New Zealand Self-drive campervan holidays

Our New Zealand Self Drive campervan holiday was well researched and the itinerary was agonised over to ensure we were able to see as much of the South Island of New Zealand as we could in the 13 days that we had allocated. We flew direct from Brisbane to Christchurch on Jetstar where we picked up the campervan and began our holiday.

Having young children our campervan of choice was the Pacific Horizons 6 berth Premium Camper Van, not only was there heaps of room, full cooking facilities, toilet and shower the children were positioned on a bench seats directly behind the front seat.  These ensured no car sickness and ease in reaching them with food, drinks etc. The camper van also had TV with DVD player and 3 huge beds.

Follow us on our 13 day journey around the South Island of New Zealand and we hope that our adventure inspires you to design your own itinerary to take in very best of this beautiful country. With so much to see New Zealand is a country that you will want to visit again and again and each time there is something new to see and do.

As agents for Kiwi Campers, Happy Campers and Pacific Horizons …. all the best New Zealand Tour Operators, we are happy to help you arrange your next self drive New Zealand holiday.

Please call or email Sue or Steve Ledger if you have any queries.

PO Box 557
Buderim Qld 4556

Ph: +61 7 54452829
Fax: +61 7 54452829

steve@smartescapes.com.au

Like any start to a holiday there is much excitement and this holiday was no exception.  We enjoyed a smooth start with drive to Brisbane, flight and transfers to the campervans all going to plan.

Brisbane Airport - ready to go and kids are excited

Driving New Zealand Countryside - so beautiful

The staff  at Pacific Horizons were very professional and helpful with campervan tips and ensuring we have enough warm bedding etc for the next 13 days.

Off to our first night`s stay, the Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park – Meadow Park , http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/accommodation/camping-and-holiday-parks/christchurch/meadow-park-top10/#standard a little difficult to find, ensure you have a good map of the local area. This park was a little expensive (in fact the most expensive for the entire trip) but was fantastic.

Camping ground in Christchurch

The kitchen and dining area was very clean with large fridges and cooking facilities for our use.  The kids enjoyed the playground which included a jumping pillow and play equipment which catered for a range of ages.  Bathroom facilities were modern and very clean and enough to cater for the number of people who stay a the park , no queues for showers.  There was also a family bathroom facility. This park also had an heated indoor pool and plenty of space for the kids to run around.  Our children enjoyed chasing the ducks and picking the flowers.

We found the campervan park very central and close to shopping centres and a 24 hour supermarket……..great for all those supplies that are needed on holidays.  It is also located only 4klms to the city centre and minutes from the airport (if you get on the right road).

Saying goodbye to Christchurch we headed north towards Picton. This stretch of road hugs the coastline and extremely scenic, snow capped mountains to the west and the rugged New Zealand coastline to the east.  Stop for a photo of  the black sand beaches – not something we Aussies are all that familiar with.

Make sure you stop at one of the few crayfish caravans along the drive closer to Kiakora.  They offer fresh and cooked crays, a New Zealand delicacy. Keep your eye out for seals as you pass the rocks, they enjoy basking  in the sun. Taking time out at Kaikora is a must, drive up to the lookout for a birds eye view of the surrounding areas, snow capped mountains, the ocean and the local farm land.

Kaikora Coastline looking North to Picton

Continue through town to the point where you will be able to get up close and personal with the local seal colony. Another must. Kaikora is also the point where whale watching expeditions, dolphin and albatross encounters also leave from. Something to consider if you have time.

New Zealand Fur Seals on Kaikora Coastline - you can almost touch them - BUT DON`T - THEY BITE

Montana vineyard - wine tasting or a spot of lunch

Then we continued on to Picton, more beautiful scenery as we head to the top of the south island.  The Marlborough Region is a definate area to visit with its well maintained paddocks of grape vines to of course tasting some of the fruits of their labour.

The girls tried a few and stocked up for the rest of the trip

We stop at Montana, a New Zealand icon??? and one of our favourites, although it is shut we feel a back track tomorrow for a visit is a must.

The gift shop was good too - but they didn`t have any umbrellas for sale

Driving through the Marlbourgh region was amazing with the continuous vines

The wind picked up and making driving a little harder than it has been.  We arrived in Picton early evening, finding somewhere to stay and bed down for the night. We stayed at the Picton Top 10 Holiday Park and found it to be comfortable.

Today the wind and weather along the west coast play a part in deciding where we head.  The cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound is abandoned so we take a walk along one of the many walks in this area.  At the end we experience stunning views of the sounds.

Picton Lookout and short walk to the historic Maori Village

Also some Maori culture with sign posts and points of interest along the way.  The Maori Pa is quite interesting and a good learning point for the children. Picton is a main marine access point especially through summer offering diving, fishing and wildlife spotting experiences on a regular basis.

We backtrack to Montana for lunch but not a great choice, a lovely looking restaurant but not a suitable menu for children so on to Blenheim.  This town is a great base to explore the sensational Marlborough Wine Region.  Unfortunately time didn`t permit us to stay too long in this part of the world….that will be another trip all of its own.

The weather has further deteriorated along the west coast so we decide to abandon our plans to travel along to Westport and down the coastline.  Strong winds and driving rains are something we would rather avoid, so head down through the Wairau Valley to St Arnaud on the edge of Lake Ratoiti.  Stunning scenery along the way but the drop in temperature and fresh snow along the way has made us realise that missing the west coast was a great decision.

St Anaud, simply stunning scenery

We camp in the  camp ground on the edge of the lake, stunning views looking down the lake.  The cloud lifts and we enjoy an afternoon by the lake. A stunning place to stay, weather is cool and the forcast is for snow down to 700metres over night.  The heater in the camper will come in handy.

The drive through Lewis Pass is closed sometimes so make sure you check and take your chains

From snow to……heated thermal pools in one day

Today we woke to an overcast day and fresh snow on the mountains….it was cold but these campers have heaters that run off  the diesel so we definately didn`t feel the cold throughout the night. The lake is breathtaking in the morning light.  We head off  to Springs Junction to fuel up and have morning tea. A quaint little cafe that offered almost everything but whitebait fritters.  The locals tell us that Lewis Pass is open, if too much snow over night this closes, so lucky for us it is open.

As we leave Springs Junction it is raining and as we get higher up into the Pass, it turns to sleet and finally snow……..magic, spectacular, falling snow.  The children are beside themselves as they experience something they have never seen before.  Snow plough pass us as they clear the road to allow the traffic through.  That was an amazing experience.

We continue on to Hamner Springs where we will spend the night at Mountain View Top 10 Holiday Park http://www.mountainviewtop10.co.nz/ The kids enjoyed the playground with trampoline and the facilities we good. The park is situated within walkind distance to the thermal pools and town. We enjoyed the afternoon relaxing in the thermal heated pools before exploring town. A quaint little town with snow capped mountains as its back drop.

Hamner Springs in the Middle of Winter is an Oasis

Geraldine farmyard was our favourite camping ground in the South Island

Olivia loved playing with the animals

We stayed at the Geraldine farm stay just out for town, this was one of the highlights of the trip, expecially for the children who enjoyed playing and feeding the array of animals, playing the open space (a nice break from their car seats) and riding the quad bikes.  This place was very accommodating even organising a fire pit to roast marshmellows. The facilities were clean and the kitchen was equipped with cooking facilities for our use.

You have to try the 4 wheel bikes - they have small ones for the kids too in peak season - The big kids loved this too

Don`t forget to ask if the Quad bikes are available to use – great fun for all Big and Small

Finally dragged the children away from the animals and on the road again.

The next part of the trip is very pictureque and we stopped on route for photos with the snow capped Southern Alps as a backdrop.  Arriving at Lake Tekapo is stunning, the lake it self is nothing short of stunning, the turquoise colour is due to the glaciers.  The glacier ice is broken down to a fine powder and is suspended in the water and reflects the light to give it the amazing blue. Here the church of the Good Shephard is a must see and photos through the church window with the lake backdrop are truly amazing.

An aerial view of the glaciers, snow capped mountains and gorgeous glacial lakes.

A New Zealand must do is to take a small plane trip high above the mountains, Tekapo is a fantastic place to take off from.  We flew with Air Safaris http://www.airsafaris.co.nz/ and spent an hour travelling over the lake and across the Southern Alps.  We saw the great glaciers – The Tasman, Fox and Franz as well as almost being able to touch the top of Mt Cook.  The scenery is amazing, allowing you to really appreciate the beauty of this island.

TIP: Try to book a whole plane if you have 7 people.

Hire your own or join another group

Stunning……….sunset at Lake Tekapo

Church view at Lake Tekapo

Returning to land, there is plenty still to do, the ice rink was a favourite and the thermal pools were popular as well.  An easy way to spend a day.

We stayed overnight at the Lake Tekapo holiday park.  Here the amenities were lovely, the only place we experienced where you had to pay for hot water, $2 a shower but nice and clean and there was carpet on the floor and a heater as well. Also a bath for younger children and plenty of room to dress the little ones.

A good array of restaurants in town, we opted for the local hotel and enjoyed the view over the lake as well as the food and a bottle of  the local champagne……..Lindauer of course.

The day was stunning and we also enjoyed a full moon rising over the lake, equally as stunning.

Leaving Tekapo we head to the local salmon farm.  It is built along and in the canal from Lake Tekapo so we enjoyed the lovely colours as we travelled.  The children enjoyed feeding the salmon with pellets. The fish are in pens but enjoy fast fresh flowing water that keeps them healthy and allows them exercise swimming against the current of the canal, this makes for a better quality of salmon. This we can vouche for as we enjoyed fresh salmon for dinner that night and smoked salmon for a few days after.  We bought from the farm and we pleasantly surprised by the reasonable price.

Heading through the Lindis Pass we see a change in the landscape, it is stark, desolate and quite barren.  Like Tekapo this area receives very little rain fall through out the year. In its own way it is still beautiful. The snow capped mountains are always within sight and as we come through the pass the amount of snow increases.

Wanaka appears very soon after and the lake is an ideal spot for lunch.  Stunning scenery again with the mountains in the background and the lake in the foreground. Lots of green space and play equipment keeps the children busy for a while. We then headed off to Puzzling World.  This was an amazing place and well worth a visit, mazes, illusion rooms and eccentric architecture keep everyone happy for the afternoon.

Tonight we stayed at Wanaka Lake View Holiday Park, central to town and room for the kids to run around.  The kitchen and dining was well equipped and had plenty of room. Amenities were clean as well.

Salmon farm drive near lake tekapo

Enjoying a glass of New Zealand by the lake in Wanaka

Down to the lake for coffee and a play before heading off.

Coming down to Queenstown

Travelling on through Burke Pass the amount of snow increases and we stop on the side of the road for a quick play.  Snow balls and snow men were the order of the day, for a while at least.  This pretty spot gave us a quick view of Queenstown in the distance.

Arrowtown is a must to visit and you MUST get a Venison Pie from the bakery on the end of the street

A steep but interesting drive through the rest of the Pass before we end up in Arrow Town. This quaint little town has retained a number of its old stone and wooden buildings from the Gold Rush era and the tree lined streets are quite pretty.  There are a range of shops to wander through and we all enjoyed the Lolly Shop for a range of New Zealand sweets as well as many of our favourites.  The local bakery was a huge hit with the Venison pie being something to rave about. With a dash of Tuimato sauce they are devine and well worth a return visit just for the pies.

The Gondala rides were the kids favourite thing to do in Queenstown apart from skiing - it was always faster mummy!!!

Onto Queenstown, only a short drive past Cardrona the snow fields. First impression of Queenstown was how much it had grown in 10 years, we were amazed. First stop was the Gondola and luge rides.  Stunning scenery as you ride the gondola to the top. The luge was a huge hit with the adult as well as the kids, down the luge, up the chairlift was a heap of fun.

The Ledger Family - Smart Escapes Directors and Junior Directors

Into town to hire the ski gear for snow skiing the next day.  The ski centre in town is the place to go to organise lessons and ski gear. Book the younger children (under 5) before you get there, limited spaces so need to book early. We found the ski centre answered all our questions and gave suggestions to save money and make the most of the day on the snow.

This house is let out directly by the owner - Leicester Rutledge - phone NZ 0275 316 701

The backyard is the lake and sooo beautiful - Chelsea is here modeling Esprit

Off to our house on the lake, we stayed on Frankton Rd for 3 nights to have a break from the camper and enjoy each others company. The house we stayed in was huge, more than enough space for 4 families. We enjoyed the extra space and the magical veiws of the lake and the Remarkables.  Stunning!!!

The Ledge has a new meaning - be scared ... very scared

Chelsea and Chloe had a ball skiing - they picked it up faster that than adults

Today we skied Coronet Peak, up early and off to get organised. The younger children (under 5`s) were able to attend their creche from 9.00am, allowing the adults a full day of skiing.

Hire the ski gear for children on the mountain, less to carry. Don;t forget to ask for hte starter pack for your first day which basically gives you cheaper hire of skis boots and poles when buying the chair lift passes from Queenstown Ski Junction Corner

The Crache had their own ski area and the 4 year olds and under loved it

Creche facilities were excellent, they had their own little ski field to learn on and the flexibility of having the indoors for playing etc.  The older children attended their lesson with the same age group from 9.30 till 4.30 and included all meals and tuition. The girls had a private lesson, a good option if there are a few of you.  Lessons go for about an hour and then you can take time to practice the new skills or attend another lesson.

It makes you feel like King of the mountain - the slopes were very forgiving

Great fun with the boys off on their own exploring the black runs. The rest of us were just happy to spend the afternoon on the beginners slopes. Another day on the slopes would have been fantastic giving us the chance to build on the skills we had learnt.  The kids loved skiing and were super keen to go back for more, definately allow for at least 2 days skiing if the itinery allows.

Make room - these girls were wild

A great day to enjoy and explore Queenstown and little travel.  We all went our own way with most of us starting in town exploring the shops and shore front. A range of activities in the Queenstown area meant that there was something for everyone, bungy jumping, shot over boat ride and we opted for exploring a few wineries.

Gibbston Valley Winery has the only cave wine tasting tour and worth doing - they only charge about $10

Gibbston Valley was a highlight with the wine tasting and cave tour a must, the cheesery was interesting and the restaurant was fantastic.  We enjoyed a platter of cheeses, meats, salmon, dips and breads washed down with a glass of reisling….yum.  There are a number of boutique wineries in the district and exploring them all would be an enjoyable day, there are also a number of winery tours that leave from Queenstown if you don`t want to drive.

Back to enjoy the lake, lots of action with kayakers, walkers and bike riders enjoying the tracks that surround the lake.  Lots of ducks provide entertainment for the children as they feed them and explore the trees and foreshore. We have enjoyed our time in Queenstown and vow to come back for a longer period of time with more skiing.  This house has been awesome with heaps of space and modern design with facilities.  It was clean and well equipped making it an ideal holiday destination…..we`ll be back.

Today we leave Queenstown and head to Te Anau.  It is a stunning drive as we leave Queenstown following the edge of the lake south. A beautiful drive indeed.

We stop at Te Anau for the glow worm expedition.  We take the boat for a ride across the lake to the nearby cave, approximately 30 mins across the lake.  Well set out with paths and meeting room for tea, coffee etc before breaking into smaller groups to enter the cave. We learnt heaps about the cave, glow worms and the local area.  The glow worm grotto was stunning with lots of glowing stars everywhere.

We leave Te Anau and head into Milford Sound, as it is 4.00 pm we aim to travel as far as we can and stop in a camp ground off the track. The first part of the trip is pretty with the road being tree lined in many places, we pass lakes and the snow capped mountains are always beside us. We finally stop after about an hour at a camp spot beside the road.  Toilet facilities and a flowing creek for fresh water.  Stunning backdrop of the snow capped mountains and water fall.  A beautiful spot to spend the night in the New Zealand wilderness.

the drive through the tunnel was a hit with the whole family

camping in the wildness - peace and beauty - but take your own dry wood

The Te Anau Glow worm caves are the only ones to see on the South Island

This was the biggest day of travel for the entire holiday.  We awoke and then headed into Milford Sound, this part of the trip is stunning as we pass snow covered mountains, waterfalls, flowing creeks and forest.  We learn that there had been recent avalaches in the area and the road had been closed for some time  prior to our visit. 

We see the remnants of the avalanches with diggers clearing the road sides so we can pass.  Avalanche signs warn visitors to not stop in these areas.  We arrived at the boat terminal to see our friends off on one of the many cruises through the sound. 

We head back to Te Anau, stopping along the way at many of the walks and lakes.  This is truly a stunning part of the world and well worth the trip.  It was nearly a drive that we weren`t going to do but were so glad we did and would probably do it again. It is truly stunning and you can easily see what draws people to this area to hike the Milford Track.

We head to Te Anau, stopped for lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants the town offers. We then head off across the Otago Plains to Dunedin.  We leave behind the mountains and replace it with green rolling hills and lambs, heaps and heaps of new lambs and farming land.

We arrive at Dunedin and find a campevan park close to the ocean.  Great facilities, cooking, washing and bathroom. Lots of restaurants in this area to choose from.

This morning we are heading off to the Cadbury Factory in Dunedin, this was one trip that is receommended you book. It was heaps of fun, extremely informative not to mention tasty. Lots of taste tests and information as we explore the chocolate factory. 

Cadbury Chocolate Factory really is worth the tour

It is only a short walk to the Dunedin train station, the most photographed building in New Zealand and understandably so.  It is a beautiful building set in stunning gardens, we were lucky with the timing of our holiday the gardens were in full bloom and the cherry blossoms trees are also in full bloom. 

Cheery Blossoms outside the Dunedin Train Station

Dunedin Train Station - the most photographed building in New Zealand

We head north to Christchurch stopping at Boulder Beach for a play.  An interesting beach with massive rock boulders, the girls enjoyed exploring and climbing the rocks.

Back on the road and a nice drive up to Christchurch, the return of snow capped mountains with green paddocks and sheep.

Moeraki Boulders - is worth stopping in to on the way towards Christchurch. The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the wave cut Otago coast of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden

An easy drive up the main highway and we return for our last night to the same campervan park as we stayed on the first night, Meadow Park holiday park.  Its central position means we can sleep in and leisurely pack before dropping off the van and heading to the airport for the return trip home.

Our final morning in New Zealand, it has been an amazing holiday full of adventures and fun. We have found New Zealand an easy holiday destination with lots to explore and experience.  It has been very affordable and a definate place we will revisit.  Our next holiday will be the north island of New Zealand again in a campervan, we have enjoyed the flexibility of the van and found it an affordable and  comfortable mode of transport.

Please call us on +61 7 5445 2829 or email sue@smartescapes.com.au to help organise your travel especially the Camper Van and activities -

Discounts apply to friends and family