The best way to explore Auckland is with a campervan because it lets you feel one with nature and experience travelling independently. There are many amazing campsites to choose from ranging from campgrounds to holiday parks. To help you find the perfect campervan rental for your next trip, VroomVroomVroom has gathered some of the best deals in Auckland.
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Auckland, also known as the City of Sails, is located between two harbours in a landscape dotted with volcanoes. The Waitemata Harbour is lined with bars and restaurants, with shopping for all budgets. Beaches are easily accessible from Auckland, making it an ideal city to explore in a campervan. Its warm coastal climate makes it a great place to visit any time of the year.
Some of our favourite things to do year-round in Auckland are:
Summer (December, January, February): Summer is all about surfing and swimming. There are some paradise-looking beaches in Auckland including Piha. The beach is a 40-minute drive from the CBD and you can stay at the Piha Domain Campground. Another popular beach destination is Mission Bay because of its centralised location. You can get here in less than 15 minutes and enjoy various activities like swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and rollerblading.
Autumn (March, April, May): Admire the season’s gold and red leaves by taking a stroll through Cornwall Park which has more than 8,000 trees waiting to be discovered. This urban oasis not only lets you see the beauty of nature but also experience farm life. You can find hundreds of sheep and around 60 cows at its farm. Aside from Cornwall Park, you can also spot autumn leaves along Franklin Road.
Winter (June, July, August): It does not snow in Auckland during winter, but you can find more than 8,000 square metres of real snow in Snowplanet. Whether you are in the mood to go skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing, you can now do that in Auckland. Getting here from the CBD will only take around 30 minutes via State Highway 1.
Spring (September, October, November): Flowers are in full bloom this time of the year and the best place to appreciate its beauty is at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. There are many beautiful gardens waiting to be explored including the Rose Garden and Spring Blossom Valley. If you want to go on a day trip, make sure to include Matakana Coast Wine Country in your list. It’s just an hour away and there are many fun activities you can do there such as beach horse rides, wine trails and river tours.
Year-Round: There are many places that you can explore in Auckland that are free such as Mount Eden, Rangitoto Island, and Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, so all you need is your campervan to help you get around. Other must-see attractions in the city include Auckland Zoo, Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Maritime Museum and Sky Tower.
Takapuna Beach Holiday Park is an iconic kiwi campground on the North Shore beachfront. The holiday park offers charming views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. The park has easy access to the city. It has a wide range of accommodation to choose from including the waterfront powered sites.
Remuera Motor Lodge is located at 16 Minto Road and is the perfect inner-city camping ground. There are 50 campervan sites, with plenty of facilities and a swimming pool. Stay here to be close to local attractions like the Auckland Zoo, Vector Arena and Eden Park.
Clarks Beach Holiday Park is around 40 to 60 minutes away from Auckland CBD and Auckland Airport. This hidden gem boasts of its panoramic views of the beautiful beach and golf course. Apart from its camping and powered sites, it also has other accommodation options including studio motels and cabins.
Sample some of the local cuisine: Auckland is not just the City of Sails, it is a city of cafes and culture. Visit some of the lovely restaurants in the Viaduct or Wynyard Quarter. Drive along the waterfront to Mission Bay and enjoy some traditional fish and chips on the beach.
Explore the city centre: Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and the weekend markets in Otara and Avondale are the perfect place to soak up the island vibe. Learn about the history of the city at the stunning Auckland War Memorial Museum. If you like to shop, try the historic department store of Smith & Caughey in Queen Street, Auckland's main thoroughfare. The Victoria Park Market is great for craft, fashion and art.
Travel to some of the North Island's popular tourist spots: Head west to find the black sand beaches of Piha and Muriwai. The waves can get wild, so be sure to stay in between the flags. Nearby Kumeu is wine country, and the artsy village of Titirangi is the gateway to the rainforests of the Waitakere ranges.
Take the campervan to some stunning regional parks: Facilities might be basic compared to commercial campgrounds, but the location and views will be worth it at Tapapakanga, on the western shores of the Firth of Thames. The region has a pohutukawa fringed beach and a freshwater lagoon.
Drive to see some of New Zealand's most well-known sites: From Auckland, it is an easy drive to the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel Peninsula or to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata.
The minimum age to rent a campervan in Auckland is 21, but there are some companies that rent to drivers as young as 18 years old. Take note that some companies may charge a young driver’s surcharge so always ask the rental company for any additional fees.
Visit immigration.govt.nz for updates on New Zealand travel restrictions.
Yes, as long as you carry a valid driving licence. If your licence is not written in English, make sure to secure an International Driving Permit.
Yes as long as it is a public space. Freedom camping is legal in New Zealand, but you need to follow the freedom camping laws.
You can camp for free at the Gulf Harbour Car Park, Ray’s Rest Camping Reserve, Te Toro Scenic Reserve, Hamiltons Gap and Rosa Birch Park as long as you are travelling in a certified self-contained campervan.
