New Zealand Island Tours

Here are some travel ideas that will allow you to see the best of New Zealand on both Islands. Ideal for those travellers who are not on a long term visit or perhaps a great taster of the country to allow you to choose destinations you would like to spend more time in or explore further.

North Island – New Zealand Campervan Tour

7 Day NZ Campervan Tour: Upper – Mid North Island

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and collect your rental motorhome from Kiwi Auto Homes Ltd before driving into the city to stay one night. In the afternoon you could explore the sights of Auckland including spectacular views from Mt Eden or the Sky Tower, visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Experience or just drive around exploring the fabulous harbour and beaches.
Suggested place to stay: Avondale Motor park (www.kiwiholidayparks.co.nz) or North Shore Holiday Park (www.top1.co.nz)

Day 2: Auckland – Paihia (drive time approx. 4hrs 5mins 236 kms)
Today, head North to Paihia and the Bay of Islands. If you choose, you can take an alternative route and discover some of the amazing East Coast Beaches including Mangawhai and Langs Beach or stop for lunch in Whangarei. You will be staying to Paihia for 2 nights, the gateway to the Bay of Islands.

Day 3: Paihia
Today is free to explore this whether if be a cruise to the Hole in the Rock, Dolphin watching, visiting Haruru Falls or the historical grounds of Waitangi just to name a few.

Day 4: Paihia – Rotorua (drive time approx. 7hrs 40mins 470 kms)
Take the day to leisurely drive South to the most famous tourist destination city in New Zealand, Rotorua. The drive will take you back through Auckland and through the lush countryside of Waikato, and heart of the farming industry.

Day 5: Rotorua
This geothermal playground has so much to offer. You will be spoilt for choice, but your day should start with a visit to Te Puia to view aspects of Maori culture and view boiling mud pools and geysers. After that you could visit Rainbow Springs, try the Luge at Skyline Gondola or drive out to the buried village at Lake Tarawera. Why not try a traditional hangi meal in the evening.

Day 6: Rotorua – Waitomo Caves (approx 3hrs 30mins 173 kms)
Today you will drive 2 hours west to visit the wonderful Waitomo Glow-worm Caves.

Day 7: Waitomo Caves – Auckland (approx. 3hrs 10mins 200 kms)
After a short drive back to Auckland from Waitomo Caves return you campervan to the Kiwi Auto Homes depot and receive another free shuttle ride out your hotel or to the airport for your flight home Please remember to leave lots of time to return to Auckland and navigate the traffic especially if your travel arrangements have you returning on a week day.

14 Day NZ Campervan Tour: Coast to Coast, Top to Bottom- Whole North Island

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and collect your rental motorhome from Kiwi Auto Homes Ltd before driving into the city to stay one night. In the afternoon you could explore the sights of Auckland including spectacular views from Mt Eden or the Sky tower, visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Experience or just drive around exploring the fabulous harbour and beaches. Suggested place to stay: Avondale Motor park (www.kiwiholidayparks.co.nz) or North Shore Holiday Park (www.top1.co.nz)

Day 3: Paihia
Today is free to explore this whether it be a cruise to the Hole in the Rock, Dolphin watching, visiting Haruru Falls or the historical grounds of Waitangi just to name a few.

Day 3: Paihia – Waitomo Caves (approx 7hrs 15mins 436 kms)
Today start nice and early and get on the road to your destination for the night at the beautiful glow-worm caves in Waitomo. Why not take a different route down to Auckland passing through Dargaville and the Kaipara Harbour through what we call the Kauri Coast. A must see is Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest Kauri Tree.

Day 4: Waitomo Caves – New Plymouth (approx. 3hrs 30mins 173 kms)
Start your day with a guided tour through the Glow-worm caves then back on the road again down to New Plymouth. Along the way you will see stunning views of the West Coast of the North Island. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach with a cup of coffee or maybe plan a guided tour up Mt Egmont.

Day 5: New Plymouth – Wellington (approx. 5hrs 10mins 355 kms)
Again you will drive the West Coast of the North Island taking in all the sites have to offer. On your way you will pass through Wanganui and Palmerston North before getting to Wellington. Maybe a trip to Southwards car museum should be on the cards as this is the largest privately owned car collection in New Zealand so there is something for everyone.

Day 6: Wellington Free Day
There is a lot to do in Wellington. Leave the camper at the motor park in Petone and catch the bus into the city. Must dos are Te Papa Museum, The cable car and visiting our Parliament buildings.

Day 7: Wellington – Napier (approx. 4hrs 50mins 323 kms)
Day 7 has another longer drive in stalled for you today but you will travel through some amazing countryside passing through Masterton, Danneverirke and the Eastern side of the Ruahine Ranges before getting toy our destination of Napier tonight. Napier the city of art deco was flattened by an earthquake and completely rebuilt to art deco standards.

Day 8: Napier – Taupo (approx. 2hrs 30mins 143 kms)
Taupo the Trout fishing capital of the World possibly. You can easily spend the next 2 nights here with everything that Taupo has to offer. Bungee jumping, jet boats, skydiving and of course you could try your luck at the Hole in One golf on the lake front. The preferred place to stay here in De Brets Thermal resort, a beautiful camp ground with a natural thermal hot spring supplying the hot pools down below is the perfect way to relax.

Day 9: Taupo Free Day
Spend the day exploring this thermal wonderland.

Day 10: Taupo – Rotorua (approx. 1hrs 20mins 80 kms)
This geothermal playground has so much to offer. You will be spoilt for choice, but your day should start with a visit to Te Puia to view aspects of Maori culture and view boiling mud pools and geysers. After that you could visit Rainbow Springs, try the Luge at Skyline Gondola or drive out to the buried village at Lake Tarawera. Why not try a traditional hangi meal in the evening.

Day 11: Rotorua Free Day
With so much to see and do in Rotorua you will need an extra day to take it all the sights and don’t forget the smells.

Day 12: Rotorua – Coromandel (approx. 3hrs 0mins 200kms)
This time you will be driving along the East Coast of the North Island passing through some of the most pristine holiday destinations for New Zealanders. Stop off for a bite of lunch and a look around in Mt Maunganui. From here you are halfway to the beautiful sites of The Coromandel. Along the way don’t forget to stop off at Hot Water Beach so you can dig a hole in the sand and relax in the warm waters that this beach has to offer.

Day 13: Coromandel Free Day
Coromandel, said to have some of the best fishing in New Zealand or perhaps just spend your last night in New Zealand relaxing before you embark on your journey home.

Day 14: Coromandel – Auckland (approx. 2hrs 45mins 160 kms)
After a short drive back to Auckland from Coromandel return you campervan to the Kiwi Auto Homes depot and receive another free shuttle ride out your hotel or to the airport for your flight home Please remember to leave lots of time to return to Auckland and navigate the traffic especially if your travel arrangements have you returning on a week day.

South Island

10 Day NZ Campervan Tour: Mid – Lower South Island

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch:
A complementary transfer from the airport or accommodation to our depot to collect your camper. Check in, and then explore Christchurch for yourself. You could visit Hagley Park, the Canterbury Museum and the Botanic Gardens. Stay the night at Meadow park campground.

Day 2 Mt. Cook to Oamaru:
A nice early start sees you leaving Christchurch bound for Mt Cook (traveling time approx. 4hrs 55min or 331kms. En route today you’ll see Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and soak up the spectacular alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park. You can also take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting). In the afternoon another segment of driving to Oamaru (traveling time approx. 3hrs 55mins or 216kms) that night explore the wonderful old section of this city which was made completely out of Oamaru stone. A night here at the Top 10 Holiday park will leave you refreshed for tomorrows adventures.

Day 3 Oamaru to Dunedin: (traveling time approx. 1hr 40mins or 115 kms)
At Dunedin, tour the city in the morning, then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself – take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway, it’s your choice.
Day 4 Dunedin to Te Anau: Start the day off with a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle – Larnach Castle and its gardens then head to Te Anau across fertile farming land to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. (Traveling time approx. 4hr 15mins or 290 kms) Tonight, if you choose to, you can see the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. A night at Fiordland Great Views Holiday Park will be the place to stay. Make sure you book the camper in for 2 nights here and book a bus to take you out to Milford sound the next day.

Day 5 Milford Sound:
Today is a feast for the senses. Be wowed and awe-struck by the beauty of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest. Keep your camera close by as you see Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, Cloudy Valley, The Chasm, the hand-made Homer Tunnel, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and stunningly photogenic Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. The Devil’s Staircase and Lake Wakatipu pass by. Once in Milford sound use your pre booked boat tour to take you to the vast wonders the area has to offer.

Day 6 Te Anau to Queenstown: (traveling time approx. 2hrs 45min or 170 kms)
Enjoy this scenic drive that takes you past one of New Zealand’s most attractive lakes, Lake Wakatipu. Explore Queenstown your way. Go wild with jet boat rides or white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are wine and garden tours. For dinner a night across Lake Wakatipu and back on the TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand’s oldest steam ship, to Walter Peak Sheep Station for a carvery meal and sheep shearing demonstration is a must.

Day 7 Queenstown to Franz Josef: (traveling time approx. 7hrs 45mins or 404 kms)
Travel through the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. The second stop is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. You’ll see a trio of lakes – Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Travel over the Haast Pass, view the amazing Thunder Creek Falls, take a small rainforest walk, then it’s on to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier – the world’s most accessible glacier.

Day 8 Franz Josef to Greymouth: (traveling time approx. 3hrs 10min or 177 kms)
Explore Franz Josef Glacier in the morning – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Then depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. A short drive North to Punakaiki, where you’ll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, then returning to Greymouth.

Day 9 Greymouth to Christchurch: (travel time approx. 4hrs 10mins or 258 kms)
Enjoy time at leisure before travelling from Greymouth to Arthur’s Pass where you’ll travel through the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

Day 10 Depart Christchurch:
Today is yours; take your time exploring Christchurch, famous for being the most English city outside of England. It’s your last chance to experience New Zealand before you transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

14 Day NZ Campervan Tour: South Island Scenic Adventure

Day 2 Mt. Cook to Oamaru:
A nice early start sees you leaving Christchurch bound for Mt Cook (traveling time approx. 4hrs 55min or 331kms. En route today you’ll see Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and soak up the spectacular alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park. You can also take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting). In the afternoon another segment of driving to Oamaru (traveling time approx. 3hrs 55mins or 216 kms) that night explore the wonderful old section of this city which was made completely out of Oamaru stone. A night here at the Top 10 Holiday park will leave you refreshed for tomorrows adventures.

Day 4 Dunedin to Te Anau:
Start the day off with a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle – Larnach Castle and its gardens then head to Te Anau across fertile farming land to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. (Traveling time approx. 4hr 15mins or 290kms) Tonight, if you choose to, you can see the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. A night at Fiordland Great Views Holiday Park will be the place to stay. Make sure you book the camper in for 2 nights here and book a bus to take you out to Milford sound the next day.

Day 6 Te Anau to Queenstown: (traveling time approx. 2hrs 45min or 170kms)
Enjoy this scenic drive that takes you past one of New Zealand’s most attractive lakes, Lake Wakatipu. Explore Queenstown your way. Go wild with jet boat rides or white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are wine and garden tours. For dinner a night across Lake Wakatipu and back on the TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand’s oldest steam ship, to Walter Peak Sheep Station for a carvery meal and sheep shearing demonstration is a must.

Day 7 Queenstown to Franz Josef: (traveling time approx. 7hrs 45mins or 404kms)
Travel through the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. The second stop is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. You’ll see a trio of lakes – Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Travel over the Haast Pass, view the amazing Thunder Creek Falls, take a small rainforest walk, then it’s on to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier – the world’s most accessible glacier.

Day 8 Franz Josef to Greymouth: (traveling time approx. 3hrs 10min or 177kms)
Explore Franz Josef Glacier in the morning – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Then depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. A short drive North to Punakaiki,, where you’ll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes then returning to Greymouth.

Day 9 Transalpine Express: Direct from Greymouth catch your pre booked journey through the Arthur’s Pass aboard the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world, which travels through the Southern Alps to Christchurch and back to Greymouth again. (Full day trip)

Day 10 Greymouth to Nelson: (travel time approx. 4hrs 35mins or 290 kms)
Upon leaving Greymouth your first stop should be Westport, one of New Zealand’s smaller towns but one with a deep rich history. From here the road will take you through a mystical part of New Zealand called the Buller Gorge. Follow the Buller River to your destination for the night in sunny Nelson. Along this journey is the very centre of New Zealand. Look out for the signs.

Day 11 Day trip to Farewell Spit:
After all this driving this could be a great opportunity to let someone else drive you for a change. A small trip up to Collingwood from Nelson will have you at the base for Farewell Spit Tours which offer day tours ranging from 3-4hrs up to 6.5hrs. On these tours you will the best that New Zealand has to offer in regards to wildlife.

Day 12 Nelson to Kiakoura: (travel time approx. 3hrs 35mins or 245 kms)
Some of New Zealand’s richest wine country can be found around this area. Along the way stop for lunch in Blenheim or perhaps only a 30min drive north will have you in the beautiful inner coastal town of Picton. Spend some time here exploring this quaint area and watch the Interisland ferries come and go. Just North of Kiakoura along the East coast you will find seal colonies. Make sure you have a camera ready for these smelly but very hard case animals. The Top 10 Kiakoura motor camp is the place to stay and they will be able to help you with booking a whale watch tour for the next morning.

Day 13 Kiakoura to Hanmer Springs: (travel time 1hr 38mins or 135kms)
This short drive from Kiakoura to Hanmer Spring is the perfect way to wind down for the last day of your holiday. Lunch at the Mt Lyford resort is a must. Hanmer Springs camp ground boasts one of the best scenic back drops in the country. Relax at night with a nice thermal soak in the hot pools.

Day 14 Hanmer Springs to Christchurch: (travel time 1hr 44mins or 132 kms)
Today is yours; take your time returning to and exploring Christchurch, famous for being the most English city outside of England. It’s your last chance to experience New Zealand before you transfer to either Christchurch Airport for your onward flight or the motel/hotel of your choice.

Itinerary Options
Day 2: Optional scenic flight over Mt Cook
Day 8: Optional scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier