Support
Auckland to Christchurch Campervan Rental
Auckland to Christchurch One Way Motorhome Hire
Setting out from Auckland to Christchurch? Discover New Zealand’s North and South Islands with a one-way campervan hire. Compare options with our tool to find the best campervan for your trip.
Travelling in the opposite direction? Hire a campervan from Christchurch to Auckland.
Auckland to Christchurch One Way Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Distance: Approximately 170 km (106 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Things to See:
- Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water Beach
- Driving Creek Railway
Day 2
Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua
Distance: Approximately 220 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Attractions Along the Way:
- Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata, en route)
- Te Puia (geothermal valley)
- Polynesian Spa
Day 3
Rotorua to Taupo
Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Must-See Stops:
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (vibrant geothermal landscapes)
- Huka Falls (powerful waterfall on the Waikato River)
- Lake Taupo (New Zealand’s largest lake)
Day 4
Taupo to Tongariro National Park
Distance: Approximately 100 km (62 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Highlights:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (full-day hike)
- Mount Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom from "The Lord of the Rings")
- Taranaki Falls Track
Day 5
Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Distance: Approximately 330 km (205 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4.5 hours
Things to See:
- Te Papa Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Weta Workshop tour
Day 6
Wellington (Ferry to Picton) to Nelson
Ferry Crossing: Approximately 3.5 hours across Cook Strait
Driving Distance: Picton to Nelson, 110 km (68 miles), about 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Marlborough Sounds (scenic ferry views)
- Nelson Lakes National Park (optional detour)
- World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
Day 7
Nelson to Greymouth (via West Coast)
Distance: Approximately 285 km (177 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Highlights Along the Way:
- Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki
- Paparoa National Park
- Shantytown Heritage Park in Greymouth
Day 8
Greymouth to Franz Josef
Distance: Approximately 175 km (109 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Things to Experience:
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Lake Matheson (known for reflections of Mount Cook)
- Glacier Hot Pools
Day 9
Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka
Distance: Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Things to See:
- Fox Glacier
- Haast Pass Scenic Drive
- Lake Wanaka and That Wanaka Tree
Day 10
Wanaka to Queenstown
Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Must-Do Activities:
- Jet boating or bungee jumping
- Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Luge
- Winery tour in the Gibbston Valley
Day 11
Queenstown to Te Anau (Gateway to Fiordland)
Distance: Approximately 170 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Must-See Stops:
- Lake Te Anau
- Fi Anau National Park
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Day 12
Te Anau to Milford Sound (Day Trip)
Distance: Approximately 120 km (75 miles) one way
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours each way
Highlights:
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Mitre Peak
- Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls
Day 13
Te Anau to Dunedin
Distance: Approximately 290 km (180 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Points of Interest:
- Otago Peninsula
- Larnach Castle
- Baldwin Street (world’s steepest street)
Day 14
Dunedin to Christchurch
Distance: Approximately 360 km (224 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 5 hours
Things to Experience:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Canterbury Museum
- Hagley Park and Avon River
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand? Is freedom camping allowed?
Freedom camping, or the ability to sleep in your campervan in New Zealand, is allowed but heavily regulated by local councils. It’s essential to know the specific rules of the region you’re visiting before settling in for the night. The Department of Conservation (DOC) also maintains a network of campervan-friendly campsites across the country for responsible self-sufficient camping.
These DOC sites typically provide basic amenities, so campers must dispose of waste properly, respect the environment, and follow local bylaws.
For a more comfortable experience, consider campgrounds designed for campervans and motorhomes. They often have electric and water hookups (so you can run your fridge, appliances, shower, etc.), dump stations for waste, and sometimes facilities like swimming pools or playgrounds.
When planning your trip, research local camping regulations and choose campgrounds or sites that suit your needs. That way you can enjoy New Zealand’s beauty while camping responsibly and sustainably.
What is a self-contained motorhome?
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 dump facilities.
A self-contained campervan must have:
- A toilet
- A shower
- Wastewater storage tank
- A rubbish bin with a lid
The vehicle must be inspected by a qualified officer and display a self-containment sticker to prove it meets these standards.
Can I rent a campervan at Auckland Airport?
There are no campervan hire companies based within the terminal at Auckland Airport. However, most depots are just a short drive away (2–30 km).
Many suppliers offer a complimentary shuttle service with your hire; however, the shuttle must be booked in advance. If a shuttle is not provided, public buses, shuttles, and taxis are available.
Can I bring my pet with me when renting a campervan?
There are a number of pet-friendly campervan rental companies in New Zealand that allow you to travel with your dog or cat. Approval must be obtained in advance and this will usually incur a fee to cover the extra cleaning cost. Contact our support team to check if it’s possible to take a pet on board a specific vehicle.
