The South Island of New Zealand was the most consistently beautiful landscape I have ever driven through. Two weeks in a campervan from Christchurch to Milford Sound and back, and I barely scratched the surface. Here's the route.

The Campervan Decision

We rented a 2-berth campervan from Wilderness Motorhomes in Christchurch for NZD $110/night ($65 USD), including unlimited kilometers and basic insurance. This sounds expensive compared to budget accommodation, but campervan travel in New Zealand works because the Department of Conservation (DOC) operates hundreds of freedom camping and low-cost campsite spots across the country. Most nights we paid $10–15 for a campsite with power hookup, toilet, and kitchen access.

The Route

Day 1–2: Christchurch → Kaikōura

The coast road north of Christchurch to Kaikōura hugs the sea beneath the Kaikōura Ranges in a way that makes you pull over every 20 minutes. Kaikōura itself is famous for whale watching (sperm whales year-round) and the best crayfish (rock lobster) in New Zealand, eaten from a roadside shack for NZD $20.

Day 3–4: Kaikōura → Nelson → Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest but arguably most beautiful national park. The coastal track — turquoise bays, golden sand, native bush — is best done as a day hike from Marahau, or by water taxi into the park and hiking out.

Day 5–6: Westport → Punakaiki → Franz Josef Glacier

The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are exactly as strange as they sound — layered limestone formations above crashing sea. Then the long, forested West Coast drive south to Franz Josef, where a helicopter flight onto the glacier is one of New Zealand's genuinely unmissable experiences. ($200–280 but worth every dollar.)

Day 7–8: Haast Pass → Wānaka

The Haast Pass is one of the great alpine road crossings. The drive from the West Coast up through ancient podocarp forest to the pass and down to the McKenzie Basin on the other side is the single most dramatic road I've driven. Wānaka itself is a smaller, more relaxed alternative to Queenstown with equally spectacular Lake Wānaka scenery.

Day 9–10: Queenstown

New Zealand's adventure capital. I'm not an adrenaline tourist but I concede that bungy jumping above the Kawarau Gorge is properly spectacular. Skip it if that's not your thing; don't skip the Queenstown waterfront at sunset or the Gibbston Valley wine region 20 minutes from town.

Day 11–12: Milford Sound

The road to Milford Sound through Fiordland is astonishing — you can pull over every kilometer for a viewpoint that would be the highlight of any other country's scenery. Milford Sound itself: take the early morning cruise (before 8am) to beat the tour buses, and book well ahead. The waterfalls cascading down 1,200-meter cliff walls into the fiord will stop your breathing.

Days 13–14: Return via Te Anau → Christchurch

  • Total Drive Distance~2,100km
  • Best SeasonNovember–April (austral summer)
  • Campervan CostNZD $80–150/night depending on size
  • Average DOC CampsiteNZD $10–20/night
  • Must-Do ActivityHelicopter onto Franz Josef Glacier
  • Drive: left or right side?Left (like UK, Australia)