Suggested Itinerary - NZM Rentals

A Sample Itinerary: Auckland to Christchurch

Mighty Campervan in Orewa, Auckland

Auckland

Begin your journey in New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. This is where you can pick up your motorhome from NZ Motorhomes. Before heading down State Highway One, be sure to check out Auckland’s incredible west coast beaches – Piha, Bethell’s and Muriwai.

Visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata

Auckland – Matamata: 2-4 hours

If you’re a Lord the Rings fan, you’ll certainly want to check out Hobbiton! Matamata is home to the movie set for the hobbit village that featured in all three LOTR movies and in The Hobbit. Here you can take a sightseeing tour of Hobbiton and even get a photo of yourself in a hobbit home!

The Cathedral Cove in Coromandel, North Island

Matamata – Coromandel: 2 -3 hours

Love the beach? You’ll love the Coromandel. Here you can trek through the beautiful native bush to visit the iconic Cathedral Cove. Or perhaps you’d like to try digging your own spa bath at Hot Water Beach?

Join a guided tour to Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village

Coromandel – Rotorua: 3-4 hours

Rotorua is a place like no other. It’s where you’ll find the natural wonders of thermal mud pools, hot springs and geysers. It’s also one of the best places to see NZ’s indigenous Maori culture, art, and craft.

Enjoying the view, Huka Falls in Taupo

Rotorua – Taupo: 1 hour

New Zealand’s largest lake is a fantastic place to experience boating, water-skiing or golf! Try your luck at the unique Hole In One Challenge.

An Interislander ferry leaving New Zealand capital Wellington

Taupo – Wellington: 5 hours

NZ’s capital city is home to the impressive Beehive, our Parliament. It’s a city of fascinating art, architecture, fine dining and zany characters!

A view of the Marlborough Sounds

Wellington – Picton: Ferry crossing (3-4 hours)

Getting from the North Island to the South Island is easy. Simply drive your motorhome onto the ferry and you’re on your way! Best of all, the Cook Strait ferry crossing has been described as one of the most beautiful in the world. This ferry crossing can also be done in reverse (from Picton to Wellington).

Girls enjoying a picnic outside their Britz Discovery Campervan

Picton – Kaikoura: 6.5 hours

Ever dreamt of swimming with the dolphins? Or watching whales? Kaikoura is the place for it! This is one of the best places in New Zealand to see sealife.

Taking a break at a scenic lookout

Kaikoura – Christchurch: 2.5 hours

The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is all about elegance and history. Although devastated by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, most of the city has now been restored and it is certainly a highlight in any itinerary.