Our New Zealand south island 2 weeks campervan itinerary
Kicking off from Christchurch with just a quick wave goodbye, our family's campervan journey swiftly ditched the mundane for the extraordinary, diving headfirst into the South Island's treasure trove. Credit where it's due, my husband outdid himself plotting a course that was less about ticking boxes and more about jaw-dropping "Are we really seeing this?" moments, especially curated for our wide-eyed kiddo.
First up, the sea lions. Not your usual meet-and-greet, these creatures were all about the sass, flipping and diving with a flair that had us all hooked. It was the kind of welcome to the wild that had our child giggling and glued to the binoculars.
Then, Nelson strutted onto our itinerary like it owned the place. Vineyards with kid-friendly tours and grape juice tastings? Yes, please. It turned wine o’clock into a family affair, with our little one toasting with juice glasses and running free among the vines.
Mount Cook was next, standing tall and unmissable. It wasn’t just a mountain; it was a masterclass in Mother Nature’s grandeur, surrounded by glaciers that sparkled like diamonds in the rough. The kind of sight that makes you whisper, "Wow," because anything louder feels like sacrilege.
Queenstown brought the adrenaline, serving up adventures with a side of stunning scenery. It was here we found hikes that challenged our legs and rewarded our spirits, alongside tranquil moments by the mesmerizing blue of Lake Tekapo.
And Fiordland? Picture this: cliffs that tower, forests that whisper, and waterfalls that perform encores at nature’s behest. It was the grand finale of our campervan symphony, leaving us with hearts full and a family album bursting at the seams.
So, hats off to the hubby for steering us through a trip that was anything but ordinary. Turns out, the South Island isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a journey of family bonding, with a side of sass, served up in the great outdoors.
Some good restaurants on our itinerary on the New Zealand
While our New Zealand campervan adventure was largely a culinary journey of our own making, with many nights spent cooking under the stars and truly embracing the joy of outdoor meals, we found the country's food scene to be nothing short of amazing. New Zealand's fresh produce and innovative cuisine made every meal an adventure in itself. For our grocery needs, Pak'nSave was our go-to, offering a wide range of quality ingredients that kept our campervan kitchen well-stocked and our bellies happy.
Although we relished the chance to cook our own meals, we did indulge in some local dining experiences that deserve a special shout-out:
Nin's Bin in Kaikoura:
This iconic roadside seafood caravan is a must-visit for anyone travelling through the area. Offering the freshest crayfish and seafood, Nin's Bin turned a simple meal into a memorable feast with the Pacific Ocean as our dining backdrop.Walter Peak High Country Farm: This experience was more than just a meal; it was an immersion into New Zealand's farm life. The boat trip across Lake Wakatipu was just the beginning. Once at the farm, we were treated to a mouthwatering BBQ lunch that was a true highlight of our trip. The addition of a sheepdog show added a uniquely Kiwi touch to the experience, making it unforgettable for our family.
Whitehaven Wine Tasting: While technically not a restaurant, the experience at Whitehaven in the Marlborough region was a standout. Tasting their exquisite wines paired with a cheese platter by the water felt like a slice of gourmet heaven. It was a perfect adult indulgence, where we could relax and savor the flavors of New Zealand with a stunning view.
Living in a campervan as family in New Zealand
Living in a campervan as a family on our New Zealand adventure turned out to be an incredible experience, far exceeding our expectations. We chose a campervan from Spaceship Rentals, which proved to be a perfect fit for us. The convenience of having two hobs in our mobile kitchen was a game-changer, allowing us to easily prepare a variety of meals and making the most of the stunning outdoor settings we found ourselves in.
To navigate our journey and find the best spots to park and explore, we downloaded the CamperMate app. This app was invaluable, guiding us to well-equipped sites that often felt more like resorts than campgrounds. We were pleasantly surprised to find amenities like jacuzzis, saunas, playgrounds and even pizza ovens at some locations, adding a touch of luxury to our outdoor adventure.
While for the most part, we enjoyed the flexibility of not needing to book our camp sites in advance, navigating the peak holiday season around Christmas presented a bit more of a challenge. Despite this, the freedom and closeness our family experienced living together in a campervan, exploring New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and sharing in all the activities and discoveries along the way, was truly unforgettable.
Exploring the South Island with a campervan
The South Island of New Zealand is an adventurer's paradise, and during our campervan journey, we were constantly in awe of just how much there was to do. From the countless hiking trails that crisscross its diverse landscapes—ranging from coastal walks where the ocean meets dramatic cliffs to alpine treks through towering mountains and lush forests—there truly is an infinite number of hikes to explore. Each day presented us with opportunities for new adventures, and if time allowed, we would have delved even deeper into the island's natural wonders.
But we had to get ready to go to the North Island!
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