A Campervan Weekend from Christchurch: Three Easy Two-Day Trips
Quick summary: A weekend is enough for a proper campervan or motorhome escape from Christchurch, as long as you pick one destination and keep the driving short. These three two-day plans each involve less than two hours on the road each way: the harbour and dolphins of Akaroa, the thermal pools of Hanmer Springs with a stop in the Waipara vineyards, or the limestone boulders and alpine walks of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass.
| Weekend | Total driving | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Akaroa and Banks Peninsula | Around 170 km | Dolphins, food, a relaxed harbour town |
| Hanmer Springs and Waipara | Around 280 km | Thermal pools, forest walks, wine |
| Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass | Around 300 km | Mountains, walks, camping in the high country |
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Weekend 1: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Day 1: Christchurch to Akaroa. Around 85 km, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Collect the vehicle, stock up and head south-east along the edge of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere to Little River. Climb to the Hilltop for the view over the harbour, then drop down to Akaroa. Spend the afternoon on a harbour nature cruise looking for Hector’s dolphins, and walk the waterfront to the lighthouse at sunset.
Overnight: a holiday park in Akaroa or around the harbour.
Day 2: Akaroa to Christchurch. Around 85 km. Take a morning kayak trip or a walk in the hills above the town, have lunch on the waterfront, then drive back to Christchurch in the afternoon.
See our Akaroa and Banks Peninsula guide.
Weekend 2: Hanmer Springs and the Waipara Valley
Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs. Around 135 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Drive north to Waipara and inland on State Highway 7. Stop at the Waiau Ferry Bridge to watch the jet boats and bungy jumpers, then spend the afternoon and evening in Hanmer’s thermal pools.
Overnight: a holiday park in Hanmer Springs, within walking distance of the pools.
Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch via Waipara. Around 145 km. Walk to the Conical Hill lookout in the morning, then head back to the Waipara Valley for a vineyard lunch, with a designated driver, before returning to the city.
See our Hanmer Springs and Waipara Valley guides.
Weekend 3: Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass
Day 1: Christchurch to the high country. Around 115–150 km. Head west across the plains on State Highway 73 and climb over Porters Pass. Walk among the boulders at Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti and explore Cave Stream, then continue to Arthur’s Pass village for the walk to Devils Punchbowl Falls.
Overnight: a Department of Conservation campsite in the high country, such as Lake Pearson or Klondyke Corner.
Day 2: Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. Around 150 km. Enjoy a morning walk in the national park, watch for kea, and drive home via Springfield.
See our Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill guide.
Which weekend trip suits an RV beginner best?
Akaroa or Hanmer Springs. Both are reached on sealed roads with modest climbs, and both have holiday parks with power, showers and staff on hand while you get used to the vehicle. The Arthur’s Pass weekend involves mountain driving and simpler campsites, so it suits drivers who are already comfortable.
What should you know about weekend hires?
- Minimum hire periods. Some companies set a minimum number of days, which can vary with the season, so check before you plan a two-day trip.
- Calendar days. Hire days are usually counted as calendar days, so collecting on a Saturday and returning on a Sunday counts as two days.
- Branch hours. Pickups and returns happen during branch hours, which affects how early you can leave and how late you can return.
- Book ahead. Weekends are popular with locals, especially Hanmer Springs and Akaroa in summer.
See our guide to weekend campervan hire for Kiwis.
Where should you stay overnight?
Holiday parks are the easiest choice on a weekend trip, with power and facilities. In the high country, DOC campsites offer beautiful settings with simpler facilities. Freedom camping is only for certified self-contained vehicles, and only where the local council permits it. See our Canterbury freedom camping guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and Castle Hill with Arthur’s Pass are the most popular, each involving less than two hours of driving each way.
Often, yes, but some companies set minimum hire periods that vary with the season. Check the terms for your dates when you search.
Hanmer Springs is around 135 km north, about 1 hour 45 minutes of driving, which makes it ideal for a one-night weekend away.
Holiday parks in Akaroa or Hanmer Springs are the easiest choice, while DOC campsites such as Lake Pearson and Klondyke Corner suit a high-country weekend.
Hire days are usually counted as calendar days, so the pickup day and the return day both count as hire days.