Should you travel New Zealand in a campervan with an itinerary – or wing it?
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campervan for hire driving nearby Christchurch

Motorhome and Campervan Hire Christchurch

 

Haere mai, welcome to Christchurch.

Christchurch, the garden city, is the start of your South Island adventure. Whether you are an intrepid explorer, an adrenaline junkie, or prefer a more sedate pace and all the comforts of home, your motorhome is the ideal way to explore our world famous scenery and attractions at your own pace.

Looking for Christchurch campervan rental?

Your Apollo motorhome is your home away from home while you explore the stunning South Island. Unpack once, stop where you like and stay as long as you like. From Christchurch the options are endless. Explore the city with its art and history museums, shopping options and the food scene. Christchurch has continued to rebuild with new dining and entertainment precincts that will rival its larger city competitors. For the best campervan rental Christchurch has to offer, get in touch with Apollo today!

 

Christchurch Airport Transfer Information

We offer a shuttle service to and from the airport between 8am to 4pm.

The shuttle runs every hour: Branch to the airport on the hour and airport to branch at quarter past the hour.

We will also run additional shuttles when the number of guests is more than the shuttle capacity.

The shuttle area is outside gates 1 and 2 in the domestic area.

There is no customer parking available inside the grounds of our branch, but there is a wide range of safe, secure, convenient and affordable parking options situated close by. We recommend using Parkopedia to research options.

Christchurch Branch

  • Address:
    159 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, 8053
  • Opening Hours:
    Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4:30pm
  • Telephone:
    0800 845 222
  • Distance from City:
    10.7 Kilometres / 6.6 Miles
  • Taxi Fare City:
    NZD $59 Approx
  • Distance from Airport:
    2.7 Kilometres / 1.6 Miles
  • Taxi Fare Airport:
    NZD $25 Approx
  • Closed Days:

    All branches are closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec). 

 

What to do on your Christchurch campervan road trip?

 

With Apollo’s campervan and motorhome hire in Christchurch, you can explore every corner of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

Head north, to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, where the stunning scenery and friendly locals combine with fresh seafood and the famous Marlborough wineries. Further on you’ll be able to explore the Marlborough Sounds and the golden sands of the Tasman National Park.

To the west coast, the photo opportunities are endless. There's so much on offer including tramping, mountain biking, the glaciers of the wild West Coast and the local beers and whitebait patties. Yum!

And of course the famous southern scenic route, including the Southern Lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and Milford Sound, where every bend in the road will take your breath away. Literally millions of people come from all over the world to see our back garden, why not you!

Discover Christchurch City

Welcome to Christchurch, the doorway to the South Island. On your journey, you will discover endless natural beauty in this uniquely New Zealand setting, from snow-capped mountain ranges to lake-side vistas. However, now that you’re here, why not check out what the city of Christchurch has to offer first?

After you set off from our branch just outside the airport, cruise on into the CBD and enjoy the cultural delights of New Zealand’s oldest city. From restaurants and heritage architecture, to street art and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra concerts in Hagley Park, feast your senses on all Christchurch has to offer. 

Botanic Gardens

As one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens feature the most extensive collection of local and exotic plantlife throughout New Zealand. With over 1.1 million patrons each year, these epic botanic gardens are a place of ever-evolving natural beauty. There's something new to see with every season. 

Christchurch Gondola

For the best view in town, ride the Christchurch Gondola to the top of the Port Hills. This experience offers a stunning outlook over the city, the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains. At the summit, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping, the Time Tunnel Ride or a beverage and snack at the Red Rock cafe.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Want to see a Kiwi bird in its natural habitat? How about with no glass between you? At the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, you can get close to many of New Zealand’s native icons, as well as other local and introduced species. Walk around the park at your own pace and let the animals eat out of your hand, then stay for a Maori cultural demonstration or walk through the gift shop.

Your South Island campervan adventure

Ready to see the Lord of the Rings in real life? After exploring what Christchurch has to offer, it’s time for the main event. With the dazzling scenery in every direction, we lay out what the South Island has to offer, place by place. Read on to discover where our campervan hire can take you.

Lake Tekapo

Regardless of the season, Lake Tekapo is a sight to behold. Fed from a nearby glacier, bask in the reflection of the crystal clear waters, or visit one of the local cafes to gaze across this great blue expanse. When the sun sets, prepare yourself for a dazzling night time display. Known for its stargazing, local tours operate from Wednesday to Sunday, taking you to the perfect spots to witness our vast milky way. 

Aoraki Mount Cook

Standing at 3724 m above sea level, Aoraki Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. On a clear day, it stands magnificently against the sky - a memorable sight for anyone to behold. For day trips to Mt Cook, we highly recommend the Hooker Valley Track. At an easy 3 hour return time, the Hooker Valley Track offers stunning views of Hooker Lake, the Mueller Glacier and, of course, Aoraki Mount Cook. 

Hanmer Springs

Unlike most places, Hanmer Springs is ideal for both thrill seekers and chill seekers. The thermal springs are the perfect place to unwind after a long day’s driving, with temperatures reaching up to 36C in some pools. However, for those who are a little more restless, Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a whole host of high-octane fun. From jet boating to river rafting, to quad bike tours and bungy jumping, they have it all. The best part is, they operate from one location, making it possible to do multiple tours in a single day.

Marlborough Sounds

With over 50 conservation reserves, 1500 km of coastline and many hidden bays and quiet beaches, the Marlborough Sounds are a place to find your own piece of paradise. The perfect setting for an island hopper cruise, float between islands and coves as you drink in some of NZ’s most picturesque coastline. With the best south island wineries located in this region, the Sounds are also the ideal place to please your palate, as well as your soul.

Things to do in Christchurch

Alyssa Tresider
/ Categories: NZ blog

Should you travel New Zealand in a campervan with an itinerary – or wing it?

Ingrid Walker has explored Aotearoa from top to bottom in campervans of all shapes and sizes. She’s experienced both the joy of a perfectly planned itinerary and the freedom of making it up along the way. In this blog, she shares her honest take on what it’s like to travel New Zealand by campervan – with tips to help you find the right balance between structure and spontaneity. 

There’s something pretty special about hitting the open road in a campervan in New Zealand. Waking up to a new view each morning, pulling over when something catches your eye, and having everything you need right there with you – it’s a travel style that feels equal parts freeing and rewarding. 

But when it comes to planning the trip, there’s always that big question: should you map out every stop, or just see where the road takes you? I’ve done both – from tightly planned itineraries to completely winging it – and there are definitely pros and cons to each. 

If you’re planning your first campervan roadie, especially here in Aotearoa, this guide will help you figure out what kind of approach suits you best. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole whānau, I’ve pulled together my top tips to help you find the right balance between structure and spontaneity. 

 

Why New Zealand is perfect for a campervan adventure

New Zealand was made for road trips. The scenery changes dramatically every couple of hours – one minute you’re driving through alpine passes, the next you’re winding along a rugged coastline or parked up beside a peaceful lake. Having a campervan means you can stop whenever you like, take the scenic route, and stay a little longer when a place surprises you (and trust me, that happens often). 

There’s also a great mix of freedom camping spots, DOC campsites, and well-equipped holiday parks dotted all over the country, so you’ve got options whether you’re after simplicity or all the bells and whistles. 

Driving in New Zealand is pretty straightforward too – distances are short, traffic outside the cities is light, and the locals are usually happy to help if you’re unsure of anything. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve road-tripped before, hiring a campervan in New Zealand just makes sense – it’s accessible, flexible, and hands-down one of the best ways to explore. 

 

The case for travelling with a set itinerary

I’ll admit, I’m a planner at heart – and when I did my first big campervan trip around New Zealand, having a set itinerary gave me a lot of peace of mind. Knowing where we were staying each night, having activities booked in, and not having to scramble for campsites made the whole experience feel more relaxed. It was especially helpful because we were travelling during summer, when things can book out fast – particularly in places like Queenstown, Rotorua, and along the West Coast. 

Having a schedule really paid off when we rolled into Queenstown late one afternoon. Every holiday park in town was packed, and we saw people being turned away at reception. Luckily, we’d booked ahead – we had a powered site waiting for us and didn’t have to worry about where we were going to sleep. 

A set itinerary is also great for making the most of your time, especially if you're on a shorter trip or travelling with kids. You can lock in must-see experiences like Hobbiton, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or a Milford Sound cruise and build your route around them. 

The trade-off? There’s less room for spontaneity. You might drive past a waterfall or a quirky roadside café and not have time to stop. And if the weather suddenly turns, your plans may need to shift, which can be tricky if everything is pre-booked. 

READ MORE: Creating your perfect New Zealand itinerary: tip and recommendations from experienced travellers.  

 

The joy of winging it on a campervan road trip

There’s something pretty special about waking up, checking the weather, and deciding where to head next over your morning coffee. No rush, no firm plan – just the open road and a general sense of direction. On my second trip around New Zealand, I decided to take a looser approach, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. 

One day, we were loosely headed south from Nelson and took a spontaneous turn toward Golden Bay. We ended up at Wainui Bay – a quiet, golden-sand beach tucked away at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. We hadn’t planned to stop, but we ended up staying two nights. That kind of freedom to go where the mood takes you is hard to beat. 

This approach is perfect for longer trips or if you’ve already ticked off the big-ticket experiences. It gives you room to follow local tips, stay an extra night somewhere unexpectedly beautiful, or change plans entirely if the forecast isn’t in your favour. 

The downside? You might miss out on popular spots that need to be booked in advance, like guided glacier hikes or certain national park campsites. And during peak season, it can be harder to find last-minute spots at holiday parks. 

Top tip: If you’re travelling this way, download the thl Roadtrip app. It’s a game-changer for finding last-minute campsites, dump stations, and activities nearby – especially when you’re off the beaten track or changing plans on the go. 

How the seasons affect your travel style 

One thing I’ve learned is that the time of year can really influence whether planning ahead or winging it works better. 

In summer (December to February), it pays to book ahead – especially in popular spots like Queenstown, Abel Tasman, or around school holidays. Campsites, activities, and even some scenic DOC sites fill up fast, and having a plan helps avoid last-minute stress. 

Winter (June to August) is much quieter on the roads, but some freedom camping areas and attractions may be closed or harder to access. Planning ahead means you can make the most of shorter daylight hours and stay in places with good heating and facilities. 

Spring and autumn are my personal favourites. These shoulder seasons give you more flexibility with bookings, milder weather, and fewer crowds, making them perfect for a semi-planned approach where you book a few key stops and let the rest unfold. 

Top tip: If you’re not tied to travel during peak times, consider planning your roadie for shoulder season. It gives you the best of both worlds – a bit of structure and plenty of space to be spontaneous. 

 

Tips for balancing planning and spontaneity

After a few different road trips around New Zealand, I’ve figured out that I’m happiest somewhere between full-on planner and total free spirit. I like having a rough framework to follow – just enough to stay on track – while keeping things flexible enough to change direction if something better comes along. 

Here are a few tips that have worked well for me: 

  • Plan the framework, not every detail – I book popular spots like Franz Josef or Queenstown ahead of time, especially during busy periods, but I leave gaps in between to explore at my own pace. 

  • Use the thl Roadtrip app – It’s brilliant for finding last-minute campsites, dump stations, fuel stops, and local attractions when plans change on the fly. 

  • Be flexible with time, not your must-dos – If something’s a real priority, I lock it in early. Then I plan loosely around that, knowing the rest can shift if needed. 

  • Mix holiday parks with freedom camping – I love staying at a holiday park every few nights for a long hot shower and a laundry top-up, then using freedom camping in between to stay flexible and keep costs down. 

  • Keep an eye on the weather – NZ’s conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. I’ve switched coasts mid-trip to dodge a rain system, and it ended up being the best decision of the week. 

  • Build in buffer days – Giving myself an extra day or two in the itinerary means I can spend longer somewhere beautiful, wait out bad weather, or just take a slow day when needed, without throwing everything off. 

The beauty of a campervan trip is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A bit of structure and a bit of spontaneity can make for the perfect balance. 

 

What type of traveller are you? 

It really comes down to knowing your travel style. If you love structure, get a thrill from ticking off your must-see list, or feel more relaxed knowing where you’ll be each night, then planning your itinerary in advance is probably the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer to follow your instincts, leave space for surprises, and don’t mind a little uncertainty, then letting the road lead you can be incredibly rewarding. 

Most of us fall somewhere in between – and that’s totally fine. Your ideal approach might depend on the season, how long you’re travelling for, or who you’re with. I’ve done more structured trips when I was short on time or travelling with others, and more relaxed ones when I had the freedom to go at my own pace. 

The best part about travelling New Zealand by campervan or motorhome is that there’s no one right way to do it. Whether you’ve got a colour-coded map or a vague idea and a full tank, this country is made for road trippers. So pick the style that works for you, stay open to the unexpected, and enjoy the ride. 

 

Ready to hit the road?

If you love a detailed itinerary or prefer to follow the road wherever it leads, travelling New Zealand by campervan gives you the freedom to explore on your terms. With stunning scenery around every corner, well-equipped campsites, and endless opportunities to explore, it’s the kind of trip you’ll be talking about for years. 

Book your Apollo campervan online today and start shaping your own version of the ultimate New Zealand roadie – planned, spontaneous, or somewhere perfectly in between. 

 

 

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Where to stay in Christchurch

 

The Canterbury region is ideal for motorhome and campervan journeys with excellent holiday parks located close to all the popular tourist attractions and towns. These areas are well equipped for road trippers, as they have everything from kitchen and bathroom facilities to powered sites specifically for campervan rentals. Some holiday parks also offer various recreational facilities like barbeque areas, swimming pools, biking and walking trails, and small stores for basic goods.

For inspiration, check out these fantastic holiday parks which cater to motorhomes and campervans:

Tasman Holiday Park, Christchurch - Only 15 minutes from the Christchurch CBD, the Tasman Holiday Park is the perfect place to begin your holiday on New Zealand’s South Island. 

Leithfield Beach Holiday Park - North of Christchurch, stop here on your way to the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy beach-side accommodation for a fraction of the price. 

The Lake Tekapo Holiday Park - Stay at the top of Lake Tekapo while remaining within walking distance of the town centre, the lake’s edge and local hot springs.

For the more adventurous Christchurch campervan travellers, you can also free camp in certain places throughout the South Island. Freedom camping is a great way to explore New Zealand on a budget, but it comes with strict rules and regulations. You must have a certified self-contained vehicle with your own toilet, shower and waste disposal facilities on board. If you’re planning to free camp in your motorhome rental, Christchurch City Council has rules and regulations about where you can stay.

Why choose Apollo for campervan and motorhome hire in Christchurch?

 

Apollo is New Zealand’s leading provider of premium quality motorhome and campervan rentals. Designed and built by expert RV manufacturers, our entire fleet is custom-made for New Zealand’s unique climate and terrain. Whether you are looking for your next adventure or want to enjoy a relaxing scenic drive, the best way to explore Christchurch is with an Apollo campervan.

We offer a wide range of campervan and motorhomes to suit any budget and group size. Each vehicle is kitted out with quality appliances and furnishings so you can have all the comforts of home on your road trip. For great Christchurch campervan deals, contact our friendly team at Apollo and start planning your dream holiday.

New Zealand camping site

Nearest Campsite

North South Holiday Park

530 Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051

+64 3359 5993

Filling up Apollo campervan in New Zealand

Nearest Fuel Station

Z - Sawyers Arms - Service Station

Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053

+64 3359 8448

Family cooking in Apollo motorhome

Nearest Supermarket

Countdown

530/546A Memorial Avenue, Harewood, Christchurch, 8053

(03) 357 0450

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