Adventure doesn’t have to mean choosing just one destination. In fact, for adventure seekers who love open roads and the freedom to stop whenever something catches their eye, an international road trip is a
must, offering a whole mix of scenery, attractions, and truly unforgettable
stops.
And, of all the possible variations, pairing New Zealand’s South Island with the vast deserts and national parks of the US Southwest creates a two-part journey that feels completely different, yet perfectly matched in adventurous spirit!
Why Start from New Zealand’s South Island?
New Zealand’s South Island is small enough to explore without rushing, yet varied enough to almost feel like several countries rolled into one. You get snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters, and small towns all within a few hours’ drive of each other. For instance, one day you might be travelling through vineyards near Marlborough, the next cruising along the West Coast with rainforest on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other.
Campervan travel works particularly well here because freedom camping spots, holiday parks, and rest areas are woven throughout the island. You can wake up beside a lake, pull over for impromptu hikes, and spend a little longer in the places that feel truly special. Many explorers also find that organising affordable campervan hire in Christchurch makes it even easier to experience that variety without sacrificing comfort.
Routes Worth Taking in New Zealand
Some drives on the South Island are perfect for campervan travel. The journey from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo is perfect for adventure seekers craving wide open landscapes and big skies, while the road
from Queenstown to Milford Sound is the route to take if you want incredible views and scenery that doesn’t feel overhyped. There’s also the West Coast Highway, which stretches between Franz Josef and
Punakaiki takes you through beaches and glaciers, with plenty of quiet pull-offs to explore.
The US Southwest
Whichever route you choose, one thing is for certain: after the greens and blues of New Zealand, the US Southwest will feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet altogether. This corner of the Earth is home
ot vast deserts, red rock formations, and endless highways, making it the ideal place for travellers who crave space and scale.
States like Nevada, Arizona, and Utah have some of the most incredible landscapes to explore, and Las Vegas often acts as the gateway to these areas. This isn’t only because it’s one of the most famous and
most-visited cities in the world, but also because it sits within easy reach of some of the country’s best National Parks.
From Las Vegas, you can easily head to Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, or Death Valley, each of which offers an entirely different experience.
Routes That Capture the Southwest Spirit
Some drives in the Southwest are simply legendary, and any adventure seeker who wants to experience the true spirit of the Southwest should consider taking these. The loop through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon provides you with almost constant views, while the drive from Las Vegas to Death
Valley gives you stark, minimalist beauty. And, of course, Route 66 adds a nostalgic layer to any Southwest road trip, even when taken in short sections.
Exploring the Southwest by Campervan
A campervan really transforms a Southwest road trip from a simple sightseeing loop into a whole new experience. Instead of racing between hotels, you can stay closer to the landscapes you’ve been wanting to explore, watching desert sunsets and waking up to quiet, open horizons. Not to mention, campgrounds and RV parks are pretty widespread throughout the Southwest, and many routes are designed specifically with campervan travellers in mind.
It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. For the budget-conscious traveller, low-cost campervan hire in Las Vegas can be a great way to access the Southwest without having to commit to expensive accommodation in the surrounding areas. Having your own campervan allows for more flexibility, too, making it possible to detour down a scenic byway or spend an extra night near your newly-discovered favourite hiking trail.
Two Regions: One Mindset
New Zealand’s South Island and the US Southwest couldn’t look more different, but they both attract the same kind of explorer. For adventure seekers looking to turn travel into something immersive rather than
rushed, combining these two road trip destinations creates a global journey that isn’t defined by airports and strict schedules, but the freedom to explore two very different landscapes at your own pace.
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