Two-Week New Zealand Camper Itinerary, North and South Islands
A 14-day loop covering Auckland to Queenstown with ferry crossings, scenic campsites, and plug-and-play stops you can import into KiwiCamping.
How to use: Save this itinerary in KiwiCamping, then adjust days to match your travel window. Every stop links to the app for offline navigation.
Logistics: ferry, distances, seasons
This route crosses Cook Strait once. Book Interislander or Bluebridge well in advance; ferry days consume most of a day. Driving legs aim for ~3-4 hours where possible; a few days can stretch longer, so swap activities accordingly. In winter, allow extra time for alpine passes and check road conditions.
Day-by-day route plan
Day 1: Auckland arrival, stock up in Albany, overnight at Ōrewa Beach TOP 10.
Day 2: Coromandel loop via Cathedral Cove, stay at Hahei Holiday Park.
Day 3: Rotorua geothermal day, camp at Blue Lake Top 10.
Day 4: Taupō adventures, stay at Four Mile Bay Freedom Site.
Day 5: Napier wine trail, overnight at Ericksen Road Motor Camp.
Day 6: Wellington via Wairarapa, camp at Evans Bay Motorhome Park.
Day 7: Ferry to Picton, scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, stay at Totaranui Campground.
Day 8: West Coast glaciers, overnight at Gillespies Beach DOC Campsite.
Day 9: Wanaka rest day, stay at Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park.
Day 10: Queenstown thrills, camp at Moke Lake DOC Campsite.
Day 11: Milford Sound excursion from Te Anau, overnight at Knobs Flat Campsite.
Day 12: Catlins coastal drive, stay at Curio Bay Campground.
Day 13: Dunedin city break, camp at Dunedin Holiday Park.
Day 14: Fly out of Queenstown after driving the Lindis Pass with a final night at Lake Tekapo Holiday Park if needed.
Where to camp each night
Save all 14 site links into a KiwiCamping trip list. Mix of DOC, council, and powered holiday parks ensures showers every few days. Most council freedom sites are CSC‑only; if you’re not self‑contained, choose a DOC campsite or holiday park alternative. If a site is full, refer to the scenic list or booking guide for backups.
Fuel, grocery, and dump station plan
Fuel up in Albany (Day 1), Tauranga (Day 2), Taupō (Day 4), Napier (Day 5), Wellington (Day 6), Nelson (Day 7), Greymouth (Day 8), Wanaka (Day 9), Te Anau (Day 11), and Gore (Day 12). KiwiCamping’s map highlights 24/7 stations. Save them offline.
Groceries: Countdown Silverdale, New World Rotorua, Pak’nSave Taupō, Moore Wilson’s Wellington, FreshChoice Takaka, New World Wanaka, and FreshChoice Te Anau.
Dump stations: Kaiwaka (Day 2), Taupō marina (Day 4), Wellington Seaview (Day 6), Murchison (Day 7), Haast (Day 8), Queenstown BP (Day 10), Te Anau DOC (Day 11), Invercargill (Day 12).
Reserve vs no-reserve nights
Book holiday parks (Days 1-3, 5, 9, 13-14) in advance during summer. DOC sites like Totaranui, Gillespies Beach, Moke Lake, and Knobs Flat may require reservations in peak season. Check KiwiCamping to confirm.
Freedom or first-come nights (Days 4, 7, 8, 10, 12) need backups. Keep freedom camping rules handy in case you need to adjust.
Itinerary FAQ
- Can I run this loop in winter?
- Yes with adjustments. Carry chains, monitor passes, and swap some DOC sites for powered parks. Check the seasonality guide.
- How long are the driving days?
- Most legs stay under 4 hours, except Wellington–Picton ferry day. Use KiwiCamping trip times to manage fatigue.
- What if the ferry sells out?
- Book early and keep alternative dates open. Ferry booking information is available in KiwiCamping for quick reference.
Related reading: Best camping apps ↗ · Holiday park booking guide ↗ · Top scenic campsites ↗