Some travelers suggested a 14-day self-drive itinerary focusing on New Zealand's South Island. The route starts in Christchurch, moves through Arthur's Pass to Punakaiki, and then to Franz Josef. It continues from Haast Pass to Wanaka, heads over to Dunedin, explores Te Anau and Milford Sound, proceeds to Queenstown, passes through Lindis Pass to Aoraki/Mt Cook, and concludes back in Christchurch.

Along the suggested routes, travelers have highlighted activities such as exploring the Franz Josef Glacier, jet boating, visiting Hokitika Gorge, and taking scenic drives like the Haast Pass. The itinerary also includes opportunities for hiking, such as the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mt Cook.

For a more comprehensive experience, another recommended itinerary starts in Queenstown, moves to Milford Sound, then to Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Christchurch, and returns to Queenstown. This loop allows travelers to experience a broad range of landscapes and activities from glacier walks to exploring historic mining towns.

Some travelers have suggested an itinerary starting in Auckland, exploring local sights like the Skytower and Waiheke Island, before heading south. They recommend visiting Tairua, the Coromandel Peninsula including Cathedral Cove, and then moving on to Matamata for the Hobbiton experience. The journey continues to Rotorua, known for its geothermal parks, and Taupo for the Huka Falls and Māori Rock Carvings.

According to forum posts, Rotorua offers diverse attractions such as the Skyline Rotorua, Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve, and the Redwoods Treewalk. Travelers have recommended selecting specific thermal parks to visit to avoid redundancy. For outdoor activities, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is highly recommended, but it's advised to allocate two nights in the area for an early start.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning and booking accommodations early, especially in peak seasons like March and April, as places tend to fill up quickly. For those looking to explore less crowded areas, suggestions include visiting lesser-known locations like the Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel or engaging in activities like the Waitomo Caves Canyoning in the Waitomo area.

According to forum posts, Queenstown is often highlighted as a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor activities. Likewise, the Abel Tasman National Park is frequently recommended for nature lovers, offering beautiful hikes and scenic views.

Travelers have called out Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park as a breathtaking destination, known for its stunning fjords and waterfalls. Additionally, Rotorua is noted for its unique geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences.

Some travelers mentioned the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo as exceptionally scenic, particularly recommending the Haast Pass for its natural beauty. The coastal road north of Greymouth, leading to Punakaiki, is also praised for its dramatic landscapes.

For wildlife enthusiasts, posts suggest visiting Kaikoura for whale watching and seal colonies. The Catlins Forest Park is another recommended spot, offering a chance to see diverse wildlife and rugged coastlines.

According to forum posts, a common travel route in the North Island begins in Auckland, moving through Rotorua and Taupo, before reaching Wellington. This route allows travelers to explore the geothermal attractions of Rotorua, the scenic beauty of Taupo, and the cultural offerings of Wellington.

For the South Island, travelers often start in Christchurch, travel through Aoraki/Mt Cook, and proceed to Queenstown. This route is highlighted for its stunning alpine scenery and adventure activities in Queenstown. Additionally, some tourists opt to visit the Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound, known for its breathtaking fjords.

A more extensive itinerary mentioned involves starting from Auckland, descending to Wellington, crossing over to the South Island to explore Nelson, the Abel Tasman National Park, and then moving south through the West Coast, eventually ending in Queenstown. This route is favored for capturing both the urban and natural landscapes of New Zealand.

According to forum posts, some reputable campervan rental companies in New Zealand include Wilderness, Maui, Britz, and Iconic. These companies are known for their reliable service and quality vehicles. Maui and Britz are mentioned as having a good range of options and extensive depot networks.

Travelers have called out that while companies like Wilderness offer higher quality and newer models, they might be more expensive. On the other hand, budget options like Jucy and Travelers Autobarn are available but might come with more basic amenities and potential quality issues.

Some users have discussed private rental options through platforms like Camplify, which offers protections for both renters and owners. However, experiences with other private rental services have been mixed, with some complaints about vehicle quality and service. Users recommend booking directly with the campervan company rather than through third-party aggregators to avoid issues with misinformation and service discrepancies.

For many users, booking directly with the campervan provider is advisable to ensure clear communication and reliable service. They suggest confirming all details, including insurance and additional charges like road user charges, directly with the provider.

Many travelers recommend Apex and Omega as reliable car rental companies in New Zealand. Apex is often praised for its policy of no additional charge for drivers over 21 and for offering a free ferry ticket for inter-island travel, while Omega is noted for offering vehicles that, although older, are well-maintained and reasonably priced.

According to forum posts, it's important to be aware of the insurance policies and excess fees when renting a car. The excess fee, which is the amount you pay out of pocket if there is damage to the vehicle, can be significant. Some users suggest using travel insurance or credit cards that cover rental car excess to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. Others advise paying for full insurance directly from the rental company for peace of mind.

For travelers under 25, it's noted that some rental companies might charge higher premiums or excess fees. However, companies like Apex are highlighted for not charging extra for young drivers over 21, making them a popular choice among younger travelers.

When traveling between the North and South Islands, the handling of rental cars for ferry crossings varies by company. Apex, for instance, allows travelers to take their rental cars on the ferry at no extra cost for the vehicle, while other companies may require picking up a different vehicle post-crossing. This can be a crucial consideration for planning travel routes and budgets.

According to forum posts, New Zealand offers several scenic train journeys. Travelers have mentioned the Northern Explorer, which operates between Auckland and Wellington, and the Coastal Pacific, which runs from Picton to Christchurch. Additionally, the TranzAlpine, highly regarded for its stunning views, travels from Christchurch to Greymouth.

Some travelers said the Northern Explorer features scenic spots such as the Rangitikei River gorge and Paekakariki hill. The TranzAlpine is particularly praised for its breathtaking views across the Alps, especially when there is snow. The Coastal Pacific is noted for its coastal scenery, making it a picturesque route on the South Island.

For those interested in unique train experiences, forum users also mentioned the Kingston Flyer and the Weka Pass Railway, which offer vintage and heritage train rides through scenic landscapes.

According to forum posts, New Zealand offers several family-friendly outdoor activities. For instance, travelers have called out kayaking in Milford Sound and biking along the Lake Dunstan cycle trail as engaging family activities. Additionally, the Coromandel Peninsula offers the Driving Creek Railway and Hot Water Beach, providing unique experiences for families.

Some travelers suggested wildlife and nature-focused activities such as the Elm Wildlife Tour in Dunedin and whale watching in Kaikoura. Families can also enjoy the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, which features an interactive display about Antarctic explorations and live penguins.

For those interested in history and culture, posts highlighted the Buried Village in Rotorua, with its tales of local legends and the Auckland War Memorial Museum for its Māori and Pacific collections. These venues offer educational as well as entertaining experiences suitable for all ages.

Posts also mentioned specific amusement centers such as Puzzling World in Wanaka and the Queenstown Luge, which are popular among families for their fun and interactive setups.