Since visiting New Zealand had been my dream since I was nine, I couldn't believe it was finally happening. Somehow, it had never happened until January 2026, when our holiday was extended by another 19 days and our budget finally allowed us to make it happen. We had only 10 days to explore New Zealand, and we knew that travelling by campervan would give us the freedom to see more of the country, stop wherever the road tempted us, and experience the journey rather than simply rushing between hotels and airports.
Sam is my twin brother, and he has always been my partner in crime. This was one trip we really wanted to do together, but sadly, he was more attracted to seeing Hobbiton in Matamata, exploring the North Island, and taking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Meanwhile, my heart was going crazy at the thought of visiting Queenstown, Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo in the South Island.
So, we parted ways at Sydney Airport and landed on two different, beautiful islands of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Sam will tell you about his 10 days in New Zealand later, but as usual, I get to tell my half first. LOL.
Then Campervan Ready to Go and I Go……
It was late at night when I landed at Christchurch Airport, so I stayed at a motel nearby. The next morning, Abby picked me up from my motel and took me to their yard, where I collected my campervan in Christchurch. It was only a few minutes' drive from the airport, and this was the beginning of my very first campervan journey in my dream country.
The campervan was beautifully built, comfortable and spacious, but not too big. I wanted something that still felt like a car—easy to drive, easy to park and easy to take wherever I wanted to go. Mine was a Toyota Alphard, and I instantly fell in love with it. It was my first home on wheels.
With a full tank of fuel and my little home ready to go, I opened the 200 photos on my phone of all the places I wanted to visit. I knew one thing for sure: Lake Tekapo was first. Everything else could come later. I wanted to explore Christchurch a little too, but I decided to save it for the end of my trip.
Abby also gave me a printed 10-day South Island campervan itinerary, and honestly, it helped me a lot. I really wanted to see Kaiteriteri and Dunedin as well, but I soon realised that 10 days couldn't possibly fit everything in. So Abby's little itinerary became my guide for deciding what I could realistically do without spending my whole holiday behind the steering wheel. So far I was in love with my campervan company in Christchurch Rent-A-Camper.
Then came the important part—supplies! I bought my coffee, a bottle of milk and, because I'm vegetarian, some simple broccoli 😂 and carrots. I packed everything into my campervan fridge, and I was ready to go.
I had ten whole days ahead of me to stand and stare like a cow, and I made myself a promise: I wasn't going to book a motel or holiday park for the entire trip. I wanted to wake up wherever the journey took me.
Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo by Campervan : The Turquoise Lake & Lupins
Driving in New Zealand wasn't much different from driving in the outskirts of Sydney, except there was less population and far less traffic, which was a pretty good bonus for my first day. I stopped in Ashburton to grab some fresh apples from a supermarket and kept going until I reached Fairlie, a small, cute town just before Lake Tekapo. There, I stopped for a vegetarian pie at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse.
I loved the bakery, and the pie was yumm! Now my imagination was already piling up pictures of what Lake Tekapo might look like, but something else grabbed my attention just before I got there. Texico! So much pun, so much old-school American stuff and artwork—exactly the kind of place my brother Sam would love. I sent him a million photos and jumped back into the van.
Man, I felt like I was about to drive straight into the beautiful turquoise colour of Lake Tekapo. It was out of this world. I wasn't focusing much on the road anymore and was far more interested in the lake, so my dad's driving instructions suddenly became very useful! I pulled myself together, focused on the road, found the first available parking spot and ran down to the lakeside.
The walk over the stones, the big rock I sat on, the warm sunshine and the coolness of the lake were the perfect combination. I wished I were a poet so I could write my book sitting right there.
Lupin flowers surrounded the turquoise lake, bringing shades of purple, blue, pink, white and yellow into the landscape. They completely made my day. I remember thinking, this is all I needed. And then I started wondering what my brother Sam might be doing at that very moment—probably sitting and rotting in front of some 5,000-year-old artwork. 😂
As evening approached, I searched for a nearby freedom camping site and drove there in my campervan. Luckily, I found a spot high above Lake Pukaki, the neighbouring glacial lake with spectacular views towards the Aoraki/Mount Cook range.
That evening, my fancy campervan kitchen came into action. I pulled out my broccoli and carrots, fired up the gas cooker and made myself a simple vegetarian dinner while sitting in one of the most beautiful corners of New Zealand.
Christchurch → Fairlie → Lake Tekapo → Lake Pukaki
Day 2: A Morning by the Lake and the Road to Aoraki/Mount Cook
Waking up behind those peel-off-style RV curtains and looking out towards the lake, just a few metres down the path, was one of those dreams I hadn't even expected to experience on Day 1. Yet somehow, I was blessed with it.
My morning coffee usually lasts me until noon, and a light lunch was going to be nothing more than a couple of protein snack bars. But having that coffee beside the lake, just a few minutes' walk from my campsite, was an epic experience.
The drive towards the Aoraki/Mount Cook car park was stunning—breathtaking. The sun glowing over the lake and the scenery unfolding almost all the way there felt like the landscape was knitting something into my soul that would last forever.
I parked up and headed off for the roughly two-hour Hooker Valley Track. You really have to try it for yourself. There was something so effortless and untouched about the surroundings. The river seemed to lead you towards the lake, where chunks of glacier ice floated in the water like little moons scattered across the landscape. I remember looking at the birds and thinking how lucky they were to be able to fly over that lake, the bridges and those enormous mountains.
I had planned to spend my second night in Wānaka, so around noon I headed back onto the road. I stopped at Twizel and saw the fish farm, but there was another place that had caught my attention from a distance—the Clay Cliffs near Ōmarama. They looked fascinating, and I decided that if I had enough time, I'd make a detour there on my way through.
Finding a spot at a freedom camping site in Wānaka was going to be challenging, and sure enough, it was already full when I arrived.
I went back to try my luck a second time before sunset, but I was unsuccessful again. So, I had to break my promise of not booking a facility and found myself a place in a holiday park instead. Thankfully, it wasn't expensive at all.
And honestly, I didn't mind.
I just didn't want to break the rules by parking somewhere overnight where I wasn't legally allowed to stay. The freedom of travelling by campervan was important to me, but so was travelling responsibly.
Lake Pukaki → Aoraki/Mount Cook → Twizel → Ōmarama → Wānaka
That Wānaka Tree & Roy's Peak Track: Day 3
The coffee was extremely good because I made it myself, and now it was time to go and worship*—okay, praise—That Wānaka Tree, just like millions of other tourists do. So, of course, I did too. It was a refreshing treat for the morning.
I sat there for a while, taking it all in, and then decided it was time for the big hike.
Sam was supposed to be with me for this one, but nope. My legs were already telling me they weren't ready for it, but I knew I couldn't pass this cup. Otherwise, Sam would call me "weakling" again, and I simply couldn't allow that.
The car park was easy enough to find. I grabbed my protein bars and water bottle, and off I went. The Roy's Peak Track was supposed to take around four to five hours, but I started at 10 am and didn't make it back down until 6 pm.
Eight hours. It took me eight hours.
As the climb started, the views kept getting better. The higher I went, the more beautiful the scenery became—and the harder it got on my knees.
I met around two bajillion zombies already coming down, and to every single one of them I asked the same question:
"How far to go?"
Every one of them laughed and gave me basically the same answer:
"You'll love it."
I gave up mentally almost every 30 minutes, but some older people and some younger naughties kept encouraging me along the way. Somehow, I made it to the top.
And honestly, I wasn't prepared at all. Some kind people took pity on me and gave me apples, bananas and more water. I was very grateful—and slightly embarrassed that I had apparently underestimated what I had signed myself up for. Shame on Sam, he missed it all lol.
When I finally came back down, I was completely done. There was no energy left for anything else. I bought a pizza and went straight back to bed at the same holiday park.
Finding a campsite spot had turned into another war, and that night, I simply wasn't ready to fight it. Anyhow, my New Zealand campervan itinerary was going successful so far.
Day 4: Wānaka to Queenstown by Campervan
I heard that Wānaka to Queenstown drive is every tourist's dream in New Zealand
I left beautiful Wānaka after a hazy 40-minute walk along the lake and headed back to my beautiful self-contained campervan. The drive through the Crown Range towards Queenstown was simply amazing—but also a little dizzying! 😂 The famous bungy jumping bridge was on my list for the way back.
My first mission in Queenstown, though, was much more important: I wanted to try a burger from Fergburger.
So I paid for parking and joined the long queue outside Ferg burger, which was actually quite exciting in itself—for me, anyway! I finally got my burger, grabbed a croissant from the bakery next door, and walked down towards the lakeside.
I spent almost the entire day around the lake, walking along the waterfront and even spending a little time in the water with the ducks. Queenstown was everything I had imagined—a place buzzing with tourists but still somehow energetic, beautiful and full of life.
As for the night, I was prepared. I took my campervan to a freedom camping spot and then walked back into the town centre to become a little bit of a night owl.
Queenstown itself wasn't quite as big as I had imagined, but there was more than enough happening to keep me entertained for a few hours. Between the lake, the mountains, the restaurants, the people and the buzzing atmosphere, I could already understand why Queenstown is one of the most visited destinations in New Zealand.
And for someone travelling by campervan, it was even better—I had my little home waiting for me when the night was over.
Queenstown to Te Anau – Milford Sound Drive: Day 5 of My South Island Road Trip
I climbed into my comfortable, self-contained campervan in the morning, with my massive cup of coffee in hand and ready to go.
The night before, an inspector had approached my campervan to check the self-contained certification and make sure everything was legal. He was pleased to see that everything was in order and even praised my fancy-looking campervan. I was a little nervous at first, wondering if there might be something wrong or missing—but naaaah! Everything was good.
Anyway, the drive alongside Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown towards Te Anau was spectacular. I made it to Te Anau in around three hours, although I stopped several times along the way to take photos, admire the scenery and remind myself that I was actually travelling through New Zealand in my own little home on wheels.
Then came Lake Te Anau.
The lake was silent, enormous and slightly hazy, stretching farther than my eyes could take in. I found a nearby bay, parked my lovely campervan and went for a long, long walk with my protein bars and water bottle.
I had also booked a boat trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and, man, Sam really missed this one. Inside the caves, the glowworms looked like tiny stars scattered across a completely dark night sky. I had never experienced anything quite like it before. It was one of those moments when you stop talking, stop taking photos for a while and simply stare.
By the time I was done, I had found a great place to stay overnight and settled in for the evening.
The next morning, Milford Sound was waiting for me.
And I had already booked my ferry.
The Most Exciting Waterfall Heaven in Milford Sound: Day 6
Even though I had already completed half of my time in New Zealand, Fiordland felt like heaven on earth, and I suddenly wanted to spend most of the rest of my trip there.
It had started raining overnight, and I thought it was going to be a messy day. But no—it was quite the opposite.
As my campervan came out of the tunnel on the way to Milford Sound, I suddenly saw the entire mountainside covered with thousands of waterfalls, knitted together like endless chains of water falling from the sky.
I pulled over to the side, got out and stood there staring at it—exactly like a cow. 😂 I completely lost track of time.
Rushing towards my ferry departure at Milford Sound didn't help, especially during the busy season. The traffic meant I couldn't afford to make even the smallest mistake on the road. Thankfully, I made it in time.
The Milford Sound cruise was incredible. I finally saw those enormous waterfalls with my own eyes—the same ones I had previously only seen in videos and photographs shared by tourists on Instagram and Facebook.
The rain only made everything more powerful and beautiful. Water poured down the cliffs everywhere I looked, and the whole fiord seemed alive.
After the cruise, I drove back to Te Anau and stayed there again that night.
And, of course, I had to reward myself. I found an Italian pizza place next to the supermarket, where they baked the pizza in a clay oven. After a day like that, it tasted even better.
Te Anau → Milford Sound → Te Anau
Arrowtown, Wānaka, Puzzling World and the Ōmarama Clay Cliffs: Day 7
Now my face was getting a little sad as I left Te Anau, knowing I only had three days left up my sleeve and still hadn't seen all those 200 places on my list. But Dad reminded me to be grateful and leave some curiosity for the next trip. So that's what I decided to do.
I went straight to Arrowtown, just a short drive from Queenstown. This little town somehow captured my soul and sent my body back on the road again. The beautiful riverside walk, the remains of the old Chinese gold-mining settlement and the tiniest little market I'd ever seen—all of it was so elegant and sophisticated. Sam would have absolutely loved it here.
I bought another coffee, put my horse back on the road and headed towards Wānaka, because I wanted to experience Puzzling World. But there was more waiting for me before I got there.
I took the road that would let me see the famous bungy jumping site, and somehow, seeing it wasn't enough. I actually jumped off the bridge!
Of course, I paid for it. It wasn't cheap, but it was absolutely worth doing. They offered me a video of the jump for a few extra dollars, and I couldn't resist. That video was going to stay with me forever.
Next came Cromwell, where I bought what felt like 1,000 tons of fruit and completely cluttered my campervan fridge and storage. I knew there was absolutely no chance I was going to finish all of it in the next three days. 😂
Then I took the road towards Wānaka from that side. Yes, it was a longer loop, but it fitted perfectly with the itinerary Abby had given me back in Christchurch. I really loved her tips and advice. Having someone point out places I might otherwise have missed made such a difference to my trip.
I also loved the lavender farm. I bought some delicious honey and an ice cream with some kind of lavender-flavoured thingamajig in it. Whatever it was, I loved it.
I wanted to stay that night around Ōmarama or Twizel, so I kept heading towards Christchurch. Eventually, I ended up staying at the same spot beside Lake Pukaki where I'd stayed earlier.
It was officially the longest drive I'd done so far on my South Island adventure.
When I pulled out the campervan kitchen from the rear of the van—the whole thing sliding out like a little outdoor kitchen—it immediately attracted the attention of other travellers. They started asking me where I had rented the campervan from.
And suddenly, I was making friends.
Thanks to my fancy campervan, because otherwise I was probably too shy to start a conversation myself. 😂
The night stretched on. There was a big group of travellers around, and we ended up talking and laughing until late.
Looking back, that was one of the most beautiful things about travelling by campervan.
Sometimes the destination isn't the best part.
Sometimes it's the people you meet along the way.
Te Anau → Arrowtown → Cromwell → Wānaka → Lake Pukaki
Day 8: From Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
I spent the entire morning at Lake Tekapo, taking some fancy walks, enjoying some French fries, and—according to the rules of my very own vegetarian faithology—fish was apparently the only thing I was allowed to eat. 😂
I parked my campervan near the lakeside and made myself another coffee before hitting the road towards Christchurch.
I stopped at Texico again on the way, because apparently I hadn't sent Sam enough photos the first time. And, of course, the pie from Fairlie Bakehouse was impossible to ignore. Some traditions are worth repeating.
I reached Christchurch before evening and headed straight to New Brighton, where I found a freedom-camping spot for the night. And this time, I was successful!
After parking the campervan, I took a short walk down to the pier, had my dinner there and then caught a bus into the city centre to make the most of my remaining few hours.
There wasn't a huge amount happening that evening, but I loved the peaceful, cool vibe. Maybe it was because it wasn't the weekend—or maybe I was simply discovering something about New Zealand that I hadn't expected: New Zealand seems to go to sleep much earlier than most places I've visited. 😂
I ended up finding another clay-oven pizza at a cute restaurant on High Street—unless I'm completely forgetting the name of the street by now. I made a few more friends there, including some travellers exploring different parts of Aotearoa.
We started chatting about campervans, and naturally, the conversation turned to where to hire a campervan in Christchurch, what comes with the rental and what doesn't.
There was a couple there who were looking for a campervan too. They had already viewed a few, but they were extremely picky—and, honestly, impressively clean people!
I told them where I had hired mine.Rent-A-Camper, I said.
They seemed very interested.
And just like that, my fancy little campervan had started doing some marketing for Abby. 😂
Lake Pukaki → Lake Tekapo → Christchurch
Godley Head Track, Christchurch Gondola & Botanic Gardens: Day 9
I started my day with my now-historical coffee and a long list of places I wanted to visit, with very little time left on my hands.
I began by driving past Sumner Beach towards Taylor's Mistake, where I started the roughly two-and-a-half-hour Godley Head Memorial Walk. History and spectacular views seemed to be scattered around me like pearls. I kept thinking that my New Zealand road trip was going to end tomorrow, and the New Zealand campervan itinerary Abby had given me when I picked up my campervan from Rent-A-Camper in Christchurch had been absolutely brilliant in helping me turn so many of my dreams into reality.
I completed the loop and headed towards Heathcote Valley to take the Christchurch Gondola up to the top. The views were amazing, and of course, the coffee up there was pretty great too. I also took the little train inside to learn about the volcanic history of the area and watch how this entire peninsula was formed.
By late afternoon, I headed to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and spent almost two hours wandering around. Sadly, the museum I wanted to visit was closed for renovation work, so that part of my plan didn't quite work out. But walking through Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Christchurch city centre was more than enough to complete my final day.
Then something happened that I wasn't expecting.
I received a call from Rent-A-Camper, the campervan rental company I had hired from, just checking whether everything was okay and whether I needed any help.
I felt genuinely happy.
They had even called me earlier during my trip to check that everything was going well. It wasn't just about hiring me a campervan and sending me on my way—they actually wanted to know how I was doing.
I bought some chocolates for them and returned the cleanest and most comfortable campervan that evening because I was flying out early the next morning.
And, of course, my rotten brother Sam was going to be waiting for me back home. Our itineraries had gone their separate ways right from the beginning, and now it was finally time for us to compare notes.
Sam will tell you his story of his 10 days in the North Island later.
I left New Zealand with a sad face, but my heart was completely filled with joy, excitement and memories.
And before I walked away, I gave one last big hug to my campervan—the little home on wheels that had taken me places, kept me cosy and somehow made ten days in New Zealand feel like a much bigger adventure. Thanks Abby from rentacampervan.co.nz and to all those souls who became my friend and those who keep this country clean and sustainable.
I thought to share my route map of 10 days in New Zealand and some cost of renting a campervan, might help you planning your adventure.
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook → Wānaka → Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Cromwell → Twizel → Christchurch.
My entire trip cost me less than $4,000 NZD and my van was somewhere $170 NZD per day and my food as you know.
Day 10: Christchurch Airport & Flying Home
As usual, it started with coffee, my book, a muffin and me scrolling through the nine gazillion photos and videos I'd taken during my majestic 10-day campervan trip around New Zealand. 😂 Somehow, they managed to take up almost all of my time at the airport.
I also managed a ten-minute call with Sam, who, as usual, wasn't particularly interested in listening to me go through every tiny detail of my adventure. He was busy getting ready to finish his own 10-day adventure in the North Island.
Two twins. Two islands. Two completely different New Zealand stories.
And now it was time to fly home.
Do you want to do your own 10-day New Zealand campervan adventure?
I started my South Island journey in Christchurch with a Toyota Alphard from Rent-A-Camper.
If you're planning your own New Zealand road trip, explore their campervans and choose a vehicle that suits your route, budget and travel style and don't try to see 200 destinations in 10 days 😂
See you next time, Aotearoa. ❤️