Planning a self-drive campervan holiday in New Zealand begins with an exciting question: where should you start your journey—Auckland or Christchurch? Each location offers unique advantages depending on whether you’ve visited before, how long you’ll be in New Zealand, and what you want to see while you are here.

Have you visited New Zealand before?

• First-time visitors: Starting in Auckland is an excellent introduction to New Zealand.

• Returning Visitors: You may want to focus on areas you haven’t explored yet. Starting in Christchurch can be an ideal gateway to dive deeper into the South Island.

How long are you in New Zealand?

One of the first things to consider is the duration of your trip. To get a good taste of New Zealand, many travellers find a week on the North Island and two weeks on the South Island ideal.

• North Island (1 week): With a shorter timeframe, you can explore Auckland’s nearby highlights, the area has plenty of gems, including the Bay of Islands, rich in history and scenic beauty. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences, while the Coromandel Peninsula offers golden beaches and relaxing coastal vibes. Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a renowned hiking trail with breathtaking volcanic scenery. These locations provide a rich mix of cultural and natural attractions, perfect for travellers with limited time.

• South Island (2 weeks): For those dedicating more time, the South Island’s diverse landscapes offer endless adventure. Starting in Christchurch offers an ideal path to iconic South Island sights. A classic “figure 8” route takes you north to Picton, perfect for wine tasting in Marlborough, before looping down the wild West Coast, through the serene Arthur’s Pass, and onto the adventure capital of Queenstown. Many travellers then return to Christchurch via the east coast and heading to Kaikoura to experience its famous whale-watching tours and seafood.

• The North-to-South Combo Tour: A popular option for travellers who want to see it all is a North-to-South route. Starting in Auckland, spend a week exploring the North Island, then return your campervan, hop on a quick flight to Christchurch and pick up another campervan to begin your South Island journey. Or you and your motorhome can cross the Cook Strait by ferry from Wellington to Picton and seamlessly continue your self-drive tour. This approach offers the best of both islands without backtracking, making it ideal for those with two to three weeks to spare.

Whether you’re here for a short visit or a month-long adventure, New Zealand offers endless opportunities to customise your journey. From starting points to iconic stops, a self-drive holiday allows you the flexibility to design an itinerary that fits your interests, pace, and schedule.

For comprehensive resources and suggested itineraries, consider exploring AA Traveller’s guides, which provide valuable insights into must-see destinations and travel tips.

With the added benefits of unlimited kilometres, free airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and 24/7 roadside assistance, Road Runner Rentals makes it easy and worry-free to explore with their self-contained motorhome options. Embrace the adventure, make spontaneous stops, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When exploring city centres, finding a park for a campervan can be difficult. But next time you pick up your campervan rental Christchurch vehicle, book to stay at the upcoming campervan park in Christchurch’s CBD. With a prime location just a few blocks from the centre, it will give motorhome renters and owners the freedom to explore the CBD on foot, without parking stress.

Located at 241 and 243 Gloucester Street near Latimer Square, the planned site will offer 25 powered parking spaces, along with bathroom and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable and well-located stopover for people in Christchurch. For Road Runner Rentals’ customers, this development presents an excellent opportunity to stay within walking distance of Christchurch’s top attractions and amenities without the need to park on the city’s outskirts.

Travellers will find it an ideal base for exploring popular spots such as the Botanical Gardens, The Terrace (trendy local night life spot, with cosmopolitan restaurants and bars overlooking the Avon River), Riverside Market (super spot for lunch), The Arts Centre, Chch Art Gallery, and an array of unique shopping venues including the iconic department store, Ballantynes and New Regent St, a quirky Art Deco lane of boutique shops. It is also two blocks from the city’s new stadium, still under construction.

The planned campervan park is also very handy to the Margaret Mahy Playground, Theatre Royal (stunning historic theatre which also hosts musicals) and The Piano, a modern venue that hosts a range of local and visiting musicians.

The developer aims to address the current lack of central city accommodation specifically for self-contained vehicles, creating a convenient and eco-friendly stopover that encourages tourists to stay in Christchurch rather than bypass it.

“With this new campervan park right in the city centre, you can say goodbye to the hassle of commuting from the suburbs, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique city life Christchurch has to offer,” says Randall Diggs, owner of Road Runner Rentals. “It’s a fantastic way for travellers to truly experience Christchurch’s vibrant attractions and culture without worrying about where to park or how far out you’ll be staying.”

With planned space for vehicle manoeuvring, acoustic fencing, and nearby public transport options (bus interchange), Road Runner Rentals’ customers will soon be able enjoy a peaceful and secure experience in Christchurch’s vibrant core. This planned facility will combine convenience, comfort, and a perfect launching pad for your New Zealand journey.

In line with New Zealand's commitment to environmental sustainability, Road Runner Rentals new Green Warrant Certification ensures most of their campervans meet self-containment standards, including a fixed toilet. There are several campervan options to find the best motorhome hire for your NZ adventure.

For more information on activities and attractions in Christchurch, visit the official Christchurch tourism site.