Planning a campervan road trip can be challenging, especially if you have never been on one before. There are so many spots you want to visit, but not enough time to see them all, leaving you struggling to decide which to prioritise and which to skip. Today, we are here to do the hard work for you. We know how difficult it can be to plan the perfect road trip, and we’re here with the Christchurch to Te Anau campervan route, featuring 6 stops and sightseeing opportunities.
Christchurch
Before you leave Christchurch, we recommend spending some time exploring the city and enjoying everything it has to offer. There is so much to do here, especially if you are looking for beautiful gardens or a bite to eat. We recommend Christchurch Botanic Gardens as a place to enjoy some green space and stretch your legs before the drive. You can also take a Christchurch Tram tour to see most of the city quickly, ensuring you see the highlights before your trip begins.
As you leave the city, we recommend taking Port Hills Summit Road. Here you can enjoy stunning views over the Canterbury Plains and coastline, setting the tone for your trip.
Lake Tekapo
A 3-hour drive from Christchurch brings you to Lake Tekapo, one of the most scenic stops on a Christchurch to Te Anau camper van journey. Here, you’ll find a stunning turquoise lake and its most famous landmark, the Church of the Good Shepherd, set right on the lakeshore. It’s the perfect photo stop and a chance to slow down and enjoy nature before the longer drive south.
If possible, try to time your visit for sunrise or sunset, when the sky lights up behind the church and the lake reflects the changing colours — easily one of the most memorable moments of a Christchurch to Te Anau camper van road trip.
Make time to visit Tekapo Springs as well, where you can soak in hot pools overlooking the lake. It’s the ideal way to relax before heading back to your camper for the next leg of the journey.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook National Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet. The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular walks, and it’s easy to see why. This well-formed trail crosses three swing bridges and follows a glacier-fed river to Hooker Lake, where icebergs often float on clear days — camera ready.
If you prefer a shorter walk, the Tasman Glacier View or Kea Point tracks offer beautiful alpine scenery without a long hike. Mount Cook is also one of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution, so staying overnight is well worth it if your itinerary allows.
Wanaka
Wanaka is the perfect place to extend your trip and enjoy stunning views of the mountains. Make sure you visit Lake Wanaka to see the Wanaka Tree, a willow tree standing in the middle of the lake. It is the perfect photo opportunity, but it can get very busy. There are plenty of other spots on the lake where you can wander to enjoy the views without the crowds, too.
Wanaka offers plenty of hiking opportunities, too, with Mount Iron offering an easy hike suitable for most, and Roys Peak providing a steep, all-day challenge with sweeping views across the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. If you arrive on a warm day, there are plenty of water activities you can enjoy on the lake, like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Queenstown
Queenstown is the perfect penultimate stop for thrill seekers. You can bungee jump, skydive, and even enjoy jet boating here. There are plenty of activities for those who enjoy a slower pace, too, like the Skyline Gondola, which offers panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu. Make sure you set aside time to see all that Queenstown has to offer, or head to Arrowtown, a historic gold-mining village that provides some quiet after the buzz of Queenstown.
Te Anau
Finally, your Christchurch to Te Anau ends in the small lakeside town that offers some of the country’s wildest scenery. Te Anau can feel like the end of the road, but there is still plenty to see and do, including the stunning mountain passes and waterfalls that barely feel real until you are up close next to them.
Make time to visit the Glowworm Caves, where you can see pitch black caverns lit by thousands of blue points of light. The Kepler Track is also worth exploring, with plenty of walks that take you around the lake for beautiful views.
Plan Your Christchurch to Te Anau Campervan Road Trip Today
Now that you have your itinerary, you can continue planning your road trip. We recommend hiring a campervan, which provides comfort while you travel and saves you money on hotels and eating out. When hiring a campervan, use Travellers Autobarn, who make it easy for you to collect and drop off your camper across New Zealand. Check out the Travellers Autobarn Christchurch branch and see how they can help you plan your road trip.
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