Auckland

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is a hub of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Nestled between two stunning harbours, the city is also referred to as ‘The City of Sails’. From swimming and surfing to cruises and kayaking, it’s the place to be for fun on the water. But there are plenty of great things to do in Auckland for land lovers too, with fantastic hikes and bush walks, beautiful gardens, and plenty of shopping and sightseeing.

At the heart of Auckland’s appeal is its unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Take a stroll through the picturesque Viaduct Harbour, visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views, or immerse yourself in the rich Māori heritage at the Auckland Museum. Auckland combines city excitement with stunning natural landscapes, offering an unforgettable experience for every traveller. So, get ready to explore, discover, and create lasting memories in this remarkable city.

With your Apollo campervan, you can easily extend your city explorations and head out on one of the many Auckland day trips to discover pristine beaches, lush forests, and scenic vineyards. Drive to the black sand beaches of Piha, surround yourself in birdsong and native bush in the Waitākere Ranges, or take a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day of wine tasting and relaxation.

Why explore Auckland by campervan?

Exploring Auckland by campervan is a fantastic way to see the best of the region at your own pace. With an Apollo campervan, you have everything you need for the journey right there with you. No more unpacking and repacking at every stop – just hop in and go! You can start your day with a coffee by the beach, then head off for a spot of shopping or explore more Auckland attractions. The next day, you may like to discover the stunning black sand beaches of the west coast, hike the trails in the Waitākere Ranges, or enjoy a leisurely picnic in a quiet park. With a campervan, you can simply wake up and decide which awesome Auckland attractions you’ll tick off your list today!

Apollo’s campervans are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, so you can rest assured that you’ll have everything you need for a smooth journey. Motorhome travel also means you can fully embrace the spontaneity and adventure of an Auckland campervan holiday. Whether you’re exploring the city shops or heading out on a day trip, a campervan gives you the flexibility to make the most of your trip.

Things to do in Auckland

Auckland offers loads of fun activities and attractions, making it an excellent destination for campervan travellers. Start your journey at the iconic Sky Tower, where you can take in the panoramic views of the city and beyond. For a cultural experience, visit the Auckland Museum to learn more about New Zealand’s history and Māori heritage. Explore the hot spots in the city, such as the stylish cafes and boutiques in Ponsonby or Britomart. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Mission Bay, where you can walk along the beach and dine at waterfront restaurants. For family-friendly Auckland tourist attractions, the Auckland Zoo and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium are must-visits.

Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of things to do in Auckland. Explore the rugged beauty of the Hunua Ranges with its scenic hiking trails and waterfalls, or head to the east coast beaches like Tāwharanui for a day of swimming and sunbathing. For a unique experience, take a ferry to Rangitoto Island and hike to the summit of this iconic volcanic cone for stunning views of the city and beyond. The island's unique lava fields and native forest provide a fascinating landscape for exploration.

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Popular Auckland day trips & itineraries

The City of Sails is the perfect starting point for some unforgettable Auckland day trips. With an Apollo campervan, you have the freedom to explore whenever the mood strikes. How about a visit to the charming town of Matakana with its boutique vineyards and local markets? Or, head south to the iconic Hobbiton for a magical experience in the heart of Middle-earth. For an adventure underground, the Waitomo Caves offer stunning glowworm displays and limestone formations. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a longer journey, our itineraries will help you make the most of your campervan holiday in New Zealand. Check out our suggested routes and start planning your journey today!

South Island | Christchurch to Kaikoura Road Trip Itinerary

Tom Lanauze / Wednesday, 17 May 2023

/ Categories: NZ Itineraries, South Island, 5-7 Days, Iconic Road Trips, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Food & Drinks, Natural Wonders, Beaches & Surf, Outdoor Activities

South Island | Christchurch to Kaikoura Road Trip Itinerary

This 5 day trip takes you on the alpine pacific touring route to an alpine spa and adventure town, the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura and the wine trail of Waipara

Day 1: Christchurch – Kaikoura

Travel time: 3hrs

Distance: 200km

Start your trip by heading north into the wonderful Waipara wine and food district, home to some of New Zealand's best wines at some amazing vineyards with cellar doors ready for you to try them at.

As you continue North, there is a plethora of North Canterbury beaches to explore, with our favorite being those around Gore Bay. Here you can swim and surf while also check out the awesome Cathedral Cliffs.

You will pass over the scenic hundalee hills before following the picturesque coast as you play “spot the seal” all the way to your final destination of the day, Kaikoura where famously, “the mountains meet the sea”. This is one of the best wild life spotting destinations in New Zealand, if not the world. Being so close to the sea and home to a massive fishing fleet, be sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner, with blue cod and grouper being excellent local fish.

Highlights

Pegasus bay vineyard

Where to stay: Peketa Beach Holiday Park is the only campsite offering beach side pitches in Kaikoura and provides an idyllic, dog friendly campsite just outside the township.

Apollo hint: The Pegasus Bay winery is an ideal stop on your journey through wine country. A beautiful stone chateau set within beautiful gardens, it’s a lovely place for some wine tasing and lunch.

Looking out over the Waipara valley and vineyards

Day 2: Explore Kaikoura

Along with these massive mammals, you can even jump in the water with the puppies of the ocean, the New Zealand Fur Seal. On the coast itself, you can see one of New Zealand’s largest variety of sea birds including the majestic albatross as well as shearwaters, penguins and many more on the peninsula walkway. Treat yourself to the local delicacy of cray fish at the iconic “Nins Bin” while in town, especially as Kaikoura translates to “eat crayfish” in Maori!

Highlights

Kaikoura

Where to stay: Donegal House provides free camping for self-contained vehicles along with powered and unpowered sites all at this historic location complete with onsite Irish pub with live music, Irish dance and great stories!

Apollo hint: Kaikoura literally translates to “eat crayfish” so If you’re looking to try the local delicacy, Nin’s Bin is an iconic seaside stall that serves them fresh daily.

Nin's bin is the home of Kaikoura crayfish

Day 3: Kaikoura – Hanmer Springs

Travel time: 2hrs

Distance: 130km

Start the day with one of the most unforgettable experiences you will ever have. You are in one of the best places to see whales anywhere in the world thanks to the 3km deep ocean trench that runs just off Kaikoura coast. Sperm Whales reside here 12 months of the year making it the BEST place in the world to see them. Along with these locals, you also have the chance to see humpbacks (June – August) and Orca (Dec – March). Many other species of whale are sighted sporadically throughout the year and if you are very lucky, you might even see the mighty blue whale as they transit through the trench.

What a way to wave goodbye to the coast as you turn onto the inland road towards the heart of the South Island. You will pass first through the mountain ranges and then onto rolling high country of the foot hills before fowling the waiau river in and arriving in Hanmer Springs, a place of thrills and relaxation like no other. The thermal pools provide an ideal place to relax at the end of your trip, with pools ranging in temperature from a heated cool pool right up to 36C hot pools to hidden away rock pools at the perfect temperature to relax in without having to move.

Highlights

Where to stay: In the summer, there is a great Freedom Camping area at the confluence of the Hanmer and Waiau rivers giving you 24/7 access to awesome swimming holes, while in the winter the Top 10 is ideally located to give you walking access to the pools, restaurants and activities in the township

Apollo hint: Join “Pools Plus” for free to get discounted entry to the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. Adults save $7 per person-per visit!

Whale watching off the Kaikoura coast

Day 4: Explore Hanmer Springs

Take an early dip in the pools before a day of thrills. Hanmer Springs Attractions provides your one stop shop for adventure in Hanmer Springs. From jetboating to river rafting, to quad bike tours and bungy jumping, they have it all waiting for you try. The best part is, they all run from one location making it easy to do multiple tours in a day.

If you’re looking for some time to reflect in the peace and quiet, we highly recommend the short walk up conical hill. It’s just hard enough to make you feel ike you earned all the relaxation you have had while in Hanmer!

Highlights

The many adventures offered by Hanmer Springs Attractions including rafting, jetboating, clay target shooting, horse trekking and quad bike tours. They are Hanmer’s one stop shop for adventure
Conical hill walk

Art in the forest walk

Where to stay: In the summer, there is a great Freedom Camping area at the confluence of the Hanmer and Waiau rivers giving you 24/7 access to awesome swimming holes, while in the winter the Top 10 is ideally located to give you walking access to the pools, restaurants and activities in the township

Apollo hint: There is a hidden away walk called the Art in the forest walk, a lovely short walk complete with lots of intricately carved wooden animals, birds and objects. See if you can find them all!

Day 5: Return to Christchurch

Travel time: 1hr 45mins

Distance: 130km

Today is decision time, you can enjoy a final dip in the pools before following the waiau river through the foothills where you need to keep an eye out for Frog rock! After, make your way back to SH1 for a quick trip back to Christchurch or if you're not ready for the adventure to end, you can head north to start the Treasured Pathway or west to start the Great Coast Road and Glacier Highway. The best thing about travelling by motorhome and campervans is the flexibility to have the kind of holiday you want.

Highlights

Final soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
Weka Pass walkway Maori wall art
Frog rock

Apollo hint: If you have the time, there is a scenic walk on the old weka pass railway at Waikari to some ancient limestone over hangs. These are home to some early Maori wall art thanks to Maori first exploring this area 1,000 years ago!