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An AI-designed itinerary shared by the TripMyWeek community.

South Island Campervan Loop: Picton to Picton

A flexible 32-day campervan loop follows the east coast from Picton to the Catlins, then explores Fiordland and the Southern Alps before heading up the wild West Coast to Abel Tasman and back to Picton. The three sections below group the key stops across the full journey, leaving time for hikes, weather changes and extra nights in places you love.
Itinerary generated by artificial intelligence — times, prices and availability are indicative: check important information before booking.
07/11/2026
Day 1

Days 1–10: Marlborough, Kaikōura, Canterbury and North Otago

Picton → Kaikōura → Christchurch → Akaroa → Oamaru
Day route
08:00
Picton ForeshoreFree
Stretch your legs along the harbourfront and take in views of the sheltered Marlborough Sounds before setting off south.
Tip: Follow the waterfront path toward the marina for a quieter viewpoint over the boats.
10:00
Queen Charlotte Track — Ship Cove
Walk a section of the forested coastal track from Ship Cove, where Captain Cook made several visits during his voyages.
Tip: Check the water-taxi timetable and track access before driving to the remote trailhead.
12:30
Kaikōura Whale Watch
Head offshore from the Kaikōura Peninsula, a renowned place to see sperm whales in the deep-water canyon close to shore.
Tip: The peninsula walkway is a useful land-based alternative if seas are rough or trips are cancelled.
14:30
Kaikōura Seafood BBQ Kiosk
Try the local crayfish or a seafood platter from this well-known roadside kiosk beside the coast.
Tip: Check the daily board for what is fresh, then eat at the picnic tables overlooking the water.
16:30
Christchurch Arts CentreFree
Explore the restored neo-Gothic university buildings, now home to galleries, studios and independent shops.
Tip: Look for the Great Hall courtyard and the small craft workshops tucked into the old college buildings.
18:30
Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar
Have dinner beside Akaroa Harbour and try local fish or the restaurant’s New Zealand lamb dishes.
Tip: Ask for a table on the terrace to watch the harbour light change at dusk.
20:00
Oamaru Victorian PrecinctFree
Finish this leg among limestone warehouses and Victorian shopfronts in Oamaru’s atmospheric historic quarter.
Tip: Check opening hours for the small galleries and shops, which can close earlier than the streets themselves.
Day 2

Days 11–21: Dunedin, the Catlins, Fiordland and Queenstown

Dunedin → The Catlins → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Queenstown → Wānaka
08:00
Dunedin Railway Station
Book this trip
Lodging — Picton → Kaikōura → Christchurch → Akaroa → Oamaru
in Picton → Kaikōura → Christchurch → Akaroa → Oamaru
Airbnb →
Lodging — Dunedin → The Catlins → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Queenstown → Wānaka
in Dunedin → The Catlins → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Queenstown → Wānaka
Airbnb →
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