Why explore Nelson & Marlborough by campervan

Travelling in a campervan, especially through beautiful areas like Nelson and Marlborough, turns a simple holiday into a series of unforgettable experiences. It's your adventure, at your pace, surrounded by the comfort and convenience that only campervan travel can offer. With a campervan, you're not tied down. You can linger over a long lunch in a Nelson café or decide to spend an extra day tasting wines in Marlborough because you've fallen in love with the scenery.

The journey itself becomes part of the fun when you're in a campervan. It's about making spontaneous stops at breathtaking lookouts, enjoying your morning coffee in the middle of postcard-perfect views, and finding your own special spot to watch the stars. Stumbled upon a hidden gem in Golden Bay or found a hiking track in Marlborough you’d like to tackle? With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore it as much as you like.

Things to do in Nelson & Marlborough

Nelson and Marlborough are rich with activities and attractions, offering something special for every kind of traveller. For families on holiday, there are endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Nelson to the interactive and educational experiences in the region's museums and galleries. Food enthusiasts will revel in the culinary journey through Nelson and Marlborough, from the fresh seafood of the coastal areas to the exquisite flavours of the region's renowned wineries. Whether you're indulging in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough or sampling local artisan produce at a Nelson market, your taste buds are in for a treat. Adventure seekers and nature lovers won't be left wanting either. With activities like kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, the great outdoors is your playground. And for those looking to unwind, the charming towns scattered throughout the region offer a peaceful retreat with their unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Hannah Klein / Tuesday, 9 August 2022

/ Categories: NZ blog

6 Reasons Why Van Travel is the Best Way to see New Zealand

What better way to see NZ than staying and playing in its most spectacular locations, all from the comfort of an Apollo campervan or motorhome. See why you should road trip holiday this year.

New Zealand is the poster child for larger-than-life natural beauty.

Home to towering mountain ranges, striking national parks and landscapes fit for blockbuster movies (did someone say The Lord of the Rings?), it’s no surprise New Zealand attracts almost 4 million travellers a year.

Take it from us, New Zealand is best enjoyed by fully immersing yourself in the scenery with the same enthusiasm and energy of an All-Black diving headfirst into a tackle.

What better way to see NZ than staying and playing in its most spectacular locations, all from the comfort of an Apollo campervan or motorhome?

Read on for six reasons why van travel is the best way to see New Zealand.

1. Experience freedom camping

Freedom at its finest is about taking things at your own pace, having full control of your itinerary, and immersing yourself in the here and now.

In other words, freedom = camper holidays. Hiring a campervan in New Zealand lets you take full advantage of freedom camping - as long as you abide by freedom camping regulations.

What is freedom camping? Think of New Zealand as one giant campground, where you get to pick and choose what postcard-worthy vista becomes your backyard for the day.

The privilege of freedom camping isn’t accessible to all vehicles, so be sure to check your vehicle is freedom camping certified and fully self-contained before setting off on your adventure. Wanting to double check? Chat to our friendly staff to confirm.

With great power comes great responsibility, and it’s the mission of every New Zealand local and traveller to commit to the “Tiaki Promise” – care and conservation of the land.

Put simply, you’re a guardian of the land, sea and nature, agreeing to tread lightly and leave no trace. You must promise to respect the culture and local communities, and travel with an open heart and mind.

Woman in campervan by a lake

2. Vanlife is all about locations, locations, locations

Welcome to the ultimate room with a view, your Apollo camper.

Since New Zealand is the master of taking dreamlike landscapes, dialling them up to 100 and adding nature sounds, you’d be wise to sleep amongst its iconic wilderness rather than in a traditional hotel room.

What nature scenes await? Pull up beside the glassy waters of Lake Tekapo for towering mountains and mirrorlike reflections.

On your next day, drive along raised roads to Arthurs Pass to capture the feeling of soaring through valleys flanked with green and white-capped behemoths.

When you campervan, you don’t need to leave time to commute to and from the hotel. Your home on wheels can be right on the doorstep of the day’s adventure.

New Zealand aerial shot of coastline

3. Experience seasonality

What do vans and New Zealand have in common? Both have a (Welling)ton to offer all year round.

While NZ summers bring verdant green scenes and a plethora of outdoor adventures, June to August gifts travellers with smooth snowfields, winter wonderland scenes and frozen glaciers in stark contrast to its lush summers.

Whether your holiday aligns with sunny or ski seasons, your van is kitted out with everything you’ll need to keep warm in winter and cool in summer - view our vehicle features here.

Apollo van with New Zealand wild flowers on roadside

4. Make your trip spontaneous

Everyone’s heard of island time, but have you heard of campervan time? With no stressful check in lines or hotel room dramas, buckle up and take your holiday at your own pace.

Not only does a home on wheels let you stay in your favourite destinations, you also dictate the length of your stay and enjoy the perks of a flexible itinerary.

Friendly Kiwi told you about an awesome local gem? Sweet as bro - consider it added to the itinerary.

As a teaser for the adventures-on-wheels that await, check out these two driving itineraries or build your own:
o 9 day itinerary from Christchurch to Queenstown via Dunedin
o 7 day Cape Reinga Campervan Loop

Apollo van parked next to lake

5. Time your visit with a New Zealand event and stay close to the action

Looking to experience New Zealand with all five senses?

After sorting accommodation and transport in one go, let the many food and drink events of New Zealand be your guide as you traverse the country to sample incredible seafood, meats, traditional meals, and wines.

Buckle up and leave plenty of stomach space for the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival, Wellington on a Plate foodie festival, Bluff Oyster and Food Festival or Hokitika Wildfoods Festival along the West Coast.

Are you driving a campervan or tasting truck? We’ll let you decide when visiting these 10 NZ Foodie events.

New Zealand rainforest

6. Get back to nature

How many National Parks does New Zealand have? Here’s a hint: You’ll need more than two hands to count them all.

Each with its own magic, New Zealand’s 13 National Parks offer memorable ways to reconnect with nature.

For scenery on steroids, head to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to stand before New Zealand’s tallest mountain and witness glacial landscapes blending with vibrant greenery.

Prefer to kick back and relax? Pull up the handbrake and lay out a rug on secluded beaches in Abel Tasman National Park to drink in relaxed coastal vibes.

For the hikers, Tongariro National Park calls. Its volcano-scarred landscapes and dramatic fissures are enough to wow any walker.

By staying amongst striking landscapes, you’re likely to build a closer connection to the land and learn the legends behind Māori culture.

Embrace this connection by immersing yourself in a Māori Cultural Experience, or setting up camp in significant sites where you can discover the relationship between people and place.

We highly recommend a visit to geo-thermal wonder Rotorua, a place of great significance within Māori culture and history.

Ready to road trip New Zealand? Say Kia Ora to Apollo in Auckland and Christchurch for more details.

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Popular Nelson road trips & itineraries

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson and Marlborough are prime starting points for some of the most picturesque road trips in the country. Kicking off from Nelson, you can weave through the scenic drives that unveil the artistic townships, golden beaches, and lush national parks. Heading into Marlborough, the journey continues through rolling vineyards and along the majestic Marlborough Sounds. Whether you're venturing from the urban buzz of the North Island or the rugged landscapes of the South, these regions promise memorable campervan road trip adventures tailored to every interest. Here are a few worth checking out:

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Nelson takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward taking in some of the great southern highlights along the way.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Nelson? This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry offering the opportunity to travel through the pristine Marlborough Sounds.