Here’s what you need to know before booking a dream family campervan holiday in New Zealand, including expert tips and a full itinerary!
Thinking about a family campervan holiday around New Zealand’s South Island with your kids? It’s an unforgettable mix of jaw-dropping scenery, tight quarters, and genuine family bonding, with a few quirky challenges thrown in. We spent 8 days exploring the South Island with our three teenagers/pre-teens. Starting in Queenstown and winding our way through fjords, glaciers, and hot springs. Here’s what you need to know before booking, plus our full itinerary and all the tips we wish we had known beforehand.
Top Tips Before You Go
1. Register your NZ Traveller Declaration before your flight – it’ll save time at the airport.
2. Download the Campermate app – great for campsite recommendations.
3. Get an eSIM – it’s cheaper and more reliable than roaming. We used a company called Saily.com
4. Check your van’s linen – one doona for five people was a cold surprise! We ended up heading back to the rental company after the first night to collect another two doonas.
5. Pack light but smart – layers and natural fabrics are a must. I’m a big fan of thin Merino wool t-shirts, breathable and warm.
6. Book earlyfor Milford Sound cruises, zipline, shot over boat, luge and Queenstown restaurants during school holidays. Surprisingly you did not need to book ahead for campsites at this time of year.
The Good: Freedom, Scenery and Family Bonding
There’s something magical about waking up with no real plan, knowing that your bed, kitchen, and next adventure are all right there on four wheels. It felt like tapping into our long-lost backpacker selves — only this time, with teenagers and snack bars in tow. The freedom of campervan life is hard to beat, and for us, it unlocked a sense of spontaneity and connection that’s hard to find in hotel-based travel.
The South Island itself is the star of the show and a fantastic backdrop for a family campervan holiday. Driving through this landscape feels like cruising through a film set. My son actually shouted out of the van window, “Why is New Zealand so magnificent?!” And truly, the views left us speechless — from the glaciers of Mount Cook to the mystical depths of Milford Sound.
We tackled a few hikes on this family campervan holiday (with varying levels of teenage enthusiasm). Lake Marian was a rewarding three-hour trek, and the Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook was a crowd-pleaser with its glacier views and swinging bridges. These were experiences we likely wouldn’t have had without the flexibility that campervan travel offers. But one of the most surprising joys of the trip was the “trauma bonding” — the unique kind of closeness that comes from all five of you sharing a tiny living space. There’s nowhere to hide when someone sleep talks, snores, or worse… sleep farts. It’s gross. It’s hilarious. It’s family lore for years to come.
We also traveled with another family — close friends who felt like extended family. This added a fantastic dynamic. The kids had other people to talk to (and argue with). We could lean on each other for everything from meal prep to mood management.
The Bad: Cramped Quarters and Van-Life Realities
A family campervan holiday isn’t for everyone. If you like daily showers, fluffy hotel pillows, or personal space, this kind of travel will challenge you. With five of us in a van, we had to create some ground rules — including the very effective “if you don’t need to be inside, go outside” policy. This helped prevent elbows in faces and maintained some semblance of sanity.
Clothes recycling became a norm. We all wore the same outfits a couple of days in a row. Laundry access was rare, and when we finally reached a house with a washing machine, I nearly hugged it. While we were glad for the experience, our kids definitely voiced their preference for Airbnbs and hotels once or twice.
The Ugly: Let’s Talk Toilets
Here’s the part no one wants to talk about but absolutely needs to be said: the toilet situation. Yes, campervans come with a small bathroom — including a toilet that you have to manually empty. This is the moment where some potential travelers might check out. But let me reassure you, it’s not as bad as it sounds.
We used the provided “blue smelly” chemical sachets, had a strict “number ones only” rule (emergencies aside), and mostly relied on campground facilities, which were often surprisingly clean and well-stocked. Only when we were free camping did we face the more rustic options like long-drop toilets or — gulp — nature.
If you’ve been camping before, you’ll find the campervan experience a step up in comfort, with the added bonus of heating, a stove, and your own sink.
Our 7-Day South Island Campervan Itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown to Kingston — A Lakeside Start
We touched down in Queenstown late in the afternoon, stocked up on essentials at the supermarket, and hit the road for our first night of freedom camping. We stayed at Kingston Campsite, a “freedom” campsite — meaning it was completely free. Facilities were basic: toilets, but no showers or extra amenities. What it lacked in luxury it made up for in beauty. Nestled right by the lake, we were treated to unforgettable sunrises and sunsets that felt like something out of a painting.
Day 2: Milford Sound — Fjords and Full Facilities
From Kingston, we drove towards the legendary Milford Sound. We had booked ahead to secure a spot at the Milford Sound Camping Lodge — the only place you can actually stay in Milford Sound. The campground offered cooking facilities, hot showers, toilets, a cozy lounge room, and a gorgeous outdoor verandah. If you’re after a little more comfort, cabins are also available. It’s essential to book both your accommodation and your boat cruise around the fjords well in advance, especially during peak periods. A powered site here cost us around $200, and it was worth every cent.
Day 3: Te Anau and Manapouri — Ping Pong and Lake Views
After exploring Milford, we drove to Te Anau to restock on groceries and continued on to Possum Lodge in Manapouri. This charming spot became one of our favorite campsites. It had all the comforts we needed — hot showers, a communal kitchen, and the highlight for our kids, a games room complete with a ping pong table (bats and balls included!). There was a welcoming community feel here, with fellow travelers sharing tips, smiles, and the occasional friendly match. A powered site here costs approximately $90.
Day 4: Tekapo — Hot Springs and the Long Drive
This day was our longest driving stretch, clocking in around five hours, but it passed quickly thanks to the stunning scenery and lots of card games. We arrived at Lakes Edge Holiday Park on the shores of Lake Tekapo, right next door to the Tekapo Hot Springs. The campsite had powered and unpowered sites, a full kitchen, laundry, and a communal lounge. After a long day on the road, soaking in four different hot pools — including an adult-only option — was pure bliss. There was also a small ice skating rink too, which we decided to skip.
Day 5: Mount Cook National Park — Glacier Dreams
Day five brought us to one of the trip’s major highlights: camping at the base of Mount Cook’s towering glaciers at White Horse Hill campground. Facilities were minimal, with only toilets and a common shelter area, but the views were absolutely priceless. We hiked the Hooker Valley Track — an easy and breathtaking three-hour return walk with dramatic alpine scenery. At about $65 per family for the night, this was great value – but also an unforgettable experience.
Day 6: Lake Ohau and Omarama — Free Camping and Hot Tubs
Wanting a more relaxed travel day, we drove just 1.5 hours to Lake Ohau for another night of freedom camping. No facilities here, but the sheer peace and beauty of the lake more than made up for it. We also treated ourselves to a soak in the Omarama Hot Tubs — stunning private tubs overlooking a serene lake — and squeezed in a gentle hike through the Otematata Wetlands, spotting ducks, crazy red wild mushrooms, and even gum trees along the way.
Day 7: Bannockburn — Wine and Gourmet Feasting
Our last day in the van saw us drive a short 1 hour and 45 minutes to Bannockburn, a charming village near historic Cromwell. We couldn’t resist stopping at the Cloudy Bay vineyard for a wine tasting (about $25–$30 per person). This is one of the most well known vineyards in New Zealand. That night, we camped at the Bannockburn Domain Campsite. For around $80, we had a powered site with bathroom and kitchen facilities — though we happily ditched the kitchen for an incredible dinner at The Bannockburn Hotel. Overlooking golden vineyards and countryside, the meal and wine list were outstanding. A real 10/10.
Day 8: Cromwell to Arrowtown — Returning the Van
On the morning of Day 8, we explored the historic town of Cromwell before returning our campervan to Queenstown. From there, we picked up a rental car and headed to the gorgeous Arrowtown village, settling into a luxurious Airbnb for three nights — a well-earned treat after a week on the road.
Days 9–14: Queenstown Adventures
We spent the rest of our time exploring Queenstown — there’s so much to do here with kids that it deserves its own full guide. Check out my full Queenstown itinerary, which includes things to do, restaurants and places to stay!
FAQs: Your Campervan Questions Answered
Do you have burning questions you want answered before you take the plunge to book the family campervan holiday of a lifetime? Here are some answers to questions I wish I knew to ask before we did a campervan holiday with kids around New Zealand, as well as things I just think you should know:
What is the best age range for a campervan trip with kids?
Our kids were 10, 13, and 15 — the perfect age to enjoy hikes, play card games in the van, and appreciate the scenery. The windows in the campervan are quite high, so younger kids might struggle to see out. It’s also a lot of driving. I’d recommend it for kids aged 6 to 15. They need to be tall enough to see out the windows at all that beautiful New Zealand scenery, but still flexible enough to enjoy the cozy van life. Young children requiring car seats could be tricky due to space constraints, but not impossible. Most importantly, your kids should enjoy a bit of adventure and not mind being offline — WiFi is patchy in places (a highlight for me)!
Which company did you rent from, what van model did you choose and why?
We chose JUCY, which offers a wide range of reliable and well-equipped vans. We rented the Star Nova Polaris 6, a 6-berth van ideal for a family of five. It featured a double bed above the driver’s cabin, another at the rear that converted into a sofa and dining area during the day, and a smaller double (really more of a three-quarter bed) created by folding down two facing chairs. This setup allowed the kids to comfortably sit together while driving around New Zealand — ideal for family chats, games, and snack breaks. You can add on additional equipment like extra linens (important to check before driving off!) Friends of ours also hired a small foldable table and camp chairs for outdoors, which was great for afternoon wine time and card games!
What should I pack?
Depending on when you go, this list may change – we went during cooler weather in New Zealand, when the skies were bright blue, leaves were turning orange and the air was super fresh. Check our shopping for cold weather guide for inspo. Essential items for us included thermals, a warm coat, hiking boots, layers, a beanie, Ugg boots (trust me, they were a lifesaver), sunscreen, insect repellent, swimmers, and a compact toiletries kit. Don’t forget flip flops to wear in the campsite showers! We also packed card games, kindles, binoculars and a travel speaker. The scenery is simply beautiful, so don’t forget a high quality camera (or your phone of course), as you’ll be snapping away!
Are there any safety hazards in the van?
The kitchen has a gas burner, a sink, and a mini-fridge, all of which are safe if used properly. It’s important to secure everything before driving. Make sure all drawers and loose items are locked down to prevent them from flying around when you’re on the move (something I definitely wish I knew earlier!)
How much does it cost?
Budget around $500 per day to hire a campervan in New Zealand. Overall, expect to spend between $600–$1000 daily for a family of five, excluding flights. If you’re travelling with small kids, don’t forget to check our flying with kids guide for tips, too!
When is the best time to go?
We traveled in autumn, and the colours were spectacular. Spring and summer in New Zealand are also fantastic options. Winter (June–August) can be breathtaking, but very cold — not ideal unless you’re ready for true van-life ruggedness.
Would you do another family campervan holiday?
Without a doubt! We’re already planning a van trip to Kakadu. While not all of the teenagers are equally enthusiastic, the sense of adventure and family connection we experienced on this trip was truly priceless.
What are you waiting for? Book a family campervan holiday with the kids now! Want to ask us a question? DM us on Instagram!
