New Zealand short road trips: best spring adventures

Experience New Zealand's beauty in just 3 days with Camplify. From coastal drives to alpine adventures, find your perfect Kiwi road trip and campervan hire here. Last updated: August 2024

With the spring and early summer upon us, now is the perfect time for Aussies to hop across the Tasman for a quick New Zealand getaway. Flights are still reasonably priced, and campervans are readily available, making it the ideal opportunity to embark on 3-day road trips packed with adventure and stunning scenery.

Whether you're a seasoned Camplify user in Australia or new to our van sharing platform, you'll be thrilled to know we operate in New Zealand too. Our easy-to-use booking system connects you with local campervan, caravan, and motorhome owners.

One of the best features of our platform in New Zealand is that most of our van owners are incredibly customer-friendly and will deliver your van directly to the airport. This means you can hit the road as soon as you land, without wasting precious time on transfers or pick-ups. So grab your passport and get ready — your Kiwi road trip adventure starts here!

1. Auckland to Coromandel: Coastal bliss

Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours Distance: Approximately 180-200 km

This journey starts in Auckland, which receives direct flights from major Australian cities including Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , and Perth. Upon arrival, you have options: have your van delivered to the airport for an immediate start, or spend a day or two exploring the city before picking up your van. Many owners offer flexible pickup locations around Auckland. Once you're ready, begin your journey by heading north to Whangaparāoa Peninsula , offering spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf.

This beautiful peninsula at the top end of the bay offers panoramic views back toward the city, with Shakespear National Park and Tiritiri Matangi Island must-sees. Hop in the van and skirt the Firth of Thames to start your Coromandel journey. The peninsula is a favourite spot for local holidays, however thanks to its scattered towns and wild interior, it's still one of the best spots on the North Island to get a true sense of isolation.

You could spend weeks hopping from secluded cove to sandy beach along this magnificent coastline, but our top picks are New Chums Beach on the northern tip of the peninsula, and Opoutere on the eastern shores. Check in to Opoutere Coastal Camping for an unforgettable weekend in a forested paradise.

2. Auckland to Mt Taranaki: Coastal charm and volcanic views

Drive time: 5 hours Distance: Approximately 360 km

This great road trip also starts in Auckland. This cruise along the North Island's beach-studded west coast offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and inland wonders. You have the flexibility to pick up your motorhome or campervan at the airport or from various locations in the city. As you wind through the verdant countryside south of Auckland, your first stop is the hippy enclave of Raglan , one of NZ's premier surf spots.

Take a break at Manu Bay Reserve for an unforgettable sunset view with waves breaking below. For your first night, park your campervan at the nearby Te Kopua Whanau Campsite , known for its beachfront location and laid-back atmosphere.

Continue your journey with a detour to the world-famous Waitomo Caves for some black water rafting and glow worm viewing. Then, follow Highway 3 as it hugs the impressive coastline towards Taranaki. New Plymouth makes for a great overnight stop, offering craft breweries, modern restaurants, and a delightful coastal walk. Cap off your trip with a day exploring Mt Taranaki , where hiking trails offer unparalleled volcanic views amidst lush terrain.

3. Queenstown to Lake Tekapo: Alpine wonders

Drive time: 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes Distance: Approximately 260-270 km

For Australians craving alpine scenery , this South Island route is hard to beat. It’s no secret that we love the South Island (who doesn’t), and while a long weekend is never enough time to see all the natural beauty across the island, this short road trip from Queenstown to Tekapo hits some of our favourites.

Fly directly to Queenstown from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Gold Coast, or connect via Auckland from other cities. Depending on your preferences, arrange to have your van waiting at the airport or delivered to your accommodation in town. This flexibility allows you to start your adventure on your own terms, whether it's immediately diving into Queenstown's thrills or taking time to acclimate before hitting the road.

Starting in Queenstown , the adventure capital of the world , spend a day here doing any number of activities. From mountain biking to jet boating, hiking to bungee jumping, you’re sure to find it here. Head north to Wānaka for an unrivalled night under the stars by the gorgeous Lake Wānaka. Stop off for the night at Mt Aspiring Holiday Park, a great campsite packed full of amenities.

Continue north, following the mighty Southern Alps as they march onwards, stopping for the day at Lake Pukaki , where the indomitable Mt Cook rises at its western edge. Spend the day walking around the base of the mountain where you can find glaciers, tourist centres, and hear the odd far-off avalanche. Lake Pukaki Overnight Camping is one of the best freedom camping spots in the country, overlooking the turquoise waters.

Finish off by the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tekapo , where walks around the lake will provide spectacular views, and Lakes Edge Holiday Park will let you access the local thermal spas for an unbeatable end to your road trip.

4. Christchurch to Greymouth: Cross-island expedition

Drive time: 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes Distance: Approximately 240-250 km

This route starting in Christchurch crosses the heart of the South Island via stunning Arthur's Pass. Christchurch International Airport welcomes direct flights from several Australian cities, with connections available through Auckland.

This is another of our favourite South Island road trips. It cuts right through the spine of the island, hitting the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass to cross from east to west. Start off in beautiful Christchurch , where you can easily spend the day strolling through the redeveloped centre of the city, finding all manner of pop-ups, modern builds, and heaps of history. If you’re so inclined, plenty of Lord of the Rings tours start from here and explore some of the filming locations around Canterbury.

Wind your way up into the mountains, where gentle hills quickly give way to impressive snow capped peaks. The historical village of Arthurs Pass is a great place to spend a day and a night, with a huge array of hikes snaking their way around the town. Don’t miss Devils Punchbowl Waterfall , one of the top local attractions.

End up in sleepy Greymouth , gateway to the West Coast where you can continue on south to go glacier hunting, or head north towards the stunning wine region of Marlborough.

Ready for your New Zealand road trip adventure?

Booking your ideal campervan with Camplify is easy. Simply visit our Auckland , Queenstown, or Christchurch on our Camplify New Zealand platform to browse available vans. If you are already signed up on our Australian platform, you can easily log in to our New Zealand platform using the same credentials.

Request to book without any upfront payment, verify your identity, and complete the payment once your booking is accepted. Then you are ready for an adventure in New Zealand.

Don't let this opportunity slip away. The open road, breathtaking vistas, and warm Kiwi hospitality are just a click away. Start your New Zealand adventure now and create memories that will last a lifetime!