Spectacular South Island sights: Jake's ultimate 2 week New Zealand road trip itinerary

We all know the stunning landscapes of our own backyard, but how often do we truly get to explore them? For one of our Australia-based team members, the call of the open road and the beauty of the South Island was too good to resist.

Jake's South Island Journey

Meet Jake Stone. As a key member of the Camplify Owner Team and the friendly face behind our owners' Facebook group, Jake is truly passionate about van-life.

When a friend's wedding brought him and his wife to New Zealand, Jake seized the opportunity to turn it into the ultimate 2 week road trip across the South Island he's always wanted to do. His travel companion? 'Kronos', a Camplify motorhome, of course.

"New Zealand's one of those places that everyone says is amazing. And now that I've been, I wish I'd gone earlier."

We caught up with Jake to hear his insider tips and get his take on the ultimate 2 week South Island motorhome itinerary.

Perfect for free camping or settling in at a DOC Campsite

One of the best things about exploring New Zealand by motorhome is the flexibility it offers when it comes to where you stay each night. If you prefer being close to town, there are plenty of well-equipped caravan parks and Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites that offer great facilities and easy access to cafes, shops, and local attractions.

But if you're chasing a bit more solitude or a true off-the-grid experience, New Zealand is also a dream for free camping.

"It's so easy to free camp. Personally, I always think it's good to book a powered site for the first one or two nights so you get used to using the vehicle and you've got that backup." - Jake

Discover a postcard perfect paradise: The best 2 week South Island itinerary

"It's one of the most amazing places scenery wise I've ever been. Every day is like a postcard."

Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown

Jake flew into Queenstown to start his South Island journey. After spending two days exploring the vibrant city, he met Kronos's owners at the Boundary St Carpark, a designated motorhome carpark a short walk from the centre of Queenstown.

"We met up in a car park where you can park motorhomes. There's designated motorhome car parking around the island which makes it easy."

With Kronos packed and ready, Jake and his wife rolled into their first overnight stop, a local caravan park in Queenstown, Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde.

"The caravan park was unreal. Something I noticed about the caravan parks and the roads in New Zealand is they are set up for motorhomes."

Day 2: Day Trip to Arrowtown

On day 2, Jake and his wife took the 20-minute drive from Queenstown to the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Stepping into the town feels like a journey back in time, with its preserved storefronts and original buildings.

Stroll down the main street to discover a tempting array of boutique clothing stores, artisan bakeries, and charming wine bars. For a deeper dive into the town's fascinating past, Jake highly recommends visiting the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement.

For anyone who likes a cozy pub meal and a glass of wine, Jake says visiting one of the local pubs is a must!

Day 3: Te Anau

After a leisurely morning in Arrowtown, Jake began the scenic two-hour drive to Te Anau. This charming town is perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, serving as the gateway to the breathtaking Fiordland National Park.

For his stay, Jake chose the Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park. Jake says it "has all the services that you need. It's actually pretty good for kids, there's a kids zone."

For a great meal, Jake recommended the Ranch Bar and Grill. He described this local favourite as having "good food, good vibes" and noted that it was very busy even in winter, so make sure to book a table in advance.

For a morning stop, Jake also suggested the Wapiti Bakery and Cafe. This spot is known for its delicious baked goods and coffee, making it a perfect stop before you hit the road and head to the next spot on your itinerary.

Day 4-5: Fiordland National Park

From Te Anau, Jake continued his journey along the scenic Te Anau-Milford Highway to Fiordland National Park. The first stop was the famous Mirror Lakes. This quick and easy detour is a must-do, offering a unique photographic opportunity.

On the second day here, Jake found an amazing hiking trail to explore. The trail is an easy walk, but the environment is what makes it so special. Jake called it a "mystical forest," explaining that "it's a very easy walk, but it's amazing because all the trees are covered in moss and vines."

For a lunch stop, Jake highly recommended parking up next to Cascade Creek and enjoying a nice lunch overlooking the creek.

Day 6-7: Milford Sound

The highlight of the whole trip? Milford Sound. "You can't go to the South Island and not go," Jake says. The Milford Sound guided boat tour offers a relaxing way to experience the majestic fjord and local wildlife.

The drive there is an experience in itself, with tall mountains and waterfalls "falling out of the sky." Before entering the remote area, a crucial tip Jake shared was to fuel up before you drive in as there's no fuel available at the caravan park, which is about a two-hour drive away.

And the best place to stay? Milford Sound Campervan Park. This spot, which Jake says is a highlight regardless of the weather, as he noted that "even in winter, it would still be amazing."

Day 8-9: Wanaka

After an unforgettable couple of days in Milford Sound, Jake drove to Wanaka via the stunning Crown Range Road. This route is known for its exhilarating twists and turns and offers spectacular views. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Arrow Junction Lookout Point for a breathtaking view of the valley below.

Once in Wanaka, you'll have plenty of options for activities. Some popular spots Jake recommends to check out include the iconic Wanaka Tree, the Wanaka Lavender Farm and for food and wine lovers, the Nanny Goat Vineyard is a must-visit.

"One of my hot tips for Wanaka is the really nice lavender farm nearby where they have honey and lots of lavender products. It's worth paying."

When it comes to where to stay, Jake recommends the Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park. It has all the facilities you'll need and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 10-11: Lake Tekapo

After leaving Wanaka, Jake drove to Lake Tekapo, which he considered one of the highlights of his trip. He was captivated by the town's stunning natural beauty, with its beautiful mountains and a large, inviting lake.

Jake and his wife enjoyed a variety of activities, from exploring the walking trails and visiting the hot springs to hiring kayaks for a day on the water. They also made sure to see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.

For their anniversary dinner, they celebrated with a delightful meal. Jake's top tip for food lovers visiting the area is to go to Haka House, a "really nice restaurant" located right on the lake.

When it comes to Lake Tekapo accommodation, Jake stressed the importance of booking ahead for the caravan park, a very popular camping spot you might be turned away from without a booking.

On the drive out, Jake also recommends a stop at the Lake Pukaki Viewpoint.

"That is an amazing spot to look out over the lake. It's definitely worth stopping at."

Day 12-13: Mount Cook, Twizel and return to Queenstown

From Lake Tekapo, Jake made the scenic drive to Mount Cook, where he was immediately struck by the vast landscape of rolling plains and towering mountains.

The area offers a variety of hikes, and Jake chose to tackle the popular Hooker Valley Track. He found it to be a "really good hike," not too difficult, with a boardwalk and several bridges that cross rivers on the way to a stunning lake within the mountains.

Jake's top tip for staying in the Mount Cook area? "Pack warm clothes, as it can get very cold, and some of the campsites are unpowered."

On the drive back towards Queenstown, a must-stop lunch spot is High Country Salmon in Twizel where you can enjoy a fresh sushi lunch or even catch your own fish for dinner!

Jake's tips for exploring the South Island by motorhome

If it's your first time, don't be intimidated: According to Jake, "everyone is very patient with motor homes because it's obviously part of the daily life of the people that live there."

Fuel up in advance before visiting remote areas: For destinations like Milford Sound, ensure you have enough fuel before driving in, as fuel stations can be few and far between.

Book popular sites in advance: Caravan parks in popular locations like Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound are often fully booked, so ensuring you book in advance is a must!

Budget for Road User Charges (RUCs): While the cost may not seem like a lot per kilometre, it's a good idea to keep RUCs in mind. As Jake noted, "One thing to look out for is that you have to pay RUCs at the end, which is a fee per kilometre so it wasn't very expensive."

Spectacular South Island sights await with Camplify

You've got the ultimate South Island itinerary in hand, complete with insider tips from one of Camplify's own, now it's your turn to hit the road. Whether you're chasing alpine peaks, hidden hikes, or starry skies, Camplify has thousands of cosy and well-equipped motorhomes ready to take you on the road trip of a lifetime.

Find your motorhome on Camplify today and get ready to explore New Zealand's South Island your way.