The South Island of New Zealand offers the outdoor-loving tourist snow-topped mountain peaks, enormous glaciers, deep fjords, golden beaches, lush rainforests, and turquoise lakes, sperm whales, yellow-eyed penguins — and memories to last a lifetime.
It's an incredibly beautiful trip. Nature, mountains, and wildlife are spectacular. No wonder campervanning in New Zealand is so popular. Here a 'campervan' could be anything from a small converted mini-van for two vacationers to a family-sized motorhome with all the amenities.
HOT TIPS: Bring plenty of warm clothing, including a waterproof jacket, as it can rain anytime. Bug repellent is a must for Milford. And while you’re deciding when to take your NZ vacation, scope out the weather – some roads here are closed in winter. If it’s winter, carry snow chains (and learn how to use them).
DRIVING TIPS: If you're in a bigger motorhome and you're driving below the speed limit, the law (and common sense) says you must pull over if more than four vehicles are stuck behind you. Most roads have passing lanes or slow vehicle bays.
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Paradise is just 12 miles from Glenorchy. Yes, according to Gandalf actor Sir Ian McKellen, speaking of Paradise, "This is the Middle earth™ I had always pictured." As well as hiking and horse trekking, you can get out on the water with jet boating and kayaking.
Paradise Ziplines Pickup point: Glenorchy Cafe, 25 Mull St, Glenorchy
Eight ziplines, 3280 feet, adrenaline, magnificent forests and a river below you. Are you up for it? Bookings recommended. Closed in the winter.
Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway 160 Glenorchy-Paradise Rd, Glenorchy
These wetland boardwalks are great places to see some of NZ’s many wading birds. A leisurely stroll with beautiful mountain views, as well as birdlife.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
These caves are only 12,000 years young, so they're still being formed by the river as it first swirls and roars, then meanders quietly - which is where you see a carpet of glittering glowworms above you.
Garston Hunny Shop 5 State Highway 6, Garston
Manuka honey, anyone? Famous for its healing powers. Also, clover honey, thyme honey, and a range of natural cosmetics.
Dubbed by Rudyard Kipling as the 8th Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is the only NZ fjord you can access by car – 5 hours from Queenstown and 2 hours from Te Anau.
WORTH KNOWING: There is no internet reception in Milford Sound. And wherever you go in Milford Sound, remember to carry insect repellent. The place is much-loved by sandflies too! Parking close to the terminal will cost $10/hour, but further away, it's free.
Milford Foreshore Walk
It's short, just 437 yards. No wonder it's so popular. This flat trail starts at the parking area in Milford Sound.
Milford Sound Lookout Track
It starts at the parking lot behind the café at Milford Sound. This reasonably easy walk offers some beautiful views, including the iconic Mitre Peak.
Fiordland National Park Visitor Center Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
Te Anau is the gateway to the magnificent Fiordland National Park (great hiking, hunting, fishing, spectacular scenery, endangered takahe and kakapo) and Milford Sound (or Piopiotahi, to use its Maori name). The National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Fun fact: NZ spells fiord with an i, not a j.
Goldfields Mining Centre 803 Kawarau Gorge Rd, Kawarau Gorge
Just 3.7 miles from Cromwell to see historic gold mining machinery, awesome Kawarau River views and try your hand at gold panning.
Katiki Point Lighthouse Lighthouse Rd, Katiki Point, Moeraki
Here’s the largest yellow-eyed penguin colony on the South Island. And if you’re lucky, you’ll also see NZ fur seals.
Moeraki Boulders Moeraki Boulders Rd, 1.9 miles south of Hampden
You’ve heard of the Rolling Stones? Well, these stones don't rock, and they don't roll. But they are famous. About 50 huge sphere-shaped rocks on Koekohe Beach. Who’s up for a beach walk?
International Antarctic Center Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Rd, Christchurch Airport
Feel the chill in the exclusive Antarctic storm room—tour with an ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Say hello to the huskies and penguins, and you'll never forget this place. Ideal if you're very early for your flight.
Christchurch Gondola 10 Bridle Path Rd, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch
Say goodbye to Christchurch in style, with a gondola ride from their summit station at the very top of the Port Hills. Memorable 360-degree views to take back home.
Adrenalin Forest Christchurch 105 Heyders Rd, Brooklands, Christchurch
Something different! If you want to kick off your American vacation with a challenge, here are seven different forest courses involving tree climbing, zip lines, rope swinging, & bridge crossing.
Washpen Falls 590 Washpen Rd, Darfield
A breathtaking waterfall on a sheep/cattle/deer farm. Plus rappelling, a giant swing, and a volcanic canyon. All just an hour outside the city of Christchurch. Oh yes, also bird life in a lush forest.
Church of the Good Shepherd Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo
This old stone building, with its peaceful environment and extensive views, is a popular venue for weddings.
Tekapo Springs Thermal Baths 6 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo
Choose from three hot pools, two cooler pools, steam and sauna rooms, and a cold plunge pool. Plus, there is ice skating in the winter.
Dark Sky Project 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo
See galaxies at this mountain-top observatory as you've never seen them before.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Center 1 Larch Grove, Aoraki/Mt Cook
The visitor center is world-class. Few lakes are as beautiful as Lake Pukaki, which is part of the Mount Cook National Park. Its waters come from glacier melt (including the Hooker, Mueller, and Tasman Glaciers), which explains its blue color because the glacier melt contains what's called rock flour. Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in NZ.
General Adventure Company 3 Matakanui Lane, Wanaka
Here you'll be combining self-guided electric bike adventures with the region's best wine, beer, and food at your pace—a bit of fresh air and fun to add to your trip!
Rhyme X Reason Brewery 17 Gordon Rd, Wanaka
Sample their craft beers on a comfy couch amongst the tanks of this working brewery.
Wanaka Lavender Farm 36 Morris Rd, Wanaka
You'll find 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields and display gardens just a few minutes from Wanaka. And a bunch of friendly farm animals. Lavender gifts galore, and best of all—lavender ice cream!
Drive on to Queenstown, a highlight for every South Island RV trip.
Queenstown Gardens 19 Park St, Queenstown
As well as the waterfront trail and impressive alpine views, you can also go ice skating or hit the skate ramps. Parking is free.
Coronet Peak Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown
If you hope to go skiing, please check with your RV rental company, as some companies do NOT allow you to drive their vehicles on ski field access roads (and on most unpaved roads). Doing so will void your insurance. So instead, get a bus to the ski field - and relax.
Kiwi Park Brecon St, Queenstown
Guaranteed live kiwi viewing here, among 5 acres of native bush and wildlife refuge.
Walter Peak High Country Farm Tours RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach St, Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw & disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm where you can help feed the animals, see sheep dogs in action, and watch a farm demonstration.
Lake Hayes Loop Trail Lakes Hayes Reserve, north end of Lake Hayes, Arrowtown
Only 15 minutes from Queenstown, the 5-mile trail takes you all around the lake. One of the best easy hikes in Queenstown.
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