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Explorer Express, the Two Islands in 15 Days.
A circuit that allows to discover the two islands, but which imposes a good timing.
Guillaume,
Kiwipal Guide.
$ 2,270 (ATI)
from
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- Presentation
- Trip details
- Your itineraryItinerary
- Free estimationEstimation
- PlanePlane
- VehicleVehicle
- CampingCamping
Your Trip Day by Day.
Here are the steps of the journey with available activities.
For each day, you can book the campsite and activities of your choice. You book online and save 30% of the travel price.
How to book online?
Free day
DAY 1Arrival
Auckland
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
An entire day in the biggest city of the country to recover from jet lag. Climb to the top of the Sky Tower, enjoy the beaches and museums. There are even shuttles to the volcanic island of Rangitoto.
Book camping for this nightGuide Auckland
End of the morning
DAY 2Waitomo Caves
Auckland
Waitomo
220 km (2h35)
Descend the underground river aboard a boat and gaze at the vault studded with glow-worms. Explore the Ruakuri and Aranui stalactite caves.
Book camping for this nightGuide Waitomo Caves
End of the day
DAY 2Rotorua
Waitomo
Rotorua
145 km (1h50)
You sleep in the motorhome.
The arrival at Rotorua at the end of the day leaves time to admire the lake and the gardens of Goverment Garden. After dinner, you can observe the kiwi babies at the Rainbow Springs Park.
Book camping for this nightGuide Rotorua
Free day
DAY 3Rotorua
You sleep in the motorhome.
The geothermal park of Wai-o-tapu and the geysers of the region await you. Discover the Maori culture in the Rotorua Museum and explore the Redwoods Forest.
Book camping for this nightGuide Rotorua
Early morning
DAY 4Huka Falls
Rotorua
Huka Falls
75 km (1h)
Walk up the Waikato River to a fall that can fill an Olympic swimming pool per second. Taste giant prawns and visit the craters of the moon!
Book camping for this nightGuide Huka Falls
Late afternoon
DAY 4Tongariro Crossing
Huka Falls
Ohakune
145 km (1h45)
You sleep in the motorhome.
Cross the fascinating desert of the Tongariro National Park to reach the town of Ohakune. Rest before tomorrow's great walk.
Book camping for this nightGuide Tongariro Crossing
Full day excursion
DAY 5Tongariro Crossing
You sleep in the motorhome.
New Zealand's most famous trek crosses a desert, climbs to the summit of a volcano, descend to turquoise lakes and ends in a refreshing rainforest.
Book camping for this nightGuide Tongariro Crossing
Afternoon
DAY 6Wellington
Tongariro
Wellington
285 km (3h30)
You sleep in the motorhome.
Discover the capital of New Zealand. Visit Peter Jackson's studios, stroll through Cuba Street and do not miss the great Te Papa museum and its Maori art collections.
Book camping for this nightGuide Wellington
Departure at the end of the morning
DAY 7Ferry
Ferry Crossing
Wellington
Abel Tasman
270 km (3h10 de ferry + 2h40 de route)
You sleep in the motorhome.
The magnificent ferry crossing to reach Picton on the South Island. The rest of the journey takes you to Motueka in the Abel Tasman National Park. At nightfall, observe the glowworms in the forest.
Book camping for this night
Free day
DAY 8Abel Tasman
You sleep in the motorhome.
The Paradise of New Zealand. Learn the kayak and meet the fur seals of Tonga Island. Orange sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons await lovers of sunbathing.
Book camping for this nightGuide Abel Tasman
Afternoon
DAY 9Pancake Rocks
Abel Tasman
Pancake Rocks
265 km (3h10)
You sleep in the motorhome.
These strange cliffs give birth to prodigious geysers. Follow an ancient trail of gold seekers into a Jurassic Park canyon.
Book camping for this nightGuide Pancake Rocks
Afternoon
DAY 10Fox Glacier
Pancake Rocks
Fox Glacier
240 km (3h)
You sleep in the motorhome.
Hiking in the forest to reach a glacier that descends into the valley. Explore the blue ice caves with a mountain guide.
Book camping for this nightGuide Fox Glacier
Early morning
DAY 11Lake Matheson
Fox Glacier
Lac Matheson
5 km (10 min)
Short stopover on the road to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country. A path in the blue mushroom forest leads to Reflection Island. Admire the mountain that is reflected on the surface of the lake.
Book camping for this nightGuide Lake Matheson
Afternoon
DAY 11Queenstown
Lake Matheson
Queenstown
339 km (4h16)
You sleep in the motorhome.
The ancient city of gold seekers has become the World capital of adventure. Discover the bungee jumping or summer luge rides in a breathtaking landscape!
Book camping for this nightGuide Queenstown
Free day
DAY 12Queenstown
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Hiking in the mountains that overlook the lake or enjoying a cruise aboard an authentic steamboat. You even have time to drive along the most beautiful road in the world to reach Glenorchy's Paradise Valley.
Book camping for this nightGuide Queenstown
Late afternoon
DAY 12
Queenstown
Te Anau
171 km (2h)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Te Anau will be your base camp for the next two days. The majestic lake shelters spectacular caves with glow worms.
Book camping for this night
End of morning + Afternoon
DAY 13Milford Sound
Te Anau
Milford Sound
236 km (3h aller-retour)
You sleep in the motorhome.
The Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. A cruise explores this majestic place up to the Sea of Tasman where a colony of fur seals lives.
Book camping for this nightGuide Milford Sound
Evening
DAY 13Queenstown
Te Anau
Queenstown
171 km (2h15)
Back to Queenstown in the evening, you should have enough time to have dinner and enjoy a stroll near the lake.
Book camping for this nightGuide Queenstown
End of the morning + Afternoon
DAY 14Mount Cook
Queenstown
Twizel
200 km (2h15)
You sleep in the motorhome.
Make a stopover at Lindis Pass before leaving your luggage at Twizel. Join the Hermitage Village to admire Mt Cook. Sail in among icebergs or hike in search of the mountain parrot.
Book camping for this nightGuide Mount Cook
Afternoon
DAY 15Departure
Mount Cook
Christchurch
285 km (3h20)
Last stage before the return flight, Christchurch in full reconstruction forces the admiration. The new buildings replace the ruins left by the earthquake and the third city of the country regains its charm.
Book camping for this nightBook your plane tickets.
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Our service is based on Google Flights to bring you the best comparator tool, removing the bad airlines.
With Kiwipal, there is no travel agency fees, no advertising and no hidden costs.
Book your plane ticketsBook your camper-van.
Compare and rent a motorhome at the lowest price.
With Kiwipal, you book directly from an New Zealand rental company and do not pay travel agency fees.
The vehicle insurance is included with free cancellation until a short interval before departure.
Rent a camper with KiwipalThe advantage of a campervan?
The motorhome allows to discover the country at a reasonable cost.
Visiting New Zealand in motorhome allows to save money, but it is mainly autonomy and freedom that attract travelers.
In a country where the weather is constantly changing, the campervan allows to modify the itinerary to avoid the rain.
Moreover, you do not have to unpack your luggage everyday, and it makes a big difference. Especially since the kitchen of the motorhome allows to cook meals and thus reduce even more the expenses of the stay.
There are different sizes of motorhome and the basic model is perfect for a couple. The other models can accommodate three, four and up to six passengers. Beyond, it will be necessary to consider renting an additional vehicle.
Should we buy the deductible?
Redeeming the franchise allows you to travel more serenely.
The deductible part corresponds to the amount that remains at your charge in case of accident.
The purchase of the deductible costs about 30 NZ dollars per day. In case of accident, you will not pay anything if you have subscribed this option.
Kiwipal recommends not skimping on this extra expense that can save your holidays.
This advice is all the more valuable if you have never driven a campervan until now.
In addition to reduce the risks, the offer often includes camping table and chairs, baby chair and a discount card for some campsites.
Questions & Answers.
Is it difficult to drive? I answer any question you may ask about motorhome driving on the roads of New Zealand.
- Is the country suitable for camping-cars?
New Zealand is the country of the camper van par excellence. A population of 4.5 million inhabitants spread over a territory as large as the United Kingdom. People needed a means of transport to compensate the small number of hotels, and it is the motorhome that New Zealanders prefer to drive.
- Is it difficult to drive a motorhome?
Your camper will be an automatic model and the only real difficulty will be to park in town. Just take your time and everything goes well. Have a companion go out to help you in the maneuver. As for the road, you should know that the speed is capped at 100 km / h throughout the country. This limit allows you to easily insert into the traffic.
- Is it easy to drive in the country?
It cannot be simpler! The road network is excellent, and traffic is low outside the cities. With the exception of office schedules in major cities, the country does not have traffic jams. However, you will sometimes be blocked by the passage of a herd of sheep...
- What are the speed limits?
The limit is set at 50 km / h in the city and 100 km / h in the rest of the country (including on the expressways).
- How many passengers can accommodate the motorhome?
The models are designed for 2, 3, 4 and 6 passengers. You are not allowed to board a number of passengers exceeding the capacity of the vehicle, otherwise the insurance will be broken.
- Are campgrounds heated?
The heating is sufficient to face the rigor of winter, you will have no problem about this, especially the rest of the year, even if the nights are cool.
- Is there a shower in the motorhome?
Yes, a small shower allows you to wash with hot water.
- Is there water in the motorhome?
You have a reserve that you must fulfill according to your consumption.
- How will I learn how to use the motorhome?
A visit is planned during which the entire operation of the motorhome is reviewed. You will be given a notice of the vehicle and a map of the country with the dump stations.
- What is the budget for gasoline?
One can expect a consumption of 10 cents per kilometer ($ 10 per hundred kilometers). Provide a 10% margin on your total route and you should be close to the account. Remember to fill up well before attacking a long journey, gasoline stations are not numerous outside agglomerations.
- What is the autonomy of a motorhome?
You will have to drain and renew the water tank every two or three days.
- Is motorhome heated?
Your motorhome is heated by gas. Gas bottles are recharged if necessary at gas stations with the symbol LPG.
- Can we cook in the motorhome?
Yes, you have two hotplates, a refrigerator and all necessary utensils. All you have to do is go shopping.
- Should we bring blankets, sheets or quilts?
No, this is part of the standard equipment of the motorhome. Of course, the laundry service runs between each rental.
- Will I sleep well in a motorhome?
If the comfort was unsatisfactory, this transport mode would not be as popular. It is difficult to give you a categorical answer, because it depends mainly on you. In general, feedback is positive.
- Is it necessary to use dump station regularly?
Depending on the model and your use, you have to empty the camper and fill the tank with water every two or three days.
- Are there roads to avoid?
Your insurance does not allow traffic on the 90-mile beach (a beach where driving is permitted at low tide). In winter you have to inquire at the information center (i-Site) before driving in mountain roads (especially on Cardrona Rd between Queenstown and Wanaka) because there may be ice storms. Dunedin owns Baldwin St (the steepest street in the world) and trying to drive a camper-van would be very risky. One just need to pay attention to road signs!
- Are there insecurity problems in the country?
New Zealand has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Thieves mainly target unoccupied motorhomes parked in nature. Do not let hang out visible business from the outside and keep your valuables on you as much as possible.
- Should the motorhome be cleaned at the end of the stay?
You do not have to wash the bed sheets, but you have to return the vehicle in the state where you found it.
Book your camping nights.
Kiwipal gives you access to Top 10 network where you can book the best campsites in the country.
You can book tickets to park the motorhome, or purchase coupons to use whenever you want.
Book camping nightsFree quote of your budget.
Complete the form to get a price estimation.
Our price estimation will give you a better idea of the requested holiday budget. You can request several estimations if you want.
This detailed estimation is not a quote and does not commit you to anything. Kiwipal is not a travel agency but a guide to help travelers to book their trip themselves.
When do you plan your travel?
What would be the departure date?
Choose departure date ...
From which city do you want to start?
- Auckland at the beggining and Christchurch to finish
- Christchurch at the beggining and Auckland to finish
What comfort do you want?
Which model of motorhome?
- Camper matching the number of travelers
- Camping-car for 2 passengers
- Camping-car for 3 passengers
- Camping-car for 4 passengers
- Camping-car for 5 passengers
Motorhome with shower and toilet
- Yes
- No
Models with shower and toilet are a bit more expensive.
What are the optional activities?
Use the arrows to scroll through the activities
Add to the trip
Who is traveling?
How many participants?
- One traveler
- Two travelers
- Three travelers
- Four travelers
- Five travelers
First traveler Information
Enter your full name as it appears on your passport.
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- Adult
- Child
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Who will be the second traveler?
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- Adult
- Child
Who will be the third traveler?
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- Adult
- Child
Who will be the fourth traveler?
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- Adult
- Child
Who will be the fifth traveler?
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- Adult
- Child
Do you need a travel insurance?
Do you need a travel insurance?
- I want a a multi-risk and cancellation insurance
- I want a a multi-risk insurance
- I don't need an insurance
And to conclude ...
Do you have any special request?
Please fill the areas in red!
Send the request for free estimation of the budget
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The Kiwipal team will process your request within 24 hours. We will calculate the most economical budget according to your criteria.
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Discover our pages to stay informed about NZ!
- 14 days on location
- Flight + Taxes
- Motorhome / Van
- 3100 km
Estimation for a travel during mid-season if you book by your own.
Book the motorhomeTravel steps
This tour includes 6 stages on the North Island and 8 on the South Island. The route can be followed in both directions.
Itinerary created by William.
Exploring the two islands of New Zealand in motorhome is pure happiness. But a two-week stay still requires a well-defined itinerary.
Visiting all the locations of our Best Of in only 15 days is not possible. I'm not saying that it's absolutely impossible, but it would mean driving 5 hours each day, which is not tenable.
That's why I have kept half the stages of our Kiwipal selection. The free days allow to recover some energy in paradisiacal settings.
The result is an itinerary where each day presents a different facet of the country. If I believe your testimonies, it's great!
Kiwipal Rating
Visits of this tour are among the best in the country.
- Abel Tasman
- Auckland
- Fox Glacier
- Huka Falls
- Lake Matheson
- Milford Sound
- Mount Cook
- Pancake Rocks
- Queenstown
- Rotorua
- Tongariro Crossing
- Waitomo Caves
- Wellington
