The Southern Alps cater to thrill-seekers with activities like heli-hiking on glaciers, skydiving with alpine views, and winter sports at resorts like Mount Hutt, just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch. Speak to our experts to book any additional activities.
Motorhome travel in New Zealand isn't just about the destination; it's about the journey. The flexibility to chart your own course, the convenience of home comforts, and the unparalleled access to remote vistas make motorhomes an ideal choice. Whether waking up to the sight of snow-capped peaks or enjoying a cup of tea amidst rolling hills, a motorhome brings these experiences to your doorstep.
The Southern Alps
The backbone of the South Island
Stretching over 310 miles, the Southern Alps boast New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook, soaring at 12,218 feet. It is situated about 200 miles from Christchurch, and the drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village offers breathtaking views along Lake Pukaki.
The White Horse Hill Campground, located just over a mile from the village, provides motorhome spaces and access to numerous walking tracks, including the popular Hooker Valley Track.
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Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Glacial wonders
These twin glaciers are among the world's most accessible glacial wonders. Franz Josef Glacier is approximately 261 miles from Christchurch, journeying through Westland Tai Poutini National Park's lush rainforests.
The Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef, close to the glacier, offers motorhome parking nestled amidst ancient rainforests. Find more about this area in our Highlights of West Coast New Zealand motorhome holiday.
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Arthur's Pass National Park
A mountainous playground
Arthur's Pass, both a village and national park, is a highlight of the Southern Alps. Located about 93 miles from Christchurch, it's known for its hiking trails and alpine scenery. The Arthur's Pass Alpine Motel, offering motorhome facilities, is an excellent base for exploring trails like the Bealey Valley Track.
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Lake Tekapo
A stargazer's paradise
Roughly 141 miles from Christchurch, Lake Tekapo is part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. With its striking turquoise waters and surrounded by mountains, the lake offers a picturesque spot for motorhome camping.
Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park provides superb facilities for motorhomes, ideal for stargazing and exploring the area.
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The Tararua Range
A tramping paradise
The rugged Tararua Range epitomises natural beauty in New Zealand's lower North Island. Renowned for challenging terrain and dense native forests, this range lures outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
Activities range from exhilarating tramping trails to serene birdwatching, surrounded by dramatic peaks and verdant valleys. Unpredictable weather and diverse ecosystems make the Tararuas a compelling wilderness destination for those seeking authenticity.
From mountain highs to forest depths, the Tararua Range promises an array of experiences amid untamed natural splendour.
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The Tararua Range offers some of New Zealand's most challenging and rewarding tramping experiences. The Tararua Southern Crossing, spanning over 20 miles, is a highlight for experienced hikers, offering stunning views of the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa.
For shorter walks, the Waiohine Gorge track provides a less strenuous yet equally scenic experience.
Numerous rivers and streams cross the range, such as the Otaki and Waiohine rivers, which are popular for freshwater fishing and river trekking.
You can park at sites like the Otaki Forks, which serve as gateways to these river adventures.
The dense native forests of the Tararua Range are home to a rich array of birdlife, including the melodious tui and the rare kākā. The forest itself transitions from lush lowland woods to subalpine shrubs, offering a diverse botanical experience.
Keep an eye out for the unique Tararua 'vegetable sheep', a type of cushion plant that forms large, sheep-like mounds on the mountainside.
The range is dotted with historic huts, relics of the area's tramping and forestry past. One such hut is the iconic Powell Hut, a popular stop for hikers.
Camping spots like the Holdsworth Campsite provide convenient access to these trails, huts, and essential amenities.
The weather in the Tararua Range can be unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly. This adds an element of challenge to any adventure in the range.
Be well-prepared with suitable gear, especially if you plan to venture onto the hiking trails.
The Remarkables
Queenstown's crown jewel
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables are just a 15-mile drive from Queenstown. This range is renowned for its stunning alpine terrain and winter sports. Motorhome travellers can find accommodation at the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park, offering comprehensive facilities with spectacular mountain views.
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The Remarkables, aptly named for their dramatic appearance, are one of the most photographed mountain ranges in New Zealand. The range is renowned for its distinct, jagged peaks that rise sharply from Lake Wakatipu.
This range is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with Remarkables Ski Area offering excellent skiing and snowboarding. The ski area is accessible via a mountain road, providing stunning vistas along the way.
During the warmer months, the Remarkables offer excellent hiking opportunities, with trails leading to picturesque Lake Alta, nestled amongst the peaks.
The Kaikoura Ranges
Where mountains meet the sea
The Kaikoura Ranges, located on the South Island's east coast, are unique for their dramatic rise from the ocean. The journey from Christchurch is about 111 miles, a scenic route leading through wine country.
With ample motorhome parking, the Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park is an ideal base to explore the area's famous whale watching and seafood.
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Unique for their position where the mountains meet the sea, the Kaikoura Ranges offer breathtaking coastal views. The ranges comprise two parallel ranges: the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Inland Kaikoura Range.
The coastal town of Kaikoura, located near the ranges, is famous for its marine life, including whale watching, and its sumptuous seafood, especially crayfish.
Hiking trails provide opportunities to spot fur seals and various bird species, making it a unique wildlife experience.
The Kaimai Range
A gateway to The Coromandel
Lying between the Waikato region and the Bay of Plenty, the Kaimai Range is about a 93-mile drive from Auckland. This area is known for its lush forests and historic gold mining towns.
Wairere Falls Campsite, located at the foot of the Kaimai Range, provides a perfect spot for motorhomes amidst natural beauty. Check out the national site here for more information on this area.
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The Kaimai Range, stretching over 50 miles, forms a natural barrier between the Waikato region and the Bay of Plenty. The range is known for its lush native forests and historical significance related to gold mining.
Trails in the Kaimai Range lead to historical sites, including old mining tunnels and relics. The Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park offers extensive hiking opportunities, showcasing the range's ecological diversity.
The Fiordland's Rugged Peaks
A wilderness sanctuary
Fiordland, home to some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes, is a must-visit. From Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, the Milford Road offers one of the world's most scenic drives.
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels offers excellent facilities for motorhomes, making it a great starting point for exploring Fiordland National Park.
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Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, is renowned for its dramatic fiords, such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and its towering mountain peaks.
Key mountains in Fiordland include Mitre Peak, rising dramatically from Milford Sound, and Mount Tutoko, the highest peak in Fiordland.
The region offers some of New Zealand's most famous hikes, including the Milford Track and the Kepler Track, both of which provide stunning alpine scenery.
The park is a haven for native wildlife, including the rare Fiordland penguin, and offers opportunities to see marine life, such as dolphins and seals.
Navigating mountain roads in a motorhome
Driving a motorhome in mountainous terrain requires care. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions. Sustainable travel is vital; respect local wildlife and adhere to 'leave no trace' principles. Each mountain range presents unique challenges and rewards for motorhome travellers. Always plan your route in advance, and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in alpine areas. Check with our travel experts to cover any points about traversing these ranges.
Immersing in local experiences
From sampling local produce at quaint farmers' markets to exploring cultural sites, your motorhome journey is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life.
Don't miss the unique experiences each region offers, be it a guided Maori cultural tour or a visit to historic mining towns. Explore our motorhome blog to find more examples of experiences available in various areas of New Zealand.
Peter Stannett
Content Writer
Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.
His content covers all four corners of the globe, across topics like activities, advice, food, culture and history.
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