What to do on your Christchurch campervan road trip?

With Apollo’s campervan and motorhome hire in Christchurch, you can explore every corner of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

Head north, to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, where the stunning scenery and friendly locals combine with fresh seafood and the famous Marlborough wineries. Further on you’ll be able to explore the Marlborough Sounds and the golden sands of the Tasman National Park.

To the west coast, the photo opportunities are endless. There's so much on offer including tramping, mountain biking, the glaciers of the wild West Coast and the local beers and whitebait patties. Yum!

And of course the famous southern scenic route, including the Southern Lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and Milford Sound, where every bend in the road will take your breath away. Literally millions of people come from all over the world to see our back garden, why not you!

Discover Christchurch City

Welcome to Christchurch, the doorway to the South Island. On your journey, you will discover endless natural beauty in this uniquely New Zealand setting, from snow-capped mountain ranges to lake-side vistas. However, now that you’re here, why not check out what the city of Christchurch has to offer first?

After you set off from our branch just outside the airport, cruise on into the CBD and enjoy the cultural delights of New Zealand’s oldest city. From restaurants and heritage architecture, to street art and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra concerts in Hagley Park, feast your senses on all Christchurch has to offer.

Botanic Gardens

As one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens feature the most extensive collection of local and exotic plantlife throughout New Zealand. With over 1.1 million patrons each year, these epic botanic gardens are a place of ever-evolving natural beauty. There's something new to see with every season.

Christchurch Gondola

For the best view in town, ride the Christchurch Gondola to the top of the Port Hills. This experience offers a stunning outlook over the city, the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains. At the summit, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping, the Time Tunnel Ride or a beverage and snack at the Red Rock cafe.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Want to see a Kiwi bird in its natural habitat? How about with no glass between you? At the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, you can get close to many of New Zealand’s native icons, as well as other local and introduced species. Walk around the park at your own pace and let the animals eat out of your hand, then stay for a Maori cultural demonstration or walk through the gift shop.

Your South Island campervan adventure

Ready to see the Lord of the Rings in real life? After exploring what Christchurch has to offer, it’s time for the main event. With the dazzling scenery in every direction, we lay out what the South Island has to offer, place by place. Read on to discover where our campervan hire can take you.

Lake Tekapo

Regardless of the season, Lake Tekapo is a sight to behold. Fed from a nearby glacier, bask in the reflection of the crystal clear waters, or visit one of the local cafes to gaze across this great blue expanse. When the sun sets, prepare yourself for a dazzling night time display. Known for its stargazing, local tours operate from Wednesday to Sunday, taking you to the perfect spots to witness our vast milky way.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Standing at 3724 m above sea level, Aoraki Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. On a clear day, it stands magnificently against the sky - a memorable sight for anyone to behold. For day trips to Mt Cook, we highly recommend the Hooker Valley Track. At an easy 3 hour return time, the Hooker Valley Track offers stunning views of Hooker Lake, the Mueller Glacier and, of course, Aoraki Mount Cook.

Hanmer Springs

Unlike most places, Hanmer Springs is ideal for both thrill seekers and chill seekers. The thermal springs are the perfect place to unwind after a long day’s driving, with temperatures reaching up to 36C in some pools. However, for those who are a little more restless, Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a whole host of high-octane fun. From jet boating to river rafting, to quad bike tours and bungy jumping, they have it all. The best part is, they operate from one location, making it possible to do multiple tours in a single day.

Marlborough Sounds

With over 50 conservation reserves, 1500 km of coastline and many hidden bays and quiet beaches, the Marlborough Sounds are a place to find your own piece of paradise. The perfect setting for an island hopper cruise, float between islands and coves as you drink in some of NZ’s most picturesque coastline. With the best south island wineries located in this region, the Sounds are also the ideal place to please your palate, as well as your soul.

Things to do in Christchurch

Alyssa Tresider / Friday, 17 May 2024

/ Categories: AU Blog

10 Things to See and Do in Port Douglas.

It’s time to start planning your perfect Port Douglas road trip. If you’ve been eyeing Port Douglas for a while but are not sure where to start with the wide variety of Port Douglas attractions, activities, and things to do, we have you covered. Discover why you should visit Port Douglas, the best way to explore Port Douglas and our top ten things to do in Port Douglas, Australia.

Why you should visit Port Douglas

While many people ask the question: which is better, Cairns or Port Douglas? We’re going to give you all the reasons why visiting Port Douglas should be at the top of your Queensland travel itinerary. Situated an hour north of Cairns in Far North Queensland in Australia, Port Douglas is a charming coastal town that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant atmosphere that has something for everyone.

From its world-famous beaches, world-heritage Great Barrier Reef and world’s oldest tropical rainforest (that’s a lot of global recognition in one place), if you’re asking yourself ‘is Port Douglas worth going to?’ the answer is a resounding yes. Not sure when to visit Port Douglas? See our best time to visit Queensland guide.

The best way to explore Port Douglas

The best way to explore Port Douglas is undoubtedly by a camper or motorhome road trip and this will pay off before you even reach the coastal town. Port Douglas is situated between two world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, and the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas (appropriately named the Great Barrier Reef Drive) is one of the most scenic in the world.

Once you’ve arrived in Port Douglas, your motorhome means you have the freedom to explore all the Port Douglas attractions and activities at your own pace and style. You can avoid the crowds, plan your travel itinerary according to your family’s schedule and make road trip memories that will last a lifetime.

10 things to do in Port Douglas

Unsure of how many days is enough in Port Douglas? While some people visit this coastal town for just a weekend and some stay for a fortnight, discover our top 10 things to do in Port Douglas below to help plan your Port Douglas travel itinerary.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

1. Stroll down Four Mile Beach

One of the best beaches in Queensland and an iconic Port Douglas attraction for a reason, spend a day lounging under the tropical palm trees at the famous Four Mile Beach. Take a dip in the ocean (if visiting between November and May it’s advised to use the beach swimming enclosure) or walk along the shoreline, which despite its name isn’t actually four miles long. Four Mile Beach is four kilometres in length – it just happened to have been named after a local family called ‘Fourmile!’

2. Wander Macrossan Street

Jump straight into Port Douglas’ bustling town at Macrossan Street. Lined with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants, exploring and eating your way through the culinary delights on Macrossan Street is one of the best things to do in Port Douglas.

3. Find treats at the Port Douglas markets

From 8:30 am to 1 pm each Sunday, head to the Port Douglas Sunday Markets. Here you’ll find a mixture of travellers and locals browsing through an array of artisanal crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food stalls.

4. Hike up Flagstaff Hill Lookout

Want to get moving on your Port Douglas road trip? Hike up to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Here you can capture panoramic views of Port Douglas, the Coral Sea and even the Daintree Rainforest in the distance. While beautiful throughout the day, this scene is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. Want the views without the exertion? Don’t worry you can also drive up to Flagstaff Hill to snap the perfect Port Douglas photo.

5. Get your heart rate up on a crocodile tour

One of the must-do Port Douglas activities is, of course, a Port Douglas crocodile tour. Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures 25-minute drive south of Port Douglas to learn more about these impressive beasts or to witness these ancient predators in their natural habitat, join an exhilarating Daintree River cruise.

6. Enjoy Rex Smeal Park

Famous for its sunsets and vibrant atmosphere, an afternoon picnic at Rex Smeal Park is one of the best things to do in Port Douglas. The iconic palm trees magnificently frame the surrounding Coral Sea as you watch the Port Douglas snorkelling and diving boats come in for the day.

7. Explore Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat

One of the best family friendly Port Douglas day trip attractions is the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat. Here you can get up close and personal with iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and emus, and numerous Australian birdlife. Those who dare can go face-to-face with the mighty saltwater crocodile in Wildlife Habitat’s incredible ‘Swim with the Salties’ experience.

8. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

You can’t visit Port Douglas without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. A reef so large it is actually visible from space, we can assure you it looks a lot nicer close up. Don your snorkel and mask and set out for a Port Douglas day trip you won’t soon forget. From Port Douglas you can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, dive the Great Barrier Reef, or explore one of the beautiful islands and sand cays, all teeming with colourful coral formations and diverse marine life. If you’re looking to treat yourself, combine your Port Douglas snorkelling experience with a Port Douglas sunset sail cruise, where after a day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you can relax on board with stunning sunset views across the Daintree Rainforest and Coral Sea.

9. Take a day trip to Mossman Gorge

Immerse yourself in the heart of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest at Mossman Gorge. Did you know that the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (that contains the Daintree Rainforest) is the second most irreplaceable natural world heritage site on Earth? So, it’s no wonder Mossman Gorge is a must-do Port Douglas day trip. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters and wander through the lush greenery and ancient towering trees before joining a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by the local Indigenous community.

10. Relax at Hemingway’s Brewery

A cold beer in one hand, a gorgeous view of the Port Douglas marina in front of you and a selection of handcrafted brews just waiting to be tasted – yes, sounds like an afternoon at Hemingway’s Brewery. Located in the centre of Port Douglas, tuck into delicious pub-style fare as you recount the stories of your Port Douglas adventures so far.

Image: Instagram - @kleinstadtcoco

Where to stay in Port Douglas

Once you’ve planned out your Port Douglas travel itinerary, it’s time to sort out where to stay in Port Douglas. See our top suggestions below or if you are travelling with a pet, check out our best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks guide.

Tropic Breeze Caravan Park

Like name like nature, the Tropic Breeze Caravan Park is found only a minute’s walk from the iconic Four Mile Beach so if you’re seeking sea breeze and a tropical atmosphere, you’ll want to park your motorhome here. This Port Douglas camper site has over 50 powered sites and 15 campsites and with a camp kitchen, coin operated laundry and easy to access showers and toilets. It has everything you need to be your Port Douglas road trip base.

BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park

Give yourself breathing room from the bustling Port Douglas town and book your Apollo camper in at the BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park. Situated just 7km out of town, this family friendly park is equipped with a waterpark, water slides, resort style pool, playground, and pedal carts, making it the perfect place to burn off the kids’ extra energy. Relax at one of the many ensuite, powered and unpowered campsites or make use of the two camp kitchens.

Pandanus Tourist Park

Stay nearby the Port Douglas town centre and only five minutes from Four Mile Beach at the Pandanus Tourist Park. There are numerous powered and unpowered sites suitable for campers and motorhomes, with a guest laundry, a large modern camp kitchen, a pool and Wi-Fi available on site. Don’t want to book Port Douglas tours yourself? You can also see their onsite tour desk to put your Port Douglas travel itinerary into action.

Check out Port Douglas with Apollo

What are you waiting for? Port Douglas is located just an hour’s drive north of Cairns, which makes our ultra-convenient Cairns branch (located right next to the Cairns Domestic and International Airport!) the perfect spot to start your Port Douglas road trip. Browse from our many camper and motorhome options, book online and get going. Port Douglas is waiting for you!

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Tags: Apollo Camper Queensland things to do

Where to stay in Christchurch

The Canterbury region is ideal for motorhome and campervan journeys with excellent holiday parks located close to all the popular tourist attractions and towns. These areas are well equipped for road trippers, as they have everything from kitchen and bathroom facilities to powered sites specifically for campervan rentals. Some holiday parks also offer various recreational facilities like barbeque areas, swimming pools, biking and walking trails, and small stores for basic goods.

For inspiration, check out these fantastic holiday parks which cater to motorhomes and campervans:

Tasman Holiday Park, Christchurch - Only 15 minutes from the Christchurch CBD, the Tasman Holiday Park is the perfect place to begin your holiday on New Zealand’s South Island.

Leithfield Beach Holiday Park - North of Christchurch, stop here on your way to the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy beach-side accommodation for a fraction of the price.

The Lake Tekapo Holiday Park - Stay at the top of Lake Tekapo while remaining within walking distance of the town centre, the lake’s edge and local hot springs.

For the more adventurous Christchurch campervan travellers, you can also free camp in certain places throughout the South Island. Freedom camping is a great way to explore New Zealand on a budget, but it comes with strict rules and regulations. You must have a certified self-contained vehicle with your own toilet, shower and waste disposal facilities on board. If you’re planning to free camp in your motorhome rental, Christchurch City Council has rules and regulations about where you can stay.

Why choose Apollo for campervan and motorhome hire in Christchurch?

Apollo is New Zealand’s leading provider of premium quality motorhome and campervan rentals. Designed and built by expert RV manufacturers, our entire fleet is custom-made for New Zealand’s unique climate and terrain. Whether you are looking for your next adventure or want to enjoy a relaxing scenic drive, the best way to explore Christchurch is with an Apollo campervan.

We offer a wide range of campervan and motorhomes to suit any budget and group size. Each vehicle is kitted out with quality appliances and furnishings so you can have all the comforts of home on your road trip. For great Christchurch campervan deals, contact our friendly team at Apollo and start planning your dream holiday.

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