Australia's east coast has built one of the world's most established van-life circuits, with backpacker infrastructure stretching along its entire length. New Zealand's South Island offers a more compact, equally scenic alternative built around mountains rather than coastline.
The destinations on this list range from long coastal routes with extensive campsite and backpacker infrastructure to shorter alpine loops that pack considerable scenic variety into a smaller area. Both suit a wide range of trip lengths.
Booking campsites ahead during the busiest summer season matters considerably, when both routes see their heaviest demand. Most loops take two to three weeks to complete comfortably. Packing for both coastal humidity and cooler alpine evenings also matters considerably. Most stops along the way offer basic facilities.
