Rolling Through New Zealand’s South Island in Our Little Home on Wheels

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have an entire island as your back garden, rent a campervan in New Zealand’s South Island and find out. That’s exactly what we did—and honestly, I might still be dreaming about it!

Our rental van quickly became our tiny home on wheels: part bedroom, part kitchen, part adventure mobile. There’s something oddly magical about boiling water for coffee while surrounded by mountains that look like they were Photoshopped. Every morning felt like opening a surprise gift—pull the curtains back and boom: lakes, glaciers, sheep (so many sheep), or a coastline that made us gasp before we were even fully awake.

Traveling by van kept things amazingly budget-friendly. Campsites and holiday parks were easy to find, and there were plenty of low-cost spots where the “fee” was basically just “enjoy this stunning view.” No hotel hopping, no restaurant scrambling—just us, our van, and whatever snacks we remembered to pack.

The best part? The freedom. If we loved a place, we stayed. If we saw something cool, we pulled over. If the weather shifted (which it did… often), we just changed plans without any drama. It felt like traveling on our own terms, with the whole island as our playground!

And here's a shout-out to Wicked Campers, the legends who made the whole thing affordable and incredibly practical. Their setup was simple, reliable, and didn’t make our wallets cry. It felt like the perfect balance between budget travel and pure freedom, with everything we needed tucked neatly inside one rolling mini-home.

So yes—if you’re heading to the South Island, consider embracing van life for a bit. You might just fall in love with the road, the landscapes, and the strange joy of living out of a glorified rolling shoebox. I know we did. Hire a Wicked Camper here: https://www.wickedcampers.co.nz/