[Watch] New Zealand's South Island: the road trip that will change you

"New Zealand is absolutely insane. It's like we're just driving through a painting… I think we have to move."

TL;DR: The essential info for your South Island road trip

• Route: Queenstown → Arrowtown → Wanaka → Lake Ōhau → Huxley Forks Hut (flexible, weather-dependent)

• Duration: 7-10 days (extend if weather or adventure calls)

• Best For: Anyone ready to feel properly alive again

• Ideal Vehicle: Self-contained campervan or motorhome spacious enough for internal living

What you need to know:

• 'Self-contained' certification unlocks everything - remote lakeside camps, alpine access, the spots that make you reconsider your entire life

• Weather shifts rapidly - pack for all four seasons in one day (thermals, waterproofs, layers)

• Do an overnight hut hike in a DOC national park. You'll finish planning the next one before you've even left

• Book DOC huts months in advance during peak season (they fill fast)

• Download Wikicamps and CamperMate apps offline before entering remote areas

• Leave some flexibility in your calendar - and be prepared to change plans based on weather. Let New Zealand run the show.

Bottom line: This isn't Bali. The South Island delivers electrifying plunges in glacial lakes that make you gasp and laugh simultaneously. Mountains that dwarf you in the most life-affirming way. Storm fronts that trap you inside your van with friends, mulled wine, and a crackling fire - realising you've been talking for three hours and haven't once checked your phone. It's not the easiest or most convenient holiday of your life. But it's majestic, memorable - and by day three you'll be researching how to move there.

Welcome to the Place That Changes Everything

They've road-tripped across Australia for 5 years. But 10 days in New Zealand's South Island? Different. Watch Kendall & Glenn's vlog that made them say "I think we have to move."

You arrive thinking New Zealand is just another destination. Another tick on the travel list. Another set of photos for the grid.

Then you're driving through landscapes so raw they feel prehistoric. Standing at a glacial lake at sunrise while mountains rearrange themselves around you. Hiking through valleys where the only sound is the roar of rivers and your own breath. Sitting around a fireplace inside your campervan while temperatures drop to 2°C outside, realising you've spent three hours just talking with friends - and not once looked at your phone.

And suddenly you understand.

New Zealand's South Island isn't somewhere you visit. It's somewhere that rewrites what you thought travel could be.

For Kendall and Glenn, who'd spent five years living on the road across Australia, this trip was supposed to be a break from building their tiny home in the rainforest. A week with their best friends. Maybe some nice scenery.

What they got instead was a reminder of why they'd fallen in love with van life in the first place - and their first overnight hike that left them immediately planning the next one.

Here's what happens when you let New Zealand's South Island work its magic.

Meet your South Island guides: Kendall & Glenn

That New Zealand feeling.

Kendall Baggerly and Glenn Ferguson aren't your typical travellers. They're seasoned road trippers who've documented five years of authentic van life across Australia - breakdowns, challenges, and all.

After settling on their rainforest property to build a tiny home, they knew they needed to reconnect with what made them feel alive: the open road, the freedom of no fixed plans, and the kind of slow travel that lets you wake up when the sun rises at 8am.

For this New Zealand South Island road trip, they reunited with their best friends Ree and Tarn - fellow van lifers who'd been living in NZ for 18 months and knew the South Island intimately.

Two couples. Two campervans. One week of weather-dependent plans, unexpected flat tires, freezing morning coffees, and landscapes that kept making them stop the van just to stare.

Kendall and Glenn hired Rus the Bus through Camplify - and what they got wasn't just a vehicle. It was a cabin on wheels with a working fireplace, local owner knowledge, and 24/7 roadside assistance that became essential when things didn't go to plan.

Subscribe to Kendall & Glenn's YouTube to stay up to date on all their recent adventures.

Rus the Bus: when your campervan becomes your sanctuary

"How cool is this? It's like a cabin on wheels. It's so cozy. This is going to be perfect for these cold adventures."

In New Zealand's alpine environment, where temperatures drop to 2°C and weather changes in minutes, your vehicle isn't just transport. It's your refuge. Your warmth. Your home when the wilderness gets real.

Meet Rus the Bus - a lovingly converted ex-rural school bus - with exactly what Kendall and Glenn needed for their South Island adventure.

Campervan are better when they come with a fireplace. Could this be New Zealand's most unique motorhome available for hire?

A working wood stove. When rain hammered the windows and temperatures plummeted, they could light a fire (firewood provided by owner Tim), pour mulled wine, and watch the storm from inside their cozy sanctuary. Glenn's reaction: "It even has a fireplace. I can't believe how much space and how many cool things are in this car."

Genuine space designed for two. After five years in smaller vans, Rus offered stand-up headroom, a full kitchen with two-burner gas hob and oven/grill, queen-sized bed with high-quality mattress, and extensive storage throughout. Kendall: "This is going to be our home for the next week, week and a half. We could not be more stoked."

Cosy morning cook-ups in Rus the Bus.

Certified self-contained for free camping. With a flushing cassette toilet, gas califont shower, 120L fresh and grey water tanks, and full-sized sink with hot and cold running water, Rus unlocked New Zealand's best freedom camping spots - including remote lakeside locations where they'd wake to mountains reflected in still water.

Off-grid power independence. Solar-powered USB charging and lighting meant they never needed powered sites. All their devices, lighting, and kitchen facilities ran independently in the most remote locations.

The touches that matter. Owner Tim provided all linen (bedding, towels, tea towels), a fully-stocked kitchen with salt, pepper, spices, tea, coffee, cooking oil, plus all cups, plates, bowls, pots, pans, and cutlery. Kendall noted: "We could literally just jump in and go."

Local owner knowledge. Booking through Camplify meant meeting Tim, who didn't just hand over keys. He provided insider tips on where to camp, what to see, which roads to avoid in certain weather, and crucially - 24/7 roadside assistance contact for when things went sideways (which they did).

Why hiring through Camplify matters for South Island adventures:

When you're hours from the nearest town, on gravel roads with limited cell service, vehicle reliability isn't just convenient - it's essential. Camplify's 24/7 roadside assistance means you're never truly stranded, even when you wake up to a flat tire (yes, this happened).

You can view Rus the Bus or browse similar self-contained, converted buses and motorhomes with character through Camplify New Zealand.

The ultimate South Island experience: when plans dissolve into magic

This isn't a rigid itinerary. Weather dictates your days. Beautiful spots demand you stay longer. That's not a bug - it's the entire point.

Here's how 7-10 days unfolded when Kendall and Glenn surrendered to New Zealand's rhythm:

Day 1: Queenstown - Where it all begins

Queenstown - as seen from Bob's Peak. The Gondola ride to the top is unforgettable!

Queenstown serves as more than a gateway - it's where you take your first breath of alpine air and realise this place operates on different rules.

After picking up Rus from owner Tim (complete with local recommendations and road condition warnings), Kendall and Glenn hit the road toward Bob's Cove - their first taste of South Island wilderness.

The 30-minute drive from Queenstown along the lakeside road to Glenorchy is where you learn that in New Zealand, every kilometer is part of the experience.

Kendall (whose father is named Bob, making this doubly perfect): "We're at Bob's Cove. Way to go, Bob. This is his cove."

Bob's Cove with furry friends. An easy hike suitable for families, pets & stiff legs fresh from any overnight flight.

The Bob's Cove Track offers an easy 20-30 minute loop walk through native beech forest to a secluded bay on Lake Wakatipu. It's gentle, accessible, and the kind of introduction to New Zealand hiking that doesn't intimidate beginners.

Who it's perfect for:

• First-time South Island visitors wanting accessible nature

• Families with young children (flat, well-maintained track)

• Photographers (stunning lake and mountain compositions)

• Anyone needing to stretch their legs after a long flight

The entire Queenstown to Glenorchy road demands frequent pull-overs. Dramatic lake views. Mountains rising straight from the water. 

"New Zealand is absolutely insane,” says Kendall. “It's like we're just driving through a painting. Everywhere I look, I'm blown away."

What to do: Don't rush out of Queenstown. Stock up on supplies (you'll be self-sufficient for days), grab quality coffee, and let the anticipation build. The adventure doesn't start when you leave town - it starts the moment you realise there's no schedule.

Where to camp nearby: pull into 12-Mile Delta Campground for tranquil, wilderness campsites with basic amenities right at the trailhead of Bob’s Cove. Or use Wikicamps to find other lakeside spots with mountain views.

Read more: the 5 most picture perfect campsites in New Zealand.

Stock up on essentials in Queenstown - before taking off into the mountains.

Stop 2: Arrowtown - heritage charm (20 minutes from Queenstown)

The charming country architecture of Arrowtown.

Just 20 minutes from Queenstown sits Arrowtown - a heritage town that feels preserved in time. Cute weatherboard buildings. Quirky cafes. The kind of place where you stop for coffee and end up staying two hours just soaking it in.

Kendall: "It is so cute. It's a very heritage type town. Very cute and quirky."

Where to camp nearby: Use Wikicamps or CamperMate to find verified freedom camping spots around the greater Queenstown area. Self-contained vehicles have excellent options.

Stop 3: Wanaka (1 hour from Queenstown)

Every kilometer is part of the journey in New Zealand.

The drive to Wanaka should take an hour. It took longer. Not because of traffic - because flat tires don't care about your itinerary.

Kendall: "So, we've woken up to not one, but two flat tires. We have no idea how that happened. They weren't flat last night. I promise I'm not a reckless driver."

Glenn's philosophical take: "It's funny though. I was just saying that of the five years that we spent on the road in our own vehicles, we've never had a flat tire. We've had every other issue. So, I guess it was about time."

Here's where Camplify's 24/7 roadside assistance became essential. Within a few hours, help arrived to replace one spare and fix the puncture. No stress. No panic. Just part of the adventure.

Kendall: "Good thing we have a whole house on wheels and our best friends and coffee on the way."

By 12:30pm, they were back on the road.

Lake Wanaka is a must-visit for all New Zealand travellers.

Wanaka itself? Worth every minute of the wait.

Kendall's first impression: "It's so beautiful. Like, we just have the best weather. Unbelievable."

Glenn couldn't find words: "I am actually speechless. The whole drive, everything. You just... you got to get in a car or a van or a bus or something and just drive it. It is so stunningly beautiful."

What to do in Wanaka:

• Explore the Great Ocean Drive - a loop with incredible lookouts

• Camp at Glendhu Bay for lakefront sites with mountain views

Glenn on the evening weather: "Pretty crazy weather of an afternoon. So, we've set up camp at a pretty phenomenal spot. We're going to cozy on down, all jump in the bus, light a little fire, mulled wine, yummy dinner."

Glenn (who usually hates bad weather): "Normally, I wouldn't be stoked for bad weather, but good company, big cars that we're not used to. It's going to be a nice little night."

Stop 4: Lake Ōhau - The Morning That Changed Everything

Just imagine walking up to mountain-scapes like these. This is the magic that free camping unlocks.

Some mornings redefine what peace feels like.

Lake Ōhau delivered one of those mornings. Temperature: 4°C. The kind of cold that makes Australians question their life choices.

But then: coffee around the fire. Mountains reflected in still water. Nowhere to be. No schedule. Just friends.

Glenn: "Oh man, these are the days that we missed so much of living on the road. Just parking up with our best mates, nowhere to be, making a coffee, making plans for the day. Who knows what we're going to do? You plan your day around the weather. Just such a beautiful way of living."

Kendall: "I feel so grateful that we get to be doing it in a new country that we've never been to. And definitely needed that break from life in the rainforest and the tiny home and just do the complete opposite in the middle of New Zealand in the cold. It's just yeah, it feels so good for the soul."

This is where New Zealand works its magic - not in ticking off landmarks, but in mornings where you realize you've been sitting in the same spot for three hours and feel zero need to move.

But then when the sun finally came out, they couldn't resist. The glacial lake beckoned.

Kendall after emerging: "Wow. How good was that? Oh my god, it's freezing. But it felt so good."

Glenn: "So cold, but so good. You just feel so alive. This is incredible. That was freezing. Absolutely cold. Like painfully cold."

Then straight back to the fireplace in Rus to warm up - exactly why having a campervan with heating matters in New Zealand.

Kendall's summary: "This trip is insane. I think we have to move."

Although it looks sunny - get ready for glacier lake swims to make you feel well and truly alive.

Stop 5: Hot Tubs Ōmarama - The Perfect Contrast

After days of cold plunges and freezing mornings, they discovered Hot Tubs Ōmarama - private hot tubs with mountain views and wine.

Kendall: "What better way to spend our last night with these guys than to soak it all up in a hot tub with that view."

Joy is who you share it with - and this moment captured it perfectly.

Stop 6: Huxley Forks Hut - The Unexpected Transformation

The final adventure: their first overnight hike. Not just any hike - two nights in the Huxley Forks DOC hut with a group of friends celebrating a 30th birthday. In freezing conditions. In the dark.

The first night's hike happened entirely in darkness. They couldn't see the mountains surrounding them. Just feet in front of them and the ground beneath.

Kendall: "It turns out we were hiking in amongst mountains like this last night. I couldn't see a bloody thing."

Glenn's reflection: "It was incredibly mentally and physically challenging for me personally. I'm not a hiker. Never done overnight hike. Neither of us have."

But then the sun rose. The hike back revealed what they'd walked through blind - and it was staggering.

Kendall: "What an incredible hike. It's a little different than the hike in. Oh my god. I feel like there's a lesson to be learned. Some message in there."

Glenn's final word: "Finishing with a hike out in probably one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful hike I've ever done. We are stoked."

Finding the best campervan hire for South Island roadtrips

Not all campervan rental options are equal - especially when you're navigating gravel roads, freezing temperatures, remote locations, and weather that changes hourly.

Glenn explained why they chose Camplify:

"We booked Rus through Camplify, which is kind of like Airbnb where you can hire super vibey vehicles like this one from locals in the area. So, not only are you getting a really cool vehicle, you also get some local knowledge along the way."

Glenn added: "And this way we end up having such a cool car with character, particularly because we're meeting our best friend's recent Tarn and Ree, who probably have one of the coolest vehicles on the road at the moment."

Although spectacular, driving high-altitude roads in cool seasons requires precaution.

What matters for a South Island road trip:

Self-contained certification. Mandatory for accessing New Zealand's best freedom camping spots. Your vehicle needs:

• Toilet and grey water storage

• Fresh water tank

• Certification sticker proving compliance

Off-grid power capability. Look for substantial battery storage (400+ amp hours) and solar panels. You'll camp in remote locations without power - your fridge, lights, and devices need independent power sources.

Heating or fireplace. When temperatures drop to 2°C and rain hammers down, interior heating transforms misery into coziness. Rus's fireplace was the difference between enduring cold nights and enjoying them.

24/7 roadside assistance. Camplify includes this on every booking - essential when you're hours from towns and cell service is patchy. When Kendall and Glenn woke to two flat tires in a remote spot, assistance arrived within hours. No panic. No stress.

Storage space. Hiking boots, wet weather gear, layers, food supplies, camera equipment - it adds up fast. Ensure adequate storage so you're not living in chaos.

Ground clearance. Many South Island camping spots require gravel road access. You don't necessarily need 4WD, but decent clearance prevents scraping and damage.

Character and local knowledge. Hiring from individual owners through Camplify means getting vehicles with personality - plus insider recommendations on where to camp, which roads to avoid in certain conditions, and hidden spots only locals know.

Browse self-contained campervan hire across New Zealand's South Island.

Traveller tips: what we learned the hard way

1. Self-Contained Means Self-Sufficient

New Zealand takes freedom camping seriously. Your vehicle MUST have:

• Working toilet

• Grey water storage

• Fresh water tank

• Valid certification

Use official dump stations regularly (they're everywhere and well-maintained). This system protects New Zealand's pristine environment - respect it.

2. Download Apps Before Losing Signal

Wikicamps and CamperMate are essential for finding:

• Freedom camping spots

• Dump stations

• DOC huts

• Real-time user reviews

Download offline maps before heading into remote areas. Cell service disappears quickly outside towns.

3. Pack for All Weather - Simultaneously

South Island weather doesn't just change - it cycles through all four seasons in a day.

Essential layers:

• Thermal base layers

• Insulating mid-layers

• Waterproof outer shell

• Warm beanie and gloves (even in "summer")

4. Respect the Wilderness

Glenn observed: "One thing that I find so cool about New Zealand is that you can be out in the wilderness like this and you don't have to worry about bears, mountain lions, cougars, bobcats, nothing. And you don't even have to worry about snakes."

But that doesn't mean wilderness is tame. Weather, terrain, and isolation are your challenges - not wildlife.

5. Book DOC Huts Months Ahead

Popular huts fill months in advance during peak season (December-March). Check the DOC website for:

• Booking requirements

• Current facility status

• Seasonal dates

• Prices ($30-50 NZD per person per night typically)

6. Prepare for Vehicle Issues

Older campervans have character - and quirks. Camplify's 24/7 roadside assistance means issues get resolved, but prepare mentally for:

• Potential delays

• Backup plans

• Patience

Kendall's philosophy: "There's pros and cons to getting old cars, but here we are back at it again. It's like we never stop being on the road."

Do You Need 4WD for This South Island Itinerary?

Short answer: No - but it depends on season and specific destinations.

For the Queenstown → Wanaka → Lake Ōhau route Kendall and Glenn followed:

• Main roads are sealed

• Gravel roads to camping spots are manageable in 2WD with decent clearance

• Self-contained 2WD campervans handle it fine in summer/autumn

When you DO need 4WD:

• Winter months (June-August) when snow and ice affect roads

• Crown Range Road in cooler seasons - NZ's highest sealed road gets treacherous

• Remote DOC hut trailheads with river crossings after heavy rain

• Serious backcountry exploration beyond tourist routes

Always check:

• Recent weather and road conditions

• Your rental agreement (some owners restrict certain roads)

• Live webcams for mountain passes

• Local advice from your Camplify owner

For most travelers doing a South Island road trip in warmer months, a robust 2WD self-contained campervan is sufficient.

Why New Zealan's South Island will change you forever

Glenn reflected on what made this trip different:

"We had such a contrasting time here of living on the road and slow and so peacefully and then finishing with a nice physical challenge around new people that have now become such great friends of ours over the last couple of days."

Kendall added: "It definitely was hard to leave. The flight out. It was a little sad to be leaving New Zealand, a place that now has all of a sudden become such a beautifully fond place in the world that we cannot wait to get back to."

This is what New Zealand does. It doesn't just show you beautiful landscapes - it reminds you what actually matters:

• Mornings with no agenda except coffee and conversation

• Friends who become family over campfires and cold plunges

• Challenges that reveal you're capable of more than you thought

• Landscapes so overwhelming they silence your inner narrative

You don't leave the same person who arrived.

Ready to find out what New Zealand is all about?

You've got the route. You've got the insider knowledge. You've got the practical tips from travelers who've actually done it - flat tires, freezing temperatures, and all.

Now you just need the van.

Find self-contained campervan to hire in New Zealand's South Island and start planning your own adventure. Whether you're after a cosy motorhome with a fireplace, a vintage bus with character, or a modern self-contained setup, Camplify connects you with local owners who know the South Island intimately.

Stop planning. Start driving. Let the South Island work its magic.

More New Zealand South Island Inspiration

• Hiking Aspiring National Park: Aspiring Hut Trail Guide - First-timer alpine hiking essentials

• Jake Stone's Ultimate 2-Week South Island Itinerary - Extended road trip planning

• The Ultimate Guide to NZ Freedom Camping - Rules, etiquette, best spots

• Complete South Island Road Trip Ideas - Destination inspiration