Road trips
No rush, just bliss: Experiencing New Zealand's South Island by campervan at your own pace
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Stepping away from the daily grind and into the open road is a dream for many, but few places embody that freedom quite like New Zealand's South Island.
For seasoned van-lifers Kendall Baggerly and Glenn Ferguson, a recent escape in a campervan named 'Rus' the bus, hired through New Zealand's favourite van sharing platform - Camplify, proved that even for those who've spent 5 years on the road, the magic of Aotearoa can still take your breath away.
"New Zealand is amazing, the drives alone are insane. It’s like a painting," they shared.
Their recent travels perfectly captured the essence of a slow-paced journey through this incredible landscape, and we’re here to share all the best bits with you.
“You’ve gotta get in a van, bus or a car and just drive, it’s so beautiful” they recalled.
Meet 'Rus' the bus
Kendall and Glenn’s chariot for this South Island serenity? A spacious, character-filled motorhome named Rus, hired through Camplify. Rus wasn't just a vehicle but a mobile haven, that they described as a "cabin on wheels," complete with a cosy lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, a massive bed, and the standout feature - a fireplace!
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Pour yourself a cuppa and cosy up by the fireplace.
"Some nights and mornings were extra chilly, and the fireplace made the bus feel so warm and cosy," they shared.
Renting through Camplify meant not only a super "vibey vehicle" but also tapping into local knowledge from owners like Tim (Rus’s Owner). It's about finding that perfect, unique ride that turns a trip into an unforgettable experience. And yes, their beloved dog, Leo, even got to come along for the ride!
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Not sure what to pack on your New Zealand South Island trip? Check out our essential packing list.
The art of slow: Where to stop and savour
The beauty of a campervan road trip, especially on the South Island, is the freedom to dictate your own pace - stay at a campground longer if you like or move on if you’re ready to keep going. "The freedom to travel and explore at our own pace... the weather was our only guide. It's honestly the best way to travel!" they enthused.
“Parking up with our best mates, nowhere to be, making a coffee, making plans for the day. Just such a beautiful way of living.”
Here are some of the must-see spots and moments of bliss from their journey:
Queenstown: The adventure began in the adventure capital itself. Even just "putting around Queenstown" reveals incredible vistas.
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Golden hour in Queenstown.
Arrowtown: Just a short drive from Queenstown, this "beautiful little town" charmed them instantly. Described as "heritage type, very cute and quirky," it's the ideal spot to grab some coffee and soak up all the beauty.
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The views in Arrowtown are so stunning you'll need to capture them on camera just to prove they're real.
Lake Pukaki (Mt Cook area): Even without intentionally setting out on a hike, the views over Lake Pukaki were constantly breathtaking.
Bob's Cove: An unexpected gem that truly blew them away. The short hike up to the lookout at Bob's Cove offers unparalleled views. "It's a sight to see, being surrounded by mountains with the insanely blue water. Make sure you go when the sun is high so it lights everything up!"
The journey to Wanaka: Even the transition between destinations is an experience. "You’ve gotta get in a van, bus or a car and just drive, it’s so beautiful," they recommend. The drive to Wanaka was "stunningly beautiful," leading to peaceful moments by the lake, witnessing colossal eels (called Tuna!), and enjoying quiet evenings. Make sure you stop in at Scroggin Cafe to refuel.
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Slow down and soak in the views along the way.
Lake Ōhau: A clear favourite for freedom camping in New Zealand, especially for those seeking tranquility. "We loved the campsites along Lake Ōhau, there are some really beautiful free camps there!" This is where the true ‘nowhere to be’ feeling kicks in.
The Huxley Forks Hike: While the core of their trip was decidedly slow, they rounded off their New Zealand adventure with a contrasting challenge: an overnight hike to Huxley Forks Hut for a friend's 30th birthday. This blend of "living on the road and slow and so peacefully and then finishing with a nice physical challenge" was ultimately "good for the soul."
Hot Tubs Omarama: For a touch of luxury amidst the wild, Kendall and Glenn visited hot tubs Omarama with friends, soaking in the with breathtaking views at the end of their trip.
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There’s no shortage of stunning campsites scattered across New Zealand.
Embracing the unexpected: Flat tyres and fireside comfort
Van life isn't always perfectly smooth sailing, but it's how you handle the bumps that defines the adventure. Waking up to two flat tires on Rus could have been a disaster, but with Camplify’s included roadside assistance and a whole house on wheels at their disposal, it became an opportunity for a slow morning of coffee, toast, and eggs with friends. Within just a few hours, their flat tyre was sorted by Camplify’s roadside assistance and they were back on the road, fully caffeinated.
Kendall and Glenn’s slow lane South Island tips:
Pick your van wisely: "Pick your campervan based on the time of year you're there! If you're going in summer, a smaller van or even a 4WD with a rooftop tent would be so much fun. If you're going in the cooler months, opt for something cosier with more space, like a bus with a fireplace” they recommended.
Stop and embrace the views: "Honestly, New Zealand will take your breath away every second. Even the flight in will make your jaw drop! I assumed you would have to intentionally go out to the mountains to feel that 'take your breath away' feeling but I had that from the moment we landed!"
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Want to trade mountain views for beachside bliss? Discover New Zealand’s top 6 secret beaches.
Set your own pace: It’s not often you get to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life so enjoy the pace you want. Stay longer, move on faster – it's all up to you and the weather!
Pick the perfect playlist: Kendall and Glenn created a dedicated "life in the slow lane" Spotify playlist to set the perfect mood for their trip. Spend some time building a list of songs that match your pace and the scenery - it makes all the difference!
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Start your slow land South Island adventure today and hire Rus through Camplify.
Book your Camplify adventure today and wind down on the South Island
Camplify connects you with thousands of caravans, motorhomes and campervans available to hire from local owners. If you're dreaming of a trip where the only schedule is the sunrise and the only guide is the weather, a slow paced road trip to New Zealand's South Island is the one for you.