Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Campervan Destinations in NZ

One of the best things about travelling New Zealand in a campervan is how easy it is to roll straight into postcard-worthy landscapes. From wild coastlines to alpine lakes, you don’t just snap the photo and leave, you get to stick around, cook dinner, and sleep with the view right outside your door.

At Big Little Campers, we make sure your campervan rental in NZ is more than just transport. It’s your kitchen, your bed, and your basecamp. That means when you find the perfect shot, you can stay as long as you like.

Here are 10 campervan-friendly stops that are worth pulling the camera out for:

1) Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Few spots feel more like a Kiwi summer than Cathedral Cove. The famous rock arch, golden sand, and turquoise water are best seen at sunrise before the crowds. Park up in Hahei, then walk or grab a water taxi to the cove. When you’ve got the shot, stay for a swim or carry on along the coast for fish and chips. 2) Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Country Tekapo’s turquoise lake speaks for itself, but it’s the night skies that make this stop unforgettable. Sitting inside an International Dark Sky Reserve, you’ll get some of the clearest stargazing in the world. With your camper parked nearby, there’s no rush to pack up. Just settle in and enjoy both day and night views.
	3) Milford Sound, Fiordland The drive in is just as epic as the fiord itself, with cliffs, waterfalls, and misty peaks around every corner. Stock up in Te Anau, take your time on the Milford Road, and don’t forget to pull over for those roadside shots. A boat cruise is classic, but often the best photos are the ones you take on the way. 4) Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park New Zealand’s tallest peak dominates the skyline here. The Hooker Valley Track is an easy walk with glacier views and swing bridges along the way. Park at the DOC campsite at White Horse Hill and wake up with Aoraki right outside your door. Hard to beat that.
5) Piha Beach, Auckland’s West Coast Just 40 minutes from Auckland, Piha is raw and rugged, with black sand and surf that locals flock to year-round. Lion Rock is the shot everyone knows, but sunset over the Tasman is just as good. With a camper, you can stay close and head back for sunrise when it’s quiet. 6) Wanaka and “That Wanaka Tree” Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it gets busy. But if you time it for early morning or late evening, the lone willow in Lake Wanaka delivers. The bonus? Wanaka’s full of hikes, lake views, and plenty to do once the cameras are packed away.
	7) Cape Reinga, Far North Right at the top of the North Island, this is where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific. The lighthouse on the cliffs seals the deal. It’s a long drive north, but with plenty of beaches and campsites along the way, the journey’s half the fun. 8) Hokitika Gorge, West Coast The blue here looks unreal, but it’s the real deal. A short walk takes you to the swing bridge for the best angle. Once you’ve had your fill, keep rolling down the West Coast where glaciers and wild beaches are waiting.
9) Hobbiton, Matamata Film fan or not, Hobbiton’s rolling hills and round doors make for colourful shots. Tours are easy to book, and if you’ve got a campervan, it slots neatly into a North Island roady. 10) Nugget Point Lighthouse, The Catlins Perched on a cliff with wild ocean views, Nugget Point is one for the books. The Catlins are quieter than other regions, but full of waterfalls, wildlife, and windswept coastline. Bring the camera, but give yourself time to just hang out here, too.

Road Trips Made Easy with Big Little Campers

Chasing photo spots is easier when your van’s got everything you need. Our compact campers come fully kitted with a gas cooker, quality gear, and a comfy bed, so you can roll from sunset shots to hot dinner without missing a beat.

With Big Little Campers, you’ve got the freedom to explore at your own pace, the flexibility to stop when you find something new, and the comfort to enjoy it all properly.

Make plans with us, pack your camera, charge your batteries, and point your van towards the horizon. New Zealand’s waiting, and it always looks best through a campervan window.