NZ mums...campervan holiday routes?

[Mummysaysno]

Wondering if any NZ MNers could offer me some advice...thinking of going to NZ for about an 8/9 day trip, to hire a campervan and see some of NZ.
What sort of route would you suggest...I have no preset ideas about where we'd like to go. We'll be of course keeping the kids happy age range baby to 8 years old.
Thanks in advance!

[thelittlestkiwi]

Can't suggest a route but I do know that travelling back to Auckland is cheaper than leaving from Auckland. Apparently there are websites which offer freebies in that direction. Might be worth a Google.

[RichardSimmonsTankTop]

If you're only going for eight or nine days you won't be able to see much of the country. I would suggest driving over from Auckland to the Corromandel Peninsula - loads of gorgeous beaches, a bit of rainforest, really lovely.

Although depends what time of year you're going of course?

[Mummysaysno]

It would be during Chinese New Year next year...but flights from HK get busy so I need to book ridiculously far in advance!
Our neighbours just went which gave me the idea....that and watching 'wanted down under' on iplayer! I know the kids would love the space, and we've always wanted to go.

[xMinerva]

Can't give you an idea of routes but I really do think you're going to need more than 8/9 days if you want to make it worth while.

Is there anyway you can extend the holiday.

Very jealous though, I'd love to go on a touring campervan holiday in NZ (and I live here)

[WhatSheSaid]

Can you get a flight direct into and out of Christchurch? I live on the North Island and it's great but tbh if I only had 8-9 days I'd do the South Island - its stunning. Queenstown/glaciers/Abel Tasman national park/Marlborough Sounds/whales and dolphins at Kaikoura are my first thoughts, there's lots more.

[MistyB]

Having only travelled in the South Island, I would fly in and out of Christchurch and rent a campervan from there. Spend the next year reading a guidebook and planning various itineraries. When you get there, ditch the plan and follow your nose!! We found the most amazing deserted wild and fabulous beaches with penguins on them by just following a sign post. But don't forget to work out how long it will take you to get back!!

[Mummysaysno]

Great start ladies!!! Just want to get it booked and then that guidebook...

[ifink]

I can give you an idea of what we did in 9 days on the south island in and out of Christchurch. Everyone will say its not long enough but actually a campervan holiday for us (DC aged 5 and 3), 9 days was enough- we covered approx 2,000K so some days did a fair bit of driving. Driving is slow in those campers, you won't get anywhere fast! We really really enjoyed it and are planning on doing the north island this year. The whole confined space sleeping thing was the downside for me but if you like camping then its definitely the holiday for your family.
We did Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Te Anau, Catlins Coast, Dunedin, Akaroa back to Christchurch. There is so much to see its just too fab

[Mummysaysno]

Thanks everyone!!! V v helpful, appreciate your time

[Sibble]

Check out this site:

www.newzealand.com/travel/getting-to-around-nz/driving-routes/auckland-napier-wellington.cfm

I would also give a thumbs up to the South Island but you can also go Auckland to Wellington or visa versa (see link) not too much driving each day, especially if you could fly into one and out the other.

[juniperinNZ]

We live in Christchurch and if you fly into here there is so much to see! Loads for little ones to do in Christchurch, then Banks Peninsular is stunning, lots of little beaches etc, I can reccommend a few campsites etc round here, places to go etc if you want some help. We drove down to Lake Wanaka (we stayed at an amazing campsite at Lake Hawea, right on side of lake) at Christmas, took about 5/6 hours from here towing our trailer tent, but the drive is absolutely stunning. A popular way for kiwis is to drive to Lake Tekapo, where you can see the observatory at night - the sky at night is stunning here- then drive through the Lindis Pass to Wanaka (lots to do there). From there we also went to Queenstown via the Crown Range which is absolutely amazing. I've had friends that have then carried on up the west coast, past the glaciers and then across Arthurs Pass back to Christchurch (which takes you through the alps). I can pm you lots of places to visit, advice if you want. One of my friends did that loop with an 8 month old baby, lots of driving but the views are constant - not like driving in the UK!

[Mummysaysno]

Thanks v much for these recent postings...yes to any further details!!!! Sounds so beautiful!