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- Flights to Christchurch
- 1 night pre road trip in hostel in Christchurch
- Chaser campervan rental (21 days)
- 2 nights post road trip in hostel in Auckland
- Flights home from Auckland
- All booking fees
- Your own travel specialist
- Travel insurance (but we can help you with that!)
- Vaccinations
- Meals
- Ferry pass between North & South Island
- Optional activities / add ons
Design your own trip
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- You create your dream trip
- We research the best options and prices
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We'll sanity check your itinerary, help you get the most out of your budget and share our best travel tips. It's all for free - no cost, no commitment.
Route Suggestion
Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown - Fiordland - Stewart Island - Dunedin - Hanmer Springs - Marlborough - Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua - Waitomo Caves - Northland & Bay of Islands - Poor Knights Islands - Auckland
Remember, this road trip route is only a route proposal for your big trip. If you wish to receive personal assistance designing your road trip, please get in contact with our adventurous travel experts. They love designing dream trips and they give you great insider travel advice.
Christchurch
You first stop is Christchurch, an eclectic city of elegance and contemporary culture. Cycle along the picturesque Avon River, mountain bike down well-worn tracks in the Port Hills and enjoy delicious dining options in the central city. This student friendly city boasts lots of bars in it's vibrant nightlife, so make sure you satisfy your party gene here before you start your road trip! And don't worry, we've included the first night here, so you know where to crash.
Arthur's Pass
First stop on the road trip is Arthur's Pass, which is located in the national park carrying the same name. This place is absolutely magic, and you might as well get used to spots like this when traveling around in New Zealand. Park the camper for a while and go on a fabulous hike for either a half or full day. It's going to be worth it, we promise!
Fox & Franz Josef Glacier
Continue to the West Coast of South Island, and head a bit south until you reach Fox Glacier. This spectacular glacier is 13 km long, and peaks at around 2800 meters above sea level. Not far away is another glacier, that we can recommend you visit - the Franz Josef Glacier. Not only is it equally stunning, it also has some really nice hiking opportunities.
Wanaka & Queenstown
From the glaciers, you continue south towards first Wanaka and Queenstown. Wanaka is worth a stop, if you need more incredible nature. The lake is famous for it's tree in the middle that symbolises hope. Near Wanaka you'll find Roys Peak which is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth as you can tell by the image. Head on to one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations, Queenstown which is surrounded by stunning mountains and a crystal-clear lake. Get your adrenalin pumping with a skydive or bungy jump, have a go on the slopes or enjoy picturesque dining locations.
Fiordland
One of the most enchanting places in New Zealand, Fiordland is home to waterfalls that cascade hundreds of metres into deep black fiords and ancient rainforest that clings to towering mountains. Unique creatures swim deep under dark lakes and granite peaks shimmer in the sun, well worth to check out on a trek. Or, explore the sounds with a boat cruise or kayak.
Stewart Island
South of South Island (still with us?) you reach the country's third biggest island, Stewart Island. A nice cozy island with a coastal line of around 700 km. This place is famous for its' wildlife and the amazing hiking trails. There's only around 28 km of road on the island, so there's a need for some good walking shoes, if you wish to get around. You can be lucky to spot dolphins and whales even from the bays on the island, and you might get a glimpse of the mighty Albatros as well, if you're around in their migration period.
Dunedin & Kaikorai
Dunedin & Kaikorai is on the east coast of the South Island, lying between the rugged seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters and the area is famous for its marine mammal encounters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. Oh, and if you feel like getting some exercise, New Zealand's steepest street is also found here.
Hanmer Springs
It's a long drive from Dunedin to Hanmer Springs, so make sure to stop every now and then. Hanmer Springs is a thermal water oasis with nice outdoor hot springs surrounded by the rugged nature. This area is also one of New Zealand's best wine areas, so it's a no-brainer to get a nice glass while you're here.
Wellington
From Hanmer Springs you head on to Wellington, but we encourage you to stop in Marlborough on the way. This place is also famous for wine and the food scene is not too shabby either! Take the ferry to Wellington, located at the southernmost tip of the North Island. Wellington is home to Weta Workshop and the Weta Cave. Here, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie making magic in action. Indulge in the city's buzzing food and wine scene, and enjoy a cable-car ride to the Kelburn lookout for expansive harbour views.
Taupo & Rotorua
Depart from Wellington and head on to Taupo, home of the famous Lake Taupo and the nearby Huka Falls. We encourage you to check out both actually, and if you feel active, you can choose to hike to the top of Mt. Tauhara and enjoy the nice view. After the hike you can relax yourself in a natural spa pool at Otumuheke Stream. Continue to
Rotorua, that has one of the worlds' most lively fields of geothermal activity. Explore bubbling mud pools and lands of steam and geysers, or get your adrenaline pumping with some of the great adventure activities on offer. Experience a fascinating Maori cultural show or marae stay, or soak aching limbs in one of the many naturally-heated mineral pools.
Waitomo Caves
Underground caves and glow worms. Around 2 hours' drive from Taupo lies the Waitomo Caves, a fascinating labyrinth of underground sinkholes, caves and rivers beneath rolling green farmland. Take a walking or boat tour, try black water rafting or zip line through the darkness.
Bay of Islands & Poor Knights Island
You'll drive past and around 3 hours north of Auckland, before you'll find Bay of Islands. Check out the small picturesque town Paihia. It has a nice cozy vibe and provides plenty of bars and restaurants as well as a nice sandy beach. If you have time, you can opt in for a trip to nearby Russell or you can check out some of the marine life including seals, dolphins or even whales if you're lucky. You should also visit Poor Knights Island where the marine life is extraordinary in case if you're into snorkeling or scuba diving.
Auckland
Your road trip around New Zealand ends in Auckland. Drop off your campervan, and then we have inclueded 2 nights in a hostel here so you can digest and reflect on your adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Take it slow and make sure to check out the different corners of the city. And if you feel brave you can opt in for some bungy jumping while you're here.
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