South Island Winter Campervan Holiday

Check out our winter campervan holiday destinations and activities to enjoy with a winter self-drive suggested itinerary:

1. Christchurch to Tekapo

Begin your winter adventure in Christchurch where you can pick up your motorhome from our Christchurch service centre.  Hit the road and head to Tekapo which will take about 3 hours’ drive time.  Once you are in Tekapo stop at Alpine Springs Spa and Winter Park with has ice skating and snow tubing.  After having some fun, sit back and relax in the hot pools which range in temperatures from 36-40 degrees Celsius.  Spend the night in Tekapo.         

2. Tekapo to Queenstown

Make your way down to Queenstown which is just over 3 hours’ drive from Tekapo.  During winter, Queenstown always is buzzing with activities and events.  The annual American Express Queenstown Winter Festival which is held at the end of June is a week packed with parties, ski races, fireworks, performances and many more events suitable for all ages.  You can also head up to the mountains at Coronet Peak (20 minutes’ drive) or The Remarkables (40 minutes’ drive) and go skiing or snowboarding.  After a day on the mountain you can stroll around town and go shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in town.  Spend two nights in Queenstown to enjoy the town and surrounds. 

3. Queenstown to Franz Josef 

Head up north and drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef (about 5 hours’ drive time).  Stop and relax in Franz Josef and get out and explore the glacier.  There are tour companies who can take you on a walk, heli-hiking or ice-climbing adventure to see the glacier.  After a day of discovering the area, take a dip in the Glacier Hot Pools which are set in the rainforest and are a great way to unwind.  Spend the night in Franz Josef.

4. Franz Josef to Punakaiki

Drive north to Punakaiki which is a 3 hour journey.  Stop in Punakaki to explore the Pancake Rocks of Paparoa National Park.  There is a short 20 minute walk to see the limestone rocks and blowholes.  Spend the night in Punakaiki and relax.

5. Punakaiki to Christchurch

Drive back to Christchurch to drop off your motorhome (approximately 4 hours’ drive time).  Spend the night in Christchurch before you head home.

Need help figuring out what to do on your motorhome holiday?  Our handy travel planning services will help you map out activities and itineraries for your holiday.  

Add to
Trip Planner

Tweet 0