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
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 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.
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:
The vehicle must be inspected by a qualified officer and display a self-containment sticker to prove it meets these standards.
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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