How I survived (and thrived) taking my teenagers on a campervan holiday
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campervan for hire driving nearby Christchurch

Motorhome and Campervan Hire Christchurch

 

Haere mai, welcome to Christchurch.

Christchurch, the garden city, is the start of your South Island adventure. Whether you are an intrepid explorer, an adrenaline junkie, or prefer a more sedate pace and all the comforts of home, your motorhome is the ideal way to explore our world famous scenery and attractions at your own pace.

Looking for Christchurch campervan rental?

Your Apollo motorhome is your home away from home while you explore the stunning South Island. Unpack once, stop where you like and stay as long as you like. From Christchurch the options are endless. Explore the city with its art and history museums, shopping options and the food scene. Christchurch has continued to rebuild with new dining and entertainment precincts that will rival its larger city competitors. For the best campervan rental Christchurch has to offer, get in touch with Apollo today!

 

Christchurch Airport Transfer Information

We offer a shuttle service to and from the airport between 8am to 4pm.

The shuttle runs every hour: Branch to the airport on the hour and airport to branch at quarter past the hour.

We will also run additional shuttles when the number of guests is more than the shuttle capacity.

The shuttle area is outside gates 1 and 2 in the domestic area.

There is no customer parking available inside the grounds of our branch, but there is a wide range of safe, secure, convenient and affordable parking options situated close by. We recommend using Parkopedia to research options.

Christchurch Branch

  • Address:
    159 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, 8053
  • Opening Hours:
    Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4:30pm
  • Telephone:
    0800 845 222
  • Distance from City:
    10.7 Kilometres / 6.6 Miles
  • Taxi Fare City:
    NZD $59 Approx
  • Distance from Airport:
    2.7 Kilometres / 1.6 Miles
  • Taxi Fare Airport:
    NZD $25 Approx
  • Closed Days:

    All branches are closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec). 

 

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
/ Categories: NZ blog

How I survived (and thrived) taking my teenagers on a campervan holiday

Travelling with teenagers on a family campervan trip might sound like a recipe for disaster – but as it turns out, it was one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family. My husband, Shane, and I knew we wanted to explore more of New Zealand – but getting Max (15) and Sophie (13) on board was another story. The promise of Wi-Fi and plenty of snack stops helped, but what really won them over was the freedom to help plan the trip. 

We had our fair share of debates – how many pairs of shoes does one teenager need? – but once we hit the road, something shifted. The usual eye rolls gave way to real conversations, and our campsite dinners became the highlight of each day. There were a few hiccups along the way (turns out reversing a campervan is not my strong suit) – but by the end, we weren’t just surviving, we were actually enjoying it. 

Here’s how we made it work… 

 

Planning the trip to keep teenagers engaged

Planning a family campervan trip with teenagers is a delicate balance – too much structure and they’ll complain, too little and they’ll claim they’re bored. Shane and I knew that if we wanted Max and Sophie to stay engaged (and off their phones for more than five minutes), we had to get them involved from the start. 

So, we handed them the reins (within reason). They each got to suggest places to visit and things to do, which meant our travel itinerary had a bit of everything – outdoor activities, beach stops, good food, and time to just relax. Some choices were obvious, like exploring national parks, while others surprised us – who knew they’d both be keen to check out a historic gold mining town

We planned a few key stops but left room for detours – like an unplanned swim in a lake or a random roadside café that looked too good to pass up. Apollo’s travel itineraries and blogs were a huge help in mapping out routes and finding stops that suited everyone. 

If you’re travelling with teens, my advice is simple – let them have a say. They’re way more likely to enjoy the trip when they’ve had a hand in planning it. And if all else fails, promise them good Wi-Fi and plenty of snacks. 

 

Why campervan travel is surprisingly budget-friendly

Travelling with teenagers can get expensive fast, but a campervan made it much easier to keep costs under control. Accommodation was one of the biggest savings – holiday parks were far cheaper than hotels, and freedom camping in designated spots meant some nights didn’t cost a cent. 

Activities were another area where we saved without missing out. Some of our favourite experiences – hiking to waterfalls, swimming in lakes, exploring small towns – were completely free. Instead of booking expensive tours every day, we chose one or two paid activities we really wanted to do and balanced them with all the incredible things New Zealand has to offer at no cost. 

Planning ahead also helped. Knowing where the more affordable family-friendly campsites were, keeping an eye on fuel prices, and avoiding last-minute detours meant we got the most out of the trip without blowing the budget. 

Money-saving tips: 

  • Download the thl Roadtrip app – This handy app is a game-changer when it comes to finding budget-friendly campsites as well as pretty much everything else you need on a road trip. 

  • Prioritise free activities – Some of the best experiences in New Zealand don’t cost a thing. National parks, beaches, and scenic walks are not only budget-friendly but often end up being the highlights of the trip. 

  • Book any must-do tours or activities in advance – If there’s an activity you know your family will love, booking ahead can save money and avoid disappointment. Popular attractions, like boat tours or cultural experiences, often have early-bird discounts. 

  • Check fuel prices before filling up – Petrol costs can vary significantly depending on location, with remote areas often being the most expensive. Using fuel price apps or simply filling up in larger towns helped us avoid overpaying.  

  • Limit unnecessary driving – Mapping out a logical route before setting off made a big difference. Instead of crisscrossing the country, we planned a loop that minimised backtracking.  

 

Finding campsites with activities teens love

Not all campsites are created equal – especially when you’re travelling with teenagers. For us, the key was finding spots that had more to offer than just a place to park. Pools, hiking trails, games rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and easy access to nearby towns made all the difference in keeping Max and Sophie happy (and, let’s be honest, us too). 

Hanmer Springs was an easy win – natural hot pools, forest walks, and plenty of places to grab a treat after a soak. Tongariro National Park was another favourite, with hiking trails ranging from quick walks to full-day adventures. And when we needed a break from nature, staying near a town meant the teens could explore while we enjoyed a quiet moment with a good coffee. 

If you’re looking for campsites that tick all the boxes, Apollo’s guide to family-friendly campsites is a great place to start. A little planning goes a long way – because a happy campsite means a happy trip. 

 

My packing essentials for teens

Packing for a campervan trip with teenagers isn’t just about clothes and toiletries – it’s about survival. A well-stocked camper can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a full-scale meltdown over a forgotten charger. 

Snacks are non-negotiable. A mix of healthy options and the occasional treat kept everyone happy between stops. Entertainment was another big one – headphones, power banks, and downloaded playlists or shows meant we could all enjoy some downtime without arguments over the music. 

Space can be a challenge in a campervan, so we made sure everyone had a designated spot for their stuff. Travel journals and audiobooks were also a great way to keep them engaged without screens – though I won’t pretend they ditched their phones entirely. 

If you’re wondering what else to pack, Apollo’s handy ‘what to pack’ guide covers all the essentials.  

 

Keeping meals simple (but still enjoyable)

Feeding two teenagers on the road was something I knew we had to get right. Eating out for every meal wasn’t an option, but I also didn’t want to spend hours cooking. The trick? Keeping things simple. 

We stuck to easy, one-pan meals like stir-fries, wraps, and pasta – things that didn’t require a long list of ingredients or too much clean-up. Breakfast was quick and fuss-free, and having a steady supply of snacks meant fewer emergency food stops. We also made the most of local markets and roadside stalls, which gave us fresh ingredients and added a bit of variety. 

The occasional café stop was still part of the plan – mostly for the teens, but also because sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the cooking. A mix of home-cooked meals in the campervan and eating out kept things easy, affordable, and enjoyable. 

Meal tips for the road: 

  • Plan a few go-to meals before you leave – knowing what’s easy to cook in a campervan saves stress at dinnertime. 

  • Pack a few key pantry staples – things like olive oil, spices, and pasta make quick meals much easier. 

  • Use local produce – markets and roadside stalls often have fresher, better-tasting options. 

  • Keep breakfasts simple – grab-and-go options like yoghurt, fruit, or cereal save time in the mornings. 

  • Make snacks a priority – having a stash of easy-to-grab food keeps everyone happy between stops. 

 

Balancing family time and teen independence

Travelling in a campervan means spending a lot of time together – which can be great, but as any parent knows, teenagers also need their space. We quickly learned that a good trip wasn’t about doing everything as a family, but about finding the right balance between time together and time apart. 

At campgrounds, we gave Max and Sophie the freedom to explore on their own – whether that meant checking out the games room, going for a short walk, or just chilling out in the camper or sitting outside with their headphones on. Having that independence made a huge difference in their mood (and ours). 

That said, some of our best moments were the ones we shared. Cooking dinner together, playing cards after dark, or just sitting outside and watching the stars – those were the times when we actually connected, without forcing it. The key was keeping things flexible. Some nights we ate together, other nights they wanted to do their own thing – and that was fine too. 

If there’s one thing I’d say to other parents, it’s this – don’t take it personally when they want space. Give them room to recharge, and they’ll be much more present when it counts. 

 

Memorable moments

No family road trip goes exactly to plan – and ours was no exception. Looking back, the moments we laugh about now are the ones that felt like disasters at the time. 

Take the night we arrived at a remote campsite just as the heavens opened. Setting up in the dark, in the rain, with two grumpy teenagers who insisted it was “literally the worst trip ever” was not our finest moment. But an hour later, dry inside the campervan, eating instant noodles and listening to the rain on the roof, it somehow became one of our favourite nights. 

Then there was the great shoe debacle. Sophie packed for every possible weather scenario – Max, on the other hand, brought one pair of shoes, which he promptly soaked while attempting to ‘casually’ jump a stream. Cue an emergency detour to the nearest town, where he had to wear Shane’s ‘dad sandals’ in public – a fact Sophie will never let him forget! 

The thing about travelling with teenagers is that they won’t always admit they’re having a good time – but the proof is in the stories they tell later. By the end of the trip, even Max and Sophie were laughing about the mishaps, proving that sometimes, the best memories come from the things that don’t go to plan. 

 

Why I think a campervan holiday in New Zealand is perfect for families with teens

Travelling with teenagers isn’t always easy – but exploring New Zealand in a campervan made it a whole lot more enjoyable. Having the freedom to go at our own pace, change plans when needed, and mix adventure with downtime meant everyone got something out of the trip. 

The best part? We covered so many different places in a short time that no one had a chance to get bored. One day we’d be exploring the trails around Wānaka, the next we’d be unwinding in the hot pools at Ōmarama. Some afternoons were packed with activities, while others were spent parked up by a lake, letting the kids do their own thing. That mix of structure and spontaneity made all the difference. 

And while we weren’t sure how well we’d all handle the close quarters, it turned out to be a great way to reconnect as a family (with a few headphone breaks along the way). 

If you’re thinking about a road trip with your teens, I can’t recommend a campervan enough. It’s easy, flexible, and gives you access to some of the best spots in the country. 

Book your Apollo campervan today and start planning your own amazing road trip today – just don’t forget the snacks. 

 

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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.

New Zealand camping site

Nearest Campsite

North South Holiday Park

530 Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051

+64 3359 5993

Filling up Apollo campervan in New Zealand

Nearest Fuel Station

Z - Sawyers Arms - Service Station

Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053

+64 3359 8448

Family cooking in Apollo motorhome

Nearest Supermarket

Countdown

530/546A Memorial Avenue, Harewood, Christchurch, 8053

(03) 357 0450

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