A Lovely Long Weekend in a Campervan

Papamoa Beach
By Abaconda - Flickr

 Our beautiful Easter weekend began on thursday afternoon in Auckland.  After an in depth run-through  of our 4 berth Campervan by the campervan lady, being shown the nooks and cranies, where everything was and the general functionalities of the dinky space, we were underway.   However, not without a DVD explaining anything we may have forgotten ready to play on our Campervan's very modern flat screen t.v. - easily maneuvered to fit up against the wall or in good view from the back couches.

Our dinky kitchen, cupboards, table and back window.

We hit the road with only a slight automatic-driver-to-manual-driver hiccup (Alan forgot to use the clutch when trying to reverse... senior moment).  The turbo diesel powered south towards Papamoa in the Bay of Plenty.  We filled the fridge and little freezer and the many cupboards (still roomy after storing and securing all our gear - clothes, jackets, tennis rackets and easter eggs) with groceries we purchased in Matamata. 

We drove through the beautiful Karangahake  gorge, small towns and Tauranga and arrived at Papamoa Top 10 Holiday Park after dark.   After being given a map to our spot, perched on sunset rise and plugging ourselves into the power, we began the first evening of our entirely relaxing weekend.  The curtains were pulled for privacy from prying eyes and our soup and salad was easily assembled in the well equipped, clean and, all things considered, roomy kitchenette.  After dining on the couches around the spacious table and doing the dishes in the sink (dishwashing liquid, and dish brushes included) we were eager to assemble the couch-cum-kingsize bed jigsaw.   The sheets were fitted and blankets thrown on and voila we had a comfy bed for the duration of our stay, with lights above to read our books.  The other double bed above the driver and passenger seats were more cave like and could be set up all day.  An early night and refreshing sleep was obtained by all.

The Campervan

Good friday brought forth a beautiful morning once the curtains had been raised.  The advantage of arriving at nightime is one gets a lovely surprise when they awake to a recently risen sun above the sparkling East Coast waters.   Our site overlooked other sites filled with Campervans and tents, giving Lynn plenty of "people watching" opportunities.   Beyond them were the small sand dunes and beyond that - pristine Papamoa beach.

Once the bed was packed up and turned back to the slid-able table and couches, bacon and eggs were fried up and the coffee brewed.   Although the Campervan was equipped with a clean, non smelly and perfectly ample shower/toilet facility,  we opted for the holiday park facilities to save on refilling  the water tank as often.   A quick tidy of the Campervan was done as we were expecting guests who wanted to share our Campervan vistas and comforts.   The weather was slightly temperamental, although with only one shower, but I'm happy to say we spent the rest of the day engorged in our books on the comfy couches eating and drinking and occasionally gazing out to the views and changing neighbours. 

View from our Papamoa Camping site

The following morning we spent in Mount Maunganui at the local monthly market followed by lunch at a friends and the afternoon at Tauranga's Easter weekend Jazz festivities.  The return to our site at Papamoa was eagerly anticipated as we were keen for a walk along the beach and more reading.  Sunday night in the park was booked as we couldn't stand leaving the next morning.

Sunday morning saw us heading out to conquer Papamoa Hills, a Maori Pa 10 minutes from the holiday park,  that's views and walk through the bush are well worth the following day's muscle pains.  Lunch was in Mount Maunganui followed by a sunday afternoon drive through the beachtown.  The sunny and warm beach beckoned us on our return, where we sat for a while watching the surfers out in the double overhead clean waves.  The sun went behind the dunes so we got out the deckchairs (included with the Camper) from the outside Campervan compartments, poured a glass of wine and sat in the remaining sun behind the Camper.   Cheese and crackers became our dinner and cards and books were on the table for the remainder of the evening.

Papamoa Hills Climb
By winnins1 - Flickr

Our final morning in Papamoa was a beauty, enticing us to stay for yet another night. A walk along the beach heated us up for a swim in the suprisingly warm April ocean, followed by leftover Hot cross buns grilled in the Campervan's kitchen.  As our next night or two was going to be free camping, it was about time we dealt with "the tanks".  From our site Alan had the pleasure of wheeling (like a suitcase onto a plane) the "black water" tank to the "dump station" conveniently located in the holiday park.  After a relatively clean and tidy "emptying" and checking that the power battery was full,  we said goodbye to our site, belted up, stopped so Alan could hose out the grey water and hit the road for Rotorua.

Back couches of the Campervan

After an hour or so of bouncing around in the back of the Campervan, we hopped out for a walk in the beautiful Redwood forest.  Stocked up with a few more groceries we head to the family's lakeside section near Taupo.  No power plugs were available here so on came the gas for the fridge and hot water and here in forth, preserving of water.  We found a level spot on the section overlooking the pristine lake, dug out some food and wine  and stared out the huge back window  to the killer view.   The sun was behind the mountains so we dug out the little blow heater as we thought it may come in handy at some time in the night.  The duvets and extra blankets were suffiicient however and we arose the next morning to a tranquil walk near the lake.

The rest of the time was easily passed walking, reading and eating before we set forth the following day back to Auckland to return the Camper.  The goodbye wasn't easy as the sun was still shining and  a roadtrip to another destination would've been easy.

The campervan bode us well and we will definitely be doing many more a holiday in one.  Little extras like a large mirror, a toaster and plunger, a tall cupboard for clothes not wanting creases, a stereo system with AUX,  and many storage compartments set this campervan apart making it an easy and enjoyable holiday.

Yet again New Zealand scenery didn't cease to impress and we were graced with a superb Campervan holiday in the sun.  We knew fairly well where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do but for those traveling from abroad or who wanted some help, there was a "tourist radio" included in the rental.  This is your personal tour guide so you don't miss out on anything and can learn a thing or two about NZ as you go.

We found our great campervan at Motorhomerepublic.com .   I implore all to get a campervan for your next holiday and tour around parts, or all of New Zealand. 

Campervan Park Auckland Airport

The last thing you feel like doing when you get off a long haul flight is driving on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar vehicle for hours on end.

Auckland airport have created the perfect solution! A Campervan park at Auckland Airport!

Now you can get a hold of your campervan and go knuckle down for a good sleep less than a kilometre away from the airport! You don't need to spend a night in an expensive hotel but you can get the run down of the camper, get a good sleep and wake up at the crack of dawn to get on the road! Don't make your kids fall asleep in their seats or don't let yourself fall asleep at the wheel!

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Don't start your dream campervan adventure tired and agitated. Book a night at the Campervan Park Auckland Airport!

With 54 powered sites, access to fresh water, toilets, showers, a laundry, kitchen and Wi-Fi you'll be all set as soon as you get off the plane. What's more, it allows you to stock up the camper with groceries at the supermarket nearby.

Alternatively, stay at the Campervan Park on your way out of the country

The park is also fully fenced, with CCTV and has regular security patrols on site.

Book a site for when you arrive in Auckland! If you haven't got a campervan yet check out Campervan Hire New Zealand or Campervan Hire Sale Finder.

A few quick Campervan ideas for NZ

By Subwaynz -Wikimedia Commons

Pack up the kids, husband/wife or friends and spend a weekend or longer in a Campervan! The perfect way to see the sites of the beautiful New Zealand is from the comfort of a Campervan.  Campervanning gives you the chance to cruise around and take in the scenery, friendly people and hopefully some lovely weather.

Easter Weekend Campervan trip idea #1 - Coromandel

Paradise within New Zealand is the Coromandel. With so much coast comes the most beautiful beaches! Dig a hole at Hot water beach and bathe in the warm waters like the video. Visit Cathedral cove, where Narnia was set or park up next to a pristine beach and read your book.

Easter Weekend Campervan Idea #2 - Rotorua

If the intriguing smell of Rotorua can't tempt you then maybe Zorbing, Thermal hot pools or petting lion cubs will. With so much to do in Rotorua you'll be set for the whole long weekend. Park up in a Campervan park around the Lake and have fun all weekend. Ride the Gondola and zoom down on a luge!

By Valley2city- Wikimedia Commons

Easter Weekend Campervan idea #3: Queenstown

Sit alongside the beautiful Lake Whakatipu with a hot drink, ride the Shotover jet, or cruise to the quaint Arrowtown. Cuddle up in the comfort of your campervan by evening and the next day take a trip on the Earnslaw, a picturesque journey across the lake.

Easter Weekend idea #4: Auckland

If you're not from Auckland, why not explore the "big city" by Campervan. Stay at a campervan park next to one of the beautiful beaches that surrounds Auckland. Rise to the top of the Skytower and see for as far as you can or join the underwater world with the penguins and sharks at Kelly Tarltons. Visit the rugged west coast beaches or the many more tranquil East Coast beaches and don't forget to relax in one of Auckland's fantastic cafes .

Find a Campervan to fit your holiday at Campervan Hire Sale Finder. You'll find the best deal on a campervan that will make your Easter weekend a memorable time.

Traveling cheaply while in New Zealand.

Campervan beach side in New Zealand

This post is for all the American or Canadian tourists and anyone else who may think RV's are for retirees who don't mind a gas guzzling vehicle.  This post is for tourists coming to New Zealand who don't want to spend hours searching for hotels or hostels and then pay exorbitant prices for a good nights sleep.  This post is for tourists who would love to eat out at all the gastronomically amazing eateries in New Zealand but are on just a too tighter budget to do that. And finally this post is for the keen traveler who wants to explore the magnificent scenery and beautiful spots of New Zealand, like a true New Zealander.

A funky and cheap Campervan. approx  $45/day

For our first set of people... New Zealand's equivalent to an RV (kind of) is the campervan.  Campervans in New Zealand range from your plumber size van, often with a "pop-top" for 1 or 2 people, to 6 berth larger vehicles and even up to the bus size vehicles more commonly known as an RV.  These RV's aren't very popular in New Zealand due to their size and of course their Retiree/ sell-the-house-move-into-an-RV image.  Campervans on the other hand, are easy to handle, easy to park and even a little bit trendy.  What could be cooler than jumping into a colourful van, cruising round the streets and across country sides, parking up, cooking your evening meal to eat outside, sitting in the glory of your van and then bunking down for the night in a piece of paradise we call New Zealand.  The next morning cruise on outta there to the next location.  For the gas guzzling part, because the campervans are small and more van like, the gas isn't sucked dry pulling a gigantic bus along.  Tourists in New Zealand, Germany, Australia and all over the world are joining the campervan band wagon... it's cool!!

Wake up to this!
By (L) New Zealand Travel - Flickr  (R) GOC53 - Flickr

Now for our second set of people.  You needn't spend hours searching for hotels in every city you might want to stay at and then risk missing out on staying somewhere that you discover while you're in New Zealand.  You also needn't pay for expensive hotels, motels or stay in a hostel sharing a dorm with that guy who hasn't showered for days.  In a Campervan you can zip from city to city, town to town, beach to beach and stay where you want, freely able to change plans last minute and add destinations the local "kiwis' have told you about, into your schedule.  As for the non-showering foreigner, you've got your own cosy bed surrounded only by the walls of your Campervan bedroom (and possibly sleeptalking buddy).  Campervans can be budget backpacker varieties to more luxurious models, but, the freedom it gives you is priceless.

Cooking Dinner in the Campervan
By Matt S Fisher - Flickr

  The next Campervan strength is it's ability to create a gastronomical delight without spending all your travel money on food.  Campervans are equipped with dinky kitchen facilities and New Zealand is equipped with delicious food, especially its right-off-the-farm meats, fresh-from-the-sea seafood, juicy vegetables and of course, world class wine.  Stock up on groceries at a local supermarket before setting out on your adventure and every breakfast, lunch and dinner you can dine like Kings in your Campervan, in chairs outside of it, or on a beach looking out to the pristine waters.  Perfect.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
By Mike NZ - Flickr

New Zealanders explore their beautiful nation by Campervan so it only see's fit that tourists should too.  Camping is a rite of passage for Kiwi's and bar the tent, you're pretty much there.  Every year New Zealanders spend their holidays at sparkling beaches, pristine lakes or near mountainous slopes, enjoying the outdoors and all that that offers.  The environment beckons you to take a swim, go for a hike or sit back with a glass of New Zealand wine.  Campervanning is a way of life in New Zealand which enables you to spend the morning waking up to a sunrise on the east coast to snowboarding the mountainous slopes by afternoon.

To experience the true New Zealand, be sure to visit some of the following locations: 

Bay of Islands, NZ
By AntonyP80 - Flickr

Northland, New Zealand (above Auckland) is teeming with lengthy white sand beaches and surfable waves.  Auckland city is the biggest in New Zealand and holds a plethora of activities from jumping off the sky tower to having Fish and chips at a local beach.

Coromandel Paradise
By asgw - Flickr

 The Coromandel again is a hive of beaches and beautiful scenery with quaint holiday towns.  Hot water beach is a popular spot where punters can dig their own hot tub in the sand as a result of geothermal activity.  Cathedral Cove is the perfect beach and as locals know, the film location of Narnia. The estuary at Cooks beach is perfect for a swim and be sure to drop a line somewhere.   Get to know some locals and they will treat you well.

Mount Ruapehu
By Mysterious Photographer - Flickr

The central part of the North island is home to Mordor-ish mountains, flat plains, interesting  towns like shopable Tirau, Maori culture central and geothermal wonderland - Rotorua & Taupo.

The Bay of Plenty, notably Mount Maunganui, will welcome you to their beach town, perfect for a surf.

Hawkes Bay's wineries will entice, as will it's pretty scenery and quaint art deco towns.

Wellington, the country capital, is art and culture central.

Cross the Cook Strait in your campervan on a ferry and arrive in the beautiful Queen Charlotte sound.

The West Coast is rugged and untamed but beautiful in that.  The Southern Alps span a large length of the South Island making magnificent vistas wherever you go.

Marlborough Wine Region
By oh man alive - Flickr

 The top of the South island is wine region. Take some tours if that's your thing or head down the vast untouched south island.  Lakes, mountains and dry plains will greet you wherever you go. Queenstown is a resort ski town as is Wanaka and further south encounter some ancient glaciers.  There's too much goodness in New Zealand to write about but if you specifically want to know about an area just post a comment.

Stop in at i-sites when you see them and the friendly workers will show you where's good to visit around them.  Free Camp or stay in the many campgrounds around the country.  Top 10 holiday parks are a good place to start, but many a campground has good if not better facilities.  DOC campgrounds are cheaper and  less equipped but usually in a more remote and therefore untouched location.  Make sure you're prepared with food and water before staying in any of them.

This brings the post to an end. You'll never regret spending a campervan holiday in New Zealand.  The trip will be well worth it and you definitely won't join the retiree RV image.  Find a Campervan deal at Campervan Hire Sale Finder and book your next vacation.

Milford Sound New Zealand

Milford Sound with Mitre Peak
By wiseleyb - Flickr

Said to match, if not out-do any scenic trip in Europe, Milford Sound in New Zealand's Fiordlands, should be a 'Wonder of the World'. This untouched fiord in the Southwest of New Zealand is a must-see destination for all who seek to find the most beautiful vistas in existence.

The drive from Te Anau is fascinating enough. Driving through the kilometre long Homer tunnel descending more and more each metre, you may think you're heading into the depths of the mountains. Once you've reached the light at the end of the tunnel, you'll emerge at the foot of soaring mountains and cliff faces. Wind your way along the meandering roads, through beautiful scenery and past lovely lakes to reach the Sound.

Seals lounging
By wiseleyb - Flickr


One of many waterfalls
By HerryLawford - Flickr

The sound has been carved from hard granite mountains by a glacier. Get yourself onto one of the ferries and explore this exceptional area. The sound and mountains are so vast they even made the QE2 look small as she meandered around in the waters. Your cruise will nose up to the many waterfalls spurred on by rain or the melting glacier and find yourself at the foot of the gigantic mountains rising straight out of the waters, Mitre peak being 1,692 metres high. Keep a look out for the seals lounging on the rocks.

Writing about it and even pictures don't do the astounding area justice. Go see for yourself... Take a campervan trip from Christchurch or Queenstown and take the journey in your own time. Find some great Campervan deals here.

Homer Tunnel on way to the Sound
By alberth2 - Flickr

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland and the perfect place to relax, so park up the Campervan for a night or many, at one the following options:

• Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
• Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
• Milford Sound Lodge
• Te Anau Great Lakes Holiday Park
  

Couple the trip with some of the fabulous walks around the area. I know you'll have a fantastic experience!

LOTR Filming Locations Tour

Edoras
By PhillipC - Wikimedia Commons

The Hobbit's release is drawing near, but not fast enough for some of us. Experience in person some of the epic fantasy while we wait for the Hobbits to come back to the big screen. While most of The Hobbit's filming locations are undisclosed, we can still experience Middle Earth through The Lord of the Rings' filming locations.

Take a campervan trip across the dramatic and diverse scenery in New Zealand that inspired Peter Jackson's masterpieces. Visit the deep hidden valleys, mystical mountain scenes, low, lush valleys and barren remote locations that become better known as Middle Earth.

You may find yourself in luck if some or most of these locations doubled as filming locations for 'The Hobbit' also.

Lets start at the top and work our way down the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Pick up a Campervan in Auckland and start your journey South. Find one for your journey through Middle Earth at Motorhome Republic.

• Your first stop is approximately 2 hours away in Matamata which coincidentally happens to be the first scene in LOTR - Hobbiton.

By Rob Chandler - Wikimedia Commons

Take the Hobbiton tour for approximately 2 and 1/2 hours from Matamata Information centre (45 Broadway, Matamata).

• The next destination is Mordor and Emyn Muil. Scenes involving Sauron's domain of Mordor were filmed in the rocky Plateau New Zealander's know as Tongariro National Park. Three active volcanoes Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu dominate the landscape where other middle earth characteristics such as sulphiric pools and hot springs also appear. Orc scenes were filmed on the slopes near Pinnacle ridge and Mount Tongariro doubled as Mount Doom. Do a walk of the locations with a tour guide. Check out this one.

By andrewcparnell - Flickr Commons

• Continue South through Middle Earth to what New Zealand knows as the Waitarere forest but what LOTR enthusiasts would associate the Trollshaw forest and Osgiliath Wood with. Take a walk through the forest that is situated on the Kapiti Coast of this beautiful nation.

• Once you've reenacted the forest scenes, jump back in the campervan and head to Rivendell. Kaitoke National Park, north of Upper Hutt and Wellington, is the home of Arwen and her palace, Rivendell. Nearby, the Hutt River, acted as the Great River (from Moonshine Bridge to Poets Park) and Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt was the setting for Isengard gardens.

• Lower Hutt also holds hidden middle Earth characteristics. The Dry Creek Quarry on Hayward's Hill Road was the setting for Helm's Deep, from The Two Tower's battle scene.

Hutt River (Great River Anduin)
By PhillipC - Flickr Commons

• Get 40 winks somewhere and drive the Campervan onto the Cook Strait Ferry to head to Nelson. Once you've docked in Picton, sailing through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, it's a almost 4 hour drive to Mount Olympus or a 2 1/2 hour drive to Mount Owen where you may recognise scenes of Dimrill Dale, Eregion Hills and the countyside south of Rivendell. Nelson helicopters can take you on a birds eye view flight of the locations!
• On you way to Mount Olympus take a stop at Takaka Hill- the location of Chetwood forest and the initial route taken by the Hobbits and Strider.
  

Picton to Mount Olympus
Google Maps

Takaka Hills
By spentrails - Flickr Common

• Approximately a 7 1/2 hour drive from Nelson is the next destination, so spend a night somewhere on the way and possibly stop in at Mount Sunday, the location of Edoras. In the Ashburton area of Canterbury is Mount Potts. In the middle of an expansive plain is a sheer-sided hill that seems purposely built for LOTR. Surrounded by ice and mountains of rock, this location astounded all the crew and cast.
• After you've left Mount Potts, head to Twizel. It was here that the opening scenes of the Two Towers were filmed. Ben Ohau station, a working high country sheep station, became the location for many a scene and battle.
  

Edoras
By PhillipC Flickr

• Descend once again further south to a small farming town of Tarras. It was here on the banks of the Clutha River that uninterrupted views of snowy mountains made the perfect location to film the Black Riders chasing Frodo, orc attacks and Arwen and Frodo galloping through the trees. If you gaze at the mountains behind Lake Wanaka, you may recognise the Misty Mountains and the backdrop of Gandalf's rescue from the tower of Orthanc. Stay for a bit in Wanaka and enjoy the bars, restaurants and great hospitality.
  

• If you think the tour's over, think again. Head south to Queenstown. A spectacular drive through beautiful scenery will lead you to Lothlorien and many other locations. Lake Whakatipu was used as Lothlorien, the river Kawarau was also the Great River Anduin (where you can float past in a raft), the hilltop of Deer Park Heights was used in all films and the snowcapped 'Remarkables' mountains doubled as slopes of Dimrill Dale.

• A short drive from Queenstown lies Skippers Canyon, where Liv Tyler (Arwen) had her most dramatic scene - her confrontation with the threatening Black Riders. Heliworks and Glenorchy Air takes fans on flights to view many of the dramatic scenes in the Glenorchy region.
  

• We bring the tour to an end in Te Anau. This small town is the gateway to the spectacular Fiordland national Park and the base for many 'Two Towers' locations. The wetlands, moss covered rainforest and the Waiau River became Anduin for the films. The bushy Kepler mountains above the depths of Lake Te Anau, provided another spectacular location. If you don't mind offroading it for a while, you can reach the remote and extremely tranquil location that that was Fangorn Forrest and Nen Hithoel. But surely this would be worth the 39km gravel road off the main Te Anau highway.
  

Frodo and Sam leave fellowship and cross River.
BY BierDoctor - Flickr

If you're stopping for a brew in your journey through Middle Earth, be sure to look out for Harrington's Breweries beers. Nelson artisans crafted the One Ring beer that was served in the Prancing Pony in the village of Bree and in Hobbiton.
Take your time doing the journey and have some good rests so you can get back to full strength and keep chasing the ring.
Find a Campervan for your journey at Motorhome Republic. Enjoy Middle Earth!!

South Island Winter Tour

By dtalic - Flickr Commons

Winter in New Zealand is approaching, and the South Island is getting ready to be the most beautiful place in the world once again! At the foot of freshly snow covered mountains are the most pristine transparent lakes shored by smooth round rocks. The roads are bordered with Paddocks of sheep or you can drive through spectacular valleys. Take a Campervan through the South Island of this beautiful country New Zealand and let the roads take you where they want you to go. Depending on how much time you've got, you can decide how much time you'll spend in each place, but you'll wish you had weeks. Go skiiing or snowboarding or just relax in your Campervan among beautiful vistas with a hot coffee.

Suggested Route (open to your alterations) is as follows:

Christchurch -- > Lake Tekapo --> Queenstown (via Cromwell) -- > Wanaka --> Hawea --> Fox Glacier --> Franz Josef --> Through Arthur's pass back to Christchurch or Greymouth --> Hamner Springs --> Christchurch

Fly or drive to Christchurch and begin your winter sightsee and adventure holiday. Pick up your Campervan in Christchurch, explore the surrounding area of Christchurch or get on the road to Lake Tekapo. 225 km out of Christchurch and through quaint Cantabrian towns like Ashburton you'll find the most tranquil, serene place in NZ. Step out of the Campervan and your ears will ring because it's so peaceful. The lake is so still the reflection of the background snowcapped mountains will astound you. Feel as if you've walked into a photograph when you spot the pretty stone church aside the lake.
Lake Tekapo Camping - Lake Tekapo Motel's and Holiday Park.

Church of the Good Shepherd- Lake Tekapo
By Achim - Wikimedia Commons

When you're ready to get back on the road, head for Queenstown. A three hour journey passing through beautiful landscapes will lead you to the world famous city. Sit alongside the lake watching the Earnslaw boat come and go, jump on the Earnslaw and go over to Glenorchy or use this as a base for snowboarding/skiing Coronet Peak or The Remarkables (which truly are remarkable). The lovely town is filled with cobbled streets, fine restaurants and cafes and good shopping.
Queenstown Campervan Park - Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

By Wrumsby - Flickr Commons

Once you've had your fill of Queenstown (if it's possible) head over the Crown Range for Wanaka. But before you do stop in at the quaint gold mining town, Arrowtown. Once over the range, if you're game, go for a ski or snowboard up Cardrona or for the tricksters, Snowpark. Both are fantastic riding experiences. In Wanaka, sit back in one of the cosy bars with a mulled wine or snuggle up lakeside in the Campervan.
Wanaka Campervan Park - Lake Outlet Holiday Park

By gregor_ronald - Flickr Commons

Take a drive to Lake Hawea on your way to Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. Lake Hawea is yet another example of picture perfect New Zealand Lakes and Mountain. Be awed by the glaciers Franz Josef and Fox but be careful of the Kea birds. They may try investigate your camper and belongings.

Franz Josef Campervan Park - Rain Forrest Holiday Park.

By Edwin.11 - Flickr Commons

Drive back to Christchurch through the spectacular Arthur's pass or take a longer journey up to Greymouth and through Hamner Springs. Hamner springs will welcome you with hot water to soak in amongst the snowy trees and mountains around you.
Arthur's Pass Campervan Park - Jackson's Retreat

By JSilver - Flickr Commons

If you want a more extended trip, add these towns on to the beginning, middle or end of your journey.

Manapouri (post Queenstown) - The Fjordlands will definitely impress.
Bluff (post Queenstown) - Try some famous Bluff Oysters. Yum!
Dunedin (post Queenstown) - the Scottish city of NZ
Timaru (pre Lake Tekapo)
Start the journey in Picton and travel Nelson, Blenheim or Kaikoura. - Beautiful beaches and Sounds

Change the pick up and drop off point of your Campervan. Find a Campervan depot location at Motorhome Republic.

Whether you're from New Zealand or overseas, this trip is a must do for any body young and old. Not only will you experience spectacular scenery but also the friendliness and hospitality of Southland.

If you'd prefer to do this route or another route by car, find a rental car at Car Rental Republic.