Want to spend a 16-day holiday on the South Island of New Zealand, all from the comfort of a van?  Follow this adventure filled itinerary to see the most you can in two weeks in this stunning country. I am also a travel agent who can help you book everything hassle free!

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Twizel, New Zealand

Mount Cook, Canterbury, New Zealand

Wānaka, New Zealand

Milford Sound, Southland, New Zealand

New Zealand

Glenorchy, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Franz Josef / Waiau, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

South Island of New Zealand Van Life Itinerary

Fly into Christchurch. If your flight arrives within business hours, you can arrange to have the van ready for you right at the airport. If you arrive outside of business hours, you can book a hotel or air bnb for the night until you pick up the van the next morning.

Following the cruise and hike, grocery shop, and park up for the night at the campground to rest up for a scenic drive tomorrow morning.

For the whole trip, take any chance you get to pull over and take in the view because everywhere you look is so stunning. 

Another big drive day with some stops along the way.

Park up for the night for more stunning views to come and wake up to!

Stop anywhere along the road along the lake into town.

Big morning as it is a sunrise hike up to Roy's peak! This stunning but challenging hike is well worth it if you are able. The hike takes 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level. There is an elevation change of 4,300ft over the course of 4.2 miles. The hike is steep the whole way. I recommend blister pads and walking sticks. Proper hiking layers are also very helpful as you will be hot on the hike up but then it is very cold at the top while waiting for the sun to rise. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to make it to the top before sunrise. 

More of a chill day to explore the city of Wanaka and to rest up for an early morning tomorrow.

Here is a direct link to book your Travellers Autobarn van for your trip!

Travellers Autobarn New Zealand! 

Now that you are all booked, let's get you started on your itinerary.

I then recommend a nap back at the campground after the full morning. Following the nap and lunch, take in Wanaka one last time while sitting on the edge of Glendhu Bay looking up at where you hiked that morning.

Drive back into Queenstown and take the gondola up to the luge!

Stop at The Cardrona for a Horse Trek or Buggy Tour. The staff is really lovely.

Stay the night in the hotel if you need a break from the van or continue into Queenstown at the next campground.

Take the road along Lake Wakatipu to the little town of Glenorchy to take in the stunning viewa!

Take a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools. Be sure to reserve WELL in advance.

If you are a golfer, golf at the Queenstown Golf Club surrounded by Lake Wakatipu.

Start the morning with a walk to get the legs moving before driving to Te Anau.

Start the drive to Te Anau admiring all the sheep along the way.

Multiple stops along the drive from Te Anau to Milford.

Once you arrive to Milford, you can walk the Milford track. You start at Sandfly point and walk to Giant Gate Falls and back. Day hike should take 3 hours but you can turn around at any point. This needs a boat to be booked ahead of time to get to the start of the track. 

Milford Track Day Walk | Get Prepared | Fiordland Outdoors

Book your boat transport

Milford Sound Lodge was one of our favorite nights we had. You can see all of the waterfalls from the rain from your caravan park spot or the lounge/kitchen area. There was a fireplace and a nice dry and new lounge area with Wi-Fi. It felt like a night in luxury!

Akaroa Dolphins

Godley Head Walkway

South Brighton Holiday Park

Arthur's Pass Scenic Lookout

Hokitika Gorge

Otto/McDonalds Camping Area

Orange Sheep Campervan Park

Skydive Franz

Waiho Hot Tubs

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Fern Grove Gift & Design

The Glacier Shop

Lake Matheson Walk

Fox Glacier Viewpoint / Te Kopikopiko O Te Waka

Thunder Creek Falls

Blue Pools

Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite

Lake Wānaka Lookout

#ThatWanakaTree

Caltex Laundry & Shower

New World Three Parks

Wānaka Recreation Centre

Albert Town Campground

Wanaka Lavender Farm

Roys Peak Track

Glendhu Bay Lookout

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Luge

The Cardrona Horse Trekking & Quadbiking

Cardrona Hotel

Cardrona Distillery

12 Mile Delta

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

Onsen Hot Pools Retreat and Day Spa

Queenstown Golf Club

Queenstown Hill Walking Track

Alpine Aqualand

New World Queenstown

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (Takahe sanctuary)

Te Anau Glowworm Caves - RealNZ

Henry Creek Campsite

Free Toilets & Paid Showers

Kepler Track Trail Head & Information

Miles Better Pies

Hollyford Cafe

Roam Clothing Te Anau

RealNZ - Te Anau Visitor Centre

Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Mirror Lakes

Eglinton Valley

Pop's View Lookout

Lake Marian Track

The Chasm Viewing Bridge

Milford Sound Lodge - Campervan Park

Milford Track Trailhead (Sandfly Point)

Milford Sound Breakwater Walkway Lookout

Piopiotahi Milford Lookout Walk

Milford Sound Foreshore Walk

Discover Milford Sound Cruises Information Centre & Café

Outlet Camp Wānaka

Lindis Pass Viewpoint

Clay Cliffs

White Horse Hill Campground

Mt Cook Village Public shelter

Aoraki Mt Cook Scenic Lookout

Tasman Glacier Viewpoint

Hooker Valley track

Mueller Hut

Lake Poaka Campsite

Twizel River Reserve

The Musterers Hut Cafe

Four Square Mackenzie

Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Lake Tekapo

Four Square Tekapo

High Country Salmon

The Church of the Good Shepherd

Mt John Summit Circuit Track

Tekapo Springs

Mackenzie Alpine Horses

Dark Sky Project

Riverside Market

Timaru - Little blue penguins

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Te Rāpaki-o-Te Rakiwhakaputa

Groynes Caravan Park

Arthurs Pass Scenic LookOut

Fox Glacier Lookout

Lake Wanaka Lookout

Onsen Hot Pools

Pop's View lookout

Milford Sound Lodge

Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park

South Island of New Zealand Van Life Itinerary

Buy to unlock full guide