An Incredible 3 Week New Zealand Campervan Itinerary

Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? 

This 3 week New Zealand campervan itinerary will take you from the North Island to the South Island, with stunning beaches, national parks, rainforests, mountains, & lakes to explore along the way.

I live in New Zealand and travel up and down the country often. I’ve put together this comprehensive 21-day campervan itinerary to help you experience the highlights of New Zealand without the overwhelm of planning everything all on your own.

If you’re an outdoor lover, then this is the trip for you! I’m sharing my favourite hiking trails and campsites in this guide, and hope you love these places as much as I do.

I’ve also included lots of recommendations for great places to eat, drink and shop for local food. 

So without further ado, here’s an ideal 3-week New Zealand campervan itinerary!

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!

Map of 3 Week New Zealand Campervan Itinerary

Where to hire a campervan for your 3 week New Zealand road trip

3 Week New Zealand Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Start your 3-week campervan itinerary in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and a hub for campervan rentals.

Before picking up your campervan, I highly recommend spending a night in Auckland to wear off jet lag (I’m assuming you’ll be arriving from an international flight). Believe me, you’ll want to rest up and start your road trip feeling fresh and alert!

You won’t need a vehicle for one day in Auckland, so hop in an Uber or Super Shuttle and explore the city centre on foot for a day.

Get brunch at Daily Bread in the Britomart, then take the ferry over to Devonport to stretch your legs with walks up the North Head Historic Reserve and Mount Victoria, two of Auckland’s volcanic cones. You’ll get epic views over the city and Waitemata Harbour.

Then head back to the city for a stroll along the Viaduct, where you can do a bit of fancy yacht-spotting and grab dinner and drinks before getting resting up for your road trip.

Where to stay in Auckland

• The M Social: my all-time favourite hotel in Auckland—get a room with a harbour view! 
  
  
• Travelodge: located in Wynyard Quarter, this mid-range hotel is a good place to rest your head for a night.
  
  
• Lylo: this hostel is a good budget-friendly option for a night in Auckland

Alternatively, if you choose to pick up your campervan today, here’s my guide to the best camping spots around Auckland.

Further reading: where to stay in Auckland for first-time visitors

Days 2 & 3: The Coromandel Peninsula 

Pick up your campervan, stock up on groceries, and hit the road—today, you’re heading to the beach!

The Coromandel Peninsula is home to some of New Zealand’s best beaches, and the coastal scenery is simply stunning. 

Base yourself in or around the cute seaside village of Hahei to have easy access to the Coromandel’s top attractions: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

What to do in the Coromandel Peninsula

• Walk, kayak, or cruise into Cathedral Cove Beach. Sink your toes into the golden sand and admire the impressive rock formations at this famous North Island beach.
  
  
• Dig your own hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach. Visit at or around low tide for the best experience. 
  
  
• Walk up the Hereheretaura Pa trail for panoramic sea views.
  
  
• Get a local craft beer & pizza at the Pour House.
  
  
• Have more time? Road trip up to New Chums Beach, a hidden beach accessed via a jungly bush trail. On the way to or from New Chums, get lunch at Luke’s Kitchen.

Further reading: the best campsites in the Coromandel

Day 4: Rotorua (via Hobbiton) 

Start making your way south to Rotorua, a hotspot of geothermal activity and hub of Maori culture.

On the drive from the Coromandel to Rotorua, a stop at Hobbiton is a must for Lord of the Rings Fans! Make sure to book your Hobbiton tickets in advance, as they do sell out.

Another great stop along today’s journey is the Putaruru Blue Spring, where you can take a short walk to see a crystalline pool of turquoise freshwater, the source of 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water.

What to do in Rotorua

• Wander through Kuirau Park to see geothermal activity in the midst of a city park. It’s one of the best free things to do in Rotorua!
  
  
• Visit the Whakarewarewa Redwoods and enjoy the Waitawa Walk amongst these Californian giants.
  
  
• Soak in the hot pools at your Rotorua campsite—Waikite Valley. These are some of the best hot pools around Rotorua, and you get early-morning, first-dibs access to them when you camp onsite!

Days 5 & 6: Tongariro National Park

Home to an otherworldly volcanic landscape—scenery that starred as Mordor in the Lord of the Rings films—Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage Site and must-visit place for outdoor enthusiasts.

This is one of the North Island’s best hiking destinations, so lace up your boots and get ready for some time on the trails.

On the drive from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park, visit Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland—arrive by 9:45 a.m. to see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt at 10:15. 

You’ll also pass by the lovely lakeside town of Taupo. Just before Taupo, stop at Huka Falls for a quick leg stretch. Grab lunch in Taupo at Replete Cafe, and pop down to the lake for a stroll or swim.

There’s also a well-stocked Pak n Save supermarket in Taupo, handy for any grocery top-ups you might need at this point.

What to do in Tongariro National Park

• Hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an epic 20 km day hike that takes you across a sublime volcanic setting. You’ll need to book a shuttle in advance, wear proper hiking gear, have plenty of food & water with you, and be prepared for cancellations due to poor weather. If you’re campervanning in winter, you’ll need to skip this hike unless you go with a guide.
  
  
• If the Tongariro Crossing sounds like too much work—or it’s cancelled due to the weather—there are some great alternatives. Tama Lakes is a fantastic 17.6 km day walk, and Taranaki Falls is a lovely, fairly easy 6 km loop walk. 
  
  
• Check out the beautiful Tawhai Falls, another filming site for LOTR (it featured as Gollum’s Pool). Accessing the falls requires a mellow 600 m walk.

Day 7: Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s charming capital city, known for its coffee culture, craft beer scene, and often-windy weather.

The city is set alongside a beautiful harbour and is surrounded by a lush, green town belt laced with walking trails.

Wellington is compact and walkable, so the best way to explore the city is to park up your van and get around on foot.

Spend an afternoon sightseeing around Wellington, and enjoy your last evening in the North Island—tomorrow, you’ll catch the ferry to the South Island!

What to do in Wellington

• Hike up to the top of Mount Victoria for panoramic views over the city and sea.
  
  
• Wander along the Wellington waterfront. If it’s a nice day out (admittedly rare in Welly), a swim in Oriental Bay is a must! 
  
  
• Visit the outstanding Te Papa museum.
  
  
• Take the red cable car to the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
  
  
• Sample the city’s cafe and craft beer scene. I love popping into the Garage Project Wild Workshop to see what they’ve got on offer—they always have a unique selection of craft beers and doing a tasting here is a lot of fun.
  
  
• Pop into Moore Wilson’s, a treasure trove of a supermarket and Wellington institution. It’s the perfect place to pick up supplies for a campervan cheese platter, or to do a restock for your campervan pantry.

Further reading: a perfect one day in Wellington itinerary

Where to stay in Wellington

The Wellington city centre lacks a proper campground, but there are a couple of freedom camping options for self-contained campervans only. Evans Bay Marina is the closest freedom campsite to the city centre. 

However, the freedom campsites around Wellington have limited space and can fill up quickly. If you’re up for some spontaneity, you can try your luck at getting a site. Have a backup campsite in mind.

Further reading: the best campsites around Wellington

What I recommend doing is actually just booking a hotel or hostel in Wellington for the night. Have a shower, rest up in an actual bed…it’ll be a nice treat after camping for almost a week!

Where to stay in Wellington

• Copthorne Hotel in Oriental Bay: This is my go-to hotel in Wellington. The rooms are somewhat dated, but the location is awesome—right at the base of Mount Victoria and just across the road from the sea. Make sure to get a room with a harbour view!
  
  
• Marion Hostel: A good budget-friendly option, this hostel has both shared and private rooms and is much nicer than a typical hostel.
  
  
• QT Hotel: This boutique hotel is in an excellent location near the waterfront and Te Papa Museum, and the plush rooms are perfect for a luxe break from the van.

Day 8: Marlborough 

Say your goodbyes to the North Island—today, you’re crossing the Cook Strait to head down to the South Island!

Book a morning ferry crossing to give yourself ample time to enjoy the day. There are two ferry providers—Interislander & Bluebridge—and I’d just go with whoever has the best prices and times available. Make sure to book your ferry well in advance, particularly during summer, to avoid missing out.

On a fine day, the ferry ride from Wellington to Picton is a scenic experience in and of itself. You’ll cross the wide-open seas of the Cook Strait and then cruise through the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds, where you might spot dolphins and penguins frolicking about.

Then you’ll disembark in the seaside port town of Picton, and your South Island adventures begin!

What to do in the Marlborough Region

• Go for a walk in the Marlborough Sounds. Governor’s Bay and the Cullen Point lookout are both short, lovely walks. Or head out for a day walk on the Queen Charlotte Track.
  
  
• Go swimming in the Marlborough Sounds—on a warm day, the calm waters are so inviting!
  
  
• If you’re a wine lover, you may want to beeline down to Blenheim to sample the local drop: sauvignon blanc, the region’s specialty. Cloudy Bay or Saint Clair are both great choices for lunch and a wine tasting.
  
  
• Look for glow worms at night on a short walk right from your campsite at Momorangi Bay.

Days 9 & 10: Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland known for its fern-filled forests, golden sand beaches, and calm, crystal-clear waters.

The park is best enjoyed on foot or kayak (or both!), so get ready for some active adventures in this slice of paradise.

On the drive to Abel Tasman National Park, make sure to stop at Pelorus Bridge for a refreshing swim in the river, or go on a short bush walk to stretch your legs.

Another great little stop along the drive is Old Factory Corner in Appleby, where you’ll find a wonderful little shopping destination that’s home to Conning’s Food Market (a fresh produce store), the Junction (a local cheese shop), and Good For (a wholefoods refillery). Stop here to stock up on cheese platter and campervan meal supplies before heading into the national park.

What to do in Abel Tasman National Park

• Walk a section of the Abel Tasman Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. A popular day walk option involves taking a water taxi to Anchorage Bay, then walking from Anchorage Bay to Marahau at your leisure, dipping into any beach coves that strike your fancy. Optional side trips include Cleopatra’s Pool or Te Pukatea Bay.
  
  
• Explore the national park via water on a kayak—there are options for self-guided kayak hires or guided tours.
  
  
• Visit Kaiteriteri Beach and walk the picturesque trail to Stephens Bay via Little Kaiteriteri. Pack your swimsuit and a picnic!
  
  
• Check out Split Apple Rock, a unique rock formation that sits atop the sea.

Day 11: Punakaiki

After the calm waters of Abel Tasman National Park, it’s time to see coastline of a different variety: the wild West Coast.

Make your way to Punakaiki, where you’ll find pancake rocks, nikau palm-filled forests, and misty rugged beaches.

To fuel up for your drive to Punakaiki, I highly recommend grabbing breakfast and coffee at Toad Hall Cafe in Motueka. 

And if you’re up for a short detour, visit Nelson Lakes National Park along today’s drive. Walk out onto the scenic jetty at Lake Rotoiti and go for a short walk in the beech forest for a break from the car.

What to do in Punakaiki

• See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes along an easy 1.1 km loop walk. Visit around high tide to best see the blowholes in action.
  
  
• Walk the 7 km Pororari River Trail under a canopy of coastal rainforest.
  
  
• Visit Truman Beach, where a 1.4 km rainforest walk leads to a picturesque beach cove with a wispy waterfall that cascades onto the sand. Visit around low tide if you want to walk on the beach.
  
  
• Watch a west coast sunset at the beach in front of your campground.

Note: there are no shops in Punakaiki and dining options are extremely limited. If you need anything, stock up in Motueka after leaving Marahau.

Day 12: Franz Josef

Continue south down the West Coast to Glacier Country, home to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier and towns of the same names.

Along today’s drive, there’s a very worthy detour to check out: Hokitika Gorge, where you’ll enjoy a 2.1 km walk to see a vibrant blue river gorge surrounded by pale limestone cliffs. It’s striking. On a nice day, it’s a must-see.

The town of Hokitika itself also makes for a lovely stop. Hokitika is a cute town filled with artisan shops, a driftwood-strewn beach, and the wonderful Hokitika Sandwich Co, making it the perfect lunch stop. You’ll also find a well-stocked New World supermarket in Hokitika if you need to top up supplies.

What to do in Franz Josef

• Walk the 1.7 km Franz Josef Glacier Walk to see the Franz Josef glacier from afar. The glacier is retreating at a rapid rate and it’s hard to see these days without taking a tour, but this walk is pleasant nonetheless and still worth doing.
  
  
• If you’re keen to splash out, book a helicopter tour to see the glacier up close.
  
  
• There are some other nice walks around Franz Josef, including Callery Gorge and Peter’s Pool.

Tip: if you prefer off-the-beaten-path places, consider staying 27 km north of Franz Josef in Okarito. Okarito is far less touristy than Franz Josef and is a gorgeous, quiet spot in the midst of nature. Camp at the Okarito Community Campground, one of my favourite campsites in the South Island. Hike the Okarito Trig Walk, go kayaking in the Okarito Lagoon, or just enjoy a sunset beach bonfire. It’s a lovely spot.

Days 13 & 14: Wanaka

Wanaka is a charming lakeside town with relaxed vibes and mountainous surroundings. 

Visitors often rate Wanaka as one of their top South Island destinations—it’s a mecca for hiking, biking & water-based activities like kayaking and swimming. And when you’re done with a day of adventuring around Wanaka, head to town for a craft beer and meal at one of Wanaka’s delicious eateries.

The drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka via Haast Pass is a full day’s adventure in and of itself. So, get an early start on your day and make the most of your epic surroundings!

What to do between Franz Josef & Wanaka

• Walk the scenic 4.4 km trail around Lake Matheson, located a 10-minute drive from Fox Glacier. This beautiful forested trail leads to lookouts over Lake Matheson, which reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror when conditions are calm.
  
  
• Stretch your legs at Ship Creek and keep your eyes peeled for Hector’s dolphins in the sea.
  
  
• Stop at the beautiful waterfalls along Haast Pass—Thunder Creek Falls, Roaring Billy Falls, & Fantail Falls are all worthy of a look.
  
  
• Visit the incredible Blue Pools via a 3 km bush walk. The turquoise glacial waters of the Blue Pools need to be seen to be believed!

What to do in Wanaka

• Swim, kayak or just chill out at Lake Wanaka.
  
  
• Go hiking. The Rob Roy Glacier Track is my favourite day hike near Wanaka, but check with the DOC Visitor Centre before heading out, as the road to get there can be a bit gnarly. Other hiking options include Roy’s Peak, Diamond Lake/Rocky Lookout, and Mount Iron.
  
  
• Walk along the peaceful lakeside trail to see the famous Wanaka Tree. Make what you will of the tree, but the walk to get there is delightful! I like to continue walking along the trail to Waterfall Creek before turning around.
  
  
• Enjoy a craft beer at one of Wanaka’s breweries—B.Effect, Rhyme x Reason, & Ground Up are all great.
  
  
• Get a meal at the Burrito Craft food truck, Big Fig, or Red Star Burgers. For breakfast, I love Scroggin and Curbside Bagels.

Day 15: Te Anau

Te Anau is known as the gateway to Milford Sound, but this lakeside town is worth spending some time in, too. 

On the drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, stop for a photo-op at the historic Cardrona Pub, then make your way over the Crown Range Road, New Zealand’s highest main road. 

Note that some campervan rental companies prohibit driving over the Crown Range Road, so check your van’s T’s & C’s beforehand. If you’re prohibited from this drive, just take the slightly longer route via Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge.

A nice little detour along today’s drive is Arrowtown, a charming town from the gold mining era. Get a coffee at Wolf Coffee Roasters and walk along Buckingham Street and the beautiful Arrow River before hopping back in the car. I also recommend a visit to the Royalburn Farm Shop to pick up some local produce and other gourmet goodies.

You’ll drive right past Queenstown today but will return in just a couple of days to properly visit it. For now, enjoy the scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu and wide-open countryside as you make your way south to Te Anau and Fiordland National Park.

What to do in Te Anau

• Do a day walk on the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s multiday Great Walks. I like the sections from the Control Gates to Brod Bay (5.6 km), or Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay (6 km). Both are mellow out-and-back walks in dense beech forest that feels like something out of a fairytale.
  
  
• Enjoy sunset golden hour from the Marakura Wharf.
  
  
• Watch the short film Ata Whenua – Shadowland at the Fiordland Cinema.
  
  
• Stock up on food & fill up your campervan’s fuel tank in preparation for tomorrow’s journey to Milford Sound!

Further reading: the best campsites around Te Anau

Day 16: Milford Sound

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most incredible natural treasures. It’s actually a fiord, despite the name, but all you really need to know is that Milford Sound is an epic place filled with mountains, waterfalls, and deep blue water that’s home to dolphins, penguins and seals.

While Milford Sound gets all of the fame, a little-known truth is that the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is just as incredible as Milford Sound itself. It’s one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand, packed with mountainous, forest-cloaked scenery; picturesque roadside lookouts; and fantastic hiking trails.

So, get an early start on the day to savour the journey to Milford Sound.

What to do in (and around) Milford Sound

• Just before leaving Te Anau, pop into Milford Road Merchant for a hot coffee & bakery treat.
  
  
• Do a day walk on the drive to or from Milford Sound. Key Summit (6.8 km; moderate) and Lake Marian (6.2 km; hard) are both excellent options.
  
  
• Stop for brief leg-stretches at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, & the Chasm.
  
  
• Look out for cheeky kea—New Zealand’s alpine parrot—at many of the roadside stops, particularly when you’re waiting your turn to drive through the Homer Tunnel. Just don’t feed them or let them steal your snacks.
  
  
• Enjoy the 400m Milford Foreshore Walk.
  
  
• Book a cruise or kayak tour on Milford Sound. Consider waiting until the morning of Day 17 to do your Milford Sound tour, as you’ll beat some of the daytime crowds that way.

Tip: pack insect repellent, as sandflies are usually horrendous all around Milford Sound!

Day 17: Queenstown

Make your way from Milford Sound to Queenstown, the “adventure capital” of New Zealand.

Queenstown is a buzzing town located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains. It’s a busy place, but a beautiful one. 

P.s. – there is so much to do around Queenstown, so if you have any extra days to spare in your itinerary, I’d add another night or two here!

What to do in Queenstown

• From your campsite at Driftaway, walk a section of the Frankton Track, which skirts alongside Lake Wakatipu. Make sure to visit the Queenstown Marina for a craft beer and snack at Altitude, or a treat from Boatshed Bakery.
  
  
• Head to town for a walk around the Queenstown Gardens, which are completely free to visit. There’s also a free disc golf course in the gardens; you can hire discs from the Ice Arena if you don’t have your own.
  
  
• If you’re up for a hike, climb to the top of Queenstown Hill for stunning views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Further reading: the best campsites in Queenstown

Day 18: Queenstown & Glenorchy

Spend Day 18 of your 3-week New Zealand campervan trip on a short but scenery-packed drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

Glenorchy is a small settlement located at the head of Lake Wakatipu. What makes Glenorchy special are its incredible mountainous surroundings and array of hiking trails. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream.

What to do in and around Glenorchy

• On the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, stop for a walk at Bob’s Cove. Further down the drive, the Bennett’s Bluff lookout is a good spot for views and a leg-stretch.
  
  
• In Glenorchy, stop at Mrs Woolly’s General Store for a coffee & pie, and peruse the delightful gift shop. Visit the historic Glenorchy boat shed and go for a stroll along the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway.
  
  
• Or zip past all of the above and drive beyond Glenorchy to the Routeburn Shelter in Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you’ll find the start of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s multi day Great Walks. Day hike a section of the trail, either to Routeburn Flats (14.2 km; moderate) or Routeburn Falls (19.4 km; hard). It’s one of my favourite trails in all of New Zealand, with turquoise river pools, lush beech forest, and mountain views that are sure to impress.
  
  
• Camp at Moke Lake, which is a short detour off the main Queenstown-Glenorchy road, but is well worth the effort to get there. From camp, walk all or part of the lovely Moke Lake Loop Track, or just enjoy golden hour while you chill out by the lake with your beverage of choice in hand.

Day 19: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a must-visit location for any South Island visitor who loves the outdoors. It’s a mecca of alpine scenery and hiking trails, and you’ll get to camp right amongst it all at the White Horse Hill Campground.

Drive from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Kawarau Gorge, past Cromwell and up over the Lindis Pass. There are some nice stops to make along the way, but save some time for hiking in the afternoon—you’re going to want as much time in the national park as possible!

What to do in and around Mount Cook National Park

• Enjoy the drive along turquoise-blue Lake Pukaki, which you’ll skirt alongside on the way to the national park. Peter’s Lookout is a good spot for photo-ops.
  
  
• Walk the Hooker Valley Track, which is arguably the South Island’s best day walk. You’ll cross swing bridges and boardwalks to reach a glacial lake, and on a clear day, Aoraki Mount Cook itself will be visible above it all.
  
  
• Climb over 2,000 steps to reach Sealy Tarns, where you’ll get sweeping views over the national park.
  
  
• Shorter (but still wonderful) walks include Kea Point, Tasman Lake, and the Governor’s Bush Walk.

Tip: Before heading to Mount Cook National Park, top up your groceries and fuel, as facilities are extremely limited in the national park. Twizel is the last stop for supplies, and there’s also a handy dump station and freshwater tap here.

Further reading: the best campsites near Mount Cook National Park

Day 20: Lake Tekapo

The lakeside town of Tekapo is located a relatively short drive from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. So, spend the first part of the day simply enjoying the national park, and walk any trails you didn’t get to do yesterday.

In the afternoon, make your way to Tekapo for the last night of your campervan trip. Tekapo is a cute town located on the shores of turquoise blue Lake Tekapo, and it’s a relaxed place to enjoy one more night in the South Island.

What to do in Tekapo

• Drive up to the Mount John Summit ($8 per vehicle) for incredible views over Lake Tekapo, best enjoyed over a coffee and cake from the Astro Cafe.
  
  
• See the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and walk along the lakefront.
  
  
• If you’re travelling in late spring/early summer (late November through December), you’ll be right in time for lupin season in the South Island. You’ll find swathes of pink and purple lupins all along the Tekapo lakeshore.
  
  
• Soak in the Tekapo Hot Pools while enjoying gorgeous views over Lake Tekapo.
  
  
• Get takeaway fish & chips from Better Batter to enjoy by the lake.
  
  
• At night, look up at the stars—Tekapo is part of a Dark Sky Reserve, and the stargazing is incredible on a clear night. 

Day 21: Christchurch

Make your way up to Christchurch to return your campervan and head home.

I recommend saving time for at least one stop along the way: Fairlie Bakehouse, where you’ll find some of the best pies in the country! It’s a fan favourite and for good reason. Their pork belly and applesauce pie is my favourite, but they also have veggie and gluten free options available.

Another wonderful stop is Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery in Geraldine, where you’ll find a lovely cafe and shop filled with all sorts of jams, chutneys, and sauces. I always love getting a pot of tea and scone here.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to Christchurch and return your van, and remember that you’ll need to return the van with a full fuel tank and empty wastewater tanks.

If you didn’t make use of the dump station at the Tekapo holiday park, there’s a handy public dump station in Rakaia, about 45 minutes south of Christchurch.

I hope your journey was epic and that you’ll return for another NZ road trip sometime in the future! 

Some handy guides for camping in New Zealand

I love writing about camping in New Zealand (it’s one of my favourite hobbies, after all). If you’re interested in more camping-related articles, check out the guides below!

• Everything you need to know about camping in New Zealand
  
  
• The best campsites in the North Island
  
  
• The best campsites in the South Island
  
  
• Freedom camping in the South Island
  
  
• The best campervan sites in New Zealand

Want more New Zealand itineraries?

Then check out my other campervan-friendly New Zealand itineraries!

I put a lot of love, effort and first-hand experience into my itineraries because I want you to have the best trip ever. I hope you find something just for you (and if not, just ask me and I’ll try to help!).

• 2 week New Zealand campervan itinerary
  
  
• 4 week New Zealand itinerary
  
  
• 10 day South Island itinerary
  
  
• 3 week South Island campervan itinerary
  
  
• 2 week South Island campervan itinerary
  
  
• Christchurch to Queenstown road trip (5-7 days) < a reader favourite!
  
  
• Auckland to Queenstown road trip (14 days)

Thanks for reading my 3 week New Zealand campervan itinerary!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your NZ campervan trip. 

As always, please reach out in the comments or email me if you have any questions or feedback. I always love hearing from you!