North Island : Beaches, Geysers and Volcanoes

Arrive in Auckland and explore the beautiful City of Sails. Then head to the Coromandel Peninsula where you will discover stunning wild, deserted beaches. Leave this little piece of wild paradise for Rotorua where you’ll enjoy the geothermal activity in the region and all the attractions that this small town has to offer. After enjoying the many facilities and activities in Rotorua, you’ll head towards the famous Tongariro National Park where you can enjoy one of the best day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You’ll pass by craters and lakes of different colours, each more impressive than the last. When you’ve had your fill of volcanoes and craters, it’s time to enjoy Napier, famous for its vineyards and Art Deco style architecture.

Then you’ll head to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and voted the coolest little capital in the world. On return to Auckland, you’ll have a stop in Wanganui where you can indulge in hiking some of the region’s stunning landscape before leaving for Waitomo where you can discover glow worm caves or go caving.

Campground prices are based on two people + motorhome on a powered site.

Stage 1 : Auckland

You've finally arrived in Auckland, the City of Sails. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand but it is easy to explore and a very pleasant place to visit especially in summer with its many inner city beaches and beautiful North Shore bays.

It is also popular for its forest walks and cycle trails, many located less than 30 minutes from the city centre. Although the easy accessibility to nature is part of Auckland’s attraction, it is also a cosmopolitan city with many restaurants, bars and shops.

Camping:
Manukau Top 10 Holiday Park : powered site, $48 per night

To Do: Climb the Sky Tower, go out on an America’s Cup boat, visit Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium or the Auckland Zoo, explore the west coast beaches, climb Mt Eden volcano and go wine tasting on Waiheke Island.

Stage 2 : Auckland - Coromandel

Pick up your campervan in the morning and head out on the open road to the Coromandel Peninsula. This area has it all! For nature lovers this is a wild destination with vibrant colours and green tropical forests covering most of the territory. Stop off at one of the many white sand beaches surrounding the peninsula and go for a swim in the turquoise waters.

For families this is a relaxing destination with many activities, beaches, walks, train rides, mini-golf, ... while backpackers and casual travellers will enjoy the rustic, relaxing atmosphere of this pristine destination.

Camping:
Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park : powered site, $46 per night

To Do: Hahei Kayaking, discover the beach at Cathedral Cove, soak in your own private hot pool at Hot Water Beach, go on a unique train ride near Coromandel Town.

Stage 3 : Coromandel - Rotorua

The smell of sulfur and view of Lake Rotorua mark your imminent arrival in Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal mecca with plumes of steam and hot geyers coming out of the ground. Why not soak in natural hot pools or take a mud bath! With its beautiful green and blue lakes and vast forests, it is a premier destination for walkers and bikers.

The Maori culture is strong here with Maori representing one third of the inhabitants of the city. Take the opportunity to taste traditional food, listen to their stories and legends and appreciate their art and music.

Camping:
Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park, Rotorua: powered site, $44 per night

To Do: Visit farm animals, geothermal Waimangu Park and Te Puia, Zorb, Rafting, Polynesian Spa, scenic flight of the geothermal areas, visit the active volcano on White Island, gondola ride or mountain biking in the Redwood Forest, Maori Mitai Show.

Stage 4 : Rotorua - Tongariro National Park

Upon leaving Rotorua, don’t miss the famous Geothermal Park Wai-O-Tapu with the famous “champagne pool " and the “Knox Geyser".

Later stop at Huka Falls for a jet boat ride or just to take in the views of the waterfalls. Taupo and the lake are a 10 minute drive. Continue to Tongariro National Park, a landscape of contrasts with lava, mountain peaks, active craters and pools of all colours. This park is a real gem for biking, rock climbing, snow sports, and the Tongariro Alpine crossing, recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful walks in the world.

Camping:
Tongariro Holiday Park: powered site, $39 per night

To Do: Hike the Tongariro Crossing, take a coffee at the iconic Chateau Tongariro.

Stage 5 : Tongariro National Park - Napier

You then set off towards Napier. Destroyed by an earthquake in the early 1930s, Napier was rebuilt with an Art Deco influence, hence why Napier is called the “Art Deco capital of the world “.

The city centre has the greatest concentration of art deco buildings. Due to its location in the beautiful rolling hills of the Hawkes Bay, rich in colour and sunshine, Napier is the perfect base for visiting the many wineries, wildlife such as the immense colony of gannets at Cape Kidnappers, and for playing a round of golf on the internationally recognised 18 hole Cape Kidnappers course.

Camping:
Bay View Snapper Holiday Park: powered site, $44 per night

To Do: Tour the vineyards by bike, meet the Gannets of Cape Kidnappers, the famous 18-hole golf course at Cape Kidnappers, visit Napier the Art Deco city, mini golf.

Stage 6 : Napier - Wellington

Head south to Wellington, the small capital voted the most "friendly" to the world. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants and cafes in the country, the most comprehensive museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, and fantastic walks to do along the harbour and the hills of the city.

Camping:
Wellington Waterfront Motorhome Park: powered site, $50 per night

To Do: Te Papa Museum, the cable car for views of Wellington and a drink in Cuba Street.

Stage 7: Wellington - Wanganui

Wanganui is a popular holiday destination for nature lovers and those keen on outdoor sports. The river of the same name allows all kinds of activities, kayaking, rafting, canoeing and fishing.

This is also where you can do one of the great New Zealand excursions, a five day Wanganui River Canoe Adventure. Wanganui is also a centre of Maori culture, a destination with beautiful beaches, lakes and mountains.

Camping:
Wanganui Seaside Holiday Park: powered site, $38 per night

To Do: Fishing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking

Stage 8 : Wanganui - Waitomo

Waitomo is in the centre of the North Island and is best known for its beautiful glow worm caves.

It is also a region steeped in nature with beautiful hilly and wooded landscapes. For those who love caving, canyoning and rafting, this is a must.

Camping:
Camp Kiwi Holiday Park : powered site, $44 per night

To Do: Caving for all levels or guided tour of glow worm caves.

Stage 9 : Waitomo - Auckland

Head back to Auckland where you drop off your campervan. Fly home with your memories and photos of beautiful New Zealand to share with your family and friends.

Camping:
Manukau Top 10 Holiday Park : powered site, $48 per night