15 Days New Zealand South Island Itinerary Series
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Day 9 – Omarama to Wanaka
9 am – Winding Roads and Mountain Views
Day 9 started out chill and easy.
We set off from Omarama, winding through Lindis Valley toward Wanaka.
Only 120 km, but the road was full of twists and turns.
Every bend opened up another postcard view of the mountains.
The golden slopes, the light mist and the crisp winter air made the whole drive feel magical.
10.45 am – Clay Cliffs
We heard about the famous Clay Cliffs, shaped like tall jagged towers.
They look like natural sand castles stacked by giants.
But this site was privately managed and required cash payment.
Reading some mixed reviews online, we decided to admire it from afar.
Still, from a distance, it looked majestic against the blue sky.
11.15 am – Lindis Pass Viewpoint
Next stop was Lindis Pass Viewpoint.
The view was quiet and peaceful, with golden tussocks stretching in all directions.
You could feel the chill wind rushing down from the hills.
It was a calm spot to rest and stretch our legs.
Between us, I still think the Otira Viaduct was more grand, but this one had its own charm.
2.30 pm – Wanaka Puzzling World
We finally reached Wanaka and stopped by Puzzling World.
The Family Combo Ticket for two adults and two kids was $99.
It included entry to the Illusion Rooms and the Great Maze.
The Illusion Rooms were fun and full of surprising designs that tricked the eyes.
The famous Tilted House looked innocent, but once you stepped in, the whole world tilted.
The floor slanted and gravity seemed to pull you sideways.
I felt my head spinning so bad that I had to leave halfway.
By the time we left the Illusion Rooms, I had motion sickness and ended up sitting at the café for an hour.
The kids had a great laugh about it, saying, “Papa cannot tahan!”
We then tried the Great Maze.
It sounded simple, but took almost one full hour to find all four towers and the exit.
We walked in circles so many times I lost count.
Started around 5 pm, escaped near 6 pm.
Tired but happy, everyone celebrated like we won a race.
7pm - SuperMarket Run and Check in at Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park
After that, we checked in at Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park and called it a night. It was a very cold night, that even cooking in the kitchen feels so cold. so we ate our dinner at the campervan with the heater on. Shiok!
And yes, we found the portable heater somehow at the cabinet. For the past 8 nights it has been very cold. Today this portable heater. We can be dressed in 1 layer, shorts - and still feel very warm.
Wah lau eh!
Day 10 – Wanaka to Queenstown
9.30 am – The Famous Wanaka Tree
Before leaving Wanaka, we stopped to see the famous Wanaka Tree.
It is one of the most photographed sites in New Zealand, but honestly, a bit meh.
Just a small lonely tree in the shallow lake.
Nice peaceful atmosphere, but not as wow as on Instagram.
Good for a quick stop if you have time, not worth a big detour.
10 am – Final Drive with the Campervan
Today was our last day with the campervan.
We were heading to Queenstown to return it and swap for a car.
Halfway through, we received an early check-in notification from our Queenstown accommodation.
Perfect timing.
Less waiting, more relaxing.
12 pm – Kawarau Bungy Bridge
We dropped by the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge.
Watched people boldly jump off into the deep canyon.
Their screams echoed, and my kids stared in shock and amazement.
I told them, maybe one day when they grow up, they can try.
Me, I was happy just holding the camera.
1.30 pm – Top Up Gas
Before returning the campervan, we followed the checklist.
Diesel full, gas topped up, waste water emptied.
Better to do everything properly than kena fees later.
2 pm – Check In and and Rainbow Welcome
We arrived early at our Queenstown accommodation, ready to unpack after days on the road.
Originally planned for a small Jucy campervan that would fit the garage easily.
But after changes and upgrades, we ended up with the big Berth 6 campervan instead.
At 3.1 meters tall, no chance it could squeeze into the 2.4-meter residential garage.
So months back during planning, we adjusted our itinerary upfront.
Return the giant campervan on Day 10, switch to a rental SUV for Queenstown.
The SUV was perfect size.
Small enough to navigate Queenstown's narrow town streets easily.
Smart call that gave us flexibility around town.
Just as we carried the last bags inside, magic happened outside.
A massive rainbow stretched perfectly across the Queenstown valley.
Full double arc glowing vivid against snowy mountain backdrop.
Kids dropped everything, ran out screaming "Rainbow! Rainbow!"
We stood mesmerised 15 minutes, phones snapping every angle.
Sunlight pierced scattered clouds, making colors pop brighter than any filter.
After frozen taps, winding roads and late arrivals, this felt like nature's "well done."
Mama smiled and declared, "Trip now complete liao."
That rainbow moment turned simple check-in into pure magic.
3.30 pm – Pick Up Car and Return Campervan
We rented our car from Apex because it was next to the Maui Campervan depot.
Walked across easily, no shuttle needed.
Return process was smooth.
Staff checked fuel, gas and waste tanks.
All good, no extra charges. (Except for the Roadside Emergency at Day 2)
That marked the official end of our campervan journey.
Once we got into the SUV, everyone went “wah so easy to drive!”
After a week with the big campervan, every turn and parking spot now felt like breeze.
5 pm – Dinner at Hikari Teppanyaki
Without the campervan kitchen, we went out to eat.
Had dinner at Hikari Teppanyaki in Queenstown.
Watching the chef flip food and create little flames was all part of the fun.
The kids loved it and clapped when the chef caught an egg in his hat.
Dinner ended with full tummies and big smiles.
7 pm – Evening Walk and Kmart
After dinner, we visited Kmart nearby.
Walking through the aisles, we started talking about how we already missed the campervan.
Having your own toilet wherever you go is a blessing.
Here, even to find a toilet, must walk far.
That is one campervan luxury you only appreciate after it is gone.
10.30 pm – Supper
Since dinner was early, the kids got hungry again at night.
So, instant ramen came to the rescue.
Simple, warm, and satisfying.
Sometimes the small comforts are the best.
End of Campervan Adventure
Total Distance Travelled - 1786km | 10 Days 9 Nights
As the night ended in Queenstown, it felt surreal that our campervan journey had come to a close.
From winding roads and seal sightings to frozen mornings and mountain hikes, every drive had a story.
The moment we traded the campervan for a smaller car, it hit us how far we had come.
A little sad, but thankful for all the adventures that came with this rolling home.