5 places you need on your New Zealand South Island itinerary according to Elise's Travel Diary

"Everywhere you go in New Zealand, you're not going to be let down," Elise promises.

And after spending 14 unforgettable days exploring the South Island by motorhome, she should know. The South Island delivers on every promise: snow-capped peaks that pierce impossibly blue skies, turquoise lakes framed by alpine wilderness, waterfalls that thunder down moss-covered cliffs, and in late spring, thousands of vibrant lupins transforming the lakeshores into a riot of pink and purple.

Elise McLean, the Australian travel blogger behind Elise’s Travel Diary, had been dreaming of this road trip since 2017. When she finally made it happen with her partner Isaac in a Camplify motorhome, the journey exceeded every expectation (complete with a surprise proposal at one of the South Island's most spectacular locations!). We caught up with Elise to get the inside scoop: her top 5 must-visit destinations, honest tips on motorhome travel (including sandfly survival strategies and roadside assistance via email), and why this corner of the world absolutely lives up to the hype.

Keep up to date with Elise’s adventures on Instagram or TikTok.

Why Camplify is your golden ticket to exploring New Zealand

New Zealand is a road trip lover's dream, with iconic landmarks and hidden gems scattered across both islands. The best way to experience it all? Hire a motorhome, campervan, or caravan from a local owner on Camplify and embrace the freedom of the open road.

As New Zealand's largest RV sharing platform, Camplify connects travellers with thousands of unique RVs owned by locals across the country. With the flexibility to camp where you want, cook when you're hungry, and change your plans based on weather or whim, RV travel gives you complete control over your New Zealand adventure. No rushing to make hotel check-ins, just you, the open road, and some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.

Breathtaking views everywhere you look.

A road trip 9 years in the making

For Elise, the South Island had been calling since her first visit to New Zealand’s North Island way back in 2017.

"I'd heard the South Island is even better. You need to go," she recalls. "It had always been on my bucket list since."

The timing for the trip couldn't have been more perfect. Not only did the trip align with lupin season, those stunning pink and purple wildflowers that blanket the lakeshores with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, but her partner Isaac was planning a surprise proposal.

What better location to pop the question?

"We both love mountains and waterfalls," Elise explains. "And honestly, it's just a breath of fresh air down there. Plus, from Melbourne, it's only a three-hour flight, which is so easy compared to what we're used to."

Non-negotiables for the ultimate South Island RV hire

When it comes to hiring an RV in New Zealand, Elise has some hard-earned wisdom to share. Coming from a background of rooftop tent camping, she and Isaac knew they wanted something more substantial for the unpredictable weather. Their South Island rig? A vintage 1990s Toyota Dyna named Big Buzz 2.0.

Big Buzz 2.0 came equipped with everything they needed for a comfortable trip - a double bed, electric heater and fan, a fully equipped kitchen with a two-burner gas stove, a fridge and everything else you’d need for cooking up a meal on the road or brewing a morning tea.

You’ll be ready to explore to infinity and beyond in Big Buzz 2.0 - a fully self-contained, newly refurbished van available to hire on Camplify.

Elise’s must-have van features:

• Self-contained certification: A must for campervan hire in New Zealand - you'll need a self-contained vehicle to access many freedom camping spots legally.

• Indoor cooking facilities: "We wanted to be able to get out of the wind and rain, which there's a lot of in New Zealand," Elise explains. "I saw a lot of people in vans that you can only really sleep in, and they were either standing out the back cooking or going to camp kitchens, and it just didn’t look great."

• A comfortable table and seating area: This was crucial for Elise's work as a travel creator and meant she had a comfortable place to sit and work if she needed to.

• A van that can handle NZ’s conditions: While Big Buzz 2.0 was characterful and compact, it didn’t come without its challenges. "It struggled a little bit in the wind and on hills," Elise admits. 

While they loved the unique vehicle and its easy parking, she recommends thinking carefully about your planned route. "Just make sure you know what kind of route you're taking—hilly, windy," she advises. "For us, there was the novelty in having such a cool vehicle, but just be aware of the limitations." The compact size did have its advantages though: "It fit in all the car parks, never overhung anywhere. It was like a mini version of all those other motorhomes you see."

It’s time to pack your bags, New Zealand’s South Island is calling.

Top 5 spots you can’t miss on the South Island according to Elise

Getting around the South Island couldn’t have been easier, with the freedom of a motorhome. Elise and Isaac's journey started in Queenstown, where they were picked up by the van owner at the airport, before doing a handover and a run through of the van.

"She actually drove the van to the airport, we got in, and then she drove us back to her place and did her full runthrough with us," Elise recalls.

With the keys in hand and the open road ahead, they set off on a loop through some of the South Island's most breathtaking landscapes. If you're planning your own South Island adventure, these are the five places Elise says you absolutely can't miss:

1. Mount Cook / Aoraki

Why visit: Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest peak and dishes out some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. You’ll want to add extra time to your itinerary because we can guarantee you’ll be pulling over non-stop to take it all in.

Where to camp at Mount Cook / Aoraki: You’re spoilt for choice in this region, but White Horse Hill Campground was Elise's favourite campsite of the entire trip.

"You're basically at the base of all of the mountains. You can get straight up in the morning and start the hikes early,” Elise says.

For more camping options, check out our blog on the 7 best campsites in Mount Cook / Aorak.

Things to do at Mount Cook / Aoraki:

• Take the scenic drive to Mount Cook: "You can pull off literally a million times off the side of the road and you still get this beautiful view," Elise gushes.

• Watch the sunrise over the mountains: The early start is worth the views!

• Take a hike: Thanks to White Horse Hill Campground’s close proximity to trailheads, it’s the ideal base to explore some epic trails like the Hooker Valley Track, Mueller Hut Route or the Sealy Tarns Track.

Mount Cook recently introduced hourly parking fees but if you're camping at White Horse Hill, you can leave your vehicle at the campsite instead of parking in the trailhead carpark to avoid paying the parking fees.

Elise’s tip: Build flexibility into your schedule because the weather at Mount Cook can be unpredictable. "There were some days where you couldn't see Mount Cook and we were actually nearby, so we flipped our whole itinerary and planned to go see it a different day," Elise explains.

2. Earnslaw Burn (Glacier Basin)

"It's just otherworldly," she recalls. "That was worth every bit of money we spent to get there."

Why visit: Earnslaw Burn is an otherworldly glacial amphitheater with waterfalls cascading in every direction. This spectacular location was featured in the Lord of The Rings film, and is only accessible by helicopter flight or 26km hike.

For Elise and Isaac, their two-week South Island adventure became even more special when Isaac proposed at Earnslaw Burn. "He had the ring pretty much the whole time in the camera bag, and a few times I'd picked it up and was just holding it," Elise laughs.

The weather cooperated perfectly for the proposal day after several gloomy stretches. "It just so happened that it stayed sunny for that helicopter flight day," she says. "We came back to our campsite and spent about three hours just sitting in the van being like, 'What just happened?'.

What to do at Earnslaw Burn:

• Hike the 26km return trek, or

• Take a helicopter flight into the basin (worth every penny, according to Elise).

Where to camp near Earnslaw Burn: For a convenient stay near the Earnslaw Burn track, you have two excellent options. Diamond Lake DOC Campground is the closest choice, located just an 8-minute drive from the carpark, making it perfect for an early start. Alternatively, Mrs Woolley’s Campground in Glenorchy serves as an ideal base for exploring the wider area and is still only 20 minutes drive from the trailhead.

3. Milford Sound

“Obviously Milford Sound was definitely on the bucket list… it was just incredible being around those mountains and all the water,” Elise recalls.

Why visit: Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound is New Zealand’s crowning jewel. With its vertical granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls, it is an awe-inspiring landscape that you must see when visiting the South Island.

What to do at Milford Sound: To fully appreciate the scale of the mountains rising from the water, taking a cruise through the sound is essential. Be sure to lookout for the local wildlife - spot fur seals, dolphins, and even the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Where to camp near Milford Sound: For an unforgettable experience, book the Rainforest Campervan Park (Milford Sound Lodge), the only site located within the sound itself. Park your motorhome or campervan beneath the ancient rainforest canopy and enjoy the serenity. 

Elise’s tip: Rain actually enhances Milford Sound with countless temporary waterfalls, so don't be put off by bad weather forecasts. "We got a quite a sunny day, so it wasn't a huge amount of waterfalls coming, but they have a few permanent waterfalls that are always there," Elise notes.

4. Lake Tekapo

"The snow-topped mountains in the back and the really blue water with the lupins—just unbeatable," Elise says.

Why visit: Visit Lake Tekapo to witness the stunning turquoise waters famously set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. As part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it is a top destination for stargazing, but it is perhaps most famous in late spring when the shores explode with colour from thousands of blooming Russell Lupins. To see the lake shores carpeted in colourful Russell Lupins, the best time to visit is from November to December.

What to do: There’s no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of Lake Tekapo, starting with the spectacular Lupin viewing. For the iconic postcard shot, visit the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, which sits perfectly framed by the wildflowers and the Southern Alps. After a day of exploring, you can hike to the summit of Mount John for panoramic views or unwind in the heated alpine pools at Tekapo Springs.

Where to camp: For stunning views without the price tag, Mackenzie Waitaki RV Camping (at Lake Wardell) is a popular freedom camping spot located just a short drive from town. If you prefer staying right on the water with full amenities, Lake’s Edge Holiday Park offers the perfect location to wake up to those famous turquoise views.

5. Scenic Drives Not to Miss

For Elise, some of the most memorable moments weren't at the destinations themselves, they happened on the journey between them. The South Island's roads are destinations in their own right, with ever-changing landscapes that demand frequent photo stops. Some of Elise’s favourites included:

The road to Mount Cook: This drive delivers non-stop alpine drama from start to finish. As you cruise along State Highway 8 and 80 via Lindis Pass, snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon, growing more spectacular with every kilometre.

"The mountains are in the distance the entire journey," Elise recalls. "You'll find yourself constantly pulling over just to take it all in."

The stark tussock-covered landscape gradually gives way to glacial lakes and towering mountains and it's a photographer's dream.

Haast Pass: Connecting the West Coast to Central Otago, this route through Mount Aspiring National Park showcases the South Island's dramatic diversity. Ancient rainforest gives way to river valleys and alpine scenery as you wind through one of New Zealand's most pristine wilderness areas. Waterfall after waterfall tumbles down moss-covered cliffs, and there are plenty of short walking tracks along the way if you want to stretch your legs and get closer to the action.

Queenstown to Glenorchy: "This one will have you pulling over constantly," Elise laughs. The 45-minute drive hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables and surrounding peaks reflected in the impossibly blue water. Every bend reveals another postcard-perfect view—jagged mountains, golden tussock, and that famous South Island light. Leave extra time because you won't be able to resist those photo opportunities.

How to find the best places to visit and camp in New Zealand

You don’t just have to stop at these top 5 spots. To discover the best spots in New Zealand, Elise recommends following local Kiwi creators on Instagram. "Seeing them promote their own country, you know they're getting the best locations," she explains. She saved her favourite reels for later reference and purchased a digital photography guide from a local expert, which included a dedicated lupin road trip route with all the prime viewing locations mapped out.

For campgrounds and freedom camping options, she used the Camper Mate app to find places to camp, complete with helpful reviews about timing and availability which are essential for self-contained travel.

Elise’s essential tips for your South Island road trip

Fresh from her two-week trip, here is Elise’s best advice:

1. Get a SIM card with call capability if you’re travelling from overseas: They brought an eSIM but didn't have a number connected to it, which became problematic when they needed to contact roadside assistance. "You obviously need to have a number connected to your SIM, or you might have to go and ask someone to use a phone."

When Big Buzz’s oil light came on, Elise and Isaac had a unique experience with roadside assistance. Without a working phone number, their motorhome owner called on their behalf, and was able to organise the assistance to be provided entirely via email.

"We emailed them photos of what we were seeing, and they responded in about 30 minutes," Elise explains. "They gave us a quick fix—go get oil from Repco, they could see one where we were. They told us exactly what to get and how much to fill."

2. Bring your driver's license: "Make sure you bring a physical copy of your license or have a digital copy available," Elise stresses. She nearly got caught out when she had forgotten to have a copy of her license ready at the van handover. "I had to quickly turn my Australian SIM on to log in to VicRoads to get my digital license," she recalled.

3. Don't overpack: "You only have a certain amount of space. Me and Isaac only brought one suitcase and shared that, then had a small duffel bag as well." Check what your motorhome owner provides as they may include linen and towels which saves you from squeezing them into your suitcase.

4. Stock up on groceries immediately: Head to Pak'n Save when you land in Queenstown. "It was the cheapest groceries—just stock up there," Elise recommends. "They even had chocolate for so much cheaper than Australia!"

5. Allow extra travel time: "You'll probably need a lot longer than the GPS says, especially if you're in a van or something that's heavier." Factor in hills, headwinds, and the temptation to stop for photos constantly.

6. The sandflies are no joke, be prepared: "Sandflies are a huge one," Elise emphasises. "They're really tiny little things, but they want to get you, and they're quite itchy."
This is where hiring from a local Kiwi owner paid off. Knowing exactly what Elise and Isaac would face on the road, the owner anticipated the need for sandfly repellent and ensured the van was fully stocked before they arrived.

"We woke up one morning and our roof vent had easily hundreds of sandflies sitting there wanting to come in, but the vent was actually small enough that they couldn't get through," Elise recalls.

Ready to plan your South Island adventure?

Whether you're chasing lupins, Lord of the Rings filming locations, or simply want to immerse yourself in some of the world's most dramatic landscapes, a motorhome road trip gives you the freedom to explore New Zealand’s best destinations at your own pace.

Find your perfect van on Camplify, New Zealand's largest RV sharing platform, and start planning the road trip of a lifetime.