In my latest adventure, I took to the open roads of New Zealand in a camper van, exploring its breathtaking landscapes and uncovering hidden gems.
This journey was not just about traveling from one point to another but about experiencing the freedom and beauty of this incredible country.
In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite places in New Zealand, give you a tour of the campervan I rented, and provide practical tips for camper van travel in New Zealand.
To start with, here’s a video with all the highlights of my trip:
EPIC+ Campervan from EPIC Campers
I chose the EPIC+ campervan from EPIC Campers for my 4-week road trip across New Zealand.
It’s bigger than their original version, making it comfortable without feeling too bulky to drive. The van has a comfy double bed and all the essentials, like a fridge that keeps everything chilled.
I loved the pull-out kitchen set up—it was so easy to cook meals under the tailgate with a view. The best part was the freedom to camp anywhere, with the van’s self-contained certification making it a breeze to park in some unique remote spots.
The van had everything I needed, from USB charging points to blackout curtains for privacy at night.
Here is a tour of the EPIC+ camper van:
The Highlights of my New Zealand Camper Van Trip
There are so many amazing places to visit in New Zealand that it’s impossible to see everything. I have listed my favorite places here to help you design your itinerary.
1. Tongariro National Park Hike
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was one of the highlights of my 4-week campervan trip in New Zealand!
It’s a 19.4 km (12.1 mi) hike, and I can see why it is considered one of the best one-day hikes in the world.
I parked my van overnight at the shuttle pick-up point (Park n Ride, end of Findlay Street by the train station). It’s an official free camping site that offers (paid) showers and cooking facilities.
During high season, I highly recommend booking the shuttle well in advance. Here is the shuttle that I booked.
2. Milford Sound
Milford Sound was another highlight of my trip! I took a two-hour cruise and enjoyed breathtaking views of the fjord, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Alternatively, you can also explore the less-crowded Doubtful Sound. There are several campgrounds in the area; I stayed at the last DOC campsite before Milford Sound.
Here are some impressions of the campsite! I parked my van next to a small river – one of my favorite places to camp during my trip!
3. Rotorua
Rotura is known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. I parked on the free camping site in front of the famous Polynesian Spa! It is considered to be one of the world’s best Spas!
If you want to visit the Spa, I highly recommend paying for the Deluxe package! I only had a regular ticket and found the hot pools very crowded.
Alternatively, I highly recommend the Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa. I went there after the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
4. Franz Josef Glacier
One of the absolute highlights of my New Zealand trip, and possibly the best thing I did, was a helicopter tour over Franz Josef Glacier, complete with a 30-minute snow landing right on top. It was beyond words—just pure magic standing there surrounded by ice and snow.
And here’s a fun fact: I actually did my first skydive in Cairns, Australia, just before heading to New Zealand. When I found out I could skydive over Franz Josef Glacier, there was no way I was passing that up. Skydiving over the glacier was definitely the second-best experience of my camper van adventure!
5. Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)
Driving up the west coast, stop at Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. It’s a short walk from the car park, and the rock formations are especially spectacular at high tide.
6. Oparara Basin Arches
The Oparara Basin Arches were a hidden gem recommended to me by a local I met in Tonga, and I’m so glad I followed his advice.
Tucked away in the Kahurangi National Park, these massive limestone arches feel like a secret world with their ancient forest surroundings and crystal-clear streams. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the effort to get there is totally worth it.
Practical Tips for a Camper Van Trip in New Zealand
Planning a camper van trip in New Zealand is an adventure that combines freedom with some essential prep work.
A few simple steps, from mapping out your route to respecting the beautiful surroundings, can make your journey even better.
Plan Your Route
I loved the freedom to take detours whenever something caught my eye, but having a rough route in mind helped me ensure I didn’t miss out on places I wanted to visit. It’s easy to get sidetracked, so mapping out key spots is a good idea.
Stock Up on Essentials
I learned the hard way that finding a decent supermarket can be tough in remote areas. Pak’n’Save was my go-to for stocking up before hitting the road. It offers great prices and everything you need to keep your van well-stocked.
Respect the Environment
You’ll want to leave each place as beautiful as you found it. I always picked up after myself, especially in the more untouched areas. It’s simple, but it makes a big difference in keeping New Zealand’s natural beauty intact.
Stay at Designated Campsites
While there are plenty of places to park for the night, some spots are off-limits for overnight stays. I found the CamperMate app really helpful—it points you to legit places to camp and even has reviews from other travelers, so you know what to expect.
These little things made my camper van experience smoother and helped me appreciate the journey even more.
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, leverages extensive experience in luxury travel and tourism to offer firsthand insights into emerging hospitality trends.
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