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:

Western Australia | Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary

Sarah Latham / Saturday, 22 May 2021

/ Categories: AU Itineraries, All Locations, Western Australia, All Duration, 14+ Days, All Categories, Iconic Road Trips, Outdoor Activities, Family Friendly, Natural Wonders, Beaches & Surf, Outdoor Activities

Western Australia | Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary

Red dust, white sands and cerulean-blue waters Every kilometre you cover is a new adventure on your trip from Perth to Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth and back again.

Let your curiosity take the lead and come face-to-face with Western Australia’s breathtakingly diverse landscape. This is a trip with special experiences for everyone. In just 14 days, you’ll see it all—from the rugged, red outback to the wonders of Kalbarri National Park and seaside escapes like Coral Bay.

Begin your journey on the Indian Ocean Drive. Follow the road north for whale watching on the cliffs of Kalbarri, and onwards to the crystalline waters of Ningaloo Reef where you can swim with the gentle whale sharks. And when you need to refuel between stops, you’ll find all of the fresh seafood, produce and delicious baked goods your heart could desire along the way.

Explore Western Australia’s greatest natural treasures and authentic communities. No two days are the same as you travel up the Coral Coast. Follow your nose from town to town, sampling culture, cuisine and natural wonders everywhere you go.

Day 1: Perth to Cervantes

Distance: 213km

Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Pick up your Apollo vehicle and hit the road. The first stop on your great Coral Coast road trip is the Pinnacles, found just south of Cervantes. Formed from a deposit of sea shells, some 30,000 years ago, the Pinnacles are a natural limestone structure and a must do on any Coral Coast road trip.

Image: Mark Stevens and Jess Kearney

Day 2: Cervantes to Kalbarri

Distance: 377km

Travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Continue north today in the direction of Kalbarri. This town of less than 2000 people is the gateway to the incredible Kalbarri National Park and its natural formations and outdoor activities attract tourists from across the world.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 3: Kalbarri National Park

Today is yours to explore at Kalbarri National Park! Reaching over 186,000 hectares spend your day exploring one of the most spectacular national parks in Australia. From the Nature's Window, to the Loop Walk and the Kalbarri Skywalk, prepared to be awe-struck as you wander through this national park, 400 million years in the making.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 4: Kalbarri to Coral Bay

Distance: 673km

Travel time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Say goodbye to the vibrant red dirt and hello to the squeaky white sand of Coral Bay. After almost 7 hours driving today, take in one of Western Australia's amazing sunsets from the beach.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 5: Coral Bay

If you can draw yourself away from the pristine sand of Coral Bay, spend today exploring the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef. This particular area of Western Australia is famous for mantra ray sightings all year round and many tour operators enable you to snorkel alongside them.

Image: Flynn Graham

Day 6: Coral Bay to Exmouth

Distance: 152km

Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Exmouth and Turquoise Bay await you today. With pristine white sand and pinch-me-is-this-real blue water, you'll truly believe you've found paradise as you explore the Western Australian coast.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 7: Exmouth

Every year between March and July, whale sharks visit the beautiful waters surrounding Exmouth. Swimming with the world's largest fish is a must do activity in the region and there are many tour operators offering this experience. Only 1 in every 3 million people will ever swim with a whale shark - will you be one of the few?

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 8: Exmouth to Carnarvon

Distance: 364km

Travel time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Today we turn our Apollo vehicle around and begin to head south again. After 4 hours on the road you'll arrive at Carnarvon, a great place to relax and recharge.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 9: Carnarvon

Spend your day exploring Carnarvon. 80% of the state's fruit and vegetable crops are produced here so it's no surprise that you can drive 'The Fruit Loop' trail around some of the region's plantations and roadside market stalls. Finish your day by driving the 75km out of town to witness the spectacular Quobba Blowholes, it truly is a sight to be behold.

Day 10: Carnarvon to Monkey Mia

Distance: 352km

Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes

After relaxing in Carnarvon head south to Monkey Mia. This area is world famous thanks to a few friendly local dolphins. Sleep tight, tomorrow you'll get to experience this all for yourself.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 11: Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia has been the wild dolphin hangout by choice for well over 40 years. Each morning at 745am you can meet the ranger in front of the visitor centre and follow them down to the beach to experience yourself. The dolphins will hang out in the shallow water to approximately midday.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 12: Monkey Mia to Geraldton

Distance: 433 km

Travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes

After you've 'aww-ed' to your hearts content over the Monkey Mia dolphins, continue on your journey to Geraldton, 4.5 hours south.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 13: Geraldton

Spend the day exploring Geraldton. We recommend a trip to the red and white Point Moore Lighthouse or get your art fix at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, found in the centre of Geraldton.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Day 14: Geraldton to Perth

Distance: 416km

Travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Say goodbye to Geraldton as you head back towards Perth. If you have longer to spend in the city, we recommend visiting Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Instagram famous Blue Boathouse or make the quick trip across to the beautiful Rottnest Island.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

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Tags: Apollo Camper Outdoor Activities Family Friendly Natural Wonders Iconic Road Trips Beaches & Surf 14+ Days Western Australia

days	14
kms	2,964
stops	9
LabelField4	4
Field4	Marine Parks

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.