Debating a New Zealand, South or North Island Campervan Itinerary?
When we talk about the ultimate New Zealand road trip, most people’s minds go straight to the Southern Alps. But let us tell you, this route for the North Island of New Zealand covers some serious hotspots with culture, beautiful landscapes, incredible geothermal sites, history and tips – from a New Zealand family – for what not to miss!
From the steaming geothermal heart of Rotorua to the golden, dig-your-own-spa beaches of the Coromandel, it is a region that has everything and more.
We’ve put together this 10-day North Island Campervan Itinerary starting and ending in Auckland. It’s designed specifically for campervan life—slow enough to actually enjoy your morning coffee with a view, but packed enough that the kids won’t have time to ask ‘are we there yet?’ 😀
So book that campervan and let’s hit the road!
- Campervan Hire in New Zealand
- 10-Day North Island Campervan Itienrary
Day 1-2: Auckland to Coromandel
Day 3: Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
Day 4-5: Rotorua
Day 6-7: Taupo
Day 8: Waitomo Caves
Day 9: Waitomo to Matamata
Day 10: Back to Auckland - Tips for Campervan Hire in New Zealand
- More About New Zealand
Hiring a Campervan in New Zealand
Hiring a campervan is arguably the best way to experience New Zealand. You have the ultimate freedom to wake up to a new view every morning. Plus, whether you’re navigating the lush North Island or the South, your vehicle acts as your transport, kitchen, and bedroom all in one. It is convineitnt and obviously, much more cost efficient to travel New Zealand this way.
We have spent the last two years travelling all over Europe in a motorhome. We actually bought – and sold – two motorhomes over that time and drove to every country in mainland Europe! Our home on wheels there was a Fiat Ducato with some serious character
In New Zealand we have spent three months travelling all over – North and South – in a campervan and more recently in a motorhome.
It is well fair to say that we are huge fans of campervan life anywhere in the world. But New Zealand, and especially the North Island where we are from, truly has it all for exploring by campervan.
Considerations for Your Rental
Of course, to make the most of your road trip, it is essential to choose a vehicle that fits your specific needs and certification requirements.
- Self-Containment: Ensure your van is “certified self-contained” if you plan to freedom camp. This means it has onboard water and waste facilities, which are required for many of the most scenic (and free) legal camping spots.
- Booking Timing: New Zealand’s peak season (December–February) is incredibly popular. You should aim to book at least 4–6 months in advance to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability.
- Licensing: You don’t need a special license for most campervans; a standard, valid English-language driver’s license is usually all that is required.
Companies to Hire a Campervan in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the rental market is well-established, offering everything from ‘stealth’ sleepers to massive luxury motorhomes. Most companies operate out of Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, making it easy to plan a one-way trip or a full loop.
Here are the main hire companies to look out for:
- Maui and Wilderness Motorhomes are the go-to choices if you want a late-model vehicle with high-end finishes, full bathrooms, and heaps of space.
- Britz, Apollo, and Star RV offer a huge range of 2 to 6-berth vans that are perfect for families.
- Jucy and Spaceships are iconic on NZ roads. They are generally smaller (much), easier to park, and much kinder to your wallet, making them popular with couples and younger travellers.
- Mad Campers and Epic Campers offer cleverly designed, smaller vans that are often self-contained, allowing you to access a wider range of campsites.
10-Day North Island Campervan Itinerary
A 10-day North Island loop starting and ending in Auckland is the ultimate way to see New Zealand’s geothermal wonders and coastal gems without feeling like you’re constantly behind the wheel.
We always recommend heading east first to the Coromandel Peninsula to dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach before tracking south to Rotorua for Māori culture and bubbling mud pools.
From there, it’s an easy hop to Lake Taupō for a jet boat ride to Huka Falls and a stop in Waitomo to see the glowworms before swinging through Hobbiton on your way back to the city.
This route ideally balances the driving—averaging about 2 to 3 hours a day—so you have plenty of time to park up and enjoy the view.
We love road-tripping in New Zealand, and the North Island is a great place to do just that! 🙂
Ready?
Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel
The Drive: Approx. 170km | 2 hours 30 mins
Once you’ve picked up your camper (we usually use the Britz or Maui base near the airport), head straight out of the city and east toward the Coromandel. The drive takes you past the Hauraki Plains and up the winding coast where the Pohutukawa trees line the shore.
It is the iconic start to your 10-day North Island Campervan Itinerary!
- Highlight: Stop in Thames for a quick stretch and some local history before heading to Hot Water Beach. Check the tide charts—you want to be there two hours either side of low tide to dig your own natural hot pool in the sand!
- Where to Stay: Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. It’s legendary for a reason—walking distance to the beach and top-notch facilities.
Day 2: Coromandel – North Island Campervan Itinerary
The Drive: Minimal (Stayed in the Coromandel area)
Today is about the “Big Three” of the Coromandel. Wake up early to beat the crowds at Cathedral Cove. You can’t drive to the beach anymore (there was a big slip a while back), so you’ll need to take the water taxi from Hahei or walk the inland track. It’s the Narnia film location, and honestly, it looks even better in person.
- Highlight: A glass-bottom boat tour from Whitianga to see the marine life without getting your hair wet.
- Where to Stay: Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park (Coromandel Town). Perfect for a quiet night by the water.
Day 3: Coromandel to Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
The Drive: Approx. 180km | 2 hours 45 mins
Wave goodbye to the rugged peninsula and head south into the Bay of Plenty. This is Kiwifruit Country, so expect lots of orchards! Your destination is Tauranga and Mount Maunganui (or ‘The Mount’ to locals).
- Highlight: The walk around the base of Mauao (the mountain) is stunning, but if the legs are feeling strong, the 45-minute hike to the summit offers the best 360-degree views in the North Island. It’s seriously epic!
- Where to Stay: Tauranga Holiday Park. Absolute beachfront accommodation on a stunning unspoilt beach.
Day 4: Tauranga to Rotorua
The Drive: Approx. 70km | 1 hour
This is a short hop, which is great because there is so much to do in Rotorua. As you drive in, you’ll notice that distinct sulfur smell. But don’t be concerned – it’s absolutely worth it.
- Highlight: Visit Te Puia to see the Pōhutu Geyser and the national kiwi hatchery. If you have time, the Redwoods Treewalk (especially at night when the lanterns are lit) is pure magic for the kids.
- Where to Stay: Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park. It’s located just outside the main town right next to Lake Tikitapu—way quieter and much fresher air!
Day 5: Rotorua Adventures
The Drive: 0km
Park the van and give the engine a rest. Rotorua is the adventure capital of the North Island. It a great city to explore for culture, geothermal sites and cool adventure activities.
- Highlight: Take the Skyline Gondola up for some Luge racing. We could spend all day on those tracks! In the afternoon, head to the Polynesian Spa for a soak in the mineral pools overlooking the lake.
- Where to Stay: Stay a second night at Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10.
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupō
The Drive: Approx. 80km | 1 hour 15 mins
On your way south to Taupō, make a pit stop at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. This is where you’ll find the famous Champagne Pool with its vibrant orange and turquoise colours.
- Highlight: Huka Falls. You can’t miss it. More than 220,000 litres of water blast over these falls every second. It’s loud, powerful, and very blue.
- Where to Stay: Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park. It has an amazing thermally heated pool that is perfect for an evening dip.
Day 7: Lake Taupō
The Drive: Minimal
Taupō is basically a giant volcanic crater filled with water, and it’s spectacular. Hang out in Taupō today; there is plenty to do.
- Highlight: Take a boat cruise or kayak out to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. They are only accessible by water and are a huge testament to Māori artistry. If you’re feeling brave, the Taupō Bungy is one of the most scenic drops in the country!
- Where to Stay: Stay a second night at Taupō TOP 10.
Day 8: Taupō to Waitomo Caves
The Drive: Approx. 150km | 2 hours
Today you head west toward the Waikato – King Country. This area is famous for its limestone hills and what lies beneath them.
- Highlight: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Go down into a pitch-black cave while thousands of tiny blue lights twinkle above you like stars. It is an experience you’ll never forget. For the more adventurous, look into “Black Water Rafting“—it involves inner tubes and jumping off subterranean waterfalls!
- Where to Stay: Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park. It’s right in the heart of the village, so you can walk to the caves.
Day 9: Waitomo to Matamata (Hobbiton!)
The Drive: Approx. 100km | 1 hour 20 mins
You can’t come to the North Island and not visit Middle-earth. Even if you aren’t a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, the attention to detail at the Hobbiton Movie Set is mind-blowing 😀
- Highlight: The full guided tour. You’ll get to see the Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree, and even grab a ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn. Make sure you book this well in advance, as it sells out months ahead!
- Where to Stay: Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park in Matamata. A great spot to relax after a day of “Hobbiting.”
Day 10: Matamata back to Auckland
The Drive: Approx. 160km | 2 hours
It’s the final stretch! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way back up State Highway 1 to Auckland.
- Highlight: If you have time before dropping off the van, stop at the Hamilton Gardens. They aren’t just flowers in a row—they are themed gardens (Italian Renaissance, Indian Charbagh, etc.) that feel like traveling the world in an hour.
- Final Stop: Drop your campervan back at the depot and maybe grab one last real-fruit ice cream before heading to the airport.
Tips for the North Island Campervan Itinerary
- The “Camper Wave”: It’s a real thing! If you see another Britz or Maui camper, give them a wave. It’s part of the road trip culture here.
- Download the Apps: We swear by Rankers NZ or CamperMate. They show you exactly where the nearest dump stations and fresh water fills are—essential for van life!
- Book Ahead: Especially in the summer months (December–February). The TOP 10 parks fill up fast, so don’t leave your nightly stay to chance.
- Keep Left: Driving a larger vehicle on New Zealand’s winding, sometimes narrow roads requires extra care. Always remember to keep left, take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, and use the many designated “slow vehicle bays” to let locals pass. This keeps the journey stress-free for everyone and lets you focus on the breathtaking landscapes.
Booking That North Island Campervan Itinerary
If you’re currently sitting on the fence about a New Zealand campervan trip and debating booking that North Island campervan itinerary, I want to stop you right there: Stop debating and just do it.
Seriously, you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
For all the travel that we’ve done all around the world, looking back, we can honestly say road tripping in New Zealand will go down as one of your absolute favourite trips. EVER. There is just something about that freedom that you can’t get any other way.
In our book, hitting the road in a campervan is hands-down the best way to see the real New Zealand. That’s a cold, hard fact. Okay, fine—technically it’s just our opinion… But trust us, once you’re parked up by a lake with your morning coffee in hand, you won’t regret it for a second!
Book that North Island Campervan Itinerary 🙂
Almost Ready?
We genuinely want to help you map out the absolute best trip possible, and we’re here to kit you out with all the local knowledge you need to feel 100% confident hitting the road. So, don’t be shy—ask away! We’re here to help you get this adventure started.
More About Travel in New Zealand
- Paihia To Cape Reinga Day Trip.
- North Island 7-Day Itinerary.
- Putaruru Blue Springs South Waikato.
- Wairere Falls Walk Near Matamata.
- 5 Things To Do In Russell Bay Of Islands.
- North Island Itinerary: 4x Best Routes for 5 – 14 Days in New Zealand.
- New Zealand Travel Guide: Everything To Know.
- 20 Must-See Things To Do In Bay Of Islands.
Travel Planning for New Zealand & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, adventure ticket, local tours and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before travel anywhere in the world!