Our New Zealand Itinerary

Auckland

Landed in Auckland, picked up our family campervan, and explored the city's waterfront with the kids. Grabbed supplies at Countdown supermarket and spent the night at a family-friendly holiday park with a great playground.

Stayed at: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

Leigh

Our first proper driving day took us north to Leigh and the stunning beaches of Tawharanui Marine Reserve. White sand, turquoise water, and wide open space set the tone for the adventure ahead. This was the moment camper freedom truly kicked in.

Stayed at: Leigh Central Accommodation, Function Centre & Motorhome Park

Piha

Piha greeted us with dramatic cliffs, black sand, and the powerful Tasman Sea. The Mercer Bay Loop and Kitekite Falls delivered our first real taste of wild New Zealand nature. It was raw, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Stayed at: Piha Domain Motor Camp

Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel felt like classic summer holidays — relaxed coastal towns, scenic drives, and endless beaches. Between Whitianga and Hahei, we slowed down and embraced unplanned stops. It was easy, laid-back, and deeply refreshing.

Stayed at: Seabreeze Holiday Park

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui delivered one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Island. With great food, warm evenings, and long sandy walks, we fully settled into travel rhythm. A perfect family beach day.

Stayed at: Tauranga Tourist Park

Rotorua

Rotorua was sensory overload in the best way — bubbling geothermal pools, colorful craters, and the magical Redwoods Treewalk. Hobbiton added a cinematic touch to an already surreal landscape. Education and adventure blended perfectly.

Stayed at: All Seasons Holiday Park Rotorua

Taupō

Taupō became our reset button with thermal pools, lakeside walks, and one of the best playgrounds of the trip. It was a slower chapter — and we needed it. Sometimes the pause is the highlight.

Stayed at: Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort

Waitomo

Drifting silently under thousands of glowworms was one of the most magical moments of the journey. The stillness inside the caves left even the kids speechless. It felt otherworldly.

Stayed at: Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park

Kaimiro

A smaller, quieter stop that gave us breathing space between bigger highlights. Playground time at Kowhai Park balanced out the driving day perfectly. Not spectacular — but grounding.

Stayed at: Volcanoview – Coffee | Bar | Kitchen & Accommodation

Wellington

Wellington brought culture and creativity to our road trip. Te Papa Museum was one of the best family museum experiences we've ever had. A vibrant but relaxed capital city.

Stayed at: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park

Kaiteriteri / Abel Tasman / Golden Bay

Golden beaches and turquoise bays made Abel Tasman feel almost Mediterranean. The boat tour was pure scenery overload. Further on, Golden Bay offered fewer crowds, wider horizons, and a strong sense of remoteness — like we had found a hidden part of New Zealand.

Stayed at: Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Campground

Kaikōura

Mountains rising straight from the sea made Kaikōura visually dramatic. Seals at Point Kean Viewpoint added a wild, up-close encounter. Raw and powerful coastal beauty.

Stayed at: Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park

Christchurch

Christchurch felt creative and modern, with a resilient spirit. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve gave us a closer look at native species. A gentle city interlude.

Stayed at: Tasman Holiday Parks Christchurch

Lake Tekapo

The turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo looked unreal against the alpine backdrop. The Church of the Good Shepherd delivered one of the most iconic views of the trip. Peaceful, wide, breathtaking.

Stayed at: Mackenzie District Freedom Camping (RV site)

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Driving along Lake Pukaki toward Mount Cook was cinematic beyond expectation. Snow-capped peaks and glacial water created one of the most emotional landscapes of the journey. It was pure alpine drama.

Stayed at: Mount Cook / Aoraki area campsite (varies by booking)

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Second day in the Mount Cook region — alpine walks and glacial views.

Stayed at: Mount Cook / Aoraki area campsite

Wānaka

Wānaka combined adventure with a welcoming small-town feel. Exceptional playgrounds made it a favorite for the kids. It felt like somewhere you could easily stay longer.

Stayed at: Mt Aspiring Holiday Park

Te Anau

Te Anau's calm lakeside setting prepared us for the overwhelming beauty of Milford Sound. Waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs made it one of the most powerful natural experiences of the trip.

Stayed at: Tasman Holiday Parks Te Anau

Kingston

Lake Wakatipu offered dramatic alpine scenery at a slower pace. It felt like a reflective pause before the buzz of Queenstown.

Stayed at: Kingston Lake Camp

Queenstown

Queenstown brought energy, adventure, and a bittersweet farewell to our campervan. Farm tours, famous burgers, and lakeside playgrounds wrapped up our New Zealand chapter in style.

Stayed at: Driftaway Queenstown Holiday Park

Sydney

Sydney provided the perfect contrast to New Zealand's vast nature — vibrant beaches, harbor views, and city energy. From Bondi to Manly, a celebratory finale.

Stayed at: InterContinental Sydney