Why explore Nelson & Marlborough by campervan

Travelling in a campervan, especially through beautiful areas like Nelson and Marlborough, turns a simple holiday into a series of unforgettable experiences. It's your adventure, at your pace, surrounded by the comfort and convenience that only campervan travel can offer. With a campervan, you're not tied down. You can linger over a long lunch in a Nelson café or decide to spend an extra day tasting wines in Marlborough because you've fallen in love with the scenery.

The journey itself becomes part of the fun when you're in a campervan. It's about making spontaneous stops at breathtaking lookouts, enjoying your morning coffee in the middle of postcard-perfect views, and finding your own special spot to watch the stars. Stumbled upon a hidden gem in Golden Bay or found a hiking track in Marlborough you’d like to tackle? With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore it as much as you like.

Things to do in Nelson & Marlborough

Nelson and Marlborough are rich with activities and attractions, offering something special for every kind of traveller. For families on holiday, there are endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Nelson to the interactive and educational experiences in the region's museums and galleries. Food enthusiasts will revel in the culinary journey through Nelson and Marlborough, from the fresh seafood of the coastal areas to the exquisite flavours of the region's renowned wineries. Whether you're indulging in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough or sampling local artisan produce at a Nelson market, your taste buds are in for a treat. Adventure seekers and nature lovers won't be left wanting either. With activities like kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, the great outdoors is your playground. And for those looking to unwind, the charming towns scattered throughout the region offer a peaceful retreat with their unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Popular Nelson road trips & itineraries

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson and Marlborough are prime starting points for some of the most picturesque road trips in the country. Kicking off from Nelson, you can weave through the scenic drives that unveil the artistic townships, golden beaches, and lush national parks. Heading into Marlborough, the journey continues through rolling vineyards and along the majestic Marlborough Sounds. Whether you're venturing from the urban buzz of the North Island or the rugged landscapes of the South, these regions promise memorable campervan road trip adventures tailored to every interest. Here are a few worth checking out:

Alyssa Tresider / Sunday, 27 April 2025

/ Categories: NZ Itineraries

7-Day Family Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Arrive at Auckland International Airport and pick up your vehicle from the Auckland branch. We recommend doing the following:

Auckland Museum: Set in the Auckland Domain, this museum offers a powerful introduction to New Zealand’s natural history, Māori culture, and military history.
Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city (SkyCity Auckland).
Auckland Art Gallery: A beautiful blend of historic and contemporary architecture, this gallery showcases national and international works across four levels.
All Blacks Experience: An interactive, high-energy journey into New Zealand’s rugby legacy – perfect for sports lovers, located at the SkyCity Precinct.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed: Dive behind the scenes of blockbuster film-making with this immersive creative experience from the makers of The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Located at the SkyCity Precinct.

After exploring Auckland, take an evening Stroll and enjoy some dinner. Wander through Viaduct Harbour or Commercial Bay, both buzzing with waterfront energy. Enjoy dinner at one of the many vibrant restaurants or bars to toast the start of your trip.

Where to stay: Ambury Campground

Day 2: Auckland to Bay of Islands (Northland)

Today it’s time to drive to the Bay of Islands via the scenic Northland Journey, The Welcoming Coast. Stop at Kawakawa to see the iconic Hundertwasser Toilets and browse local Māori art at the Kings Theatre Gallery. The, arrive in Paihia, stretch your legs with a beach walk, and enjoy dinner at a family-friendly waterfront restaurant.

Where to stay: Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 3: Bay of Islands Family Adventure

Take your time to explore today and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites. Includes guided tour, Māori cultural performance, and a delicious lunch at Whare Waka Café. Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise and explore the famous Hole in the Rock with Explore Group – an unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

Stay in Russell tonight, New Zealand’s first capital. For dinner, Russell has many harbourfront restaurants with a wide range of delicious options for all ages and budgets.

Where to stay: Russell TOP 10 Holiday Parks

Day 4: Bay of Islands to Rotorua

Today is a long, but very scenic drive from Paihia to Rotorua, take your time, there’s lots to see on the way! Stop in Whangarei to visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery – a stunning building showcasing the visionary work of artist-architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser and the world’s first contemporary Māori art gallery. The rooftop garden, colourful design, and playful shapes are sure to wow kids and adults alike.

Carry on from Whangarei south to Auckland and stop at Eutopia Café in, a quirky, mosaiced café perfect for families. Arrive in Rotorua in time to check in to your campsite and relax before tomorrow’s fun.

Where to stay: Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 5: Rotorua Exploration

Take the time to explore Rotorua today and head to Agrodome Experience, a Rotorua favourite for families! Enjoy the Farm Show, where kids will love watching sheep shearing, sheepdogs at work, and even getting the chance to feed baby animals. Afterwards, hop on the Farm Tour—a tractor-pulled adventure through the working farm where you can hand-feed alpacas, deer, and other friendly farm animals.

In the afternoon, there’s an abundance of family-friendly activities to choose from, we recommend the following:

Paradise Valley Springs, a trout, bird and wildlife park, complete with a pride of lions! Top tip: Lion feeding takes place at 2.30pm daily.
aMAZEme: A classic hedge maze made from 1.4km of winding hedges—kids and adults can race to find the centre. There’s also a walk-in rabbit cage and old-school games to enjoy.
Wonderworld: This has an outdoor timber maze, optical illusions, and interactive puzzle zones—ideal for curious minds and families.
Redwoods Treewalk: Wander among towering Californian redwoods on a series of suspension bridges up to 20 metres high—this peaceful, family-friendly walk offers incredible forest views, birdsong, and a unique perspective on Rotorua’s natural beauty.

In the evening, relax and soak at Polynesian Spa, head to the family pools at this iconic lakefront spa for a relaxing soak in geothermally heated mineral water. A great way to unwind after a busy day on the road.

Where to stay: Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 6: Rotorua Family Fun

Today we have some fun suggestions on how to spend the day for adventure-loving families, head to ZORB Rotorua for an unforgettable experience rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball. Choose between straight or twisty tracks—great fun, totally unique, and 100% family-friendly.

If you are after a more relaxed start to the day, we recommend visiting the Rotorua 3D Trick Art Gallery, where kids and parents alike can step into clever optical illusion artworks and snap hilarious photos to remember the day.

Spend the afternoon at Skyline Rotorua and take the gondola ride up Mt Ngongotahā, offering fantastic views over Rotorua and Lake Rotorua. Once at the top, ride the Luge—a family must-do! With scenic and adventurous tracks to choose from, a minimum of three luge rides is recommended.

Stay at Skyline Rotorua and enjoy dinner at Stratosfare, for one of the best buffets in NZ. Enjoy stunning panoramic views and a wide variety of delicious dishes for all tastes.

Where to stay: Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 7: Rotorua to Hobbiton & Hamilton, Return to Auckland.

Today it is time to depart Rotorua, arriving mid-morning at Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata). Step into the magical world of Middle-earth with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander past hobbit holes, gardens, and iconic film locations, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. A must for movie-loving families! Keen to stay for lunch? Enjoy their on site café, or book the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Lunch Combo.

After Hobbiton, continue to Hamilton and visit Hamilton Gardens and discover 20+ themed gardens from around the world, including an Italian Renaissance Garden, a Tropical Garden, and a Tudor Garden—perfect for kids to explore and parents to enjoy.

Then its time to head back to the Auckland branch to drop off your Apollo camper.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Ready to book your road trip? Click here.

73 Rate this article:

No rating

Tags: Apollo Camper apollo nz

days	7
kms	915
stops	7+

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Nelson takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward taking in some of the great southern highlights along the way.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Nelson? This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry offering the opportunity to travel through the pristine Marlborough Sounds.