The church of the good shepherd near the Mount Cook.

Explorer Tour, South Island in 14 Days.

This recent tour is very successful. It's not a surprise since it gathers all the main points of interest of the island.

Guillaume picture in the mountains Guillaume,
Kiwipal Guide.

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Your Trip Day by Day.

Guillaume picture in the mountains

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?
Before the 2011 earthquake disrupted the lives of its people, Christchurch was the most beautiful city on the South Island.

Arrival in New Zealand

DAY 1

Arrival

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore the city and its beautiful Botanical Garden. Otherwise, you will have a half day at the end of your New Zealand stay to do it.

Book camping for this night
It is the presence of a giant underwater canyon 1500 meters deep that attracts whales. This particularity make the happiness of the travelers who come to admire the biggest mammals in the world.

Afternoon

DAY 1

Kaikoura Peninsula

Christchurch Kaikoura Peninsula

182 km (2h20)

You sleep in the motorhome.

Collect your rental car in Christchurch and drive up to Kaikoura. Take a boat trip to observe whales and dolphins, then go hiking around the peninsula to spot sea lions.

Book camping for this nightGuide Kaikoura Peninsula
Abel Tasman is the favorite National Park of New Zealanders. It is ideally located at the tip of the South Island.

Afternoon

DAY 2

Abel Tasman

Kaikoura Peninsula Abel Tasman

310 km (4h)

You sleep in the motorhome.

Arrive in the afternoon at Motueka, the base camp of Abel Tasman Park. Go hiking if you want, or just enjoy the farniente on an orange sandy beach. Observe the magical glow worms in the forest at nightfall.

Book camping for this nightGuide Abel Tasman
Kayaking is the best means of transport in a park that does not have roads. But you can also borrow the taxi boats to move from one beach to another.

Free day

DAY 3

Abel 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
The Pancake Rocks are 33 million years old rocks sculpted by erosion and weather.

Afternoon

DAY 4

Pancake Rocks

Abel Tasman Pancake Rocks

287 km (3h35)

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
It is rare to be able to visit a glacier because they are often inaccessible. But the Fox Glacier descends to sea level and has caves of blue ice.

Afternoon

DAY 5

Fox 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
The dark water of the lake and its ideal position reflect the whole valley. It is still necessary to enjoy the good weather (rather rare in this region).

Early morning

DAY 6

Lake 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
Wanaka has a mild climate and a breathtaking panorama. It is perhaps the most beautiful landscape in New Zealand.

Afternoon

DAY 6

Wanaka

Lake Matheson Wanaka

265 km (3h10)

You sleep in the motorhome.

Picnic in the vineyards and savor the best ice cream in the country. Visit the museum of illusion and take a bicycle ride along the lake. In the evening, watch a movie in a sofa or an old car!

Book camping for this nightGuide Wanaka
The Diamond Lake is located halfway up the hike to the top of Rocky Mountain.

Free day

DAY 7

Wanaka

You sleep in the motorhome.

The Puzzling World illusion museum, the Rocky Mountain hike and the best ice cream in the country after a bike ride along the lake shore.

Book camping for this nightGuide Wanaka
The city of Queenstown is located on the South Island of New Zealand. It has the deserved reputation of being the world capital of adventure.

End of morning + Afternoon

DAY 8

Queenstown

Wanaka Queenstown

75 km (1h15)

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 9

Queenstown

You sleep in the motorhome.

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
Te Anau makes it possible to shorten travel time for excursions to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Late afternoon

DAY 10

Queenstown Te Anau

171 km (2h)

You sleep in the motorhome.

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
The Mitre Peak culminates at 1696 meters above sea level and owes its name because of its pointed shape which evokes the headdress of a bishop. The mountain is visible as soon as you reach the parking lot.

End of morning + Afternoon

DAY 11

Milford 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
Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin was founded in 1848 as a tribute to the city of Edinburgh. Its name means

Afternoon

DAY 12

Dunedin

Te Anau Dunedin

290 km (3h25)

You sleep in the motorhome.

Famous for its architecture and its fairytale railway station, Dunedin has the world's steepest street. Join the beach via a tunnel pierced with dynamite!

Book camping for this nightGuide Dunedin
Several theories exist to explain the formation of these round rocks. None is entirely satisfactory.

Early morning

DAY 13

Moeraki Boulders

Dunedin Moeraki Boulders

75 km (55 min)

There are so many explanations to explain the origin of these strange rocks on the beach of Moeraki... Forge your own opinion during a road-trip break.

Book camping for this nightGuide Moeraki Boulders
Mt Aoraki / Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand. It is located on the South Island and culminates at 3754 meters.

Afternoon

DAY 13

Mount Cook

Moeraki Boulders Mount Cook

305 km (3h30 avec A/R à Twizel)

You sleep in the motorhome.

Leave your luggage at Twizel and head to Mt Cook. The journey along the most beautiful lake of the country will take you to the village of l'Hermitage. Set sail in the middle of icebergs or go hiking in search of the kea.

Book camping for this nightGuide Mount Cook
The Botanical Garden covers 21 hectares and was spared by the earthquake.

Afternoon

DAY 14

Departure

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 night

Book your plane tickets.

Guillaume picture in the mountains

Compare the best, without advertising or hidden fees.

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 tickets

Book your camper-van.

Guillaume picture in the mountains

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 Kiwipal

The advantage of a campervan?

If you are not an experienced driver and you have never driven a motorhome it is probably better to book a car instead. Especially since you drive to the left in the country and you will have to get used to it very quickly.

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?

Driving to the left with a motorhome can be a bit of a hassle, but you get used to it very quickly. Keeping the priority to the right.

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.

Ask a question to Ben

  • 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.

Guillaume picture in the mountains

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 nights

Free quote of your budget.

Guillaume picture in the mountains

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 ...

Do you need airline tickets as well?

  • Yes
  • No


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
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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!

    Request sent!

    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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