It’s a mostly flat 10 km return (~3 hours) on a well-formed trail – easy as. The walk winds through the valley, crossing three swing bridges over the Hooker River, and ends at the iceberg-dotted Hooker Lake.
The views of Aoraki, NZ’s tallest mountain at 3,724 m, are unbelievable.
Afternoon: Back in Mt Cook Village, grab a coffee or hot chocolate at the Hermitage Hotel to rest.
A more budget-friendly option is visiting the
Tasman Glacier viewpoint (a 40-minute return walk from the
car park) to see NZ’s longest glacier and its iceberg lake.
Where to Stay: Head to
White Horse Hill Campground (DOC) near the village. It’s a great option for sleeping amid the mountains. Alternatively, drive back to the freedom camping area on Lake Pukaki’s shore (self-contained required). Rest up; tomorrow’s a big drive.
🦜Local Tip: Pack your lunch and snacks, and do not feed the kea. Our cheeky alpine parrots are known to nip sandwiches and peck at campervan rubber parts!
Day 3: Lake Pukaki to Hanmer Springs – 450 km, ~5-6 hours
Morning: Today’s a long haul, so hit the road early and make some coffee!
Say goodbye to the golden tussock grasslands of Mackenzie Country as you reenter lush green farmland. Take a break in the quirky town of
Geraldine for a bite to eat – the
Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery is a local institution.
Next, take the Inland Scenic Route (Highway 72) through the foothills instead of SH1. A worthwhile stop is the
Rakaia Gorge – a 10-minute lookout walk with spectacular views of the braided Rakaia River cutting through cliffs.
Midday: Continue north through the Canterbury region. You’ll pass through the small towns of Oxford and Rangiora, then join State Highway 7 toward Lewis Pass.
The last stretch to Hanmer Springs is a stunning scenic drive through a gorge along the Waiau River!
Afternoon: Roll into Hanmer Springs, a charming alpine village famous for its thermal pools. After a long drive, you deserve a soak! Head to the
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and enjoy a variety of spas, natural hot pools, and waterslides.
Other options include the Hanmer Heritage Forest or the short Conical Hill walk for a panoramic view over the town. Hanmer also has plenty of pubs and cheap eateries if you want a night off cooking. Treat yourself!
Where to Stay: Go to the Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park for a powered site to recharge your van’s battery, or make your way to the
Hanmer DOC Base & Car Park for basic freedom camping by the Hanmer Heritage Forest.
🍷 Local Tip: Waipara is wine country. So if you fancy a quick wine-tasting or grabbing a few bottles for later, stop by a winery – Torlesse Wines, Black Estate, or The Bone Line are great choices!
Day 4: Hanmer Springs to Motueka/Kaiteriteri – 300 km, ~4 hours
Morning: Wake up in Hanmer to crisp mountain air. If you missed the pools last night, head there first thing. Morning tickets are usually cheaper, and you beat the crowds.
When you’re ready, jump back in the van and head toward Nelson. The drive is sensational, taking you through the
Lewis Pass – the northernmost of the South Island’s three Alpine passes. As you ascend to the 907m pass, you’ll notice beech forests and maybe even see a few kea parrots again.
Need a short break? The summit’s
Alpine Nature Walk is a quick 20-minute loop through tussocks and spaniards. Just pack a jersey—it’s cool up here.
Late Morning/Midday: Descending toward the West Coast side, you’ll reach Springs Junction, where you need to turn right on the SH65 and keep following the Maruia River.
In Shenandoah, consider a quick stop at the
Maruia Falls, a 10m waterfall that formed after a 1929 earthquake. Alternatively, head to the
Buller Gorge Swingbridge – NZ’s longest swing bridge.
Afternoon: As you approach Nelson, the climate becomes sunnier and warmer. No wonder Nelson is known as NZ’s “sunshine capital.” ☀️
We suggest you base yourself around Motueka or Kaiteriteri tonight, since that’s closer to tomorrow’s Abel Tasman adventures than Nelson City. Along the way, you can marvel at orchards (stopping for fresh fruit if in season) and NZ’s famous hops fields – this region provides hops to countless craft breweries worldwide.
You should watch the sunset on
Kaiteriteri Beach, a gorgeous golden-sand beach. The sky might turn pink and orange over the Tasman Bay – beautiful!
Where to Stay: Motueka has a couple of holiday parks and a few freedom camping spots for
self-contained campervans. Double-check the Rankers Camping NZ and CamperMate apps before parking for the night. If not, Kaiteriteri has
a large campground right by the beach with facilities and power.
💰Local Tip: Swing by the
PAK’nSAVE Richmond on your way to Motueka to stock up on groceries, supplies, and petrol to save money before heading into Golden Bay.
Option 2: West Coast Route – Christchurch to Nelson
This route takes you from Christchurch to Nelson, via Arthur’s Pass, Hokitika, Punakaiki, and Abel Tasman.
Expect wild coastlines, rainforests, and rugged beaches.
Day 1: Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass National Park – 155 km, ~2 hours
Morning: Pick up your colourful campervan from the lovely folks at the Escape Rentals depot. Next, go to PAK’nSAVE Moorhouse and purchase great-value groceries, toiletries, and supplies in bulk.
⛽ Money-saving tip: Your PAK’nSAVE receipt gets you fuel discounts at their associated petrol stations!
Today, you’re heading west on the SH73 toward the Southern Alps. This route is known as the Great Alpine Highway, and it’s a stunner.
About an hour in, stop at
Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area. This place is otherworldly, with hundreds of giant limestone boulders scattered across tussock grasslands. But don’t think of it as an Instagram paradise; it’s spiritually significant to the Ngāi Tahu Māori tribe, who named it Kura Tāwhiti, meaning “treasure from afar.” So be respectful and tap into the natural energy.
Afternoon: Continue driving west on winding roads until you come to Arthur’s Pass Village (920m elevation). Stop at this tiny settlement and pop into the DOC Visitor Centre for great displays on local wildlife (like the kea, our cheeky alpine parrot with a taste for rubber van parts 🦜).
Where to Stay: Freedom camp at
Klondyke Corner, a riverside spot if you’re self-contained, or try Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel Campground if you’d like more amenities.
🧣Local Tip: Even in shoulder season, it gets chilly up here. So bring warm clothes and pick a powered site if you plan on using your van’s heater.
Day 2: Arthur’s Pass → Hokitika – 100 km, ~1.5 hours
Morning: From Arthur’s Pass, start descending toward the West Coast. Brace yourself – this section includes the famous
Otira Viaduct, a sweeping high bridge through the gorge.
As you drive, notice how the alpine beech forest turns into dense temperate rainforest. The West Coast feels a bit like Jurassic Park – tree ferns, moss, and dozens of little waterfalls streaking down the cliffs when it rains.
By late morning, you’ll reach
Hokitika, known affectionately as “Hoki”. This little town was once a gold rush boomtown and is now famous for
pounamu (greenstone) carving and its laid-back artsy vibe.
Walk down to the wild
Hokitika Beach to see the iconic driftwood sign spelling “HOKITIKA” – a great photo op. Next, grab lunch on the main street and head to a carving studio, like
Bonz ‘n Stonz, to learn about pounamu carving and its significance in Māori culture. This greenstone jewellery makes for the perfect gift, so support the artisans! ꩜༄
Afternoon: A short 30-minute drive away is Hokitika Gorge, an incredible spot with unnaturally turquoise water. Once there, go for a hike and marvel at the milky blue-green waters of the Hokitika River. You won’t believe your eyes, but remember, swimming isn’t allowed because the freezing glacier-fed water is sacred in Māori culture.

Where to Stay: You can’t go wrong with
Lake Mahinapua DOC Campground (10 km south of Hoki). It offers non-powered, tranquil lakeside sites. If you’re self-contained and want to stay in town, there’s a designated freedom camping area by the beach.
✨
Local Tip: After dark, go to the
Hokitika Glow Worm Dell. It’s free, and a short walk leads you into a bushy nook where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the banks like fairy lights. Magical!
Day 3: Hokitika to Cape Foulwind (via Punakaiki) – 140 km, ~2 hours
Morning: Hop into your rugged campervan and drive north on SH6.
After about 30 minutes, you’ll be in Greymouth. This is the perfect place to refuel, buy some groceries, and grab a famous West Coast meat pie. You can also visit
Monteith’s Brewery for a cheeky brewery tour and tasting.
Midday: The drive from Greymouth to Punakaiki is known as the Great Coast Road, rated one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. It’s only 45 minutes, hugging cliffs and wild beaches, so take your time and soak in the views.
Once you reach
Punakaiki, head straight to the
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Take a short loop walk around these bizarre, 30-million-year-old limestone formations that look like giant stacks of pancakes. The best time to view is high tide, when seawater whooshes into caverns and blasts upward through blowholes. Check the
tide tables and plan your morning in Greymouth accordingly.
Grab a coffee or a fluffy at the café across the road afterwards!
Afternoon: Continue north to
Cape Foulwind and take the coastal walkway (3.4km return) to the seal colony viewpoint. In shoulder season, you usually have the viewing platform to yourself to watch fur seals frolicking on the rocks below.
If you’re keen on surfing,
Tauranga Bay is the perfect place for beginners. Grab a board, wetsuit, and lessons from
West Coast Surf.
Where to Stay: If you’re in a self-contained van, freedom camp at the Tauranga Bay car park or
Kawatiri Beach. Remember to check the current rules on your apps or at the Westport visitor centre. If not, drive to Westport and stay at
Charlie’s Place campsite for all the facilities you might need.
🌅Local Tip: Don’t miss the sunset! Grab a place at Cape Foulwind and be amazed by the sun sinking into the Tasman Sea.
Day 4: Westport to Motueka/Kaiteriteri – 250 km, ~3-4 hours
Morning: Say goodbye to Westport and head east on SH6, winding through rainforests and wild river valleys.
It’s worth pulling over at
Buller Gorge Swingbridge if you’re up for a short thrill on New Zealand’s longest swing bridge.
Midday: Stop at St Arnaud, nestled on the edge of Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park. It’s perfect for a picnic and a peaceful walk along the Bellbird or Honeydew Tracks.
Afternoon: Continue on to
Motueka via SH6 and SH60. If time allows, go to
Riwaka Resurgence, a magical freshwater spring just off the highway — it’s short, free, and a local favourite. Finally, make your way to
Kaiteriteri Beach in time for sunset. The orange-gold sand and glowing skies over Tasman Bay are an epic way to end the day.
Where to Stay: Motueka has several holiday parks and some freedom camping spots for
self-contained campervans – double-check the Rankers Camping NZ and CamperMate apps before parking. For beach vibes, Kaiteriteri has a
large campground right by the sand with facilities and power.
🛥️ Local Tip: You’ll visit Abel Tasman National Park tomorrow, so check out the beaches tonight and book a one-way water taxi early to make sure you get a place.
Days 5–7: Abel Tasman, Golden Bay, and Nelson
Whether you came via the Alps or the Coast, your journey now converges for the final three days in the Nelson–Tasman region.
Get ready for golden beaches, national parks, wine-tasting, and chilled-out coastal towns to finish your trip!
Day 5: Motueka/Kaiteriteri to Abel Tasman National Park – 15 km, ~20 mins
All Day: Start by driving to Mārahau, the southern gateway village of Abel Tasman. It’s super close.
Next, park your van at the long-term car park by the waterfront (small fee, but secure). You won’t be needing it today as Abel Tasman National Park has no road access; you’ll be exploring on foot, kayak, or water taxi.
From Mārahau, catch the water taxi you booked last night. Several companies (like
AquaTaxi and Sea Shuttles) operate services that drop hikers and kayakers at various bays.
We suggest a morning water taxi to Anchorage Bay, then walking back (3-4 hours) in the late afternoon. This way, you save money, combine chilling on beaches with hiking, and enjoy a scenic boat ride.
Alternatively, you can do it for free with an out-and-back hike from Mārahau to somewhere like
Coquille Bay (2 hours round trip). Or if you’re sporty, rent a kayak and explore at your own pace.
If you took the boat to Anchorage Bay and are walking back to your Escape Rentals campervan, you should visit:
- Torrent Bay Viewpoint for stunning views over the idyllic bay
- Cleopatra’s Pool for a natural rock pool with a mossy rock waterslide
- Apple Tree Bay, a sandy cove full of curious, cheeky Weka
Where to Stay: There’s a self-contained camping area just outside Marahau at Porter’s Beach. It’s not well signposted, so ask a local or check CamperMate before bunking down. If you prefer facilities,
Old Macdonald’s Holiday Park offers van sites, hot showers, farm animals roaming about, and a chill vibe.
🍔 Local Tip: Grab food from the Fat Tui burger shack.
Day 6: Mārahau to Tākaka and Golden Bay – 60 km, ~1 hour
Morning: Take SH60 to venture over the
Takaka Hill. This road is a famous zigzag, and the views back toward Abel Tasman and Nelson Bay are phenomenal, especially from
Hawkes Lookout.
Once you arrive in Tākaka – the only town in Golden Bay – explore this funky town and its colourful murals, organic cafes, and laid-back people.
Park up on the main street and have a wander. Check out the local galleries, the iconic Wholemeal Café housed in an old theatre, and head to the supermarket and petrol station.
Afternoon: Just 6 km from Takaka is
Te Waikoropupū Springs, a must-see natural wonder. These are some of the clearest freshwater springs in the world, with visibility up to 63 metres!
The unbelievably transparent water has an ethereal blue tint and aquatic plants waving in the current. Important: The springs are tapu (sacred and forbidden) to Māori and off-limits for swimming or touching, so please respect the local culture.
Next, hop back into your reliable campervan and drive north for about 50 minutes. You’ll reach
Farewell Spit, the long sand spit arcing out from the South Island’s northern tip, via Collingwood and Puponga. Check out Fossil Point at the Spit’s base and the dramatic cliffs at
Cape Farewell – the northernmost point of the South Island.
Last but not least, the gem of Golden Bay:
Wharariki Beach. Continue past Puponga until you get to Wharariki carpark. From here, an easy 20-minute track over farmland leads you to the beach. You’ll see massive dunes and a wild beach facing the Archway Islands, spectacular rock islets with arch tunnels.
Where to stay: There’s a free camping site for self-contained vans at Motupipi Car Park in Takaka – a basic parking lot. Otherwise, stop at the
Hack’n Stay in Puramahoi, where this farm site offers cheap powered sites.
🦞Local Tip: Go to The Mussel Inn in Onekaka. This iconic brew pub has live music, great food (steamed mussels, anyone?), and its own beers and ciders.
Day 7: Tākaka to Nelson – 100 km, ~2 hours
Morning: Grab a coffee and a bagel before getting into your Escape Rentals van and driving up Takaka Hill again.
Once over the hill, keep going until you reach Mapua. Stop for a stroll at the Wharf, a trendy spot with galleries and stores.
Midday/Afternoon: Arrive in Nelson City and spend the day basking in its sunshine, arts scene, and quality of life.
Park the van centrally. Montgomery Square car park is a good spot.
If it’s Saturday, lucky you, go to the
Nelson Market! It’s famous for local crafts, food stalls, produce, and buskers. Great place to pick up a unique souvenir or try local goodies like manuka honey, artisan cheeses, or a whitebait fritter.
Next, explore the city on foot. Walk up the church steps to the Nelson Cathedral for a view over the town. Check out some art galleries – The Suter Art Gallery (free entry) is a lovely regional gallery with a café by the duck pond in Queens Gardens.
Finally, check out a few craft breweries (like Sprig & Fern) before grabbing a dinner of fish and chips on
Tahunanui Beach, watching the sunset over the water.
Where to stay: Camp at
Cable Bay Park for coastal freedom camping north of Nelson. Or stay central and prepare for tomorrow at the
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park, a well-known site with many facilities.
📍Local Tip: Do the short Centre of New Zealand walk (about 20–30 minutes uphill) to the symbolic central point of NZ. The view from the top is worth the sweat!
Practical Tips for Campervan Travel in New Zealand
Driving & Road Tips
You’ll find a handbook and personal guidance for driving on NZ roads in your Escape Rentals campervan, but remember these tips to stay safe:
- Drive on the left. So always stay on the left, and if it’s your first time, repeat “the driver stays in the middle of the road”.
- Respect the speed and alcohol limits. Most highways are 100km/h, but plan for slower travel (~80km/h) on winding mountain and coastal roads..
- Watch out for one-lane bridges. They’re common in rural areas, and if you see a red arrow, it means you must yield to oncoming cars.
- Beware of crossing animals. Wildlife and livestock can surprise you on roads, especially at dawn/dusk.
- Say thanks, mate. It’s common courtesy to thank drivers who let you merge or give way – a little wave will do.
- Check the weather regularly. Download the MetService app and make sure conditions are okay before mountain passes.
- Don’t get fooled by short distances. Distances in NZ can be deceiving, so always allow for extra time and avoid driving when tired or after dark.
Freedom Camping & Campsites Information
- Self-contained vehicles only. Your vehicle needs self-contained certification, otherwise, rangers can fine you $400+ for non-compliance.
- Do not camp wherever you want. Respect the locals and the whenua (land) and stick to approved areas and DOC campsites.
- Download apps before you travel. Rankers Camping NZ and CamperMate are essential for finding the best legal spots.
- Try DOC sites. They are basic and budget-friendly (some are even free), and they’re often in the most beautiful locations. Book a Campsite Pass to save!
- Plan a power-up schedule. Hit a powered campsite every 2-3 days to recharge your van’s battery.
- Travel in shoulder or off-season. There’s far more camping availability and flexibility than in peak summer months!
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Visit in shoulder season. That is March-April or October-November. The weather’s good, rates are lower, and there are fewer tourists.
- Make the most of free activities. Most hiking tracks, beaches, and viewpoints are completely free. And so are many museums.
- Plan your fuel stops. Fill up in larger towns (Christchurch, Greymouth, Westport, Nelson) where prices are cheaper.
- Go to PAK’nSAVE grocery stores. They’re NZ’s cheapest supermarket chain (and you get fuel discounts at their associated petrol stations, too!).
- Cook your meals. You’ll become a travelling chef in no time with your van’s kitchen!
- Drink tap water. It is usually safe, unless sign-posted otherwise, so refill your bottles instead of buying water.