How to spend one week in Queenstown with a campervan
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As most travelers who have been to these fine shores will tell you, the best way to travel in New Zealand is by campervan. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding areas of Queenstown, we recommend reading this one-week itinerary to make the most of your trip!
Itinerary
A one-week Queenstown itinerary gives you enough freedom to divide your time between the town and nearby areas. If you only have seven days to explore Queenstown, you don't want to spend too much time driving. Aim for the highlights in the Queenstown/Wanaka area.
Things to do
Trek up to the summit of Bob’s Peak for a stunning view of Queenstown. The trail takes around 1-2 hours return, or if you have tired legs and deeper pockets,you can also take the gondola.
Go skiing/snowboarding at the nearby slopes (Coronet peak, Cardrona, Remarkables or Treble Cone).
Relax and indulge at the Osen Hot Pools,which are onlya 15-minute drive from Queenstown. Here, you can find the most beautiful mountain view while relaxing your muscles in the hot pool. It’sespeciallycomfortingafter a day of hiking or skiing!
Stroll around the Queenstown gardens trail,to enjoy the stunning botanical gardens. Here you’ll also find more picture-perfectviews ofQueenstown andthe Remarkablesmountain range.
Bump up your adrenaline and go bungy jumping or zoom around on the Shotover Jet.
Take a day trip to Glenorchy, which is only 45 minutes from Queenstown. Here, you can visit the most photographed boat shed and wharf in New Zealand. We recommend coming here duringsunset, when there are fewer tourists and more beautiful colours in the sky!
On the way to Glenorchy, stop off at Bennetts Bluff Lookout for mountain views over Lake Wakatipu.
The Devil's Staircase is a tricky but scenic drive just south of Queenstown. Make sure to stop at the designated lookouts for some amazing views.
Eat
Fergburger: If you are a burger fan then you have to try New Zealand’s most famous burger! There is always a line, but it moves pretty quickly and we can guarantee that it is totally worth it!
Vudu Café: Award wining café serving fresh, local and organic food.
Atlas Café: Are you into craft beer? Then you can’t drive past this cafe. They have delicious brews on draft for any pallet.
Accommodation
Lake View Holiday Park: This campsite has good facilities and is a short walk to Queenstown’s main street. When traveling in the middle of winter, it is great to stay at powered sites so you can heat up your van before going to sleep.
Freedom camping: Find a beautiful place to sleep just outside of Glenorchy and can wake up next to the lake with a mountain backdrop.
Any good Queenstown itinerary should include a trip to Milford Sound. Before you go, know that there are no supermarkets, petrol stations, ATMs or cell service on the road from TeAnua to Milford Sound. Make sure you top up your vehicle with enough petrol and some cash out (just in case). You can pay for accommodation and boat trips by card.
Things to do
On the way to Milford Sound stop off at Eglington Valley and Mirror Lakes for some amazing photo opportunities.
Take a Milford Sound Cruise This is the best way to see the whole fiord in a short amount of time.
Eat
Take supplies into the sound with you. We recommend cooking your own meals in Milford Sound, as there aren't many places to eat out. Plus you'll save money! JUCY campervans have fridges and mini kitchens to make this easier.
Accomodation
Stay at least one night in Milford Sound to properly experience its beauty.
Milford Sound Lodge is a holiday park with excellent facilities and is very close to the fiord.
If you have a self contained campervan (like the JUCY Condo, Chaser, or Big Kahuna) you could also go freedom camping just outside of Te Anau.
Wanaka is within easy driving distance of Queenstown, so in seven days you can easily squeeze in a little road trip over the Crown Range.
Things to do
Visit the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. In the 1800’s, Chinese miners were invited to Arrowtown to re-establish the economy and hunt for gold. Today the settlement is still standing.
The Cardrona Hotel is rumoured to be the most photographed building in New Zealand. It's also an award-winning restaurant and beer garden. Definitely worth a pit stop!
The Rippon Vineyard has fantastic views and a tasting room to sample their wines.
Hike up to Roys Peak for some fantastic views. This walk begins six kilometres outside of Wanaka. Starting from the carpark, it is an eight kilometre ascent (16 kilometres return). At an average pace, it will take around 5-6 hours. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water as there is no shade and on a hot day, you'll get very sweaty.
Snap a picture at the Wānaka Tree; this is a photographer’s or an Instgrammer’s favorite spot.
If you have more time, make sure to check out other hikes in the area, including: Rob Roy Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Mount Iron.
Eat
Akarua Wines and Kitchen: Is a top brunch spot, situated outside of Arrowtown.
Red Star Burger: Rivals Fergberger for delicious burgers. We’ll let you decide which one is better!
Federal Diner: The place to grab a good coffee in Wanaka, confirmed by the locals!
Accommodation
Albert town campsite:A great spot to park up your campervan for a small fee. It's located next to a river and is only a short drive away from Wanaka. Perfect if you are on a budget but want to stay in close proximity to town.
Go freedom camping just outside of Arrowtown on the summit of the Crown ranges. It's definitely an adventure spending the night atop a mountain in the middle of winter! Make sure you get here at sunset to watch the sun going down.
You've done it!
Seven days, countless kilometres and heaps of beeps from other JUCY campervans cruising the other way. Now you'll have a great sleep on the plane home, knowing that you did all you could experience Queenstown in just seven days!
Spend one week in Queenstown with a JUCY campervan. Book now
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