Four weeks of travelling through New Zealand in a motorhome with my husband and our two preschool-aged children. Our route begins in Christchurch and takes us to the major sights of the South Island. From Picton, we cross between the islands by car ferry and travel from the capital Wellington all the way to Auckland in the north.
Thanks to our motorhome, we can truly immerse ourselves in New Zealand’s natural landscapes. For children especially, it creates a sense of home. The many playgrounds, encounters with other families, and the well-equipped communal kitchens at New Zealand’s campgrounds all contribute to this feeling.
Campgrounds in New Zealand and Wild Camping
New Zealand maintains strict conservation of its globally unique fauna and flora. It is advisable to respect this and only stay at designated campgrounds. In some places, wild camping is permitted: You can check this in advance using the free CamperMate app.
My tip: If you book a mobile Wi-Fi router for your motorhome, you can stay connected on the road, book campgrounds spontaneously in advance, or use online map services on your phone. In our case, this proved very useful, especially when driving through remote areas of the country.
Family Highlights with a Motorhome on New Zealand’s South Island
After picking up our motorhome in Christchurch, New Zealand’s largest city, we head straight to Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, and Te Anau. At Milford Sound, one of the world’s most spectacular fjord landscapes, we experience a 24-hour cruise with an overnight stay right on the fjord!
Another must-do: Driving over the two alpine passes, Haast and Arthur’s Pass, along the stunning West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Here, glaciers from the country’s highest mountains flow into the sea, surrounded by evergreen rainforests—a truly unique natural spectacle.
Cromwell and Central Otago offer not only wine and fruit cultivation but also a huge automobile museum with a small racetrack for children.
Golden Bay, located in the far northwest of the South Island, takes you to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, such as Wharariki Beach.
My tip: Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island. Here, you can observe whales and dolphins all year round!
Family Highlights with a Motorhome on New Zealand’s North Island
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is extremely family-friendly! You can even park your motorhome right in the city centre, at a designated spot with an electric hookup. Highlights include the Te Papa National Museum, a ride on the Cable Car, and the newly built playground on the Wellington Waterfront.
Taupo, located inland, impresses with its volcanic mountains, massive lake, and hot springs that make for a fun bathing experience in both summer and winter.
Interactive cultural performances by New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people and the country’s largest geyser await discovery in Rotorua.
Finally, the Hobbiton film set in Matamata near Hamilton is a real treat for families: The permanently built hobbit houses invite young and old alike to explore and enjoy.
Travel Protection for a Worry-Free Holiday with Children
If you’re planning a family holiday in New Zealand, you should definitely consider travel insurance. Whether you’re travelling with young or older children, travel insurance provides the protection and peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your family vacation. With our CompleteCover plan, you’re covered before and during your trip to New Zealand in case you need to cancel unexpectedly. We also cover the costs of medical services abroad in case of illness or accident, including repatriation, search, and rescue. This way, you can relax while preparing for your trip and look forward to your New Zealand adventure.
This article was created in collaboration with “Creativelena”. Creativelena is a travel blog focused on cultural travel, family travel, and travel tips from around the world.