Auckland to Christchurch West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Your itinerary has been expertly crafted by a New Zealand local who grew up in the South Island and has travelled many times to all four corners of the country. It’s been specifically designed for your motorhome or campervan holiday — covering a wide mix of both popular well-known places and off-the-beaten-track locations.

You shouldn’t expect to be able to cover all that’s in this itinerary — and may want to consider staying longer at certain places along the route. Everything is optional, so plan your trip according to your interests and take your time to really see the destinations you visit.

At Wilderness, we have more than two decades of experience hiring out motorhomes and recommending places to go, things to do, foods to eat and camping spots to stay. Our guests tell us where they’ve been and what they’ve seen, and we also have opportunities to travel in our motorhomes — to discover new and exciting spots.

We rented a campervan for two adults and two young children. And subsequently disconnected from the world to reconnect as a family. It was exactly what we needed. Playgrounds at every campground, other kids to play with and being outdoors all the time was great.

I loved the travel resources from the company.

Kirsty — June 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After filling out the form to access your Auckland to Christchurch West Coast road trip itinerary, you’ll be able to view:

• A map detailing our suggested travel route
  
  

• An overview of each daily location
  
  

• A travel tip and a fact or myth related to each overnight place
  
  

• At least three to seven things to do at each location
  
  

• A recommended link to related content — like packing, cooking, camping or travel
  
  

• The daily distance and travel time with a link to the recommended Google map route
  
  

• Suggested places to stay for the night — such as camping grounds and holiday parks
  
  

• Links to further external resources — like regional or city websites.

Your itinerary is viewable on screen and is mobile friendly. You won’t have to download it — and can simply access it when needed.

Day 6 - Whangamōmona to New Plymouth

To the wild west

Leaving the remote charm of Whangamōmona, you’ll drive through the rest of the Forgotten World Highway — where the scenery is made up of endless rolling hills.

The  landscape transitions from dense, ancient bush and winding river valleys to the fertile farmlands surrounding Mount Taranaki. You’ll see a unique blend of untamed wilderness and increasingly grassy countryside as you approach the coastal city of New Plymouth.

Things to do in New Plymouth

• Stroll along the Coastal Walkway — and take in the beautiful ocean views, public art and the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
  
  

• Surf at Fitzroy Beach — a popular spot for surfers of all levels, or simply enjoy a walk on the black sand
  
  

• Wander around Pukekura Park — one of New Zealand's premier botanical gardens with lakes, waterfalls and diverse plant collections
  
  

• Visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre — and immerse yourself in contemporary art and the kinetic sculptures of New Zealand artist Len Lye
  
  

• Experience the unique shopping and dining on Devon Street East — with a variety of boutique shops, restaurants and cafes like highly-rated Charred

Read our Taranaki motorhome holiday guide for more information on the area.

Distance: 101km

Travel time: 1hr 35min

Route: Whangamōmona to New Plymouth

Stay: Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park or Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park

Resources: New Plymouth