The best way to experience New Zealand is by driving, with regular stops to walk, sightsee or shop. New Zealand is a rugged and largely rural land, home to 4.3 million people and more than 30 million sheep. However, stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and captivating cities enhance the experience far beyond counting sheep. Plus, light traffic and good roads make driving something akin to a camper van in New Zealand completely enjoyable.

Touring New Zealand by motorhome allows for an up-close experience of the countryside. Tourists can stop at any place where there is a motor camp and spend as much time as they want in each place. They also save money buying groceries and cooking their own meals. New Zealand can be toured in short trips of a few days or extended vacations of several days to do it all.

From the northern point of the North Island and following the west coast, motorists pass through Northland Forest Park, home to Kauri trees, the second largest species after California’s Sequoia Redwoods. Driving to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, visitors enjoy various activities: museums and art galleries, parks and gardens, entertainment and theme parks.

Leaving Auckland, the traveler should head south towards the geothermal area near Rotorua. This active volcanic area features one of the largest boiling lakes in the world. Rotorua is also known as the heart of Maori culture.

Heading back a bit to the west, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see: inside a black cave, the ceiling is lit up like a starry sky. Further south, the motorist reaches Mount Egmont National Park. This peak served as a stand-in for Mount Fuji when the Tom Cruise movie “The Last Samurai” was filmed.

Travelers continue through spectacular scenery and arrive in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. A recommended visit is Te Papa, the national museum. An engraved stone in the port area declares: “this is the city of action, the world headquarters of the word”. Visitors will find plenty to do.

Before crossing over to the South Island, travelers should visit, especially if they are a “Lord of the Rings” fan, Putangiura Pinnacles. A three-hour drive from Wellington, this is the setting for Dimholt Road in “Return of the King.”

Next, motorists must cross the 12-mile Cook Strait to the South Island, which many consider even more picturesque than the North Island. Fortunately, ferry services offer passage between Wellington and Picton. The ferries leave every 2-3 hours between 6am and 6pm and are very used to transporting motorhomes from one place to another. There is also an overnight ferry, but one would miss out on the incredible views. The trip takes about 3 hours.

An interesting first stop is Westport, an old mining town on the west coast. Visitors can tour a simulated underground mine or visit the rugged coastline. The scenery along the coast is incredible, with formations like the Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes at Punakaiki. Further south are the Franz Josef Glaciers, as close as possible to sea level that the glaciers reach.

Then cross the mountains to Queenstown. Among other things, Queenstown is the birthplace of bungee jumping! However, the city is not short of other activities and offers plenty to keep visitors busy. After Queenstown, the motorist must head northeast to visit New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt. Cook, and from there to Christchurch.

Christchurch is “The Garden City” with extensive parks and public gardens. Visitors will appreciate the cultural heritage, sports facilities and excellent shopping.

The return journey from Christchurch to Cook Strait will pass near Hanmer Springs and its soothing thermal pools. Then it’s past Kaikoura, famous for its abundance of marine mammals. Following the Pacific coast through Blenheim, travelers return to Picton, where a ferry ride returns them to the North Island.