Go where the wild things are
Check out some of these epic road trip destinations which will introduce you to beautiful animals in the wild. We’ve singled out six locations where you can pick up your motorhome and start your wildlife viewing roadie.
South Island, New Zealand
It’s really hard to pinpoint one exact location in the South Island for epic wildlife adventures, so we recommend the whole thing. Collect your Christchurch motorhome rental and start your road trip off with a visit to Akaroa on the West Coast. Here you can kayak or snorkel in Akaroa Harbour which is actually an extinct volcanic crater. If you’re lucky, you’ll see cute little penguins from mainland New Zealand’s biggest colony. You may see Hector's Dolphins zipping about - these are the world’s smallest dolphins.
Head inland to Arthurs Pass, a small alpine town which is the base for exploring Arthurs Pass National Park. Why visit? Well apart from the exceptionally beautiful scenery, and TranzAlpine train ride you’ll see our very own endemic mountain parrot, the Kea. They’re big, olive green birds which are highly intelligent. No trip to the South Island is complete without a cheeky Kea encounter.
Daintree Forest, Queensland - Australia
An epic day trip, the Daintree National Park Rainforest is a must-see on your Aussie adventure where the coastal ancient rainforest meets white sandy beaches. Pick up your Cairns motorhome rental because you’re heading to the forest, baby! Drive into the park and take your pick when it comes to scenic roads through the lush tropical rainforest. Bird-watchers, you’re in luck because there are over 400 species of birds to look out for including the rare and endangered Southern Cassowary.
Feeling adventurous? Head up into the canopy and take the adrenaline-inducing zip line for a bird’s eye view of your surroundings. Who knows, you may see a Bennett's Tree Kangaroo soaring through the trees. If you’re feeling extra brave, head to the coast to catch a glimpse of a saltwater crocodile basking in the sunshine.
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Are you ready? Here’s a list you can tick off with all the possible animals you could encounter while exploring Yellowstone.
Yellowstone is wild and you’ll need to get off the beaten track to truly appreciate the beauty of this place. Not only is it home to an amazing array of wildlife, but it’s also a geothermal hotspot with the most famous geyser in the world Old Faithful. Two good options to get you there include either a Las Vegas RV rental or a Salt Lake City RV rental. Get ready to immerse yourself amongst the incredible wildlife within this national park.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
One of the best places in Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park is the heart of the Scottish Highlands and offers visitors so much to see and do including wildlife watching. This park is a hotspot for Scottish endangered animals which you’ll see around the mountains, lochs and forests of this area. Take a tour, or wander about on your own path (there are plenty of easy walks) and you may just spot wildcats, the prehistoric-looking capercaillie, reindeer, red squirrels, badgers, deer, and golden eagles.
Pick up your Inverness motorhome rental or take our Glasgow round trip itinerary and get ready to see some of these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat.
Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
This remote temperate rainforest is home to the Kermode Bear, also known as the Spirit Bear. These magical creatures are unique to this area and are a subspecies of the black bear which has a recessive gene that gives their fur a unique creamy brown colour. Just check which time you’re heading in, as bear viewing season is from June-October. Need more creatures? Jump in a kayak and cruise around the Pacific Coast on your own guided adventure, you may see shy otters, grizzly bears, circling eagles, dolphins, and whales. Just remind yourself about freedom camping in Canada before you head in.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
For wildlife spotters, this area is like striking gold! Etosha National Park in Namibia is a sanctuary for some of Africa’s most endangered wildlife. Observe the great cats like cheetahs, leopards, and lions on the plains, as well as elephants, rhinos and giraffes. Part of the Kalahari Basin, this region is made up of a large salt pan that fills with water only once a year. Your Namibia motorhome rental will be the best way to experience this part of Africa and you’ll get to park up then wake up to a new view every day if you choose.
Whether you’re off exploring on a week long motorhome road trip, or taking a long weekend somewhere special - there’s always time to duck off the beaten track, immerse yourself in nature and connect with some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
Written By: Charlotte Lightbody
Exploring by motorhome is my favourite way to immerse myself in a different place/culture. My favourite so far? The Southern States of the USA - epic food, amazing people and the most beautiful scenery. I could go on about that trip forever!
Exploring by motorhome is my favourite way to immerse myself in a different place/culture. My favourite so far? The Southern States of the USA - epic food, amazing people and the most beautiful scenery. I could go on about that trip forever!
