Jagged mountains, steep fjords, scenic beaches and pristine lakes, this is New Zealand, a country that is famous for its stunning natural beauty. In between the beautiful landscapes are lovely cities, renowned golf courses and picturesque villages, as well as a unique indigenous Māori culture that still thrives on.
New Zealand is made up of two main islands and a few smaller ones, with campervan hire a great way to discover all that this beautiful country has to offer. This is a very popular way to get around, as roads are in good condition, traffic low and camp grounds plentiful.
Recommended campervan drives in New Zealand
Coromandel Peninsula:
found on the northeast coast of the North Island, this peninsula is dotted with beautiful beaches, magnificent coastlines, rugged forest and lovely coastal villages. It is filled with unique landscapes that can be enjoyed while resting at Tairua Holiday Park, Mercury Bay Caravan Park and Coromandel Top 10.
West Coast:
often referred to simply as ‘The Coast’, this is a spectacular drive along the west coast of the South Island. The landscapes and scenery here are magnificent and include the Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef Glacier and Westland National Park. On this holiday drive park your RV at the Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park, Terrace Campervan Park and the Haast Lodge.
Canterbury Plains:
along the east coast of the South Island from Kaikoura to Oamaru enjoying views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. Go whale watching while your motorhome is parked at the Kaikoura Coast Campgrounds, take in the scenery while resting at Orton Bradley Park and enjoy the rivers and countryside from the Glenmark Motor Camp.
What to see and do
New Zealand’s unparalleled natural beauty is its biggest draw, which can be seen no matter where you are. The Southern Alps offer spectacular scenery and can be enjoyed while hiking around the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park or Mount Aspiring National Park. Its geysers and hot springs are also a must, with the North Island’s Bay of Plenty being the best place to start. The wildlife in New Zealand is like no other, with its impressive kauri tree best seen in the Waipoua Forest.
New Zealand’s cities are also well worth visiting. Auckland is a modern city filled with museums, art galleries, flea markets and bars, while the coastal city of Nelson is home to parks, gardens and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants. Outside of the cities there is so much to do, including rafting, paragliding, diving, rock climbing and whale watching.