Is a campervan holiday in New Zealand on your bucket list? You’re not alone.

When it comes to dream destinations, New Zealand is top of the charts for many travellers – and for good reason. Towering mountains, mirror-still lakes, white sand beaches and star-studded skies are all part of the package. Campervan holidays in NZ offer the freedom to roam, the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and the joy of waking up in a different, breathtaking location each day. It’s travel at its most liberating – a tiny home on wheels that takes you deeper into the heart of Aotearoa.

But where do you start? How do you plan the trip of a lifetime, especially if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe?

Here’s everything you need to know to make your Kiwi campervan adventure as effortless and unforgettable as the views.

Step one: Embrace the jet lag (don’t fight it)

First things first – there’s no sugar-coating the joy of a 24+ hour flight from Europe to New Zealand. That’s why one of the best tips we can give you is: don’t plan too much for your first few days.

A bit of personal experience here. On the way out to NZ, you’ll be full of excitement about the trip ahead, so stick with it, and get the journey done in one hit. On the way home, add in 3 days or so in Singapore or Hong Kong – enough time to recover a little and experience a different vibe before you complete your trip home.

Po Long-haul Travel Tip > Opt for the shortest flight and transit times you can find. Your body will thank you for it!

Once you land in NZ, don’t be tempted to hit the open road straight from the airport. Give yourself a chance to recover. Book a night or two near your arrival city.

With international airports, Auckland and Christchurch are the most common starting points. Keep your first day light and local. Take a beach stroll, grab a strong flat white (we make the best coffee in NZ), explore a nearby park or market, and gently adjust to the time zone.  

Arriving in Auckland

If you are arriving in Auckland and collecting a campervan straight off, we would recommend overnighting in the camp sites at Piha or Muriwai – both are hidden gems close to central Auckland. You’ll get to see the dramatic Auckland west coast, with its black sand beaches and stunning vistas. The short drive over the Waitakere Ranges, wrapped in lush primaeval sub-tropical rain forest, rewards you with a breathtaking view coming down into Piha over Lion Rock. And Muriwai offers a gannet colony, with sweeping views from the cliffs north up over 40km of beach. Both options provide for a free cinematic quality sunset over the surf.

If you prefer to stay central, Auckland itself has plenty to experience too. Britomart and the Viaduct Harbour is buzzing in the afternoons and early evenings with cafes, restaurants and bars aplenty. The campsite at Takapuna is the best bet for staying central.

Arriving in Christchurch

Christchurch offers plenty to entertain the senses for your first night or two in NZ. You can freedom camp in a self-contained campervan, so long as you avoid the prohibited zones – check the Christchurch City Council bylaws for freedom camping. There’s also good camp site options if you prefer something more structured at North South Holiday Park and Tasmin Holiday Park.

Making the most of NZ by campervan: consider other starting points for your journey

While most people instinctively plan their trip by renting a campervan in Auckland or Chrischurch, there’s magic to be found in starting somewhere a little different.

Nelson, for example, is a superb launchpad for a South Island road trip. Located at the top of the South Island with its own regional airport, it’s the perfect base to explore Abel Tasman National Park – a unique coastal paradise only accessible by foot or boat. Hike golden beaches, kayak crystal-clear waters, and return refreshed to pick up your campervan in Nelson for the start your roadie.  

Alternatively, fly into Queenstown. Nestled among expansive alpine peaks and on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, it’s known as the adventure capital of NZ. From here, cruise through to Fiordland, take the slow road to Milford Sound, or weave your way up the Wild West Coast. If you’ve only got a few weeks in New Zealand, a South Island trip can pack in a dramatic variety of landscapes and experiences that are hard to match.

Campervan holidays = freedom (literally and legally)

One of the most uniquely Kiwi things you can do is freedom camp. In short, this means parking up for the night in some pretty spectacular spots – think lakefronts, mountain lookouts, or quiet forest edges – all without needing to book a formal campsite.

To freedom camp legally, your van needs to be certified self-contained. All Quirky Campers in NZ meet this criteria, meaning you can travel with peace of mind and flexibility. Use apps like CamperMate to find legit spots, and follow the golden rule: leave no trace.

Many travellers opt for a mix of freedom camping and paid campsites, especially when they fancy a hot shower or a plug-in recharge. But there’s something truly magical about waking up in the wilderness, kettle on, with the whole world outside your door.

Choosing the right campervan (Spoiler: Bigger is not always better!)

One of the biggest myths about campervan travel is that you need a big vehicle to be comfortable. In reality, well-designed compact vans can be surprisingly spacious, often with clever layouts that rival their bulkier cousins. Smaller vans are:

• Easier to drive and park (especially on NZ’s twisty roads)
• More fuel-efficient
• Often cheaper to take on ferries or scenic drives

If you do want a fixed bed, look for mid-sized vans that offer smart convertible spaces or hybrid layouts. Some offer slide-out kitchens or rear lounges that transform into dining nooks with a view. And let’s be honest – it’s not just about functionality. A handcrafted, beautiful campervan oozing personality (the kind that turns heads at every stop) adds a layer of joy to your travels that no cookie-cutter white box on wheels can replicate.

Planning your route (or not)

New Zealand might look small on a map, but don’t be fooled. With winding roads, countless scenic stops, and weather that can change with the breeze, slow travel is the way to go.

Some classic routes to inspire your itinerary:

2 Week North Island Loop >

Auckland > Whangamata > Mt Manganui > Rotorua > Taupō > Tongariro > Wellington > New Plymouth > Waitomo > Auckland

3-4 Week North Island Round Trip >

Auckland > Tutukaka > Paihia & Russell > Cape Reinga > Kerikeri > Opononi > Waipu Cove > Coromandel Peninsula > Mt Manganui > Whakatane > Gisborne > Napier > Wellington > New Plymouth > Waitomo > Raglan > Auckland

2 Week Top o’ the South Island >

Nelson > Abel Tasman > Golden Bay > Greymouth & Hokitika > Arthurs Pass > Christchurch > Kaikōura > Marlborough Sounds > Nelson

2 Week Southern Scenic Route >

Christchurch > Wanaka > Queenstown > Te Anau > Milford Sound > The Catlins Coast > Dunedin > Oamaru > Christchurch

4 Week South Island Round Trip >

Christchurch > Kaikora > Bleinham & Marlborough Sounds > Nelson & Able Tasmin > West Coast via Buller Gorge > Greymount > Hokitika > Franz Josef & Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Queenstown > Te Anau > Milford Sound > The Caitlins Coast > Dunedin > Oamaru > Christchurch

Rather than trying to do it all, pick a region and do it well. A few weeks in the south of the South Island spent wandering through fjords, mountains and vineyards is worth more than a frantic two-island dash that leaves you needing another holiday.

Use online tools to estimate drive times – they’re often longer than you think. And always leave room for the unexpected detour, the lazy lunch, or the local tip-off.

Driving in NZ: what UK travellers need to know

The good news? If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road, just like home. But there are a few quirks to note:

• NZ roads are narrow, hilly and often winding. Take your time – make the journey the joy.
• One-lane bridges and gravel roads are common. Give way signs are your friend.
• Fuel stations can be sparse in more remote areas. Fill up when you can, especially in the South Island.
• Driving times can be misleading. What looks like a two-hour drive on Google Maps may take double if you’re stopping for lookouts, hikes, or ice cream.

If you’re not used to driving larger vehicles, start small. Compact campervans handle more like cars and are ideal for first-timers.

In all cases, take it easy! Tree stumps, gate posts and low-hanging branches all take there toll for the unwary, especially in bigger campervans. Don’t be left with an insurance excess to pay.

Packing for a campervan trip in NZ like a pro

While campervans come with the essentials (especially Quirky ones – we’re talking proper pans, kettles, corkscrews, and fairy lights), there are a few things worth bringing from home:

• Layers: NZ enjoys a lot more sunshine than the UK, but the weather is nevertheless changeable, even in summer. Temperatures vary considerably between the top of the North Island (the ‘winterless north’ ) and bottom of the South Island!
• Waterproof jacket & sturdy shoes: For hikes and rain, sometimes both at once.
• Swimsuit & towel: You’ll be surprised how often you’ll need them. Check if your campervan hire includes bedding and towels (Quirky does this).
• Reusable shopping bags & containers: NZ is big on reducing plastic.
• Offline maps or apps: Reception isn’t guaranteed in remote spots.
• Power banks: Especially handy when off-grid and freedom camping.

Pack light – but smart. And leave room in your suitcase for local wine, Manuka honey and handcrafted souvenirs.

The little moments make the biggest memories

Sure, the big-ticket sights – Milford Sound, Tongariro, Abel Tasman – are showstoppers. But it’s often the unexpected moments that linger longest.

It’s the morning you brew a cuppa with the back doors open to a misty lake. The local who tells you about a secret beach. The unplanned roadside pie stop that turns into a detour to a waterfall you’d never have found on Google.

Campervan holidays in NZ aren’t about ticking boxes – they’re about letting the journey surprise you.

Final thought: this isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll tell forever

New Zealand has a way of getting under your skin. And there’s something about discovering it by campervan that connects you more deeply – to the land, the people, and the pace of life you didn’t realise you needed.

Whether you’re watching glow worms in Waitomo, walking on a glacier at Franz Josef, or exploring a secluded bay in the far north, a campervan gives you the flexibility to follow your curiosity – not a timetable.

So, take your time. Drive slower. Stay longer. Park up with a view and breathe it all in.

If you’re curious what it’s like to travel in a rolling work of art rather than a rental box on wheels, take a peek at some of the beautiful handcrafted campervans available to hire across NZ.

Feeling inspired? Indulge your soul with Quirky in NZ.