"It's one of those places where what it looks like on the phone, it's exactly like that and even better in person. It's not like when you have those Instagram versus reality moments in some places—you're not going to have that."

Imagine spending 10 days exploring the gems of New Zealand's South Island with complete freedom. No rushed hotel check-in times, no rigid itinerary, and nowhere to be but the open road.

For Australian-based travel creators, Alisha and Blesson from Hat Explores, this was their reality when they set out on a bucket list South Island road trip to celebrate their anniversary. Their verdict? They fell in love with it. Hiring a motorhome named Duchess through Camplify, New Zealand's largest RV sharing platform, made the dream come true, with the ability to road trip Christchurch to Queenstown and beyond with complete freedom.

“Basically just on Instagram, I started getting targeted by New Zealand a lot and it created this FOMO in my mind. I was like, ‘Oh my god, this place looks awesome,’ so it was always on our mind that we want to visit sometime soon,” Alisha explained.

Your 10 day Christchurch to Queenstown and Milford Sound itinerary

• Day 1: Christchurch to Rakaia Gorge

• Day 2: Rakaia Gorge to Aoraki / Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo

• Day 3: Mount Cook to Wanaka via Lake Pukaki

• Day 4: Wanaka to Haast

• Day 5: Haast to Queenstown

• Day 6: Queenstown, Glenorchy and Arrowtown

• Day 7 and 8 : Queenstown to Milford Sound

• Days 9-10: Milford Sound to Christchurch

Meet Alisha and Blesson from ‘Hat Explores’

Sydney-based travel creators, Alisha and Blesson, are your go-to for practical travel tips, itineraries, and fun activities to help you explore, even with a full-time job. Keep up with their adventures on YouTube, Instagram or Tik Tok.

The couple’s decision to explore New Zealand came after months of Instagram inspiration and glowing recommendations from friends. "Everyone just has really good reviews of it—everyone's always had a great trip," Alisha explains.

Despite only a short plane ride away in Sydney, the couple had never visited. When a Qantas points deal came through for their anniversary, they knew “this is the moment. We're going to go."

Why New Zealand is perfect for first-time RV hirers

"If you're planning to do an RV trip for the first time, I would say New Zealand is one of the easiest places to do it," they emphasise.

Hire Duchess on Camplify and start planning your South Island adventure.

With so many stunning locations scattered across the South Island, having your transport and accommodation combined in one means you can chase sunsets, follow your curiosity, and never feel rushed to reach the next hotel check-in. Plus, imagine opening your curtains to mirror-like lakes, snow-capped mountains, or dramatic fiords. Freedom camping spots, DOC campgrounds and holiday parks throughout New Zealand let you sleep in some of the most breathtaking locations on Earth.

For first-timers nervous about navigating an RV, New Zealand offers the perfect training ground: welcoming infrastructure, stunning scenery around every corner, and the freedom to create your own adventure.

"The roads are very RV-friendly. Parking is made that way as well. Even if you just go into a convenience store, they have specific parking spots for RVs, so it's not confusing like in Australia where you might end up double parking” the couple shared.

How Camplify makes endless New Zealand adventures possible

Camplify connects travellers with motorhomes, campervans, and caravans from local owners all across New Zealand. With 24/7 customer service and nationwide roadside assistance included, you can explore with complete peace of mind-even in a foreign country.

This wasn't Alisha and Blesson's first time using Camplify. They'd previously hired campervans for Australian road trips, but hiring in another country added an extra layer of excitement. With their longest RV hire spanning just 3 days previously, this time they were up for a full 10 days exploring the South Island by motorhome.

The South Island's bright blue waters set against alpine peaks will have you pulling over to take it all in at every chance you get.

One of the things that set Camplify apart for them was the personal touch from owners who genuinely care about your experience.

"The owner was super sweet," Alisha recalls. "He had a bunch of snacks and things loaded in the van for us. He gave us Kiwi snacks and was like, 'You guys should try this. This is local stuff.' It was really nice."

After picking up their van in Christchurch, the handover process took about an hour, with the owner walking them through every detail of Duchess—from operating the facilities to navigating potential challenges on the road.

"He told us, 'Just give me a call anytime, don't wait to message, just whenever you want,' and he was actually available the whole time. That was super helpful," Alisha explains. "He also provided a handbook which was helpful in terms of the van and any issues we might face."

That combination of platform reliability and personal owner support meant Alisha and Blesson could focus on what mattered most: soaking in every moment of their South Island adventure.

The perfect 10-day South Island itinerary

After months of research, "hours and hours of saving Instagram reels into one folder," and conversations with friends who'd visited, Alisha and Blesson had crafted the ultimate South Island itinerary:

Day 1: Christchurch to Rakaia Gorge

Distance: 225km (3 hours) via Rakaia Gorge

Planning a road trip but not sure when to visit? Find out the best months to road trip New Zealand.

The couple’s journey began from Christchurch with a stop at Rakaia Gorge, a scenic canyon with impossibly blue waters.

After sightseeing, they spent their first night at the Rakaia Gorge Campground, a Department of Conservation (DOC) site that costs just $10 per person.

"It was really cheap and really pretty," Alisha remembers. "It was right at the gorge, so you could see that glacial water colour in the morning. They also had hot water showers and everything."

Day 2: Rakaia Gorge to Aoraki / Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo

Distance: Rakaia Gorge to Lake Tekapo, 170km (2 hours)

Day 2 views: Driving the stretch from Rakaia Gorge toward the heart of the Alps.

After a quiet first night settling into their motorhome, they continued to Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo—which became Alisha's personal favourite.

"Just the colour of the water, the lupins because we went during lupin season... it was really, really beautiful and unlike anything I had ever seen."

Lake Tekapo: New Zealand’s iconic turquoise lake, blanketed by thousands of Russel Lupins. For the best time to see the Lupins, visit Lake Tekapo from late November to mid-December.

While you're there, don't miss the Church of the Good Shepherd, the perfect spot to photograph the historic stone church framed by vibrant lupins and alpine peaks.

Distance: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook, 103km (1hr 30)

A view that makes every kilometre worth it.

Continuing on to Mount Cook, the couple celebrated their anniversary with a special dinner at Hermitage. "They had those really big floor-to-ceiling windows and you could see the mountains, you could see the sunset, and they had a three-course dinner which was incredible," Alisha describes.

Tip: Book a Mount Cook helicopter tour during sunset for an unforgettable experience.

They spent the night camping at The Pines, a freedom campground on Lake Pukaki. "We got there a bit late so we couldn't see actually how beautiful the place was. But the next morning we woke up and we're like, 'Wow, this is insane.' It was just in the middle of the woods with the lake right in front - a beautiful area."

Day 3: Mount Cook to Wanaka via Lake Pukaki

Distance: 210km (2.5 hours)

Follow @hatexplores to fill your Instagram feed with views like this.

The scenic drive took them through the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before arriving in the adventure town of Wanaka. Allow yourself a decent part of the day to explore Wanaka's attractions—from the famous Wanaka Tree to lakeside cafes and hikes like Roy's Peak.

The Wakana Tree: The iconic lone willow on Lake Wanaka.

Finding somewhere to camp couldn’t have been easier, with Alisha and Blesson using Campermate to find campsites, check costs, and make bookings—an invaluable resource for any New Zealand road trip.

Red Bridge Reserve, a freedom campground located near Wanaka is perfect for exploring local trails before settling in for the night.

Day 4: Wanaka to Haast

Distance: 145km (2 hours)

Feeling small beneath the 28-meter drop of Thunder Creek Falls.

The couple made an unplanned detour to Haast Pass, "their version of the Waterfall Way where there are six different waterfalls on one road."

The highlight was Thunder Creek Falls, a 28-meter high horsetail waterfall located in Aspiring National Park which is easily accessible. "You get out of your car and it's literally just a 5-minute walk," they note.

Although the waterfall was amazing, and definitely worth stopping at, the couple did share a warning about the sand flies. "The place is infested with sand flies. Wear full sleeves, full pants, and put the insect repellent on" they warned.

Park up for the night at Haast River Motels and Holiday Park which has powered sites available, free WiFi, and even a laundromat!

Day 5: Haast to Queenstown

Distance: 285km (3.5 hours)

The journey from the West Coast to Queenstown offers diverse landscapes, from rainforest to alpine passes. You’ll find yourself constantly pulling over to take it all in.

Once they arrived in Queenstown, Alisha and Blesson pulled up at their favourite campground of the entire trip, Drift Away.

"The views there were incredible—we got a rainbow, which was awesome. We could see the mountain, we were literally living by a lake” they shared.

The location was particularly convenient: "It was really close to the CBD of Queenstown itself, so you don't have to take your van in. You could just walk to places like the Boat Shed Cafe and other spots in the CBD."

Day 6: Queenstown, Glenorchy and Arrowtown

Lupins in bloom and the 'Road to Paradise'—soaking in every bit of Glenorchy.

With a full day to explore Queenstown, they ventured into nearby gems including Glenorchy (45km from Queenstown) and Arrowtown (20km from Queenstown).

Must-do activities while you’re in Queenstown and surrounds:

You can’t go to Queenstown, (AKA the Adventure Capital) and not take part in some of the town’s most adrenaline-pumping activities.

• The Nevis Swing: "It's scary," Alisha admits. "The moment you're dropped, which is the first free fall, you don't feel anything. You're like, 'I'm going to die.' But it's fun—you should do it!"

• Shotover Jetboat: A thrilling adventure zipping through narrow canyons on a jetboat.

• Dart River Wilderness Jet Experience: Another thrilling and scenic experience taking you through Mount Aspiring which was "really, really good" according to the couple.

For more inspo, check out some of New Zealand's most unique road trip experiences.

Day 7 and 8: Queenstown to Milford Sound

Distance: 290km (4 hours via Te Anau)

Milford Sound is proof that some places are even better in the rain.

"It's actually that beautiful," Alisha enthuses when asked about Milford Sound.

The couple's timing couldn't have been better—they visited after rainfall, which activated the temporary waterfalls.

"They have only two permanent waterfalls. All the other waterfalls are temporary cascades, which basically means they'll only flow if it rains earlier in the day or the day before," Alisha explains. "The captain on our cruise was like, 'I came here two hours ago and some of these waterfalls weren't there.' We were super lucky."

The best way to see the beauty of Milford Sound is by taking a cruise. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket!

For the best place to camp while you're there, opt for Milford Sound Lodge. It’s located just a few minutes from where the cruises depart and offers a unique rainforest camping experience, nestled beneath the ancient canopies.

Days 9-10: Milford Sound to Christchurch

Distance: 750km (10 hours via inland scenic route)

Time to head back to Christchurch, soaking in every last moment.

Rather than rushing and doing the trip back in one long day, take your time and stop back at Queenstown or Wanana to break up the journey.

Make sure you snap plenty of photos along the way to capture your last memories!

Essential tips for your New Zealand road trip

• Pack for all seasons: "Initially when we were planning the trip, we were like, 'Okay, it's a summer month, just carry summer clothes.' But thankfully people told us to carry winters as well," Alisha advises. "From evening to night, especially because you're in an RV, the temperature drops down quite a bit in a lot of these places."

• Don't underestimate the sand flies: "Sand flies—they're not just flies," they warn emphatically. "We thought they were only in beaches or sandy areas, but they were at waterfalls, everywhere." Pack insect repellent, wear long sleeves and full-length pants when exploring waterfalls and bush areas.

• Download your route map in advance: "Have your route mapped out on your phone and download the map in advance," Alisha recommends. "You're doing such a big road trip and sometimes the network does fall off."

Camplify has thousands of campervans, motorhomes and caravans equipped with everything you need for an epic South Island road trip with all the comforts of home.

• Choose the right size vehicle: "It's important to not hire an RV that's too big, thinking you'll want extra space, because the bigger the van, the harder it is to park or move around," Alisha explains. "Places like Queenstown, you can't just park beside stores like you would in other smaller towns. If you have two to four people, a four-berth van is enough."

  "On Camplify, it's so easy to filter based on what you're looking for. Just knowing what you're looking for is more important than looking at the entire list."

• Pack soft luggage: "Some vans have storage underneath the bed, so carry soft cases like duffels rather than hard suitcases," Alisha suggests. "It makes storing everything so much easier." If you’re not sure what type of luggage to bring, send a message to the van owner and ask that the storage options are.

Ready to start your New Zealand adventure?

Looking back on their 10-day adventure, their enthusiasm is infectious. "Anywhere you go, you're trying to look for a reason to put your phone down at the end of it because everything's beautiful" they recall.

"It's exactly like the photos—and even better in person," Alisha promises.

And with Camplify making it easy to find the perfect motorhome from local owners, complete with 24/7 customer service and nationwide roadside assistance, there's never been a better time to plan your own Kiwi adventure. Your dream South Island road trip is just a few clicks away.