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But first, exploring the North Island with Britz
When you travel with a Britz campervan hire, you can explore New Zealand at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy the flexibility and freedom that only an RV road trip can offer. Create a travel planner around your wish list of breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures.
A Britz holiday is all about fun, adventure, excitement, new experiences, meeting people and spending time with family and friends. Your campervan hire includes everything you need for the ultimate New Zealand road trip experience. They’re even pet-friendly so you can bring along your furry best friend on your roadie!
Image: New Zealand Tourism
The best places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island
Experience Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is at the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s also where you can witness the strength and power of two mighty oceans merging: the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Cape Reinga Lighthouse is the best spot to take in the views and capture some great Insta-worthy pics. Cape Reinga is a spiritual and sacred place to Māori as it marks the point where their wairua (spirit) return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
One of the must-do experiences in this part of the North Island is to go sandboarding down the Te Paki Sand Dunes. Te Paki was once an island disconnected from the mainland. Over millions of years, sand built up from volcanic activity elsewhere in New Zealand, and the dunes were created. Reaching up to 150 metres high, the dunes attract ‘sand surfers’ from far and wide. You can hire sandboards at several spots nearby.
Make the most of your Northland adventure with a stay at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite (non-powered).
Discover the Bay of Islands
The beautiful Bay of Islands is an unmissable destination on your North Island road trip. This subtropical region is known for its natural beauty including pristine beaches and bays, lush native bush, and wonderful wildlife. One of the must-do experiences in this part of New Zealand is a whale-watching tour. Pods of dolphins, orcas, and Bryde’s whales can be seen year-round.
Another stop to add to your travel itinerary is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia. This special place is often called the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’. It is where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped through the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1835 and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Put your feet up with a relaxing stay at the Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments & Caravan Park.
Have an urban adventure in Auckland
With its beautiful beaches and bushwalks, world-class shopping, and award-winning eateries, Auckland really does have it all. You’ll want to plan at least a few days in the City of Sails to make the most of everything on offer. We suggest starting with a trip up the iconic Sky Tower where you can take in the 360-degree views of the city below. Make some time to explore the vibrant waterfront where you can enjoy lunch overlooking the sparkling harbour.
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum – regarded as one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. For some offshore adventure, take a ferry to Waiheke Island and go diving, snorkelling, or ziplining.
Park up beachside at Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. This great holiday park sits alongside one of Auckland’s most popular and beautiful beaches. It’s also a short walk to some great shopping as well as cafes and restaurants.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Unwind in the Coromandel
Ready for some relaxation? You won’t find anywhere more chill than the Coromandel region. This beautiful part of the North Island demands a leisurely pace – it’s the best way to enjoy the endless beauty on offer. We’re talking golden beaches, magical waterfalls, adventure on and in the water, and amazing hiking trails.
One of the absolute must-dos in Coromandel is a visit to Cathedral Cove. This iconic beach is accessible on foot only. Park up at the visitor carpark on Pa Road and catch the shuttle which will drop you at the start of the Cathedral Cove track. To enjoy the best of this magical destination, book a kayak tour and paddle the pristine waters.
If you need to warm up, take some relaxing time out at Hahei’s Hot Water Beach. Try and time your visit for two hours either side of low tide to dig into the sand and create your own natural hot spa pool. Hire a spade for digging from the surf store next to the carpark.
Park up your campervan in one of the many great campgrounds in the area. We recommend Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. It’s right on the beach and the sunsets are amazing. Definitely one of the best Coromandel camping spots!
Find bliss in Mount Maunganui
Another great North Island destination to add to your travel itinerary is Mount Maunganui.
Take a walk up Mount Maunganui summit track, also known as the Mauao track, one of New Zealand’s popular walks. Towering 232 metres above sea level, the summit overlooks the Western Bay of Plenty and north across Matakana Island towards Waihi Beach. For an unforgettable experience, pack some breakfast and plan your hike up the summit just before dawn to watch the sunrise. Afterwards, reward yourself with a soak in the heated saltwater at the Mount Hot Pools. And if you fancy a spot of shopping, take a wander through the Bayfair Shopping Centre where you’ll find 100 different retailers.
Park up at the conveniently located Mount Beachside Holiday Park. This great campsite is just a few minutes’ walk from cafes, restaurants, shopping, and white sandy beaches.
Discover movie magic in Hobbiton
Immerse yourself in make-believe and movie magic at Hobbiton. Even if you’ve never seen a single Lord of The Rings or Hobbit movie, a visit to Hobbiton is a must-do. Explore the real Middle-earth where these epic movies were made. You’ll be taken on a fully guided tour around the 12-acre set. See the most famous locations, hear some of the movie magic secrets, and enjoy a tasty beverage inside the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.
After all that exploration, you’ll be ready for a relaxing evening at Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Go geothermal in Rotorua
Whether you’re keen to experience forest walking, Māori culture, or a mud pool soak, you’ll find it all in Rotorua. Known as New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland, Rotorua is brimming with incredible things to see and do. One of the must-do activities, while you’re here, is to bathe in therapeutic thermal mud at Hell’s Gate. The relaxing and healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years.
To experience incredible geothermal activity combined with captivating Māori culture, head to Te Puia or Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. The two neighbouring attractions offer tours, concerts, and short walks around geysers, silica terraces, and steamy pools.
For an awesome wine-tasting experience, head to the award-winning Volcanic Hills. The tasting room has some of the best views in town. To get there, you’ll need to take the Skyline Gondola. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity for adventure with a luge ride, Skyswing, and Zoom Zipline.
Make the most of your time in Rotorua by staying a few nights at All Seasons Holiday Park.
Walk the Whakarewarewa Forest
Get back to nature and explore the 5600 hectares of forest at the Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest. The forest is renowned for its extensive network of superb mountain biking and walking tracks amongst magnificent Californian Coast Redwoods.
One of the best ways to experience the forest is with a Redwoods Treewalk which takes you high above the forest floor. This award-winning eco-tourism walk spans 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms across a 700-metre treetop walk.
Rotorua has plenty of places to park up overnight. The Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park is a popular choice.
Marvel at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
As you head down the North Island, you’ll definitely want to plan a stop at Waitomo Caves. One of the country's most famous tourist attractions, this underground wonderland was carved from ancient limestone into magical caverns and passageways. Explore the ancient caves, take a boat ride inside a glowworm grotto, and learn more about the rich and fascinating history of this unique New Zealand destination. To really get your heart racing, try black water rafting through the caves. You’ll descend 80 metres below ground, raft in tubes along rapids, jump off waterfalls, float along the water under thousands of twinkling glowworms. It’s the experience of a lifetime!
Park your Britz Camper at Waitomo Caves TOP 10 Holiday Park, a laidback, leafy park next door to the Huhu Café and King Country Brewery.
Feel an adrenaline rush in Taupo
Looking for some serious adventure? Look no further than Taupo – this central North Island township is a campervan traveller's dream destination. Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling activities like skydiving, bungy jumping and jet boating.
One of the top things to do in Taupo is to visit the Huka Falls. Witness the power and beauty of more than 220,000 litres of water per second crashing over an 11-metre-high waterfall! Stand on the footbridge overlooking the falls. If you’re keen on a closer look, try a jet boat ride or river cruise.
While you’re in Taupo, discover the alien landscape of the Craters of the Moon. This geothermal attraction formed in the 1950s when a large area north of Taupō suddenly began to emit steam and create craters of boiling mud.
Park your motorhome up for the night at the Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park. Be sure to make use of the park’s thermal water plunge pool.
Climb a volcano in Tongariro National Park
If climbing across a volcano is on your bucket list, Tongariro National Park is the place to do it. This park is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a place of dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. One of the highlights of the park is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered the best one-day hike in New Zealand. As you walk the crossing, you’ll be surrounded by unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu (and its awesome ski fields).
Park up for the night at the edge of the national park at Mangahuia Campsite (non-powered).
Take a hike in Taranaki
Located halfway between Auckland and Wellington, the Taranaki region makes for an unforgettable campervan road trip. One of the first things you’ll notice here is the majestic and iconic cone-shaped Mount Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont). Mt Taranaki is located within Egmont National Park. The park has some fantastic walks ranging from just a few minutes to full-day tramps.
The main township of the Taranaki region is New Plymouth. This picturesque town has a vibrant art and cultural scene. It’s also home to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and The Len Lye Centre. The centre is New Zealand’s first institution dedicated to a single artist; pioneering filmmaker and kinetic sculptor, Len Lye.
Planning to park up? You’ll be made to feel welcome and comfortable with a stay at the New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Admire Napier
Sitting on the east coast of North Island, in the Hawke’s Bay region, is New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, Napier. There’s lots to see and do in this coastal township. A great way to explore the city is with a Napier Art Deco Guided Walk. Hear the dramatic story of the 1931 earthquake and learn about the city’s Art Deco buildings. One of the must-dos is a wine tour and tasting – and there are plenty to choose from. For a relaxing afternoon, stroll along Marine Parade and visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand. And for a special treat, Stock up on delicious handmade chocolate goodies from Silky Oak Chocolates.
Plan a night’s stay in the peaceful setting of the Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Wander Wellington
Sitting at the bottom of the North Island is New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Renowned for its great cafes, creative vibe, and beautiful harbour, there’s loads to see and do in Wellington.
Kick off your visit with a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views over the city and harbour. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Wētā Workshop helps craft some of the world’s biggest films. See props and costumes created for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, The Chronicles of Narnia and more. Learn more about the history of New Zealand at Te Papa Museum. The engaging and informative tours on offer are the perfect way to get an overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Māori treasures, and New Zealand history.
Ready for coffee yet? You can’t leave Wellington without a visit to the Havana Coffee Works HQ. You’ll know when you’ve arrived – the building is hard to miss with its 1959 green Art Deco exterior. If you like the coffee (and you will!) you can purchase beans or ground coffee to take home.
Settle in for the night in the central city at Cuba Street Motorhome Park.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Check out these fun North Island attractions with Britz
From the beauty of the Bay of Islands to the wonders of Wellington, the North Island has something on offer for every campervan traveller. Bungy off a bridge, taste wine while taking in views, and meet amazing people along the way.
Take the first step towards your North Island adventure and book your Britz campervan today.