Pack your chilly bin, throw in your beach towels, and chuck on your jandals – summer in New Zealand is best enjoyed on the road. With secluded beaches, inviting townships and scenic roads, there’s a great deal to explore in the warmer months. One of the biggest perks about a road trip in New Zealand is the ever-changing unique natural wonders, always just a short drive away. Start your day at the beach and end it at the foot of a dormant volcano. Kickstart your day in the mountains and cruise to a rustic surfing spot before you lose daylight.
Find the perfect vessel for your summer road trip in New Zealand on Camplify, with everything from trucks with rooftop tents to luxury motorhomes available for rent across the country. What’s more, you don’t have to start your trip in a major city this time. Camplify has vans listed from Mangawhai in the north to Kingston near Queenstown. Campervan owners across the country list their beloved vans for hire meaning you can have a taste of the summer road trip life and check out some of these incredible road trip routes!
1. Wānaka to the West Coast
Wānaka is the best little small town to begin a summer adventure. Take some time to explore the local cafes and scenic walks before picking up the camper of your choice in Wānaka. With the mighty West Coast ahead of you, get excited for top spots along the way like Roys Peak, Mount Aspiring National Park and Lake Hāwea. Stay a night or two at The Camp Holiday Park before continuing on the coast. Enjoy the remote town of Haast, scoot down to Jackson Bay for some crayfish, and stop at Ship Creek for an interesting beach walk. Spend some time in Glacier Country to experience the wonder that is Fox and Franz Glacier’s. For those who are driving off-road friendly campers, check out Gillespies Beach Campsite for an overnight stay at a quintessential West Coast beach. Other top spots include Hokitika and Punakaiki, with glowworms, scenic gorges, and caves that you won’t want to miss! Allow at least 5-7 nights for this epic road trip route up the coast and back.
Browse the range of campers for hire on Camplify in Wānaka here.
2. Mount Maunganui to Whitianga
Nothing says summer in New Zealand quite like the Coromandel. On this road trip route you’ll explore towns like Waihi, Whangamatā, Pauanui and Tairua. Venture only slightly off route to check out Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own natural hot pool on the beach, Hahei which is home to one of the best beaches in New Zealand, and the stunning natural wonder of Cathedral Cove. Before you hit the sandy shores and laid-back vibes of The Coromandel, soak up what Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty has to offer. Near Tauranga, this beachy town dubbed ‘The Mount’ boasts a long stretch of beach, great for swimming and surfing. Consider booking a camper that can accommodate a few surfboards! The Mount (or Mauao) itself is a dormant volcano with incredible views from the top of its summit walking track.
This summer road trip route in New Zealand will create long-lasting memories, ticking off some of the best beaches in the country. Carry on from Whitianga to Auckland to see the big city if you so desire, and loop back to the Mount via Matamata, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours.
Check out the top campers for hire in Mount Maunganui on Camplify here.
3. Dunedin to Invercargill
Start at the bottom and work your way even further south, with a South Island road trip from Dunedin to Invercargill. At first glance, this may appear to be a city-to-city roadie in a secluded part of the country, but this isolated route is packed with gems to visit along the way. Hire the perfect campervan or caravan in Dunedin. This awesome city is a haven for avid surfers, so you’ll likely find some summer-ready campers fit for carrying extra toys. Take the road toward The Catlins to visit places like Kaka Point, Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls. This rugged area lies on the edge of both Otago and Southland, and with dramatic cliff edges and wildlife roaming the beaches, it’s a special place to experience.
Dunedin campervans and caravans are ready for hire on Camplify here.
4. Christchurch to Queenstown
This one is a classic, and you can take on the journey from either direction. The goodness that lies on the road between Christchurch and Queenstown includes Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo and Lake Twizel. From the gently winding road to Aorkaki Mount Cook and the lakeside campsites at the bright blue lakes of this region, this is the ultimate summer road trip route in New Zealand. Stop for a gourmet pie in Fairlie, check out the High Country Salmon Farm and indulge in cherries and real fruit ice cream in Cromwell. You’ll even pass through the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, a perfect wonder to experience from the comfort of a campervan. Christchurch has one of the widest ranges of campers available for hire on Camplify. Everything from premium motorhomes to character vans is up for grabs for summer, so you can tailor the trip to suit you.
A hop and skip to Fiordland National Park is a side trip well worth your time. Allow for some extra days on your van booking to drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, the hub of Fiordland. From here, discover other-worldly spots like Piopiotahi / Milford Sound, Patea / Doubtful Sound, several of the Great Walks of New Zealand and simply some of the most picturesque roads to travel on. Just be sure to check with your van owner via Camplify first if you’re planning to head anywhere extra remote.
5. Kumeū to Whangārei
Wine country calls for the ultimate summer adventure in New Zealand. Kumeū is nestled just 30 minutes north of central Auckland and is home to stunning wineries and restaurants. Start your journey here to skip the Auckland traffic and get on with enjoying wine tastings in the sunshine. Road trip from Kumeū to Whangārei to discover some of the best summer beach towns in the north. Check out Matakana Village and its famous farmer’s markets before heading to Omaha for surf, sun, and relaxation. Journey along the coastline up to Leigh, then cut back inland and drive until you’re officially in the Northland region. Mangawhai and Bream Bay and popular summer holiday destinations to spend time in before heading further north to Whangārei. Find out what makes this part of the country so special, and enjoy one of the best routes for a summer road trip in New Zealand.
Browse campers on Camplify up North for this road trip here.
This article was created in paid partnership with:
