a bike and tour the vineyards. Blenheim is situated on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds which offer a range of outdoor activities. Camping: Blenheim Top 10 Holiday Park : powered site, $42 per night

To Do: Enjoy local produce, explore the vineyards by bike, discover the Marlborough Sounds, walk the Queen Charlotte Track, swimming with dolphins.

Stage 12: Blenheim - Kaikoura

You continue to Kaikoura, one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Snowy capped mountains overlook the ocean and its beautiful rugged coastline has seals and sea lions basking in the sun. The waters of the ocean here support a unique eco-system where whales, dolphins, seals and albatross feed. Speaking of food be sure to stop at one of the caravans along the road to Kaikoura and enjoy freshly cooked lobster the Kiwi way. Camping: Kaikoura Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park : powered site, $40 per night

To Do: Swim with Hector dolphins or sea lions or see whales up close, hike the Kaikoura Coast Track and don’t miss the lobster in the village or small roadside caravans, a real treat.

Stage 13: Kaikoura - Christchurch

You return to Christchurch and drop off your campervan. Catch your plane back home with pictures and happy memories to remind you of your time in New Zealand. Camping: All Seasons Holiday Park : powered site, $38 per night