NEW ZEALAND: 12 Day Campervan Itinerary For The South Island

NEW ZEALAND: 12 Day Campervan Itinerary For The South Island

Twenty Five Days a Year
This is one of our favourite itineraries we have ever crafted as it truly packs in so much adventure whilst also allowing time to relax. Here you'll find 12 days of adventure in the South Island covering what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and insider information from our travels to these spots. Whilst the first two days are in hotels in Queenstown, the rest of this itinerary is by camper van and does include driving. We HIGHLY recommend doing New Zealand by campervan to reach & stay in some of the most stunning places. You can expect fjords, hiking, beaching, and adventure from this itinerary. This is for those who really want to get the most of out their 12 days on the South Island and covers the following regions: -> Queenstown (with day trips) -> Milford Sound -> Mt. Cook / Aoraki National Park (& surrounding towns) -> Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki -> Wanaka -> Dunedin -> The Catlins -> Arthurs Pass (with a quick stop in Christchurch & an option to change the itinerary OR make it a 14 day trip). PLUS so many more ideas on how to fill your days. Note: If you're interested in doing the North & the South Island of New Zealand, check out our three week itinerary on our Thatch page to both places to get the best value (it includes everything written in this itinerary).
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What To Know

New Zealand is such a beautiful country! With two islands to explore and such a variety of scenery, it has so much to offer - we found 12 days barely scratched the surface but with only so much vacation time, we wanted to see the highlights which is what this itinerary is all about. 

North Island Versus South Island

The North Island has a warmer climate, black sand beaches, coastal beaches for swimming, volcanoes, sub-tropical climates and a jungle feel, and more city-life in Auckland and Wellington. 

The South Island is more known for its dramatic landscapes such as the fjords, mountains, parks, glaciers, skiing, and also has the beaches to offer.

Whilst both are really unique, the South Island is definitely the more stunning of the two.

When To Visit

Good Weather: December - February for good weather. At the beginning or end of this to avoid peak season tourism. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Twenty Five Days a Year
With a full time job, there are twenty five days a year I want to FILL with travelling and have been doing so every year. We love to research, plan, and travel to new destinations around the world as much as possible. We travel at least twice per year and quite a bit for work, and love to share our favourite places along the way with everyone who wants it!
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
74 places
74 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
19 links
19 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
The Catlins, New Zealand
Wānaka, New Zealand
Mt Cook, Canterbury, New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand
Milford Sound, Southland, New Zealand
New Zealand
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Lake Pukaki, Canterbury, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Dunedin, New Zealand
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Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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