Start and finish in Christchurch on this 7-day South Island loop through alpine passes, glaciers, the wild West Coast, and Canterbury’s high country.
Check out the full route in Google Maps and keep reading for local tips on each destination, hidden gems, and activities along the way.
This trip is a beauty throughout the year, including shoulder seasons (March-April or October-November) when the weather’s mellow, the roads are quiet, and your budget can stretch a bit further.
So what are you waiting for? Plan the perfect NZ roadie by locking in a campervan quote from Escape Rentals and then exploring our day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs – 135 km, ~2 hours
- Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Westport & Cape Foulwind – 215 km, ~3 hours
- Day 3: Westport to Hokitika – 137 km, ~2 hours
- Day 4: Hokitika to Franz Josef – 135 km, ~2 hours
- Day 5: Franz Josef to Fox Glacier – 25 km, ~30 minutes
- Day 6: Fox Glacier to Arthur’s Pass National Park – 260 km, ~3.5 hours
- Day 7: Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch – 147 km, ~2 hours
- Ready to Roll?
- Top Campervan NZ Travel Tips
Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs – 135 km, ~2 hours
Morning
Kick off your trip by collecting your campervan at the Escape Rentals Christchurch depot (15 Kingsley Street).
Next, swing by PAK’nSAVE Moorhouse to stock up on great value groceries, toiletries, and plenty of water. Remender to hold onto the receipt – it gets you discounts at affiliated petrol stations.
With supplies sorted, you might want to spend an hour or two exploring Christchurch. The Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place for a stroll, or check out the Christchurch Art Gallery or the International Antarctic Centre.
Drive north on SH1, then turn onto SH7 before Waipara. This scenic route through North Canterbury winds past farmland and vineyards with the Southern Alps on the horizon.
Stop at a Waiau River lookout:
Afternoon
Arrive in Hanmer Springs by early afternoon. Known for its natural hot pools, this alpine resort village is the perfect place to unwind. Head straight to the Thermal Pools and Hot Springs for 22 outdoor pools and 4 waterslides.
Check out Hanmer Springs Attractions for bungy jumping, jet boating, quad biking, or mountain biking through the forest!
Wrap up the day with a wander through the village, or go on the 30-min Conical Hill walk for sunset views. Then back to camp for dinner.
Where to stay in Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs has well-rated holiday parks – like Alpine Adventure or TOP 10 – with powered sites, kitchens, and all the extras.
If you want something cheaper, go to the DOC Hanmer Forest Campsite, or drive 7km to the free River Reserve if you’re self-contained.
Local tip for Waipara
Waipara is one of NZ’s best up-and-coming wine regions, and it’s is a great stop on the way to Hanmer. Pop into a cellar door like Greystone for a tasting, or pick up a bottle of Pinot or Riesling (plus cheese and olives) to enjoy later at camp.
Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Westport & Cape Foulwind – 215 km, ~3 hours
Morning
If you were out bungy jumping or jet boating yesterday, swing by the Thermal Pools for a morning soak – it’s quieter this time of day.
When you’re ready, hop in your colourful campervan and drive west towards the Lewis Pass. The road winds up through beech forest to 907 metres, and it can get pretty chilly, so chuck on some warm layers.
Take in pristine alpine scenery on the 20-minute Alpine Nature Walk with tussocks all around.
Keep an eye out for cheeky. Our native alpine parrots love nibbling on rubber van parts.
Midday
Roll into the historic town of Reefton and stretch your legs on the Heritage Trail, which winds past the old School of Mines, courthouse, and miners’ cottages.
You might like to buy a hearty pie at a local bakery or enjoy a pizza at Bassano Parlour to fuel up.
Afternoon
Drive north on SH69, hook west onto SH6, and cruise past Westport to Cape Foulwind.
Here, take the 3.4 km Cape Foulwind Walkway to the lighthouse and fur seal colony lookout. In shoulder season, you might have the platform to yourself as seals bask on the rocks or play in the waves below.
Check the tide before planning your walk – seals are easiest to notice at low tide.
Just five minutes down the road, Tauranga Bay is a top surf spot.
If you’re a confident surfer, you can rent a board and wetsuit from West Coast Surf and catch some waves.
The West Coast is famous for fiery sunsets – if the sky’s clear, head back to the Cape Foulwind cliffs or walk down to Tauranga Bay beach at dusk. Watching the sun sink into the Tasman Sea and light up the sky and water is pure magic.
Where to stay
Stay at Carters Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park just outside of Westport for powered sites and hot showers. If you’re self-contained, free camping is available at Kawatiri Beach north of town.
Local tips
Remember to stop at powered campsites every couple of nights to recharge your van’s battery and keep it running.
Visiting in spring (October-November)? That’s whitebait season, so you may be able to find some fresh whitebait fritters in Westport. It’s a proper Kiwi classic.
Day 3: Westport to Hokitika – 137 km, ~2 hours
Morning
Cruise south along the Great Coast Road. This stretch hugs the Tasman Sea and is often cited as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, thanks to the wild coastline and stunning views.
Pull over at Irimahuwhero Lookout to see dense forest crashing into the ocean. And keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or naughty Weka near the picnic areas.
Don’t miss the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, a must-see natural attraction just 5 km down the road. A 20-minute loop takes you past bizarre layered limestone formations (that look like giant pancakes) and spouting blowholes.
Tip: Check tide times on the CamperMate app – the thunderous sprays at high tide are worth the extra effort.
Afternoon
Roll through the port town of Greymouth. It’s a good stop for fuel, food and a West Coast meat pie.
Next, drive 40 minutes south to Hokitika, then detour inland to the Hokitika Gorge, where a glacier-fed river winds through a granite canyon.
Cross the swing bridge for jaw-dropping photo ops with the milky, turquoise-blue water. But don’t even think about swimming; the water’s freezing and, far more importantly, sacred.
Back in town, check out the Hoki Heritage Trail or visit a greenstone carving studio like Bonz n Stonz. Here, you can watch artisans carve jade jewellery and learn about the stone’s significance in Māori culture. Some studios even let you carve your pendant – a meaningful hands-on experience.
Before sunset, walk down to Hokitika Beach to see the driftwood “HOKITIKA” sign, an iconic photo spot that locals reconstruct after big storms. Consider cooking fresh Hokitika salmon with lemon and dill for dinner by the beach.
Where to stay in Hokitika
The Shining Star Beachfront Park is near the beach, town, and the Glow Worm Dell.
It also has powered sites and hot showers to recharge you and your gear.
Otherwise, drive 10 km south to Lake Mahinapua DOC Campground, a quiet forest spot with basic facilities.
Local Tip
Go to the free Glow Worm Dell in Hokitika after sunset. Wander in from the roadside car park, let your eyes adjust, and marvel at the hundreds of blue-green glowworms twinkling like stars.
Day 4: Hokitika to Franz Josef – 135 km, ~2 hours
Morning
Cruise south on SH6 and enter the UNESCO Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage area – a vast swath of ancient rainforests, wild beaches, and snow-capped peaks.
The road from Hokitika to Franz Josef is gorgeous, so give yourself time for unplanned stops. The Pakihi Lookout Walk and Ōkārito Lagoon are excellent choices for stretching your legs, taking great photos, and enjoying the landscape.
Arrive in Franz Josef / Waiau by late morning, and head to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley car park just outside town. Explore one of the trip’s highlights: the Franz Josef Glacier.
Afternoon
Take the Franz Josef Glacier Walk, an easy 1.7 km return track that follows the Waiho River up the valley.
It’s mostly flat, winding over rocky riverbeds, through lush forest, and past glacial streams and waterfalls.
At the end, you’ll reach a lookout facing the glacier’s cracked, blue ice face. Listen for eerie creaks and crashes of shifting ice – and stay behind the barriers, as glaciers can be unpredictable.
Along the way, look for interpretive panels about the glacier’s Māori name, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, meaning “The tears of Hine Hukatere.” Legend says the glacier formed from the frozen tears of a princess mourning her lost love, Tawe.
If you’re more of a hiker, consider the Roberts Point Track (5 hours return) instead. It leads to a much closer view of the glacier, but it’s tough going. Only tackle it in good weather and with decent gear.
Back in town, you have a couple of options to wind down:
- Chuck on waterproof boots and wander through the old gold mining Tatare Tunnels – they’re full of glow worms!
- Rest sore legs at Waiho Hot Tubs, outdoor pools filled with pure glacial water.
Where to stay in Franz Josef
If you want Franz Josef’s cafes and bars nearby, Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park ticks all the boxes.
Self-contained campers can also try the affordable Otto/MacDonalds Campsite by Lake Mapourika, 10 km north of town. It’s a peaceful DOC spot with basic facilities and lovely scenery.
Local tip:
Weather changes on a dime, so always have a Plan B. If rain ruins your outdoor plans, pop into the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see the rare Rowi kiwi and support their conservation.
Day 5: Franz Josef to Fox Glacier – 25 km, ~30 minutes
Morning
Head 25 minutes further south to Fox Glacier township.
If you’re going to splurge on one thing this trip, you might like the idea of a scenic helicopter flight or heli-hike adventure.
Flying over the glacier and landing on the snowfields is an unreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fox Glacier has several operators, so shop around and get the best deal!
Afternoon
Once you’re back on the ground, hop in your Escape Rentals van and drive 5 km west to Lake Matheson, famous for its glassy reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
Here, take the easy 1.5-hour Lake Matheson Loop Walk through native forest. Pause at Reflection Island or Jetty Viewpoint for the perfect mirror of the snow-capped Southern Alps.
Swing by the Matheson Café for a well-earned coffee or hokey pokey ice cream.
Continue down the long gravel road to Gillespies Beach. Pull over at the Fox Glacier South Viewpoint along the way for another epic glimpse of the glacier.
Gillespies is a windswept beach scattered with driftwood. Once a bustling gold mining town, it’s now a great place for hiking and taking in the Tasman Sea.
There are several tracks to try, including a 3-hour return walk to a seal colony at Galway Beach.
Back in Fox Glacier, cook up dinner and go for a night wander if conditions allow. The Minnehaha Walk is a short forest loop where glow worms can be seen after dark – a tranquil way to end the day.
Where to stay in Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park offers powered sites and excellent facilities. For a cheaper option, camp by the ocean at the Gillespies Beach DOC site.
Local tip:
The glacier region has seriously dark skies, perfect for stargazing. Look up after dark to see the Milky Way stretching overhead, and maybe even the Magellanic Clouds – dwarf galaxies visible from the southern hemisphere.
Day 6: Fox Glacier to Arthur’s Pass National Park – 260 km, ~3.5 hours
This guide assumes you’re travelling back toward Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass. If you’d rather venture further south to Wanaka and beyond, jump to Day 5 of our Christchurch to Queenstown itinerary and continue your adventure.
Morning
Drive north from Fox Glacier, retracing your route up the West Coast. Stop for a coffee or souvenir in Hokitika – or, if you’re up for an adrenaline hit, head to West Coast Tree Top near Lake Mahinapua for dual ziplining at 60 km/h through the rainforest canopy.
At Kumara Junction, turn inland onto SH73, the road to Arthur’s Pass.
In just an hour, you’ll see the landscape transform. Lush rainforest gives way to alpine beech, golden tussocks, and wide braided rivers. Stop at the Otira Viaduct Lookout (aka Death’s Corner) for a breathtaking photo op.
Afternoon
Roll into Arthur’s Pass Village (elevation 920 m) and stretch your legs on the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall Track – a short but steep 1-hour return trail to a stunning 131m waterfall crashing into the forest. And say hello to the kea hanging around the car park!
If you’ve got more energy, wander part (or all) of the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track, which offers great views over the nearby valley and peaks, or drive down to Cave Stream Scenic Reserve for a hike inside a cave.
Back in the village, grab a hot drink at the Alpine Parrot Café or head to your campsite to unwind, cook, and enjoy the laid-back mountain vibes.
Where to stay:
For a true alpine experience, pick Klondyke Corner. It’s a scenic riverside DOC campsite just outside Arthur’s Pass Village. However, if you’d like more amenities, Arthur’s Pass Alpine Campground in the village is a solid option.
Local tip:
Nights get chilly even in shoulder season, so use your camper heater sparingly to save battery and bring extra blankets. Not a fan of the cold? Stay at Arthur’s Pass Alpine Campground to keep your van’s heater plugged in all night.
Day 7: Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch – 147 km, ~2 hours
Morning
Wake up to crisp air and bird song in the heart of the Southern Alps. Your drive back to Christchurch is easy-going, but we still have some gems to tick off.
After 30 minutes, you’ll rock up to Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti, a surreal terrain of giant limestone boulders scattered across the hills. This place is a playground for climbers and a sacred site for Ngāi Tahu Māori, who named it Kura Tāwhiti, “treasure from afar.”
Next, pull in at Lake Lyndon for a snack, surrounded by mountains and glacial water. If you’re keen to keep moving, a quick stop at Porter’s Pass lookout offers one last grand view of the Southern Alps.
Your next stop is Springfield. Snap a photo with the giant pink doughnut, a fun nod to The Simpsons. Treat yourself to a real doughnut and coffee while you’re at it.
Head to Waimakariri Gorge, where braided river channels weave through steep canyon walls. There’s a short walk down to the river and a few great photo spots near the bridge.
Afternoon
By midday, you’ll approach Christchurch. If wine’s your thing, consider Rossendale Wines or Melton Estate for a cheeky tasting and cellar door lunch.
Now, choose your grand finale:
- A scenic send-off via Banks Peninsula
Wind your way to Akaroa, a picturesque harbour town with French heritage.
Grab fish and chips by the waterfront, stretch your legs on the short Ōtepatotu Track for sweeping coastal scenery, or hop aboard a 1:30 PM Black Cat nature cruise to spot dolphins and seabirds. - A relaxed afternoon in Christchurch
Take it easy in the Garden City and visit spots you missed on Day 1.
Stroll the Botanic Gardens, paddle a rented kayak down the Avon River, or drop by the Canterbury Museum, where exhibits on glaciers, gold mining, and Māori life resonate beautifully with what you’ve seen on the road.
Where to stay in Christchurch or Banks Peninsula
Go to the Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park if you’re spending the evening in the Banks Peninsula. If you’re flying out early the next day, head back to Tasman Holiday Parks – it’s close to the Escape Rentals Christchurch depot, so you won’t need to rush in the morning.
Local tip:
Hike the Godley Head Loop Track just outside Christchurch (park by Taylors Mistake Beach) for monumental coastal views, WW2 history, and a glimpse of seabirds, penguins, or dolphins.
Ready to Roll?
Your Escape Rentals van will be waiting for you at our Christchurch Depot. We’re proud to provide travellers with a reliable and comfortable campervans, ready for your NZ roadtrip.
Get a campervan hire quote today or call our friendly team at 0800 21 61 71 if you have any questions.
Have an epic journey, and ka kite anō (see you later)!
Thinking about other South Island campervan routes? Don’t miss our guides for:
Useful Campervan Travel Tips for NZ
Driving in New Zealand
- Stay on the left. If you’re not used to driving on this side, just remember that the driver stays closest to the centre line. Easy as.
- Check weather and road updates daily. Download the MetService NZ and NZTA apps to monitor conditions before alpine passes and mountain roads.
- Have your wits about you. Kiwi roads have it all – single-lane bridges, twisty bends, blind corners, and cheeky animals that wander onto the road – so stay alert, take it steady, and never drive when you’re tired.
- Take the Bluebridge ferry to reach the North Island. It’s the most reliable way to get across the Cook Strait, and you can bring your Escape Rentals campervan along – just pre-book your drop-off at our Auckland depot.
What to pack for the shoulder season
- Sturdy walking shoes. From coastal treks to alpine trails, comfy shoes will keep your ankles steady on all the terrain you’ll tackle.
- Layers and rain gear. Shoulder season can swing from warm sun to chilly, wet southerly winds fast, so bring versatile clothes, a waterproof jacket, and GORE-TEX boots to stay dry and comfy.
- The essentials. We recommend a high-capacity power bank, a first-aid kit, refillable water bottles, a torch, high SPF sunscreen, and some Tupperware. They’ll make life on the road heaps easier.
If you decide to travel in winter, read this detailed guide before you pack.
Kiwi etiquette
- Learn the local lingo. Get familiar with common NZ slang and Māori phrases before landing. A warm Kia ora and a smile go a long way.
- No pressure to tip. Tipping isn’t expected in NZ cafes, bars, or restaurants – great service is the norm. That said, if someone goes above and beyond, feel free to leave a little extra.
- Respect personal space and cultural sites. Kiwis appreciate politeness, quiet voices, and good manners. If you visit a marae or other cultural site, follow the rules and only enter if you’re invited.
Freedom camping rules
- Only self-contained campervans can legally freedom camp. If your camper isn’t certified, you’ll need to stay at DOC campsites with facilities or paid campgrounds; otherwise, you risk fines of $400+.
- Stick to approved camping areas, even if you’re self-contained. Freedom camping doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all – please respect the rules, the whenua (land), and the communities that host you.
- Download Rankers Camping NZ and CamperMate. Freedom camping rules change frequently and vary between districts, making these apps the best way to find legal sites.
Leave campsites spotless. Always pack out your rubbish, use public toilets and dump stations, and follow rules like quiet hours.
Be smart with your travel budget
- Prepare your meals. Stock up at Pak’nSave, hunt for discount bins, and grab fresh local goodies from roadside stalls. Cooking in your campervan kitchen is the smartest, easiest way to save.
- Stay at DOC campsites. These budget-friendly, government-run campgrounds are nestled in some truly stunning spots. If you’re hitting multiple DOC sites, a Campsite Pass is worth a thought.
- Make the most of free activities. Hike mountain trails, take in breathtaking views, swim in lakes, wander beaches, and roam native bush without spending a cent.
- Fuel up in bigger towns. Petrol is usually cheaper in places like Christchurch or Greymouth, so top up before heading into remote areas where prices spike.
For more budget hacks, check out our NZ campervan hire cost guide!