Campervan Itineraries from Christchurch: Weekend to Week-Long Round Trips

Quick summary: Each of these campervan and motorhome itineraries starts and finishes in Christchurch, so you collect and return the vehicle at the same depot. They range from a weekend with a single destination to a week among the lakes and mountains of the Mackenzie Country, and they link the trips in our short trips guide into realistic day-by-day plans.

Itinerary	Days	Approximate driving	Highlights
A weekend from Christchurch	2	170–300 km	Akaroa, Hanmer Springs or Castle Hill
3 days from Christchurch	3	Around 450 km	Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura
A 5-day Canterbury loop	5	Around 620 km	Akaroa, Waipara, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs
7 days: the Mackenzie Country and high country	7	Around 760 km	Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Inland Scenic Route 72
10 days and longer	10+	Varies	Canterbury in depth, or onward to the wider South Island

How do you choose the right round trip?

Start with the number of days you have, then check how far each day’s drive is. Canterbury’s roads are good, but a day of 150–250 km leaves time for walks, tours and long lunches, while days of 300 km or more feel rushed. If your hire company sets a minimum hire period for your dates, that may also decide the length for you.

Which round trip suits a first-time RV renter?

The weekend or three-day trips. Distances are short, the roads are mostly flat or gently rolling, and you are never far from Christchurch if you need help with the vehicle. Once you are comfortable, the week-long Mackenzie trip adds alpine passes and longer days.

For trips that continue beyond Canterbury, see our sister site’s South Island campervan itineraries.

Frequently Asked Questions