The NZ Motorhome Dilemma: North Island, South Island, or Both?

Every great motorhome road trip starts with one big question: where to go first?

In New Zealand, it’s a choice filled with endless exciting possibilities. The North Island tempts with its geothermal wonders, rich culture, and lively towns, while the South Island offers vast alpine landscapes, mirror-like lakes, and roads that seem like they’re made for pure, scenic driving.

This helpful guide will help you choose the island that fits your kind of adventure – and how to enjoy the best of both. You’ll discover what makes each island unique, with must-see highlights, hidden gems, and plenty of ideas to plan an unforgettable motorhome journey through Aotearoa New Zealand.

For motorhome travellers, New Zealand’s two islands offer quite different experiences in both scenery and pace. 

The North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui)

The North Island is smaller and more populated, with shorter drives between towns and a strong cultural heartbeat. It’s well-suited to motorhome travellers who enjoy coastal routes, geothermal areas, and the convenience of regular towns and campgrounds along the way.

The South Island (Te Waipounamu)

The South Island feels more remote and expansive, with long open roads framed by mountains, lakes, and wide horizons. Towns are fewer and further apart, but the scenery is spectacular and the sense of space unmatched. It’s a rewarding destination for motorhome travellers who love quieter roads, alpine views, and nights spent camping close to nature.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

The North Island: Culture, coastlines and geothermal wonders

With a mild climate, strong cultural connections, and a huge variety of landscapes, the North Island is the perfect choice for motorhomers who want to explore New Zealand’s culture and communities.

The North Island’s appeal lies in its mix of experiences, from vibrant cities to quiet country towns, it offers the best of both worlds. Auckland is the main gateway, with most motorhome rental providers located near the international airport. That makes it easy to spend time exploring the city’s harbours, parks, west coast beaches and dining scene before exploring further afield. 

The roads are well-maintained and the distances manageable, making it easy to see a lot without feeling rushed. There are some trade-offs, of course. Roads can be busy around Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, and the landscapes here are gentler than the dramatic alpine vistas of the South Island. 

However, for anyone seeking variety, culture, and convenience, the North Island is hard to beat.

Handy tip: New to driving a motorhome? It’s easier than you think. Find out everything you need to know in our helpful guide to driving a motorhome in New Zealand. 

North Island highlights

From geothermal parks and ancient forests to vineyard towns and sweeping coastlines, the North Island’s highlights showcase its diversity in every direction. Here are just a handful of the highlights:

• Northland: From as little as 2-4 hours’ drive from Auckland, the Northland region is ideal for motorhome travellers with its easy routes, relaxed pace, and plenty of great places to stay. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, stop at sheltered bays along the coast, and continue to Cape Reinga, where dramatic ocean views and deep cultural significance make it one of the North Island’s most memorable destinations.
  
  

• The Coromandel Peninsula: Just a few hours south-east from Auckland, the Coromandel is one of the North Island’s best regions for scenic coastal driving. Enjoy beachside camping at one of the many beautiful beaches, including stunning Cathedral Cove or dig a natural hot pool at Hot Water Beach. 
  
  

• Rotorua and Taupō: Brimming with geothermal parks, bubbling mud pools, and Māori cultural experiences, Rotorua is one of the best places to learn about New Zealand’s heritage and history. From there, a short drive leads to Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park, where spacious holiday parks and scenic campgrounds sit close to walking trails, hot pools and lakefront views. If you’re travelling in winter, Tongariro National Park is also home to Mount Ruapehu, which boasts the North Island's two premier ski areas.
  
  

• Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves: Travel west from Rotorua to visit two of the North Island’s most famous attractions, perfectly linked for a North Island motorhome road trip. Take a guided tour of Hobbiton’s iconic film set before continuing through rolling farmland to Waitomo’s glowworm-lit caves and the nearby Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park.
  
  

• Wellington: Compact and walkable, the capital city of Wellington is ideal for exploring by motorhome. Park near the waterfront and visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, walk along the harbour promenade, and ride the historic cable car for views across the city. With vibrant dining, creative culture, and easy ferry access to the South Island, it’s a perfect stop to round off a North Island journey.

North Island hidden gems

Beyond the well-known highlights, the North Island is dotted with places that capture a quieter kind of magic, from ancient forests to remote coastlines and natural wonders you can easily reach by motorhome.

• Tāne Mahuta, Waipoua Forest: Northland’s ancient kauri forests are unforgettable. A short, easy walk from the main road leads to Tāne Mahuta, the country’s largest living kauri tree, estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
  
  

• Tāwharanui Regional Park: Just north of Auckland, this protected coastal area offers native forest, birdlife and beaches perfect for a quiet picnic stop. The drive in is sealed, and the campground caters well to motorhomes. And if you’re lucky, you might see our notoriously shy native nocturnal bird, the Kiwi.
  
  

• Maungatautari (Sanctuary Mountain): South of Cambridge, this predator-free ecological reserve is home to native birds and regenerating forest. There’s good parking for motorhomes and walking tracks that range from short strolls to half-day hikes.
  
  

• Kāwhia: A west coast village with a slow pace and a welcoming feel. Stop here to dig a natural hot pool at low tide or take a quiet walk along the black-sand beach. Park up at Kāwhia Beachside S-Cape Holiday Park right by the water. 
  
  

• Cape Palliser: The southernmost point of the North Island, reached by a dramatic coastal drive from Martinborough. Climb the lighthouse steps for panoramic views and look out for the local fur seal colony basking on the rocks below. Nearby Ngāwī offers popular freedom camping spots right by the beach.
  
  

• Wairarapa: Home to one of the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserves, this region offers an accessible stargazing paradise just an hour from Wellington. Whether you join a guided tour with local experts or simply step outside your motorhome at night to marvel at the cosmos, the experience is unforgettable. By day, the adventure continues with Martinborough’s award-winning vineyards, charming villages, and scenic hiking or cycling trails waiting to be explored.

How long do you need to tour the North Island?

Pacing your journey is key to enjoying the island. To see the main highlights without feeling rushed, we recommend allowing 10–14 days for your trip. If you enjoy slow travel or you have less time, it may be worth focusing on one region, such as Northland, Auckland, or the Coromandel, to really connect with its people, food, and scenery. 

For a broader trip, plan a loop that links several of the island’s highlights with a few quieter detours along the way. 

Either way, the North Island’s well-connected roads and rich cultural experiences make it an ideal introduction to motorhome travel in New Zealand.

If you’re exploring the North Island over a few weeks, it’s worth mixing up your
accommodation a bit. 

Holiday parks are great for recharging — hot showers, laundry and a powered site — while DOC campsites and freedom camping spots give you those quiet, wild locations that make motorhome travel special. 

A balance of both means you get comfort and connection to the landscapes you came to see.

One of my favourite spots is the Maitai Bay DOC campsite in Northland.

 

The South Island: Dramatic landscapes and epic adventure

For motorhome travellers, the South Island offers some of the most rewarding driving in New Zealand. Quieter roads wind through mountains, across alpine passes and past mirror-like lakes and rugged coastlines, with long stretches that invite unhurried travel. The landscapes feel vast and varied, from towering peaks and glacier valleys to rolling vineyards and wide, open plains, making every region a journey in itself.

The South Island is also wonderfully motorhome-friendly. You can pick up your motorhome rental from Christchurch to explore the island’s most scenic routes. You’ll find well-equipped holiday parks, scenic DOC sites, and plenty of freedom camping options. 

Distances between towns can be longer than in the North Island, so planning fuel and grocery stops helps the journey run smoothly. Weather can be changeable, especially on the West Coast or in alpine areas, but clear days bring incredible visibility and perfect conditions for photography, hiking and stargazing.

South Island highlights

• Picton, Nelson and Abel Tasman: If you’re coming to the South Island via ferry from the North Island, you’ll arrive in Picton to begin your southern adventure. From here, a great option is to follow the coastal route toward Nelson and continue on to spend a few days in Abel Tasman National Park. A popular spot for motorhome travellers to park up is the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve. 
  
  

• Christchurch and Akaroa: Christchurch is the main South Island hub for motorhome travel, with most rentals near the airport for an easy start. Explore the city’s riverside parks, botanic gardens, and vibrant dining scene before driving over the hills to Akaroa, a French-inspired harbour town known for its coastal charm and wildlife cruises.
  
  

• The West Coast and glacier country: This region is defined by its raw natural beauty, from the pancake rocks of Punakaiki to the wild beaches around Hokitika and the towering glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox. 
  
  

• Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Mackenzie Basin: Known for its vast alpine scenery and glacier-fed lakes, this region showcases the South Island at its most dramatic. The turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki lead to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Stay at White Horse Hill Campground to enjoy mountain views by day and world-class stargazing by night within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
  
  

• Wānaka and Central Otago: A relaxed alternative to Queenstown, Wānaka is set beside a stunning alpine lake and known for its laid-back atmosphere, scenic walks and the iconic That Wānaka Tree. Enjoy lakeside camping and local markets before continuing through the historic gold-mining towns of Central Otago, where open roads wind past vineyards, orchards and wide, sunlit valleys.

South Island hidden gems

The South Island has no shortage of famous sights, but some of its most memorable stops are the ones you find a little off the main route.

• Karamea and the Ōpārara Arches: At the northern tip of the West Coast, Karamea rewards the extra drive with lush forest walks, intricate limestone formations, and a welcoming local community. The road is sealed and suitable for motorhomes, making it an easy detour to one of the island’s most tranquil corners.
  
  

• Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti: Between Arthur’s Pass and Christchurch, this landscape of giant limestone boulders feels almost otherworldly. It’s an easy roadside stop with short walking tracks, ideal for stretching your legs and taking in the views on a cross-island drive.
  
  

• Amethyst Hot Springs: Hidden near Haast on the West Coast, these natural hot springs are a true off-the-beaten-track find. A short walk through native bush leads to warm, mineral-rich pools beside a clear river. This is a perfect place to relax after a long drive through one of the island’s wildest regions.
  
  

• Glenorchy and Paradise: Just a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy feels a world away with its mountain backdrop and peaceful lakeside setting. The road there is one of the South Island’s most scenic, and the area offers easy walks, a fantastic campground, and short drives to filming locations from The Lord of the Rings.
  
  

• Te Anau Glowworm Caves: Across the lake from Te Anau, these caves are one of Fiordland’s most enchanting hidden experiences. Park up your motorhome for the day and enjoy a short lake cruise to the entrance, where you can wander through tunnels and drift beneath thousands of glowworms lighting up the darkness.

How long do you need to tour the South Island?

We recommend setting aside at least 14 days to thoroughly explore the South Island.

Driving distances between destinations are generally greater than the North Island. It’s also worth planning for a few extra stops along the way, whether it’s pulling over for a photo, taking a walk to a hidden waterfall, or wandering through the boutique shops of a tiny township. 

If time allows, plan a route that links a few of the South Island’s standout regions — perhaps the wild West Coast, the open landscapes of Central Otago, or the Marlborough wine region. Each offers a different side of the island, and with a motorhome, you can take your time between each, stopping for those unexpected moments and views that make the journey truly memorable.

Get more inspiration for your adventure in our Christchurch to Nelson Road Trip Itinerary.

One of the best parts of travelling New Zealand by motorhome is the friendly folk you meet along the way. Fellow travellers and locals are full of local knowledge — from hidden swimming holes to the best spot to stop for coffee. 

We heard about the Giant’s House in Akaroa from another couple we met at a campground, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

 Don’t be shy about starting a conversation — it’s how many of the best discoveries happen!

 

Planning your travel time

New Zealand’s two islands each offer an incredible motorhome experience, but how you plan your route depends on the time you have. 

Two weeks or less? Explore a single island

If you have two weeks or less, we recommend focusing on one island that most suits your interests. Limiting your route means less time spent driving and more time to stop and enjoy the sights of each stop.

The North Island suits travellers who enjoy:

• fascinating culture and vibrant cityscapes
  
  

• expansive beaches and ancient forests
  
  

• volcanic landscapes and geothermal attractions.

The South Island appeals to those who love:

• wide-open roads and tiny townships
  
  
• dramatic alpine scenery 
  
  
• vast plains and beautiful lakes. 

Three weeks or more? Combine both islands 

To experience the best of both islands, we recommend allowing at least 21 days. This gives you time to enjoy the key highlights as well as the off-the-beaten-track places that make New Zealand unique. It also builds in space for travel days, sightseeing stops, and those spontaneous detours that make travel by motorhome so special.

Go one way to make the most of your time

A one-way motorhome hire is the best way to explore both islands without backtracking. Collect your Wilderness motorhome in Auckland, travel south through the North Island, cross the Cook Strait by ferry, and finish your journey in Christchurch. 

It’s a relaxed and rewarding way to see more of New Zealand’s incredible variety — from the beaches and geothermal gems in the north to the alpine passes and glacier valleys in the south.

• Save time: Skip the need to plan a return loop or double back, giving you more days to explore and enjoy the drive itself.
  
  

• See more of New Zealand: Travel the full length of both islands, taking in their changing landscapes, cultures and climates along the way.
  
  

• Enjoy crossing the Cook Strait: The ferry journey between islands is more than a transfer. The journey itself is a highlight;  enjoy a coffee, watch for dolphins, and take in the spectacular scenery as the Marlborough Sounds come into view.

Top tip: If you’re considering a one-way rental, we recommend checking prices for both directions. It might save you more money in the long run to take a quick and inexpensive local flight to change the direction of your travel. Take a more in-depth look at this option in our ultimate guide to one-way campervan rentals in New Zealand.

If your ferry crossing is early in the morning, plan to spend the night nearby. 

There are great options at both ends — from self-contained spots like Barnett Street Car Park or Evans Bay Marina in Wellington to holiday parks and campgrounds close to the Picton terminal, such as Tasman Holiday Parks Picton or the Whatamango Bay DOC campsite. 

It’s an easy way to start or finish your inter-island journey feeling relaxed and ready to drive.

 

Flight considerations

Before you set your heart on a specific route, it’s worth checking your flight connections. Depending on where you’re flying from, you may find it significantly easier to fly directly into Auckland rather than Christchurch, as Auckland is our primary international gateway. However, don't let your landing spot dictate your entire adventure. Both islands are incredibly well connected, and domestic flights between Auckland and Christchurch are frequent and relatively affordable (but you’ll need to factor in this cost and travel time). This makes it easy to hop between islands and start your motorhome journey exactly where you want to, regardless of where your international flight touches down.

Ready to plan your New Zealand motorhome itinerary?

North, South, or both, travelling by motorhome gives you the freedom to discover New Zealand your own way. From thermal valleys and coastal towns to alpine passes and remote lakes, every road brings something new to experience.

Check out our comprehensive itineraries for both islands for ideas and inspiration to kickstart your adventure planning. Each itinerary has been crafted by the Wilderness team to help you make the most of your time on the road — and experience the very best of New Zealand by motorhome.