The first and last nights of a South Island road trip often have different requirements from the rest of the journey. Instead of choosing accommodation mainly for sightseeing, the priority may be convenient access to Christchurch Airport, your rental vehicle depot and the accommodation facilities you need before or after travelling.
North South Holiday Park is approximately five minutes from Christchurch International Airport and is also close to many major campervan, motorhome and rental-car depots. It offers campsites as well as roofed accommodation, making it suitable for several different road-trip arrival and departure plans.
For general information about staying near the airport, see Accommodation Near Christchurch Airport.
Why Plan the First Night Separately?
After a long flight, you may not want to collect a vehicle and immediately begin a long drive.
Staying near the airport and vehicle-rental area can give you time to:
- Collect your campervan or rental car
- Become familiar with the vehicle
- Organise luggage and supplies
- Rest before driving longer distances
- Check your equipment before beginning your trip
Option 1: Stay in Roofed Accommodation Before Collecting Your Vehicle
If your flight arrives late or you do not plan to collect your rental vehicle until the following day, a cabin or self-contained unit can provide a straightforward first night in Christchurch.
North South Holiday Park offers self-contained units, motel-style accommodation, cabins and other roofed accommodation alongside its campsites.
Compare all North South Holiday Park accommodation.
Option 2: Collect Your Campervan and Stay on a Campsite
If you collect your campervan, motorhome or caravan on arrival, staying on a campsite close to the vehicle-rental area can give you a short first drive rather than beginning a longer journey immediately.
North South Holiday Park offers powered sites with electricity and water as well as non-powered areas for travellers who do not require a power connection.
Camping guests can use shared kitchens, bathrooms with free hot showers, laundry facilities, BBQ areas, free unlimited WiFi and other park facilities.
View powered and non-powered camping sites.
What If My Flight Arrives Late?
After-hours accommodation check-in can be arranged at North South Holiday Park. If you expect to arrive after reception closes, contact the park beforehand so the appropriate arrangements can be made.
For guests staying in units or cabins, keys can be arranged for collection after hours.
Contact North South Holiday Park about a late arrival.
Getting From Christchurch Airport to North South Holiday Park
North South Holiday Park operates an airport shuttle service between 8:30am and 5:00pm, seven days a week.
The current shuttle charge is $7.50 per adult and $5 per child. Airport pickups and drop-offs should be arranged in advance.
If your flight arrives outside the shuttle operating period, a taxi or Uber can be used between the airport and the park.
Why Plan the Last Night Separately?
Your final night may involve cleaning or packing your rental vehicle, returning equipment, reorganising luggage and reaching Christchurch Airport at a specific time.
Staying close to both the rental-vehicle area and the airport can reduce the amount of driving required on departure day and provide more flexibility over when you return the vehicle.
Option 1: Stay in Your Campervan on the Final Night
Travellers returning their vehicle the following morning can stay on a powered or non-powered campsite for their final night.
This provides access to shared bathrooms, free hot showers, kitchens, laundry facilities, WiFi and other park facilities before returning the rental vehicle.
Option 2: Return the Vehicle and Stay in Roofed Accommodation
Another option is to return your rental vehicle before your final night and move into a cabin or self-contained unit.
This can be useful if you want to complete the vehicle return before departure day or would prefer not to sleep in the campervan on your final night.
North South offers both cabin accommodation and self-contained accommodation.
What Accommodation Should I Choose?
| Travel situation | Option to consider |
|---|---|
| Campervan already collected | Powered or non-powered campsite |
| Late flight before vehicle collection | Cabin, motel or self-contained unit with pre-arranged late check-in |
| Travelling with children | Family accommodation, cabin or campsite depending on the facilities required |
| Rental vehicle already returned | Roofed accommodation for the final night |
| Travelling with a dog or other pet | Pet-friendly campsite or roofed accommodation, subject to North South's pet conditions |
Travelling With Children?
Families can compare accommodation specifically designed for different family sizes, together with onsite children's facilities.
View family accommodation at North South Holiday Park.
Travelling With a Pet?
All North South Holiday Park accommodation and campsites are pet friendly, subject to the park's pet conditions.
Read the pet-friendly accommodation information before booking.
Road-Trip Arrival Checklist
- Confirm your flight arrival time
- Check your vehicle-rental collection hours
- Decide whether to collect the vehicle on arrival or the following day
- Arrange the airport shuttle in advance if required
- Arrange late check-in if required
- Choose between a campsite and roofed accommodation
- Advise North South in advance if you are travelling with a pet
Road-Trip Departure Checklist
- Confirm your flight departure time
- Check your rental-vehicle return requirements and opening hours
- Decide whether to return your vehicle the evening before or on departure day
- Allow time to repack luggage and remove belongings from the vehicle
- Arrange airport transport in advance
- Choose roofed accommodation if you plan to return the vehicle before your final night
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay for the first night of a South Island road trip from Christchurch?
If you are collecting a rental vehicle near Christchurch Airport, staying close to both the airport and vehicle-rental area can reduce your first day's driving. North South Holiday Park is approximately five minutes from Christchurch International Airport and offers both campsites and roofed accommodation.
Can I arrive at North South Holiday Park after reception closes?
Yes. After-hours check-in can be arranged in advance. Contact North South Holiday Park before arrival so the team can organise access.
Can I stay in my campervan on the first or last night?
Yes. North South Holiday Park has powered and non-powered campsites suitable for campervans, motorhomes, caravans and other camping vehicles.
Is an airport shuttle available?
Yes. North South Holiday Park's airport shuttle operates between 8:30am and 5:00pm, seven days a week. The current charge is $7.50 per adult and $5 per child.
Where can I find more information about staying near Christchurch Airport?
See North South Holiday Park's Accommodation Near Christchurch Airport page for airport proximity, transfers, late check-in, rental depots and available accommodation.