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Dunedin & Central Otago

A New Zealand campervan holiday to Dunedin and Central Otago offers a truly unique travel experience. Situated on the southeastern coast of the South Island, Dunedin is known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian and Edwardian architecture, while Central Otago, a short drive inland, offers dramatic landscapes characterised by rugged mountains, rolling plains, and crystal-clear lakes. Dunedin is a city that prides itself on its educational and cultural richness, home to the prestigious University of Otago and an array of museums and galleries. Dunedin’s weather can be cooler than other parts of New Zealand, with crisp, clear days perfect for exploring the historic streets or nearby natural attractions.

Central Otago offers a stark contrast with its semi-arid terrain, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as biking along the Otago Central Rail Trail and wine tasting at some of New Zealand's highest altitude vineyards. The region's dry climate and dramatic seasonal changes serve as a stunning backdrop for adventure and relaxation alike. Park up overnight in a Dunedin holiday park or find a secluded spot near one of Central Otago's picturesque lakes. With the convenience of your campervan, you can comfortably switch between urban exploration in Dunedin and remote escapes in the wilds of Otago. Whether you're drawn to Dunedin's cultural scene or the rugged beauty of Otago’s outdoors, this region promises a memorable experience.

 

Why explore Dunedin & Central Otago by campervan

Exploring Dunedin and Central Otago by campervan is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the region's unique blend of cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. With a campervan, you dictate the pace and path of your journey. In Dunedin, you can easily navigate from the bustling shopping centre to quiet, windswept beaches along the Otago Peninsula. In Central Otago, the freedom to roam allows you to discover hidden gems, from secluded vineyards to historic gold mining towns, all at your own pace. The ability to spontaneously decide where to go next, from a morning exploring Dunedin’s architectural marvels to an afternoon tasting pinot noirs amidst the hills of Central Otago, is a true luxury.

Travelling by campervan not only offers all the comforts of home, including your own kitchen, bed, and living space but also saves you the hassle of packing and unpacking at each new destination. Plus, having your own facilities means you’re never far from a homecooked meal or a comfortable bed, even if you find yourself in the remote reaches of the region.

 

Things to do in Dunedin & Central Otago

Dunedin and Central Otago abound with diverse attractions, blending rich history with exhilarating outdoor pursuits and gourmet experiences. In Dunedin, discover the opulence of Larnach Castle or engage with local history at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. For wildlife lovers, the area offers close encounters with unique species like the yellow-eyed penguin. Moving inland to Central Otago, you can hit the scenic cycle trails, savour exquisite pinot noirs at local vineyards, or try gold panning in Cromwell. Activities like water sports on Lake Dunstan also offer plenty of thrills, ensuring every traveller finds something to cherish.

15 Must Do's in New Zealand’s South Island 15 Must Do's in New Zealand’s South Island

15 Must Do's in New Zealand’s South Island

    An Apollo campervan offers you the freedom to create your own travel itinerary. From whale watching in Kaikoura to southern...
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Popular Dunedin & Central Otago road trips & itineraries

Dunedin and Central Otago, situated in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island, are regions steeped in natural beauty and cultural richness. Travelling by campervan allows you to freely explore the varied landscapes – from Dunedin’s rugged coastline to Central Otago’s golden hills – and discover a network of routes dotted with historical sites, quaint towns, and scenic camping spots. Whether cruising through Dunedin’s architectural marvels or winding through the vineyard-clad valleys of Central Otago, each journey is an invitation to delve deeper into the heart of the south. 

North Island | Auckland to Napier Road Trip Itinerary

North Island | Auckland to Napier Road Trip Itinerary

From the land of the living stars of Waitomo, the great Lakes and volcanoes of the central plateau to the thermal capital of Rotorua, this route is amazing

 
 
 
 

Day 1: Auckland - Hamilton - Lake Arapuni

Travel time: 3hrs

Distance: 200km

Your first day sees you head south towards Hamilton and its wonderous world class gardens before taking some time to explore and meet the locals at Hamilton Zoo or the stunning renaissance gardens. After stretching your legs, why not hit the water with a kayak on the mighty Waikato river?  Spend the afternoon at the amazing sanctuary at Mountain Maungatautari. At 3,400ha, this is one of the world's largest fence protected, pest free areas and contains New Zealand's endemic species living how they did before the introduction of mammals. From bats to birds, reptiles to giant Weta, take a walk back in time in our real-life version of Jurassic park - less the dinosaurs!

Highlights

Where to stay:  Camp the night at one of the many campsites to be found surrounding the beautiful Lake Arapuni which is a fabulous swimming lake. Arapuni Landing freedom camping area is our favorite.

Apollo hint: If you enjoy a surf or want to learn, make sure to stop off at Raglan on your way south. It is home to New Zealand’s best surf beach and numerous surf schools if you want to learn!

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Day 2: Lake Arapuni – Rotorua

Travel time: 1hr 30mins

Distance: 86km

It’s time to say Kia ora to Frodo and the hobbits at Hobbiton as you venture into the Lord of the Rings Universe in the best way possible.

Next up it’s time you explore the Pacific Ring of Fire! It’s a notorious mix of tectonic plate boundaries and fault lines which has provided the building blocks for both the pacific land masses and its infamous geo-thermal activity. No surprises to find that Rotorua lies right in the thick of it and with its plethora of thermal parks with bubbling hot pools, skyward shooting geysers and natural hot springs, it has earned its moniker as the thermal capital of New Zealand while also being a hub of Maori and Pacifica culture making it one of New Zealand’s top destination towns.

Finish off the afternoon at Te Puia, home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, one of the few places you can watch master carvers breathing life into their amazing works of art. In the evening, enjoy a Maori and Pacifica cultural show at Mitai Village along with a fabulous hungi for dinner. After dinner, do the nightlights tree tops walk at Redwood forest where you can explore between massive redwoods that are over a hundred years old.

Highlights

Where to stay: Overnight Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park or nab one of the 3 free spaces on the waterfront at the freedom camping area at the Rotorua yacht club or stay at the larger freedom camping area near the Polynesian spa.

Apollo hint: Check out the government gardens and Rotorua museum, a wonderful garden to explore and a very unique colonial building, plus a great museum to get lost in!

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Day 3: Rotorua - Orakei Koroko - Lake Taupo

Travel time: 1hr 30mins

Distance: 102km

If you’re up for a challenge, white water raft the kaituna river, a grade 5 rafting river where you have the opportunity to do the highest (7 meters!) commercial waterfall raft drop in the world. Immerse yourself in New Zealand on both a natural and cultural level. There are many thermal attractions to choose form, but our favorite is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother has spent thousands of years sculpting this thermal area, complete with dazzling colors and geysers reaching for the skies. Make sure you relax at the hot and cold stream after your visit to Wai-O-Tapu.

Ever heard of the Golden fleece terrace? Your next stop today is at one of New Zealand's few remaining geothermal hidden gems at Orakei Korako where you will also find geysers, bubbling mud pools and one of only two geothermal caves in the entire world! Camp here, or on the outskirts of Lake Taupo on the mighty Waikato river.

Highlights

Where to stay: Reids Park Farm freedom camping area is located right next to the Waikato river and makes for an idea place to spend a night or you can pick one of the many scenic camp sites located in and around the center of town.

Apollo hint: If you want to camp short of Taupo, call ahead to Orakei Korako as they allow guests to stay on site. With access to their facilities, a lovely grass picnic area and amazing lake views, it is a very unique place to camp.

 

Day 4: Explore Lake Taupo

Start your day with a short drive to Huka falls on the mighty Waikato river, where you can watch over 220,000 liters PER SECOND barrel over an 11m high waterfall. Just a few minutes away you will find the Craters of the Moon, a boardwalk through an extraordinary thermal landscape.

Time to head into Lake Taupo, the adventure capital of the north and home to some amazing experiences. For thrill seekers river rafting and jet boating await those looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy some of the best fishing in the world, river rafting, lake cruises and the many short walks that lead to some amazing vistas. A must see are the massive Maori carvings at Mine Bay, best explored by kayak.

Highlights

Where to stay: Motutere Bay Top 10 Holiday Park is the only lake side camp site on Lake Taupo. It is an excellent option for those wanting to do some fishing as it lies between Taupo and Turangi while also being just 45 minutes from the ski fields for winter trips.

Apollo hint: While many people visit Huka falls, lots of people miss the amazing walk through “craters of the moon” just a few minutes away while catching the flood gates open at 12pm at Aratiatata Rapids is also a pretty awesome experience!

 

Day 5: Lake Taupo - Napier

Travel time: 2hrs

Distance: 141km

Start early with a refreshing swim at the steam park before headintg to the skies for the best view of the Lake Taupo super volcano possible - as you plummet towards it! Next you cross the Rangataiki plains and travel through the edge of the Kaingaroa forest, the Waipunga river valley is the beginning of your winding climb towards Hawkes Bay. Make sure you stop off at the impressive Waiupunga falls.

As the scenery changes to rolling meadows and gentle hill country, you will have entered one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, Hawkes Bay. There is no better welcome than that at Trelinnoe park, on the old Taupo Road. This beautiful park is home to a massive 30-acre garden and café and is one of New Zealand's finest woodland gardens.

Arriving in to Napier, make a visit to Mission Estate Vineyard. Established in 1851, it is New Zealand's oldest winery and a wonderful place to pop in and taste some of the area's unique flavors for dinner or for a harder earned afternoon, climb the scenic Te Mata Peak Walk

Highlights

Where to stay: Perfume Point Freedom Camping Area is a lovely site to call home for the night with great coastal views and just down the road from Bluff Hill Lookout.

Apollo hint: If you fancy a bit of wild swimming, make a visit to the Otumuheke Stream Spa Park which is free to enter where you can relax in a geothermally heated stream.

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Day 6: Napier – Waitomo or join the Pacific Coast Highway

Travel time: 4hrs

Distance: 290km

Spend the morning exploring Napier, a funky town that is home to the greatest collection of art deco in New Zealand and takes the moniker of Art Deco capital of the world. There was a massive rebuild following a huge earthquake in 1931 making the architecture in Napier unique and helping to create a wonderous town.

There are lots of awesome places to visit in Napier outside of the art deco landscape. Otara Pa, the National Aquarium and the huge gannet colony are all of international significance while the Botanical Gardens are quite stunning.

Here is your chance to pick your own adventure. Overnight in Napier and join the Pacific Coast Highway to extend your holiday and check out more sites and adventures or head towards Waitomo to complete your 7-day loop journey.

Later in the day, get behind the wheel and start to head back North, stopping for dinner at the lovely Te Kuiti. Grab a picture at its massive statue commemorating its place as the sheep shearing capital of New Zealand and say hello to the statue of Sir Colin “Pine Tree” Meads, one of our most famous and influential All Blacks. It just doesn’t get much more kiwi than that! End the day in Waitomo, ready for a fantastic tour in the morning.

Highlights

Where to stay: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday park provides an ideally placed campsite close to the caves, while there is a lovely free camping spot down the road at Te Anga at a lovely scenic lookout

Apollo hint: If you are in the Hawks Bay on a Sunday, be sure to check the vibrant farmers market in Hastings where you can try and buy some amazing local produce while being treated to some great live music from some local bands.

 

Day 7: Waitomo – Auckland

Travel time: 4hrs

Distance: 250km

Start your day with a spa at the holiday park before grabbing the first tour of the day at the world famous and equally amazing Waitomo glow worm caves. Let the land of the living stars dazzle as the underground stars wash over you thanks to New Zealand's endemic glow worm species. The grotto offers ambiance and luminescence as you explore first by foot and then by small boat through the cave system.  Depending on your return time, you can also make a trip down the scenic Te Anga road to the Mangapohue natural bridge, a 17m high limestone arch and the amazing falls at Makrokopa often described as the most beautiful in the country. After, jump back on the main road for your trip back to Auckland and your drop off.

Highlights

Apollo hint: By doing the first tour of the morning at Waitomo, not only will you beat the tour buses, but you will also be the first to see the glow worms before they are disturbed throughout the day.

 

Ready to explore?

 

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Great savings on your New Zealand road trip

Apollo offers a fantastic selection of deals and specials for those looking to explore New Zealand by campervan. From hot deals and last-minute discounts to long-term hire benefits, you’re sure to find a deal designed to help you make the most of your campervan adventure. 

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Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

Setting out from Apollo's Christchurch branch, the road trip through the Canterbury Plains and alongside the Southern Alps is breathtaking, with stops like Lake Tekapo and the historic town of Oamaru enriching your travel experience. 

Queenstown

Departing from Apollo's Queenstown branch, you're perfectly positioned to explore both the adventurous heart of the South Island and the tranquil beauty of Central Otago before reaching Dunedin. 

Auckland

From Apollo Auckland, the multi-day trip to Dunedin and Central Otago – we suggest 10-14 days – offers a comprehensive tour of the North and South Islands, including crossing the Cook Strait by ferry

Auckland City Skyline

Auckland

New Zealand’s multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts and culture.

 

Christchurch City, New Zealand

Christchurch

 One of the world’s most unique destinations.

 

Queenstown

Breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-pumping adventure activities.

 

Helpful tips for visiting Dunedin & Central Otago

 

Climate and seasons in Dunedin & Central Otago

Dunedin and Central Otago offer distinct climate experiences that reflect the diverse landscapes of the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island.

Dunedin enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters, tempered by its coastal position.

  • Summer (December to February) are generally mild, with temperatures hovering around 15°C to 22°C, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities along the city’s beaches and exploring the lush Otago Peninsula.

  • Autumn (March to May) sees cooler temperatures and is a great time to witness the changing colours of the city's abundant foliage.

  • Winter (June to August) in Dunedin can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to 5°C to 10°C, but the city’s historical and cultural sites continue to draw visitors.

  • Spring (September to November) rejuvenates the city with mild weather and blossoming gardens, perfect for outdoor adventures before the colder months set in.

Central Otago contrasts sharply with a more continental climate, characterised by hot dry summers and cold winters.

  • Summers see temperatures that can climb above 25°C, making it an excellent time for exploring the region’s famous vineyards and outdoor recreational activities.
  • Autumn brings a dramatic change in landscape colour, particularly vivid in the vineyard areas, with cooler but still pleasant temperatures.
  • Winter sees temperatures often falling below freezing, blanketing the region in snow, which transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, popular for photography and winter sports.
  • Spring slowly warms up the land, thawing lakes and rivers, and ushering in a season of growth and renewal.

 

 

 

What to pack

Preparing for your campervan adventure in Dunedin and Central Otago requires thoughtful packing to accommodate the varying climates and activities these regions offer. Here’s what to consider bringing along to make the most of your trip:

  • Outdoor gear: Given the diverse environments in Dunedin and Central Otago, versatile outdoor gear is essential. For Dunedin's coastal walks and city explorations, lightweight, breathable clothing will serve you well, complemented by a waterproof jacket for unpredictable showers. Central Otago's more extreme temperatures call for sun hats and high SPF sunscreen in summer, and warm, insulating layers in winter, especially if you plan to engage in snow sports or explore the frosty landscapes.

  • Campervan add-ons: Enhancing your campervan with a few extras can significantly improve your comfort and convenience. A portable heater might be necessary for chilly Central Otago nights, while a fan can keep you cool during the dry summer heat. Additionally, outdoor chairs and a table will expand your living space, perfect for enjoying the scenic views at your leisure.

  • Sun protection: Sun protection is crucial year-round due to New Zealand’s strong UV rays, particularly in the exposed and high-altitude areas of Central Otago. Pack broad-spectrum sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Insect repellent will also be useful, especially in the warmer months when sandflies and mosquitoes are more prevalent.

For more helpful ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for your campervan road trip.

 

 

Nearby attractions and day trips from Dunedin & Central Otago

 

  • The Otago Peninsula tretching along the southern edge of the Otago Harbour, is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and incredible wildlife. This area is a haven for nature lovers, offering opportunities to see rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross in the world. The peninsula’s rolling hills and rugged cliffs provide perfect vantage points for breathtaking views and photography.
  • Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, offers a glimpse into the country’s colonial past, set against the backdrop of expansive gardens and the scenic Otago Peninsula. Built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant and politician, the castle features beautifully restored Victorian-era rooms and a unique collection of New Zealand antiques. The gardens are a highlight, recognised as a Garden of International Significance, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Baldwin Street in Dunedin is famous for being the world's steepest residential street, attracting visitors from all over the globe. The street offers a challenging but quirky walk, rising significantly over its short 350-metre length.
  • Dunedin Railway Station is a stunning architectural marvel, known as the ‘Gingerbread House’ because of its ornate Flemish Renaissance style. Completed in 1906, the station is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. Visitors can admire its detailed mosaic floors, stained glass windows, and grand booking hall. The station also serves as the departure point for scenic railway journeys that explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding Dunedin.
  • Tunnel Beach, just south of Dunedin, offers dramatic coastal scenery with sandstone cliffs, arches, and headlands. Accessible through a short walk that includes a tunnel down to the beach – hand-carved in the 1870s – this spot is perfect for those looking to explore a more secluded part of the coastline. The beach is particularly striking at sunset and is a popular location for romantic walks and picnics.
  • Otago Harbour is a long, narrow inlet associated with the bustling city life of Dunedin and the tranquil beauty of the Otago Peninsula. It's a hub for water activities, including sailing, fishing, and kayaking. The harbour is also a vital part of the local ecosystem, supporting a variety of birdlife and marine species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching.
  • Moeraki Boulders, located on Koekohe Beach along the Otago coast, are huge, almost perfectly spherical stones. These natural wonders were created by the cementation of mudstone over millions of years, with some over two metres in diameter.
  • The Catlins Coast, stretching between Balclutha and Invercargill, offers a remote and rugged landscape with a wealth of natural attractions. Visitors can explore dense rainforests and meet unique wildlife. Highlights include Nugget Point with its iconic lighthouse and the dramatic Purakaunui Falls.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to family friendly things to do in Dunedin.

 

Where to stay in Dunedin & Central Otago with a campervan

When it comes to finding the perfect spot to park and rest in Dunedin & Central Otago, there's no shortage of picturesque, comfy campgrounds. Here are a few worth checking out:

Dunedin

 

 

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