Standard
$3,400per person
Two-berth campervan, pitches booked for you, route pack
Choose StandardSouth Island Campervan Loop
Twelve days self-driving a campervan around the south of the South Island, from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back by Mount Cook and Wanaka.
What you will walk
- The Homer Tunnel road to Milford Sound, the highest point at 945 m
- Lake Tekapo and the Mount Cook valley in one loop
- Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula wildlife coast
- Free choice of stops with a route pack and a 24-hour helpline
- A campervan with bedding, cooker and a shower-and-toilet block at each stop
This loop follows the southern lakes and fiords in a campervan, with the route kept loose enough to stop for a walk or a swim when the weather or the mood says so. The drives are long but the roads are good, and the scenery changes often enough that the time passes quickly. Most campsites have showers and a kitchen block, and the bedding is provided in the van.
The route runs anticlockwise from Queenstown, through Fiordland and back by the high country of the central south. The price includes the van, pitches on the campsites we book and a route pack. Fuel and most meals are not included, so budget for them in the van kitchen.
The loop suits people who want to drive themselves and stop when they like. It is not a walking trip and the days are driving days for much of the week. The trip runs from March and from October to November, when the roads are open and the campsites are running.
Day by day, up and over
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Pick up the campervan in Queenstown
Collect the campervan, learn the systems and stock up on food. The first evening is spent by the lake.
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Queenstown to Te Anau
A drive through farmland to the lake town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
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Te Anau to Milford Sound
The road climbs to the Homer Tunnel at 945 m and drops to the sound. Book the campsite before you leave Te Anau, because the spaces fill in summer.
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Milford Sound cruise and the Mirror Lakes
Take the morning cruise on the fiord, then walk the short Mirror Lakes boardwalk on the way back up the road in the afternoon.
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Milford Sound back to Te Anau
A longer drive back through the tunnel, with stops at the lake viewpoints. Rest in the afternoon before the drive south.
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Te Anau to Dunedin
A long drive south and east to the old university city of Dunedin, with a stop in Gore for lunch.
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Otago Peninsula wildlife
Visit the Royal Albatross colony and the coastal walk to see yellow-eyed penguins and seals. Book the tours in advance.
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Dunedin to Oamaru
The coast road to Oamaru, with a stop at the Moeraki Boulders, the round stones on the beach.
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Oamaru to Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley
The road follows Lake Pukaki, which is a vivid turquoise colour in summer. In the afternoon, walk the Hooker Valley track to the glacier lake, with swing bridges over the river.
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Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo
A short drive to Lake Tekapo, where the church of the Good Shepherd stands above the lake on the shore.
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Lake Tekapo to Wanaka
The Lindis Pass road crosses the dry hills to the lake town of Wanaka, where the afternoon is free.
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Wanaka back to Queenstown and drop-off
A short drive to Queenstown to return the campervan. Ask for a late check-out if your flight is later in the day.
Choose how you stay
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Most chosen Comfort
$4,250per person
Larger campervan, two boat or cruise tickets, extra campsite nights
Choose Comfort -
Private
$5,900per person
Upgraded motorhome, private transfers at each end, tour booking help
Choose Private
Included
- Campervan hire for 11 nights with bedding and cooking kit
- Powered campsite pitches booked for each night
- Route pack with maps, opening hours and a 24-hour roadside line
- Milford Sound cruise ticket on day four
- Airport transfer on pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights and fuel
- Travel insurance with excess waiver
- Food and drink not listed in the meal plan
- Tours and entry fees other than the cruise
Pick your departure
| Departs | Seats left | Status | Price | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 seats left | Open | $3,400 | Request Sat 6 Mar 2027 | |
| Only 2 left | Few left | $3,400 | Request Sat 16 Oct 2027 | |
| 4 seats left | Open | $3,400 | Request Sat 30 Oct 2027 | |
| Full | Full | $3,400 | Waitlist Sat 13 Nov 2027 | |
| On request | On request | $3,400 | Ask Sat 20 Nov 2027 |
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What travellers say
4.0
Based on 1 review
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A campervan loop with room to breathe
The vans were clean and easy to drive, and the route gave us enough time at each stop. We stayed at holiday parks and two quiet campsites, even in February. The planning notes listed where to fill water and which roads need care in the rain. I would have liked more guidance on the ferry crossing, which was confusing to book. Overall a relaxed trip with plenty of space for walks and long drives.
Read moreShow less
Freya Holm
Before you book
Still have a question?
Ask a planner. A person reads every message and replies within one working day.
Do I need a special licence?
A full driver's licence from your home country is accepted for up to 12 months in New Zealand. Check the rules for your own country before you travel.
Is it safe to drive the Milford road?
The road is sealed and well maintained, but it is narrow and the weather can change quickly. Drive slowly, use the passing bays and check the road status before you set out.
Can I stay in the campervan in winter?
Yes, but the Milford road may close after snow. The route can be shortened or changed by the team, and you are told before you leave.
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