Bay of Plenty
Leaving from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), your first port of call is Whakatāne, the sunny heart of the Bay of Plenty. With a variety of swimming spots, natural beauty and rich culture – Whakatāne is one of those places in Aotearoa that quietly blows people away.
On your campervan trip around NZ, Whakatāne is home to some of the best beaches in the Bay of Plenty, each offering their own unique slices of coastal paradise. Ōhope Beach is one of the most well-known beaches, with kilometres of golden sand and one of the best sunrise spots in the country. Imagine waking up with your camper parked alongside the beach, a morning coffee in hand and a gorgeous sunrise – there’s no better start to your morning on holiday.
Beyond the famous Ōhope Bech, Whakatāne is blessed with another gorgeous spot, waiting for you to discover. Take a short drive to Ōtarawairere Bay, a secluded gem between Whakatāne and Ōhope. Accessible by foot along a coastal track, it rewards the effort with gorgeous white sand, rock pools, and turquoise water, perfect for a quiet swim or snorkel.
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Travelling by camper makes Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park a dream stopover. Sitting right on the edge of Ōhope’s golden sand beach, it’s one of the few campgrounds in New Zealand where you can literally park with the beach at your doorstep. Some of the Parks best features include:
Campervan-friendly Facilities: Powered sites are level, spacious, and well laid out for easy parking. You’ll find dumping facilities, sparkling clean amenities blocks and dedicated campervan services that make your road trip simple.
Unbeatable Location: Wake up to the sound of Ōhope Beach on your doorstep – consistently rated one of the best beaches in the Bay of Plenty and know that you’re also just a short drive into Whakatāne for cafes, walks, and cultural attractions.
Bonus Features: Families will love the heated swimming pool, jumping pillow and on-site mini golf for everyone to enjoy! For something a little different, hire a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of the harbour, or simply relax with a coffee from the Park’s Cafe. There is also BBQ areas, bike hire, and even a spa pool for unwinding after a long day on the road.
To book your powered or non-powered site at Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, check out their website now.
Rotorua
Next stop on your campervan trip around NZ, Rotorua – the geothermal and cultural capital of Aotearoa. Here, you can park right up and indulge in a world-famous spa experience in Rotorua, soaking in mineral-rich hot pools while surrounded by steam vents and native bush.
Rotorua is world famous for rich Māori culture, but for many travellers, the highlight is its wellness scene. After days on the road, nothing beats a soak in a Rotorua Spa to restore body and mind. We’ve got two suggestions for some of the best wellness spots for you to consider on your journey.
Wai Ariki Spa: Sitting proudly on the lakefront, Wai Ariki blends Rotorua’s geothermal waters with authentic Māori healing traditions. Think mineral-rich pools, herbal therapies, and treatments inspired by Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview). It’s a luxurious space designed for deep relaxation and cultural connection – a spa experience you’ll never forget and only find in Rotorua. For our TOP 10 members, we have awesome member benefits for those visiting Wai Ariki Spa – check it out here.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs: Tucked away in a forest setting, Secret Spot is all about private cedar hot tubs filled with pure mountain spring water. Each tub is surround by native bush, creating a secluded oasis that feels worlds away. As if this wasn’t glorious enough, add in craft beers or herbal teas delivered tub-side, and you’ve got the ultimate travellers treat.
Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park
When it comes to recharging on your NZ Campervan trip, it’s hard to beat Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park. Set right on the shores of Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), this Park balances tranquillity with easy access to Rotorua’s world-famous attractions and of course, spas! Some of the Parks best features include:
Campervan Essentials: Spacious powered sites make parking and setting up your campervan a breeze. The Park has modern and tidy amenities, dumping facilities, well-equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities – everything you need to stay comfortable off the road.
A Phenomenal Location: You’ll be parked up right alongside the crystal-clear waters of Blue Lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding straight from the holiday park. Despite the peaceful bush setting, it’s only a 10-minute drive into Rotorua city, so you’re close to cultural highlights and indulgent experiences.
Bonus Features: Families love the on-site playground, tennis court and jumping pillow, while adventurers can head out on nearby forest trails for walking or mountain biking. BBQ areas and communal spaces make it easy to relax with other travellers, especially after a big day of exploring.
For campervan travellers, Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park offers the best of both worlds – a scenic lakeside escape with full facilities, and quick access to Rotorua’s best features.
Taranaki
Few places in New Zealand rival the drama of Mount Taranaki, a near-perfect volcanic cone that dominates the landscape. For hikers and walkers, this region is a dream. If you’re planning a trip around adventuring and rewarding scenic walks, the Mount Taranaki Walks range from short loops to challenging alpine treks, each showcasing the mountain’s beauty in a different way.
One of the most rewarding walks in Mount Taranaki, is the Pouākai Crossing. Spanning around 19kms (7-9 hours one way), this full day alpine adventure is often compared to the Tongariro Crossing for its variety of epic scenes, but without the same heavy crowds.
The track winds through some of the mountain’s most striking landscapes. Enjoy the magical stretch of moss-draped native bush with twisted kamahi trees, named the Goblin Forest or enjoy the Ahukawakawa Swamp which is a vast alpine wetland nestled between Mount Taranaki and the Pouākai Range, rich in birdlife and rare plants. And finally, the absolute highlight of this walk – the Pouākai Tarns. On a calm day, these alpine tarns reflect Mount Taranaki so perfectly it looks like a painting – one of the most iconic photo spots in New Zealand.
Another walk in the Taranaki area is the Dawson Falls & Wilkies Pools Loop. This walk is one of the mountain’s most accessible and rewarding short walks – perfect for those with beginner fitness levels, those short on time or families. Dawson falls is just a short stroll from the local visitor centre and this 18-metre waterfall cascades into a rocky gorge surrounded by lush native bush. It’s a classic Taranaki photo stop and a great way to experience the mountain’s volcanic powers up close.
Wilkies Pools is formed by an ancient lava flow, and these naturally smooth rock pools are fed by crystal-clear mountain streams. On a warm day, they make an amazing natural spa (though the water can be freezing). The pools are a reached via a 2km loop track through native forest – an easy, family-friendly walk with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and enjoy the alpine air.
New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park
For those exploring Taranaki by campervan, New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park is the ideal base. Situated just a short drive from Mount Taranaki and the city’s stunning coastal walkway, it provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and kiwi charm. Some of the Park’s best features include:
Practical Perks: The Park offers spacious powered sites with level ground, making parking and setting up your campervan effortless. On-site dump stations, modern amenities blocks, and well-equipped kitchens ensure everything you need for a comfortable stay is right at hand.
Prime Location: You’re only minutes away from New Plymouth’s galleries, cafes and coastal highlights, while only a short distance from both walks in Mount Taranaki. It’s a strategic spot to be based at for both adventure seekers and those wanting to explore the city and coastline.
Bonus Features: Families and groups will love the Park’s heated swimming pool, playground, and BBQ areas. Adventurers can enjoy the nearby forest tracks or relax in communal spaces after a day of hiking. With friendly staff and a welcoming kiwi atmosphere, the Park makes it easy to feel at home while on the road.
Whether you’re conquering alpine trails or strolling along the Coastal Walkway, New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park gives you the perfect blend of comfort, accessibility, and campervan-friendly convenience.
Martinborough
As your road trip winds south, the boutique wine village of Martinborough offers the perfect finale! This charming Wairarapa town is famous for producing some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir, and it’s intimate scale makes it one of the easiest and most impressive wine regions to explore.
What makes this area unique is that it’s home to some of the best wineries in Martinborough. With more than 20 cellar doors located within a couple of kilometres of the town square, you can hire a bike and cycle between them at a leisurely pace. Top stops include Ata Rangi, world-renowned for elegant Pinot Noir; Palliser Estate, one of the region’s pioneering vineyards; and Margrain, which combines award-winning wines with vineyard views. Many of these wineries are boutique and family-run, so it’s not unusual to be poured a glass by the winemaker themselves.
Martinborough isn’t just about the wine though. The historic village is lined with charming cottages, artisan food producers, and cosy cafes. Pair your wine tastings with a local cheese platter, linger in one of the boutique eateries, or simply soak up the relaxed, countryside vibe. After days of beaches, spas, and mountain walks, Martinborough provides a laid-back, indulgent finale to your NZ Campervan trip.
Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
Tucked away in the heart of Wairarapa wine country, Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect stop for campervan travellers looking to slow down and savour the good life.
Conveniences for Camper Life: With spacious powered sites, level parking, and all the essentials - including dump stations, modern bathrooms, and communal kitchens, it’s designed to make life on the road effortless. You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable night’s stay after a long day of wine tasting!
Central Location: The Park is just a short stroll from Martinborough’s charming village square, where you’ll find cafes, boutique shops, and restaurants. Even better, most of the best wineries in Martinborough are within cycling distance, making it easy to spend a day pedalling between cellar doors before rolling back to your camper.
Bonus Features: A relaxed, leafy setting makes Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park feel more like a country retreat than a holiday park. BBQ areas and communal spaces encourage travellers to gather and share stories over a glass of local Pinot, while the peaceful atmosphere ensures a restful night’s sleep.
With its unbeatable location and campervan-friendly facilities, Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect base for unwinding, recharging, and soaking up everything this boutique wine region has to offer.
From golden beaches to rejuvenating spas, and epic walks to delicious wines, this road trip is the ultimate way to see the best of the North Island. With the comfort of your camper and the convenience of TOP 10 Holiday Parks at every stop, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
So, pack up, hit the road, and take the scenic route to explore 1000kms of Aotearoa.