Road trips • Destinations • Camping guides
The best months to road trip New Zealand: When to go and where
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"It's one of the most amazing places scenery wise. Every day is like a postcard."
Here's the thing: New Zealand's spectacular natural wonders aren't getting any younger. And neither are you.
The good news? In 2026, there's a cheat code.
Our month-by-month guide to New Zealand's best road trips in 2026 reveals when to go - and where. Designed for convenient two-week getaways, epic 2-3 month road trips, or (for the truly ambitious) the complete tour of both islands. And with thousands of custom vans available to hire from Kiwi locals right across the country on Camplify, actually making these adventures happen has never been easier.
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The best time to road trip New Zealand: Camplify's month-by-month map.
How Camplify makes it happen
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With thousands of custom vans available to hire from locals across both islands, the only question is: where will Camplify take you?
New Zealand is diverse, with everything from volcanic peaks to dramatic coastlines. Having a purpose-built van packed full of gear with local pickup is everything. And that's where Camplify comes in.
Camplify is New Zealand's largest peer-to-peer RV sharing platform, connecting travellers with thousands of custom caravans, campervans and motorhomes available to hire from locals right across the country. This isn't a commercial depot with identical white vans. It's a marketplace of fully custom rigs, tailor-made for their local area.
Here's how it works:
Hire for your trip: Need a campervan for two weeks exploring the South Island? A family motorhome for the school holidays? On Camplify, there's options galore. Search your holiday destination and find the perfect van for your trip.
Long-term rentals: Planning a three-month journey through both islands or an extended working holiday? Many owners specialise in long-term hires - some love nothing more than sending their vans on epic adventures across New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Buy a van, offset the cost: Thinking about buying a van for your travels? Some smart RV owners pay off their van entirely through Camplify rentals - earning thousands per year by sharing their van when they're not using it. Buy your dream rig, rent it out before (or after) your big adventure, and let it pay for itself.
Every Camplify booking comes with comprehensive damage protection, 24/7 customer support, and nationwide roadside assistance - so you can focus on the adventure, not the what-ifs.
Ready to explore? See how it works or browse vans for rent.
The ultimate 2026 New Zealand road trip calendar
January – Coromandel & Bay of Plenty
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Park up on the shores of The Coromandel and take in those amazing views.
Where: Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach
Summer on the Coromandel means long golden days, warm water (hitting 20–22°C in January), and some of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches. This is quintessential Kiwi summer - Pōhutukawa trees bursting with crimson blooms, crystal-clear water, and beach towns buzzing with holiday energy.
What makes it spectacular:
Cathedral Cove reveals one of New Zealand's most photographed natural wonders - a massive stone archway framing a pristine white sand beach. Kayak from Hahei at dawn when the light paints the cliffs gold and you might have the cove almost to yourself.
Hot Water Beach offers something genuinely unique: dig your own spa pool in the sand at low tide when geothermal springs bubble up through the beach. Time your visit for the two hours either side of low tide, bring a spade, and soak in naturally heated water while waves crash metres away.
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Relax on Hot Water Beach, where underground hot springs bubble up through the sand to temperatures as high as 64°C.
Further north, the mercury-clear water at New Chums Beach (rated one of the world's best beaches) and the lush Karangahake Gorge walking trails offer peaceful escapes from the summer crowds.
Van recommendation: A compact campervan or pop-top handles the Coromandel's winding coastal roads beautifully. The region has excellent holiday parks and DOC campsites.
Read more: Guide to an epic road trip through the Taupo and Rotorua regions
February – Hawke's Bay & Gisborne
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Where: Napier, Hastings, Cape Kidnappers, Gisborne, East Cape
February on the East Coast serves up reliable sunshine, warm seas around 21–23°C, and some of New Zealand's finest wine country. This is the driest, sunniest region in the country - art deco architecture meets world-class vineyards with a coastline that catches the first sunrise in the world.
What makes it spectacular:
Napier's art deco heritage tells the story of a city rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake - Marine Parade, pastel buildings, and vintage cars create a 1930s time capsule. The Hawke's Bay wine trail winds through over 200 wineries producing exceptional Chardonnay, Syrah, and Bordeaux blends. Cycle between cellar doors on the dedicated trails.
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Napier Beach: Witness the black sand beach, formed by volcanic materials.
Cape Kidnappers hosts the world's largest mainland gannet colony - over 20,000 birds nesting on dramatic cliff-top platforms. Access is by tractor tour along the beach at low tide, and witnessing thousands of these seabirds swooping and diving is genuinely spectacular.
Drive north to Gisborne where surf beaches and vineyard-covered hills meet. This is where New Zealand's wine industry began, and where you can watch the sun rise first anywhere in the world from East Cape lighthouse.
Van recommendation: Any campervan style works perfectly on the East Coast's sealed roads. The warm, dry climate makes outdoor cooking a pleasure.
March – Taranaki & Whanganui
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Don’t forget to pack your surfboard. With so many breaks along the coast, you’re bound to score some epic conditions
Where: Mount Taranaki, Surf Highway 45, New Plymouth, Whanganui River
March delivers the last warm days of summer with fewer crowds as schools return. Mount Taranaki - New Zealand's most symmetrical volcano - dominates the landscape with surf beaches radiating from its base.
What makes it spectacular:
The Surf Highway (State Highway 45) circles Mount Taranaki's coastline past dozens of reef and point breaks - Stent Road, Kumara Patch, and Ahu Ahu Road offer quality waves against the backdrop of the snow-dusted volcano. Even non-surfers should drive this stunning coastal route.
New Plymouth's Coastal Walkway stretches for 13km along the waterfront - one of New Zealand's best urban walking and cycling trails. The city's Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki museum showcase contemporary art and Taranaki's rich cultural history.
Hike the Pouakai Circuit for the classic Taranaki shot - the mountain with alpine tarns in the foreground. In late summer, the alpine meadows still show wildflowers while the weather remains relatively stable.
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Golden hour on the slopes of Mount Taranaki
The Whanganui River offers New Zealand's only navigable river journey - a Great Walk by canoe or kayak through pristine native bush, past waterfalls and historic sites. Alternatively, drive the River Road's unsealed route past stunning viewpoints and tiny river settlements.
Van recommendation: A self-contained campervan works well for Taranaki's mix of holiday parks and freedom camping spots. Check DOC sites near the national park.
April – Marlborough & Nelson
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Scenes from the French Pass: Where the golden hills of Marlborough tumble into the deep blues of the Sounds.
Where: Marlborough Sounds, Nelson Lakes, Abel Tasman, Picton
April marks autumn's arrival - golden light, cooler temperatures (15–20°C), and grape harvest season in Marlborough. The South Island's north becomes a paradise of sheltered waterways, golden beaches, and world-famous sauvignon blanc.
What makes it spectacular:
The Marlborough Sounds create a drowned valley system of forest-clad peninsulas and sheltered bays accessible by boat or walking track. Kayak from Picton through waters so clear you can see stingrays gliding below. Water taxis drop walkers at remote bays where the Queen Charlotte Track winds through native bush with constant ocean views.
Marlborough wine country produces New Zealand's most famous export - crisp, vibrant sauvignon blanc that put Kiwi wine on the world map. Cycle between cellar doors in Renwick, or tour in comfort stopping at over 30 wineries throughout the Wairau Valley.
Abel Tasman National Park offers golden sand beaches, turquoise water, and coastal native forest. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is New Zealand's most popular Great Walk for good reason - easy walking, stunning scenery, and opportunities to swim between beaches. Water taxis provide flexible access.
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Trade the moody deep blues of the Sounds for the vivid teal and gold of Bark Bay in Abel Tasman National Park.
Nelson Lakes National Park delivers alpine lakes, beech forests, and tramping tracks ranging from easy lakeside strolls to serious mountain routes. Lake Rotoiti's clear water reflects surrounding peaks perfectly on calm mornings.
Events: Harvest festivals throughout Marlborough celebrate the grape harvest with food, wine, and live music.
Van recommendation: A compact or medium campervan handles the Marlborough Sounds' winding roads. For longer stays, a caravan at a base camp lets you explore on day trips.
May – West Coast
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Haast Pass: Nothing beats the South Island’s alpine scenery.
Where: Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Haast Pass
May brings autumn colours and reliable clear weather before winter sets in. The West Coast's dramatic landscape - where temperate rainforest meets the Tasman Sea - becomes even more spectacular in the golden light of late autumn.
What makes it spectacular:
Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and blowholes demonstrate the raw power of the Tasman Sea - layered limestone formations through which ocean swells explode in massive plumes. Time your visit for high tide and westerly swells for the most dramatic display.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers descend from the Southern Alps almost to sea level - rare anywhere globally. Heli-hike tours land on the glacier ice, while valley walks bring you to the glacier faces. The glaciers glow blue in the right light, ancient ice compressed over thousands of years.
Drive the Haast Pass through pristine beech forest alongside the Haast River - one of New Zealand's most scenic alpine routes. Stop at Thunder Creek Falls where water cascades down a rock face you can walk behind.
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Don’t forget to stop for a photo op at the stunning Thunder Creek Falls
Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier offers the classic reflection shot - Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman mirrored perfectly in dark water. Dawn is magic here.
The West Coast's isolation and character towns like Hokitika (with its driftwood beaches and jade carving studios) and Ross (gold mining history) add authentic Kiwi character to the stunning landscapes.
Wildlife note: May is breeding season for Fiordland crested penguins. Spots around Jackson Bay and Knights Point offer viewing opportunities.
Van recommendation: A self-contained motorhome or campervan with heating handles the West Coast's changeable weather. Rain is frequent (it's a rainforest coast), so indoor living space matters.
June – Queenstown & Central Otago
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Where: Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Cromwell, Glenorchy
June means winter has arrived - ski season is beginning, Central Otago's vineyards show golden autumn colours, and the mountains wear fresh snow. This is one of New Zealand's most beautiful regions at one of its most photogenic times.
What makes it spectacular:
Queenstown transforms into a winter playground. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski fields open for the season (mid-June onwards), offering world-class skiing and snowboarding with spectacular lake and mountain views. Non-skiers can ride gondolas, explore Arrowtown's historic gold mining streets, or cruise Lake Wakatipu. While you can’t take your van on ski field access roads or areas where snow has fallen, you can leave your van at your campsite and catch a shuttle to the ski fields if you’re planning to hit the slops.
Wanaka offers a quieter alternative to Queenstown with equally stunning scenery. The iconic Wanaka Tree stands in the lake creating one of New Zealand's most photographed scenes. Nearby, Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields deliver excellent slopes with fewer crowds.
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Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels, and is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era.
Central Otago's vineyards produce world-renowned pinot noir. Winter cellar door visits combine wine tasting with cosy fires and mountain views.
Glenorchy and the road to Paradise showcase some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery - locations used extensively in Lord of the Rings. In winter, the mountains' snow cover is breathtaking.
Events: Queenstown Winter Festival (late June) celebrates winter's arrival with fireworks, street parades, and mountain parties.
Van recommendation: A self-contained motorhome with heating and good insulation is essential for Central Otago's cold winters (temperatures regularly drop below zero overnight).
July – Fiordland & Southland
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Milford Sound: The ultimate New Zealand bucket list destination
Where: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Te Anau
July delivers Fiordland at its most dramatic. Winter rain fills waterfalls to thundering torrents, fresh snow caps the mountains, and the fiords display nature at its most powerful. This is when you truly understand why Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the "eighth wonder of the world."
What makes it spectacular:
Milford Sound in winter is genuinely awe-inspiring. Waterfalls that trickle in summer become massive cascades - Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls thunder down vertical rock faces. Fresh snow on Mitre Peak creates a monochrome landscape of dramatic beauty. Cruises run year-round, and winter offers smaller crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters with seals and dolphins.
The drive to Milford through the Homer Tunnel and down the Cleddau Valley is spectacular in any season, but winter's snow-covered mountains and dramatic weather make it unforgettable. The road requires care in winter - be mindful that chains may be necessary, and sometimes the road closes for avalanche control.
Doubtful Sound, accessed via boat across Lake Manapouri and a bus over Wilmot Pass, delivers even more isolation and grandeur than Milford. This is New Zealand's deepest fiord, three times longer than Milford, and ten times larger by area.
Te Anau serves as the gateway to Fiordland with excellent facilities and the stunning Te Anau Glowworm Caves accessible by boat.
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Take a moment to stretch your legs and walk up to the lookout at Nugget Point Lighthouse
Van recommendation: A self-contained motorhome with excellent heating handles Fiordland's cold, wet winters. The region's roads are sealed but winding - choose a van comfortable on mountain roads.
August – Otago Peninsula & Dunedin
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The walk down to Tunnel Beach in Dunedin offers some of the most dramatic sandstone cliffs on the Otago Peninsula.
Where: Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, Moeraki Boulders, Oamaru
August continues winter but brings longer days and often clearer weather. The Otago Peninsula offers New Zealand's most accessible mainland wildlife viewing - albatross, penguins, and sea lions all within easy reach of Dunedin's excellent coffee and craft beer scene.
What makes it spectacular:
The Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head hosts the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross in the world. Watch these magnificent seabirds (3-metre wingspan) soar on the coastal updrafts just metres from the viewing platform. The albatross colony is active year-round, with August offering good viewing opportunities.
Yellow-eyed penguins return to beaches around the peninsula at dusk. Several viewing hides and guided tours offer respectful viewing of these rare penguins waddling ashore after a day fishing. The best viewing is from purpose-built hides that keep visitors hidden while penguins behave naturally.
Dunedin's Scottish heritage shows in its Victorian and Edwardian architecture - the railway station is stunning, and Baldwin Street claims the world's steepest residential street. The city's thriving craft brewery and cafe scene makes it excellent for food and drink lovers.
Moeraki Boulders north of Dunedin present perfectly spherical stones scattered along the beach - Māori legend says they're eel baskets washed ashore from a wrecked canoe. The geological reality (concretions formed 60 million years ago) is almost as magical.
Oamaru's Victorian precinct and blue penguin colony (the world's smallest penguins arriving ashore each evening) add further wildlife encounters.
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Hiring a campervan, caravan or motorhome is your golden ticket to experiencing all the best spots across New Zealand.
Van recommendation: A heated campervan or motorhome handles Otago's winter climate. The peninsula's roads are narrow in places - smaller vans manoeuvre more easily. As a bonus, small vans are also lighter on fuel costs for the big trips, mening you can save more money for experiences that matter.
September – Rotorua & Taupo
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Where: Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo Caves
September marks the arrival of early spring. The air is crisp, the crowds are thin, and the North Island’s volcanic features look even more dramatic as steam rises against the cooler air.
What makes it spectacular:
Rotorua’s geothermal wonders are arguably at their best in the cooler months, where the contrast between the cool air and hot steam creates a moody, prehistoric atmosphere.
What makes it spectacular:
At Wai-O-Tapu, the Champagne Pool remains vibrant, but the surrounding steam clouds are thicker and more mysterious.
Te Puia is unmissable; the Pohutu Geyser’s eruptions are spectacular, and the warmth of the geothermal valley is a welcome comfort. It’s also a perfect time to duck indoors to the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute to see traditional carving and weaving without the summer queues.
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Why book a hotel room with a view when you can drive to a new one every night?
Lake Taupo is peaceful and fresh. While the water is brisk, the views of snow-capped mountains across the lake are crystal clear.
Tongariro National Park is the highlight for the adventurous, but it offers a different experience than in summer. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in September is often still a snow-covered winter wonderland. While beautiful, it crosses alpine terrain that may require crampons, ice axes, and a guide depending on snow levels. It is a challenging, true alpine adventure rather than a standard walk, offering incredible snowy views of the Emerald Lakes and Red Crater that most summer tourists never see.
Waitomo Caves offer a dry escape if spring showers roll in. The glowworms are brilliant year-round, creating starry constellations in the darkness.
Van recommendation: Since September nights can still be chilly (often dropping to 4–8°C), choose a campervan with good insulation and a reliable heater (diesel or gas). You won't need full winterization, but you will want a cozy cabin for the evenings.
October – Kaikoura & Marlborough
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The drive into Hanmer Springs is almost as beautiful as the destination itself.
Where: Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Marlborough Sounds
October marks spring's peak - whale watching season, seal pups playing in rockpools, and the South Island warming up. Kaikoura combines spectacular coastal scenery with New Zealand's best marine wildlife encounters.
What makes it spectacular:
Kaikoura sits where deep ocean canyons push close to shore, bringing nutrient-rich water that attracts extraordinary marine life. Sperm whales feed here year-round - massive males dive to depths over 1,000 metres hunting giant squid. Whale watching tours have very high success rates, and seeing a sperm whale breach or dive is an experience not to be missed.
Dusky dolphins inhabit the waters around Kaikoura in huge pods - sometimes hundreds or thousands of individuals. Swimming with dolphins tours let you snorkel alongside these acrobatic animals as they play, spin, and leap around you.
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New Zealand fur seals are everywhere around Kaikoura - Point Kean walkway brings you within metres of seal colonies where pups play in the rockpools.
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway offers stunning coastal scenery, seal viewing, and if you're lucky, whale spouts visible offshore. The walk combines easy beach sections with clifftop views.
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The Waiau Ferry Bridge: Rolling over the gorge and into the rugged beauty of the Hanmer Springs region.
Hanmer Springs inland offers hot pools and forest walks - a perfect counterpoint to Kaikoura's coastal activities. The thermal pools are New Zealand's most developed and family-friendly.
Wildlife note: October also brings migrating humpback whales passing Kaikoura on their journey south.
Van recommendation: A motorhome with a good heater is a great option if you’re travelling to Kaikoura in October, as temperatures can still be quite chilly throughout the days and nights. The town has excellent holiday parks and nearby freedom camping options with spectacular coastal views.
November – Canterbury & Aoraki Mount Cook
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Thousands of purple Lupins blanket the shores of Lake Tekapo from Late November to Mid-December
Where: Christchurch, Aoraki Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie Country
November brings the spectacular lupin season to the Mackenzie Country, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple and pink. As late spring warms the region, the snow retreats to the higher peaks, opening up hiking trails and bringing vibrant colour to the valleys.
What makes it spectacular:
Aoraki Mount Cook dominates the skyline, but in November, the valley floor is alive with colour.
The Hooker Valley Track is the premier walk this month. It’s an easy, flat track that leads to a glacial lake where you can see icebergs floating in the water—perfect for those who want alpine scenery without the need for mountaineering gear.
Lake Tekapo is the star of the show in November. Thousands of Russell Lupins bloom along the lakefront from mid-November, creating New Zealand's most iconic spring photo: the stone Church of the Good Shepherd surrounded by waves of purple and pink flowers against the turquoise water.
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The Mackenzie Country is an International Dark Sky Reserve - one of the world's best stargazing locations. With the weather clearing and nights becoming slightly milder (though still crisp), it’s a fantastic time for stargazing. A tour at the Mount John Observatory offers a chance to see the Milky Way in unparalleled detail before the short nights of mid-summer arrive.
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Park your campervan under and witness the best light show.
Lake Pukaki rivals Tekapo for spectacular colour - the brilliant blue water reflecting surrounding mountains. The lake's southern shore offers numerous viewpoints and the road to Mount Cook.
Spring means the ski season continues at Mount Hutt and surrounding fields while the lowlands begin showing new growth. The contrast between snow-covered peaks and green valleys is stunning.
Events: Christchurch's Spring Festival celebrates the city's famous gardens coming back to life.
Van recommendation: A self-contained campervan with heating handles the Mackenzie Country's cold nights (still well below zero). The region has good freedom camping infrastructure and excellent holiday parks.
December – Northland & Bay of Islands
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Take in panoramic coastal views at the Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse
Where: Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Poor Knights Islands
December means summer has arrived - school holidays begin, New Zealand families head north, and the Bay of Islands becomes a playground of beaches, islands, and marine activities.
What makes it spectacular:
The Bay of Islands contains 144 islands scattered across sheltered waters. This is sailing paradise - charter a yacht, join a dolphin cruise, or kayak between deserted beaches. The historic town of Russell (New Zealand's first capital) and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds tell the nation's founding story.
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Hole in the Rock: Thread the needle and take a cruise right through this natural wonder (if the tide is right!).
Diving or snorkelling the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve reveals underwater landscapes Jacques Cousteau rated among the world's best. Subtropical fish species, enormous schools of fish, and dramatic underwater rock formations create a world-class diving experience.
Cape Reinga at New Zealand's northern tip holds deep spiritual significance in Māori culture as the place where spirits depart for the afterlife. The lighthouse marks where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet in a dramatic collision of currents.
Northland's beaches - from Matapouri to Matauri Bay to the stunning Spirits Bay - offer endless golden sand, pohutukawa shade, and clear warm water.
Events: New Year's Eve in the Bay of Islands sees boats anchoring in dozens of bays for spectacular fireworks displays.
Van recommendation: A compact or medium campervan handles Northland's roads well. The region is very popular in summer - book accommodation ahead. Some owners specialise in long-term December/January summer rentals.
Flying in? Here's how to make interstate van hire work
Planning a road trip from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown - but flying in from overseas? Camplify makes it seamless.
Flying in from Sydney for a North Island road trip? You can actually bypass Auckland entirely by flying direct to Hamilton—the perfect way to dodge the big-city traffic and get straight to the good stuff.
Airport pickup and delivery: Some Camplify owners offer pickup and delivery directly to the airport, saving you the cost of a taxi to a distant depot. Make your request in your message to the owner before booking. Lots of owners offer this as an additional extra hirers can select on their booking process. They do often have a fee associated for time.
Ready to start planning?
Now you know the best time to travel New Zealand and where, make 2026 the year you finally do it right - from the Bay of Islands to Fiordland and volcanic plateaus to the Southern Alps. Camplify is your golden ticket to seeing it all.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.