Christchurch International Airport

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and if travelling by air, is the gateway to the stunning South Island. Christchurch’s spirit is vibrant and ever-evolving following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. With innovation, and a typical Kiwi can-do attitude, Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ has blossomed once more as it continues to regenerate with new architectures against heritage buildings.

Christchurch is an interesting city of contrasts: a European feel with the heritage buildings and the Punts gliding down the Avon River, to the modern shopping centre mall made entirely of colourful refurbished shipping containers where 30 retailers and cafes can be found, along with a Court Theatre in a warehouse. The destroyed Cathedral, once the centrepoint of the CBD, has been replaced with a new house of worship constructed of sturdy cardboard tubes. Christchurch’s culture now is one of creative regeneration.

Uniquely in central Christchurch city is Hagley Park (164 hectares of open space and gardens). One of the best places to visit for the lovely green space, botanic gardens, Canterbury Museum and a golf course, are all located on the grounds. It also contains sports grounds and often hosts large-scale events.

Christchurch is at the heart of the Canterbury region, with the Waimakariri River to the north, the Port Hills to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Centrally positioned in the South Island, it makes discovering the South Island and its adventures easy to access in your hire campervan.

The nearby French-influenced town of Akaroa (only one hours’ drive from Christchurch) is nestled in the natural Akaroa Harbour. Or visit the Woodend Beach, only half an hour drive from the city. The ocean-facing beach is backed by a domain with a playground for the little ones and plenty of space for picnics, walks and general recreation. Or ride the gondola and view the stunning sights of the Southern Alps.

• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is an easy drive in your campervan, is just a 90 minute drive north of Christchurch. A place to indulge, with a range of pools including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, an array of water jets and bubbles.

• Christchurch to Ashburton (one hours’ drive from Christchurch).  Ashburton is a large town and sits between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers, so fly fishing is the local obsession.

• Ashburton to Timaru: (one hour’s drive from Christchurch). Timaru is a small but beautifully formed city. The historic walk will introduce you to many of the heritage buildings. Enjoy the boutique brewery, botanic gardens and the park at Caroline Bay.

• Mt Hutt: (two hours’ drive west from Christchurch) for skiing and snow boarding. This is a family friendly mountain that also offers basic coaching, different terrain and advanced.

• Kaikoura: The whale-watching capital of the world, is just over a 2 hour drive from Christchurch if you want to get up close with whales, dolphins and fur seals.

• Lake Tekapo (3 hours easy drive) through the Canterbury Plains. With stunning turquoise water, Lake Tekapo offers hiking, fishing or relaxing in hot pools while gazing at the lake and clear night sky.

• Aoraki Mount Cook (about one hours drive), is New Zealand's tallest mountain. Walk and discover spectacular views of the country's largest glacier. Discover spectacular landscapes, wildlife and local history.

As you journey down the coast to Dunedin, take the time to stop in your rental campervan and marvel at one of New Zealand’s great natural wonders, the Moeraki Boulders. Just around the corner, at Katiki Point, you’ll find fur seals and yellow-eyed penguin colonies nesting alongside the Moeraki Lighthouse. End your journey in Dunedin, one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere and home to the country's only castle, Larnach Castle.