New Zealand is probably the most campervan-hire friendly country on earth, but some places stand out as even better to visit than others. Check out this hand picked list of places you absolutely must get to on your next New Zealand campervan adventure.
New Zealand is probably the most campervan-hire friendly country on earth, but some places stand out as even better to visit than others. Check out this hand picked list of places you absolutely must get to on your next New Zealand campervan adventure.
Dunedin
by Dunedin NZ Sunset over Dunedin City - Dunedin City
The second largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin is known for its unique mixture of Scottish and
Maori history. The city is filled with gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian architecture: the beautiful Dunedin Railway Station is known to be the most photographed building in the country! Or visit Lanarch Castle; a Victorian designed palace set high above the harbour.
There are plenty of things to keep you busy during your stay in Dunedin, from heritage trails, to surf beaches and nearby wildlife attractions, such as the world’s only mainland Albatross breeding colony.
Non self-contained campers can stay by the beach at Warrington Domain for no charge. Self-contained campervans can park on any gravelled or sealed land, or settle in near the ocean at Ocean View Recreation Reserve for free. Alternatively check out beachside campgrounds at Brighton Caravan Park or Taieri Mouth Holiday Camp.
For restrictions and rules see here:
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/isite/freedom-camping
Tauranga
Tauranga City - Dan Van Nistelrooy
Set in a fantastic harbour side location, and adjacent to the holiday hotspot of Mount Maunganui, Tauranga is a buzzing city, with a great range of bars and restaurants along The Strand. Take your pick from the beach activities in the area, or enjoy the shopping in the CBD on the water’s edge.
Memorial Park is a fantastic spot to call home for a few days, with 11 hectares of land next to the harbour, containing two playgrounds, a water fountain, skate ramp, free BBQs, swimming pools, miniature railway and mini golf. Self-contained campervans can stay here for up to two nights, free of charge!
Silverbirch Holiday Park is located in the city centre, a stroll away from the beach.
There are a further 27 reserves throughout the area that offer overnight parking - for restrictions and details check out:
https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council-a-z/freedom-camping.aspx
Rotorua
Rotorua City - Khirol Amir
Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s registered Motorhome Friendly Towns, and a key tourist destination not to be missed! Set on its namesake lake, it is famous for its geothermal activity and focus on Maori culture. Spend your day exploring one of the fascinating geothermal parks, enjoying a soak and mud mask in a mineral pool, or learning about Maori culture and history.
Free daytime parking for campervans is available in Government Gardens, a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town (complete with security cameras!)
Central city locations include Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park and All Seasons Holiday Park.
http://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-city/Parksandreserves/motorhome/Pages/default.aspx
Whangarei
Whangarei City - Jim Tucker
The most northern city in New Zealand, and the capital of Northland, the Whangarei region is the gateway to some of the most stunning beaches in the country. Boasting a pleasant sub-tropical climate, it sits between the gorgeous Whangarei harbour and the forested hills, and is only a short drive from the spectacular coastline.
Whangarei’s Town Basin is a great space to relax and spend some time exploring the arts and crafts aspects of the area: following The Sculpture Trail, and enjoying some of the great harbour side eateries on offer.
There are a variety of areas available for parking your mobile home (for three nights maximum). Prohibited locations and options can be found here
Or stay at Whangarei Top 10 Holiday park, less than 2kms from the city centre and bordered by a stunning NZ forest reserve, or Whangarei Central Holiday Park, only 7-10 minutes’ walk from the city centre.
Wellington
Wellington City - Andrea Schaffer
The capital city of NZ is a fantastic entry point to the country, and a great place to spend a few days before heading up to explore the North Island, or ferrying over the Cook Strait to head to the South Island.
With fantastic museums, fabulous art, culture and history to check out, botanic gardens, cable cars, theatre and more - Wellington is a friendly and welcoming city. In the central city, campervans can stay overnight at Barnett Street Carpark or North Kumutoto Carpark for a small fee. Or for a serviced motorhome campsite, stay at Capital Gateway Motorhome Park or Cuba Street Motorhome Park. For freedom campers, there are two places to choose from, as found on the council website here:
http://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/camping-in-wellington
By Carly Day