The South Island is made for a campervan road trip. From snow-capped mountains and turquoise alpine lakes to wild coastlines, glaciers and spectacular national parks, there is an incredible variety of scenery to explore.

Travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to slow down, take scenic detours and stay longer when you find somewhere you love. Whether you're planning a short South Island getaway or a longer road trip from Christchurch, these are some of the best places to add to your itinerary.

Here are 10 of the best places to visit in the South Island by campervan.

1. Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is one of the easiest destinations to visit from Christchurch and is often the first major stop on a Christchurch–Mount Cook road trip.

The turquoise lake, surrounding mountains and famous Church of the Good Shepherd make it one of the South Island's most photographed locations.

It's also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

Recommended time: 1 night

2. Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is a must-see on any South Island campervan trip.

The drive from Christchurch takes you through Fairlie and Lake Tekapo, before following the spectacular shores of Lake Pukaki towards Mount Cook.

Once there, you can enjoy walks including the famous Hooker Valley Track, see glaciers and enjoy some of the clearest mountain scenery in New Zealand.

Don't miss: Lake Pukaki, Hooker Valley, Tasman Glacier and the night sky.

Recommended time: 1–2 nights

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the South Island's most popular destinations — and for good reason.

Surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu, there's plenty to do whether you're looking for adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Try mountain biking, jet boating, hiking, skiing in winter or simply explore the town's restaurants and bars.

For campervan travellers, Queenstown also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region.

Don't miss: Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Remarkables.

Recommended time: 2–3 nights

4. Wanaka

Often compared with Queenstown, Wanaka has a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while offering incredible mountain scenery.

Lake Wanaka is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, and the town makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding mountains.

Don't forget to visit That Wānaka Tree, one of New Zealand's most recognisable photographic spots.

Recommended time: 1–2 nights

5. Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

The journey to Milford Sound is almost as impressive as the destination itself.

Driving through Fiordland National Park takes you through dramatic mountain scenery, forests, waterfalls and the famous Homer Tunnel.

Once you reach Milford Sound, take a boat cruise to experience the towering cliffs and waterfalls from the water.

Tip: Allow plenty of time for the drive. The road is incredibly scenic and there are several worthwhile stops along the way.

Recommended time: 1–2 nights, plus travel time

6. Te Anau & Fiordland

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and one of the best places to base yourself when exploring this spectacular part of the South Island. Sitting beside the huge Lake Te Anau, the town is surrounded by mountains, native forest and some of New Zealand's most impressive wilderness.

Spend some time exploring Te Anau itself, take a boat trip to the famous glowworm caves, or use the town as your base for a trip along the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an attraction in its own right, with dramatic mountain scenery, rainforest, waterfalls and the famous Homer Tunnel along the way. New Zealand

For campervan travellers, Te Anau is a particularly useful stop because it breaks up the journey and gives you more time to experience Fiordland rather than rushing through it as a day trip from Queenstown.

Don't miss: Lake Te Anau, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Milford Road, Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

Recommended time: 2–3 nights.

7. West Coast – Hokitika & Franz Josef

The West Coast is one of the best parts of the South Island to explore by campervan, with wild beaches, dense rainforest, turquoise rivers and spectacular alpine scenery all packed along the coast.

Start in Hokitika, a laid-back coastal town famous for its driftwood-covered beach, sunsets and strong connection to pounamu (New Zealand jade). The iconic Hokitika driftwood sign is a great photo stop, while Hokitika Gorge is only a short drive inland and features incredibly turquoise water surrounded by native rainforest and limestone cliffs.

Continue south towards Franz Josef, where the landscape changes dramatically as the Southern Alps rise above the rainforest. Franz Josef Glacier is one of the West Coast's major attractions, with walking tracks providing views towards the glacier and guided helicopter experiences available for those wanting to get onto the ice.

For campervan travellers, this is a great section of the South Island to take your time with. The drive between Hokitika and Franz Josef is around 1 hour 45 minutes, but there are plenty of scenic stops and short walks worth adding along the way.

Don't miss: Hokitika Beach and driftwood sign, Hokitika Gorge, Franz Josef Glacier, scenic West Coast rainforest and coastal viewpoints.

Recommended time: 2–3 nights.

8. Arthur's Pass

If you're starting your South Island adventure in Christchurch, Arthur's Pass is one of the most spectacular routes you can take.

The road crosses the Southern Alps between Christchurch and the West Coast, with huge mountains, rivers, native forest and dramatic valleys.

Keep an eye out for Kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot.

Tip: Don't treat Arthur's Pass as simply a route between two destinations. Allow time to stop and explore.

Recommended time: 1 night or a full-day stop

9. Kaikōura

Just a few hours north of Christchurch, Kaikōura is an easy addition to a South Island campervan trip.

The mountains come almost directly down to the ocean, creating one of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal drives.

Kaikōura is particularly famous for marine wildlife. You can take a whale-watching trip, see dolphins or simply explore the coastline.

Don't miss: Whale watching, the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway and the seal colonies.

Recommended time: 1–2 nights

10. Abel Tasman National Park

For beaches and warmer weather, head north to Abel Tasman National Park.

The park is famous for golden beaches, clear water and coastal walking tracks. Kayaking and boat trips are also popular ways to explore the coastline.

It's a great contrast to the mountains and alpine scenery you'll find elsewhere in the South Island.

Recommended time: 2–3 nights

Planning Your South Island Campervan Trip

One of the great things about travelling by campervan is that you don't have to stick to a rigid itinerary.

A popular South Island campervan route from Christchurch could look something like:

Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mount Cook → Wānaka → Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound → West Coast → Arthur's Pass → Christchurch

If you have more time, you can add Kaikōura or Abel Tasman National Park to your trip.

If you're travelling during winter, remember that conditions can change quickly on alpine roads. Check the weather and road conditions before setting off and allow extra travel time.

Start Your South Island Adventure in Christchurch

If you're flying into Christchurch, hiring a campervan gives you the freedom to explore the South Island at your own pace.

At Christchurch Campervans, we offer a range of campervans for exploring the South Island, including 2-berth and 4WD options.