Planning a road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown? Explore the South Island of New Zealand in a one-way campervan rental.
Use our comparison tool above to check prices and availability on campervan rentals from multiple suppliers.
Cabana
River
Rocket 2-Berth
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
Distance: Approximately 230 km (143 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 105 km (65 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions Along the Way:
Distance: Approximately 85 km (53 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Places of Interest:
Distance: Approximately 115 km (71 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Must-See Stops:
Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Points of Interest:
The Church of the Good Shepherd was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin, in 1935, and it serves as a memorial to early pioneers of the region.
Due to the views of the Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo is a favourite stop for many travellers to the South Island.
Milford Sound is, perhaps, New Zealand’s most famous tourist attraction, despite being one of the country’s least explored corners until the 20th century.
Carved by ice age glaciers, Milford is a proper fiord – an inlet of the Tasman Sea.
Yes - simply use the search tool at the top of this page to check availability.
Freedom camping, or the ability to sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand, is allowed but heavily regulated by individual councils. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and guidelines of the region you're visiting before settling in for the night in your campervan. The Department of Conservation (DOC) maintains a comprehensive network of RV-friendly campsites across the country, offering an ideal place for responsible and self-sufficient camping.
These DOC campsites typically provide basic amenities, so campers need to be well-prepared and adhere to responsible camping practices. This includes properly disposing of waste, respecting the environment, and adhering to any local restrictions or requirements.
For a more comfortable camping experience, Camper Champ suggests staying overnight in campgrounds specifically designed for RVs. These campgrounds provide convenient amenities such as electrical and water hook-ups, which enable campers to use their vehicle's onboard facilities like refrigerators, lights, electrical appliances, and showers. Additionally, these campgrounds often feature dump stations for the proper disposal of wastewater and sewage.
Besides practical amenities, many campgrounds also offer a range of recreational activities and facilities to enhance your overall camping experience. These may include swimming pools, playgrounds, and dedicated recreation areas. Some campgrounds even feature on-site stores, cafes, and rental facilities, allowing campers to purchase supplies or rent equipment like bikes or kayaks.
When planning your campervan trip in New Zealand, make sure to research the specific regulations in the areas you'll be visiting and choose a campground or campsite that best suits your needs and preferences. By doing so, you'll contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism practices while enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities New Zealand has to offer.
If you are unsure of the rules that apply in a specific area, it is best to visit the nearest i-SITE (visitor information centre) and ask about any local regulations or bylaws.
If you wish to go freedom camping in New Zealand, your vehicle must be self-contained and certified.
This means you must be able to live in the vehicle for 3 days without needing additional water or needing to dump the waste.
In addition, the vehicle must have:
The vehicle must have been checked by a qualified officer to ensure that it meets these requirements. Self-contained motorhomes have a sticker displayed on the vehicle proving their certification.
A good idea is to plan for a minimum of 7 days. However, even a 2- or 3-week road trip around the South Island will easily be filled.
Popular attractions include Mount Cook, UNESCO-designated Fiordland National Park with Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, and the adventure capital of Queenstown.
Yes, unlimited kilometres are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in New Zealand. The comparison tool will show you whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
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