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Singapore, Singapore
Stopover on the way to New Zealand. Try Palawan Beach Club at Sentosa and grab Kaya Toast at a hawker centre. Minmed Pilates is available airside at Changi if you fancy a stretch between flights.
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Arrive late on 13 Dec and rest at your airport hotel before collecting the campervan early on the 14th. The Botanic Gardens and Re:START container mall are worth a quick wander if you have time before hitting the road.
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Kaikoura, New Zealand
Your whale watching cruise departs at 07:15 on 15 Dec — one of the best places on earth to see sperm whales year-round. Grab fresh crayfish from a roadside stall and walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway for stunning coastal views.
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Punakaiki, New Zealand
Drive via Lewis Pass through stunning alpine scenery — one of NZ's most scenic inland routes. The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are unmissable; visit at high tide for maximum drama. The Paparoa National Park has great short walks right from the van park.
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Franz Josef, New Zealand
Home to the famous Franz Josef Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world — consider a scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing for a honeymoon to remember. The tiny village has cosy cafes and a hot pool perfect for tired van-life legs.
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Wanaka, New Zealand
You have an Airbnb here over Christmas — a perfect base for hiking Roy's Peak (iconic lake views) and exploring the Treble Cone area. Roys Peak is best done at sunrise; Wanaka township has great restaurants and the famous That Wānaka Tree photo spot on the lakefront.
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Tekapo, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo sits in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve — one of the best stargazing spots on earth, with the 10:30pm Dark Sky experience on your list. The turquoise glacial lake and Church of the Good Shepherd at sunset are iconic South Island scenes.
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Queenstown, New Zealand
Your Onsen Hot Pools are booked for 30 Dec at 7:30pm — the private outdoor pools overlooking the Remarkables are utterly romantic. Celebrate NYE in town with a view of the fireworks over Lake Wakatipu, and don't miss Canyon Brewing and your Reformer Pilates class at the Marina on New Year's Eve morning.
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Return the campervan and check into your airport hotel ahead of the noon flight on 6 Jan. If you have a few hours, the Margaret Mahy Playground and a flat white at C1 Espresso make for a relaxed final morning.
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Singapore, Singapore
Three nights at Grand Copthorne Waterfront — head straight to Marina Bay Sands viewing deck or ABODE rooftop bar on arrival evening to stay awake. Over the next two days tick off Gardens by the Bay, the Spectra light show, Haji Lane photobooths, Emerald Hill jelly martinis, sunset at Las Palmas rooftop, and a hawker centre feast at Adam Road.