Tour New Zealand Vanlife: South Island & Road Trip Adventure

Flights

Scheduled flights to Christchurch and back (transfer possible)

Accommodation

Overnight stays in accommodation of your choice: 1 night in Christchurch 14 nights in a campervan

Transport

Campervan equipment with kitchenette, fridge, kitchen equipment, bed linen & towels

Others

Checked baggage & hand baggage according to the regulations of the selected airline Air traffic tax, airport and flight security fees Campervan in the selected vehicle class with unlimited free mileage and free choice of route Campervan equipment with kitchenette, fridge, kitchen equipment, bed linen and towels 24-hour emergency hotline during the entire trip Travel insurance certificate for package tours

Meals

Catering depending on selected accommodation

Not included:

Optional

Train to flight ticket from Deutsche Bahn Travel cancellation insurance incl. travel interruption insurance Hotel upgrades as per itinerary (subject to availability) From Queenstown: Helicopter sightseeing flight From Queenstown: Full-day tour to Milford Sound

Others

Tour guide Visa fees Local taxes and fees Costs for optional excursions and entrance fees Fuel, parking and toll fees as well as fines for possible traffic violations Refundable deposit to be paid on site by the driver’s credit card Campground fees

Guide

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Full Throttle Into Adventure: New Zealand Is Calling!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Full Throttle Into Adventure: New Zealand Is Calling!

New Zealand - the name alone gives you goosebumps. You still can’t believe that the time has finally come and you’ll soon be able to see all the places you’ve been dreaming of for so long with your own eyes. Let’s get on the plane that will take you closer to your dream destination. Now it’s time to be patient one last time before your dream of New Zealand finally comes true.
Day 2 Day 2: Endless Freedom: Above The Clouds
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Endless Freedom: Above The Clouds

Where are you right now? That’s right, still in the air! As you daydream, you fly over up to three continents, numerous countries and even more cities. On the screen in front of you, you can see the distance to New Zealand getting smaller and smaller. Excited? You bet!
Day 3 Day 3: When Dreams Come True: Kia Ora New Zealand!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: When Dreams Come True: Kia Ora New Zealand!

Finally arrived in New Zealand! You quickly shake off the tiredness of the flight and make your own way to the hotel. Start on New Regent Street and admire the colorful houses that remind you of the colonial style. And you’ll notice something else: In some places, the buildings look wildly thrown together. The reconstruction of the city after the major earthquake in 2011 characterizes the mosaic-like cityscape and exudes a special vibe. You can find out more about this at the Quake City Museum (optional, payable on site). Don’t want to miss a stop? Then a ride on the historic streetcar (optional, payable locally) is perfect. On the almost 50-minute ride, you pass through the entire city center and can sit back and relax while the city’s must-sees whizz past you. Here at the weekend? Don’t miss the Farmers Market in Riccarton Bush, which offers local delicacies every Saturday - enjoy!
Day 4 Day 4: Vanlife Adventure: Shimmering Lakes &Amp; Twinkling Stars
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Vanlife Adventure: Shimmering Lakes &Amp; Twinkling Stars

Grab your belongings and head off to your personal companion for the next few days: your fully equipped campervan! Now nothing stands in the way of your road trip adventure. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the South Island and simply live the day away in true vanlife style. How about a first stop at Lake Tekapo? Put the pedal to the metal, turn up the music and off you go! The Inland Scenic Route definitely lives up to its name and gives you a taste of what’s to come. The water of Lake Tekapo shines in an unreal turquoise that you’ve never seen before. The majestic mountain backdrop rises up in the background and in the middle of the lake lies a green island that looks like it’s been painted. In the evening, you spread out your blanket and watch the sky, because there is hardly any other place where the stars in the night sky twinkle as brightly as here - beautiful. Recommended campsite: Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park
Day 5 Day 5: Mount Cook &Amp; Lake Pukaki: New Zealand’S Natural Beauty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Mount Cook &Amp; Lake Pukaki: New Zealand’S Natural Beauty

What could be better than enjoying a home-cooked breakfast by the most beautiful lake you’ve ever seen? At least so far! Mount Cook National Park is not far away. Follow the Hooker Valley Track up to the highest mountain in the country. After just a few meters, the trail becomes a real scenic highlight. Green-covered mountains with snow-covered peaks form the perfect contrast to the bright blue sky. Over suspension bridges and raging rivers, you make your way across the gravel. This is replaced by a wooden footbridge that leads through the steppe-like landscape. Suddenly you are standing right in front of the snow-covered Mount Cook! At the end of the trail, you reach a glacial lake with ice floes floating on its milky waters. Have you marveled enough? Then head back along the same trail to Lake Pukaki - the perfect spot for your next unforgettable night in your home on four wheels! Recommended campsite: Glentanner Holiday Park
Day 6 Day 6: Queenstown: Welcome To The Adventure Capital!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Queenstown: Welcome To The Adventure Capital!

It’s hard to believe that your morning starts against this gorgeous mountain backdrop - it feels like you’re in a movie! In fact, Lake Pukaki was used as the film set for the lakeside town of Esgaroth in "The Hobbit". After a short walk around the lake, it’s on to Queenstown. The small town in the south is known as the adventure capital par excellence - electrified by this view, you step on the gas! How Queenstown got this honorary title is unclear. What is certain, however, is that you want to do something crazy! But first a little warm-up: explore the town on Lake Wakatipu on a walk. You’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants, home breweries and bars in the city center. Be sure to try a Fergburger - and yes, it’s worth the wait! It’s only available in Queenstown and is considered the best burger joint in the country. Our tip: take your order to the beautiful promenade and enjoy the sunset with the best soul food. Recommended campsite: Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 7 Day 7: Heart Pounding: New Zealand’S Adrenaline Hotspot
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Heart Pounding: New Zealand’S Adrenaline Hotspot

How crazy can it be today? There are plenty of adventures lurking in Adventure City! Our tip: A detour to Gibbston Valley to the Kawarau Bungee Center - the origin of bungee jumping! From the Kawarau Bridge, you can jump 134 meters into the depths (optional, payable on site). Alternatively, 130-metre-long ziplines over green rocks and the turquoise-blue river promise breathtaking views. If you’re looking to cool off, you can take on the cool waters of the river from a boat (optional, payable on site). Want more speed? Then hop on the Skyline Gondola to Queenstown Bike Park, where you can whizz back down to the valley on over 30 world-class mountain bike trails. And after you’ve had enough, make yourself comfortable with a view of the lake. Recommended campsite: Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 8 Day 8: Opposites Attract: From Lofty Heights To Clear Lakes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Opposites Attract: From Lofty Heights To Clear Lakes

Fancy some breathtaking nature? Lace up your hiking boots and head to Ben Lomond! The mountain peak is 1,438 meters above Queenstown, quite a challenge. Fortunately, the climb is not just for top athletes: Simply take the gondola to Bob’s Peak (optional, payable locally) and start your hike there - that way you’ll already have the steepest part of the trail behind you. The deep blue Lake Wakatipu in front of you and nothing but mountains behind you - the backdrop for your hike could hardly be more spectacular! But that’s not all. After all, you’re in Queenstown, so you can’t miss out on the adrenaline! Back at Bob’s Peak, you have the opportunity to race downhill in a go-kart over numerous bends (optional, payable on site). In the evening, grab a bottle of white wine from the famous vineyards and enjoy the sunset. Recommended campsite: Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 9 Day 9: Roys Peak: On Top Of The World!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Roys Peak: On Top Of The World!

Head to the next highlight in the camper: take the wheel and enjoy the road trip feeling! Ready to climb Roys Peak? With your hiking boots firmly laced up and plenty of food and water in your luggage, you’re ready to go! 1300 meters of altitude lie ahead of you and even if the first beads of sweat appear on your forehead after a short time, the incredible views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges will reward you for every step. After about two hours, the postcard motif par excellence lies before you. A green-covered mountain with a jagged path leading up to it. And behind it: endless mountain ranges that touch the sky and are reflected in the lake below. Indescribably beautiful! From now on, it’s not far to the summit either - once you reach the top, you may even have made it above the clouds! Take a deep breath, marvel and enjoy - this will give you new energy for the way back. Need to cool off after your hike? Jump into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka and enjoy a dip against the spectacular mountain backdrop. Recommended campsite: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 10 Day 10: Insider Tip: Lonely Trees &Amp; Pristine National Parks
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Insider Tip: Lonely Trees &Amp; Pristine National Parks

What could be nicer than being woken up by the first rays of sunshine falling into the van? Your breakfast tastes twice as good outside in the sunshine with a view of the lake and a dip in the cool water awakens your spirits. Have you spotted the Wanaka Tree yet? The tree jutting out of the middle of the lake is one of the region’s most famous photo motifs and should not be missing from your souvenir album! Ready for the wonders of the South Island? Let’s head to Mount Aspiring National Park, with its dramatic landscapes, imposing mountain peaks, icy glaciers and crystal-clear mountain lakes! Perhaps the most pristine national park is a true paradise for hikers and mountaineers. Follow the Blue Pool Track, which leads you through shady forests and over suspension bridges to the ice-blue natural wonders. Glacier water collects in the pools, which glow intensely in contrast to the green mountains. Recommended campsite: Haast River Motels & Holiday Park
Day 11 Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier: On Imperial Ice Tracks
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier: On Imperial Ice Tracks

It’s going to be icy today! One minute you’re brewing your coffee, the next you’re back on the roads of New Zealand in your camper. Crank up the music as you cruise along the north coast towards Franz Josef Glacier! Does the name sound familiar to you? That could be because the ten-kilometre-long glacier is named after the famous Austrian emperor. And as befits an imperial glacier, it also has a few special features! For example, it flows ten times as fast as a normal glacier and is therefore constantly changing. It also reaches almost as far as the rainforest on the coast. Want to take a look at this unique natural wonder? Then lace up your hiking boots and set off on the Franz Josef Glacier Walk or, on the other side, the Robert’s Point Track. At the end of both hiking trails, a viewing platform with a view of the enormous ice masses awaits you! Recommended campsite: Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 12 Day 12: Tai Poutini National Park: Adventure In Glacier Country
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Tai Poutini National Park: Adventure In Glacier Country

Be sure to take a closer look at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park! The "glacier country" has a lot more to offer besides huge ice masses: Green grassy plains, lakes, rivers, lagoons and mountains up to 3000 meters high that rise above the low-lying rainforests. Yes, you read that right! Rainforests and huge glacier tongues are very close together here. Even today, your hiking boots are your best friends when you follow the Lake Matheson Loop Trail. Especially on a clear day, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected on the water as if painted. Fancy some water action? Then hire a kayak (optional, payable locally) and paddle across Lake Mapourika (optional, bookable locally). Surrounded by the breathtaking mountain and glacier scenery, you glide across the crystal-clear water - and with a bit of luck, you might spot a kiwi, the mascot of the New Zealanders. Recommended campsite: Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 13 Day 13: Stacks Of Happiness: Pancake Rocks On The West Coast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Stacks Of Happiness: Pancake Rocks On The West Coast

Your appetite for discovery tours is far from satisfied? Your next stop is just right: off to the Pancake Rocks! 30 million years old and unfortunately not edible, they are still a real sensation. Again and again, you will be treated to fantastic views of the Tasman Sea - one of the most beautiful stages of your road trip! Make sure you stop off at the Strongman Mine Memorial and enjoy the view of the deep blue ocean glistening in the sun. Continue to the Pancake Rocks Walk. The path takes you directly to the blowholes, which are particularly spectacular when the surf hits the rocks with full force. And then you finally reach them, the bizarre rock formations that supposedly look like stacked pancakes. Whether you agree with this comparison or not, you cannot escape the magic that surrounds this natural wonder. No wonder, as the rocks tell an ancient story of wind, weather, water and erosion. Recommended campsite: Punakaiki Beach Camp
Day 14 Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park: Chasing Sandy Beaches
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park: Chasing Sandy Beaches

Is the Abel Tasman National Park on your bucket list? Quite rightly so! Located in the north of the South Island, this natural paradise is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Or maybe even the whole of New Zealand? In your flip-flops, get set, go! After the adventures of the last few days, you can hardly wait to put your bare feet in the warm sand and simply do nothing. From the parking lot, you can already see the sea in the most beautiful shades of blue - wow, it’s beautiful here! The turquoise sea, the shimmering golden beach and the green jungle: this is your idea of paradise! Want to take a closer look at the Abel Tasman National Park? Let the Water Taxi (optional, bookable on site) take you to various points on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and pick you up again. Choose which part of the 55 kilometers you would like to cover - picture perfect views are always included! Recommended campsite: Old MacDonalds Holiday Park
Day 15 Day 15: Marlborough Sounds: Road Trip Adventure To Delicious Seafood
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Marlborough Sounds: Road Trip Adventure To Delicious Seafood

The sound of the waves, bright greenery and the first rays of sunshine falling into your camper - you could get used to it. A quick glance out of the window is motivation enough to climb out of bed in a flash. Want to see more of the Abel Tasman National Park? Then it’s best to stay another day! Or how about something new instead? Lush forested fjords, gorgeous bays and one of the sunniest areas of the South Island - a visit to the Marlborough Sounds should not be missed on your adventure! Take the wheel, turn up the music and enjoy the incomparable road trip feeling on the way to the harbor town of Havelock. Did you know that this small town is famous for its greenshell mussels? You absolutely have to try them! Sit down in one of the many restaurants or in a snack bar with a sea view and enjoy your meal (optional, payable locally)! Recommended campsite: Havelock Holiday Park
Day 16 Day 16: Dreams Come True: Dusky Dolphins &Amp; Lovely Lookouts
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Dreams Come True: Dusky Dolphins &Amp; Lovely Lookouts

Good morning, sunshine! You get up with the first rays of sunshine because you have a lot planned for today. Where are you going? To Kaikoura! The sea to the left, gently sloping hills to the right and the mountains in the distance ahead of you: State Highway 1 is the most beautiful road imaginable for your road trip! A glimpse of the sea arouses your curiosity - dolphins jump out of the water as if they were just waiting to put on a show for you - stop for a moment and enjoy the spectacle. Want to admire these cute sea creatures up close? Then fulfill your lifelong dream and swim with dolphins (optional, payable on site)! Go in search of the dusky dolphins with a guide and other adventurers. You, the open sea and hundreds of dolphins all around you: you will remember this moment forever! Would you prefer to explore the surroundings of Kaikoura on foot? Then the Mount Fyffe Lookout is just the thing for you. Enjoy the view! Recommended campsite: Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 17 Day 17: Kia Ora: Until We Meet Again!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kia Ora: Until We Meet Again!

One last coffee in front of your camper, marvel at the passing scenery one last time and enjoy the feeling of endless freedom. And then it’s time: with a heavy heart, you hand over your faithful companion and make your way to the airport. It’s incredibly hard to say goodbye - but what remains are the memories of a wonderful adventure! Sinking into the seat of your plane, you look out of the window and reflect on the past few days. Your time on the island couldn’t have been better and you are grateful for every single minute. What a trip!
Day 18 Day 18: Home, Sweet Home: Welcome Back!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Home, Sweet Home: Welcome Back!

Every journey comes to an end. You land back home with unforgettable memories in your luggage, each of which brings a smile to your face. You make your way home and can’t wait to tell your loved ones about all the adventures you’ve had. Where should you start?

+15

18 days tour

New Zealand Vanlife: South Island & Road Trip Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip New Zealand Vanlife: South Island & Road Trip Adventure

Day 1: Full Throttle Into Adventure: New Zealand Is Calling!

Day 2: Endless Freedom: Above The Clouds

Day 3: When Dreams Come True: Kia Ora New Zealand!

Day 4: Vanlife Adventure: Shimmering Lakes &Amp; Twinkling Stars

Day 5: Mount Cook &Amp; Lake Pukaki: New Zealand’S Natural Beauty

Day 6: Queenstown: Welcome To The Adventure Capital!

Day 7: Heart Pounding: New Zealand’S Adrenaline Hotspot

Day 8: Opposites Attract: From Lofty Heights To Clear Lakes

Day 9: Roys Peak: On Top Of The World!

Day 10: Insider Tip: Lonely Trees &Amp; Pristine National Parks

Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier: On Imperial Ice Tracks

Day 12: Tai Poutini National Park: Adventure In Glacier Country

Day 13: Stacks Of Happiness: Pancake Rocks On The West Coast

Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park: Chasing Sandy Beaches

Day 15: Marlborough Sounds: Road Trip Adventure To Delicious Seafood

Day 16: Dreams Come True: Dusky Dolphins &Amp; Lovely Lookouts

Day 17: Kia Ora: Until We Meet Again!

Day 18: Home, Sweet Home: Welcome Back!

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