The Grand New Zealand Caravan Tour

Days 10 - 11: Fox Glacier 

Distance: 327km / 203 miles

It’s a long road north, but majestic mountain views await you as you travel over to the South Island’s west coast. Along the way we recommend making a stop at Lake Matheson for another glimpse of Aoraki and a chance to marvel at the reflections of this famously still lake. The scenery is lush and green and full of rivers as you make your way up the coast and through Mount Aspiring National Park, where there are day trips and short walks for all abilities. The settlement of Haast is a town with a touch of the wild-west, and another good place to stretch the legs and have a look around. Just north of Haast is Lake Moeraki, a peaceful forest lake with good fishing. From here, a 40 minute walk takes you to the penguin colony at Monro Beach. Then, drive on to Fox Glacier. Plan to stay at Fox Glacier but explore its neighbour, the Franz Josef Glacier, as well, the location for the Lighting of the Beacons scene from Lord of the Rings.

Fox Glacier, at 13km long, is fed by four alpine glaciers and makes its way downward 2,600m on its way toward the coast. There are numerous walking tracks at different grades of difficulty, as well as professional tours, on foot and by helicopter, available for visitors. Franz Josef glacier is just a short 45-minute drive north. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes; alternatively arrange a heli-hike to get on top of the glacier and explore its ice caves.

Day 12: Greymouth

Distance: 196 km / 122 miles

From Franz Josef, make your way up the rugged West Coast, through the old gold mining settlement of Hokitika. Stop here for supplies, a wander through town, and the highly recommended short and easy walk into the Hokitika Gorge for photo opportunities of this beautiful forest and the bright blue waters of the river.  

Days 13 - 15: Abel Tasman

Distance: 372 km / 231 miles

Your next destination is Abel Tasman National Park, named after the first European to sight and name New Zealand, though he never came ashore. There are easy day hikes, boat trips and some of the loveliest beaches in the South Island to walk and explore.

Nearby Nelson prides itself on having the most sunshine hours in all of New Zealand and this must make for happy, artsy, alternative people, which you’ll find plenty of in the town. Nelson has an almost subtropical feel compared to the rest of the South Island, with its pretty white sand beaches, palm trees, and brightly coloured buildings. The streets are full of cafes, interesting art and craft shops, restaurants, a large number of galleries, and historic attractions. It is also home to many a fine brewery to while away an afternoon in. Beyond town are beautiful forests and beaches to visit and get a taste of the beauty of this corner of the country.

Days 16 - 17: Picton

Distance: 266 km / 166 miles

Plan to spend some time stopping along the bays between Anakiwa and Picton today to enable you to appreciate the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Take a boat cruise, do a day walk within the Queen Charlotte Walkway, or have a picnic by a bay.

It’s a short drive from Picton to Blenheim, situated in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Marlborough has a range of activities on offer including bush walks, scenic cruises and fishing and of course you can visit one or two of the local wineries which produce award winning Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Days 18 - 19: Whanganui

Distance: 193km / 120 miles

Enjoy the scenic InterIslander ferry that takes you from the picturesque fishing village of Picton across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s North Island. As the ferry leaves Picton you’ll sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, making the journey between the two islands an experience in itself. Once on the North Island, you’ll be spoiled for choice of short adventures to keep you entertained on your way from Wellington to Whanganui. Offshore from Waikanae is Kapiti Island, a nature reserve where visitors can book tours for close encounters with rare birds. In Paekakariki there’s an escarpment walkway and electric tramway, and in Waikanae you’ll find Mangaone Walkway.

There is plenty to keep you busy in the river town of Whanganui. For most of its history, the river was the heart of this town, and museums and river adventures attest to this. Take a cruise on the Steamer Waimarie and check out the museums and the River Market.

Days 20 - 21: New Plymouth

Distance: 159 km / 98 miles

Enjoy the dairy farms, scenic little towns, and views of Mt Taranaki along your route north.

At Hawera there are a choice of routes for you. If you prefer beach views and fancy a stop at the town of Oakura, then follow the ‘Surf Highway’ around Cape Egmont. Or you can take the inland route via Stratford and enjoy the green serenity of farmland. If you would like to get a closer view of Mount Taranaki, there are walking tracks on its lower reaches. 

New Plymouth has plenty to keep you busy, well fed, and well informed about the area. Be sure to visit the world class Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre to experience one of New Zealand’s best-known artist’s kinetic sculptures, exhibited in an impressive and state of the art gallery.

Days 22 - 23: Waitomo Caves 

Distance: 180 km / 112 miles

Enjoy the drive along the sparkling Tasman Sea as you drive north through seaside villages. There are lots of picnic and walking spots along the way, especially at Awakino.

Waitomo is famous for its caves and kiwi house. World class systems of limestone caves beneath the surface of this area provide adventure at every level, from serious caving to leisurely walking or boat tours. Try the black (a bit less hair-raising but still lots of fun) or white-water rafting adventures to fully appreciate the wonder of these underground grottos full of stalactites, stalagmites, and colonies of glow worms.

Days 24 – 26: Auckland (Orewa) 

Distance: 195 km / 121 miles

The trip north from Waitomo heads right through the dairy heartland of New Zealand. Stop in at Hamilton to see the University, the mighty river, the beautiful public gardens, or some of its museums and galleries. The landscape becomes even more hilly and lush as you head north and enter the environs of Auckland. Here, in New Zealand’s largest city of over a million people, spread across volcanic hills and hugging two harbours, you will find plenty to keep you entertained for a day or two. 

Auckland is a great place to visit museums, art galleries, war memorials, historic Maori sites, parks and gardens, and climb small volcanic hills. It hosts concerts, the ballet and opera, numerous theatre productions, and offers unlimited eating and drinking options, as well as vineyards.