TrailLite shares the best towns to park up in New Zealand. Photo / File
TrailLite shares the best towns to park up in New Zealand. Photo / File
Experts share the 10 best destinations to explore in a caravan or motorhome during summer in New Zealand
While a winter roadie can be magical, summer is the prime time to explore Aotearoa on wheels. It can be tricky to know where to visit in your van, motorhome or caravan and just as challenging to know where you can park up.
So, Herald Travel asked TrailLite’s joint managing directors Shaun and Adam Newman to reveal the best spots people should visit for top-notch scenery, adventure activities and more.
Personally, Shaun said nothing beats the cycling spots and scenery at Golden Bay, while Adam loves Mount Maunganui for a memorable family holiday. For those seeking more suggestions, they shared 10 of the best motorhome and caravan holiday destinations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Thanks to its stunning coastline, Whangamatā is a popular summer destination. Active relaxers can set off into the surrounding forest trails, while those seeking leisure can spend the day at one of many little beaches tucked along the coast, such as Onemana Beach, where you can also park up for an ocean view.
Queenstown/Lake Wakatipu
During the last ice age (about 15,000 years ago) a huge glacier carved out what is now known as Lake Wakatipu. The lake may be thin but has been rated as 99.9% pure by scientists, making it the second purest lake water in the world (the top spot goes to Rotomairewhenua, also called Blue Lake, in Nelson Lakes National Park). It’s here you’ll find Queenstown, on the elake shore. From helicopter rides and boat cruises to cycle trails and gondola rides, the adventure hub of Aotearoa has it all as well as numerous places to stay in a motorhome or van.
Queenstown has a rocky relationship with freedom camping, the Newman brothers warn, so check the latest bylaws before finding a free spot to stay.
Queenstown is a stunning summer spot for a camper trip. Photo / 123RF
Nelson
Boasting three national parks within its boundaries, including Abel Tasman Park, there is no shortage of golden beaches, tawny mountains and good food (along with good wine) in Nelson. If you enjoy creature comforts, the region has several holiday parks with facilities, as well as camping spots for self-contained motorhomes.
If you want to spend your days exploring lush nature trails, exploring impressive waterfalls, zooming around a lake on a jet boat or relaxing in a natural spa pool, Taupō is the place to go. There are tons of places to park up including freedom camping spots and campsites after a day of adventuring around Huka Falls, Otumuheke Stream and more.
If you’re craving a European adventure, you don’t have to wait for European summer. Simply enjoy the French influence in Akaroa, a town lined with historic buildings, a gorgeous harbour and charming French bakeries. Kayak across Flea Bay and watch out for dolphins, take a 4WD trip to see Aotearoa’s largest mainland penguin colony, or enjoy a long lunch at the Mediterranean-style Akaroa Winery. Plus, there are several holiday homes and freedom camping spots to park up at the end of the day.
Bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the sun at Akaroa Harbour's French Bay. Photo / Molly Kennedy
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is a picturesque alpine village, known for its natural hot pools, dramatic mountains and towering forests. You could easily never want to leave — there’s a golf course, boutique shops, and activities for those who are more daring, as well as those who are not. It’s also a popular destination for motorhomers so you’re sure to meet a few new faces during your stay.
Karangahake Gorge
Many roadtrippers will drive through Karangahake Gorge, possibly stop to snap a photo, then be on their way. However, this gem is a rare slice of natural beauty free from tourist crowds. Just 90 minutes south of Auckland, the region is a goldmine for walkers, with many trails to suit all experience levels. Plus, the area is known to be rich in mining history and friendly to motorhomes. According to the Newmans, it’s easily one of the best motorhome destinations in New Zealand and shouldn’t be underrated.
Part of the Hauraki Rail Trail goes through Karangahake Gorge. Photo / Supplied
Blenheim
Calling all foodies! If you want to explore the local wine and food culture, Blenheim’s many restaurants, wineries and breweries have you covered. Spend the day biking across the vineyards and tasting Marlborough wines, enjoy a round of golf at one of the nearby courses or check out film-maker Peter Jackson’s collection of World War I aircraft at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Even better, it’s a short distance from Picton — the gateway of the islands.
Rotorua
Rotorua is one of the most popular tourist towns and for good reason; it’s the perfect place to enjoy nature while also learning about Aotearoa’s culture and history. Nestled inside the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua has one of the world’s most active geothermal fields, with the Pohutu Geyser erupting up to 30 metres up to 20 times a day. Other top activities include relaxing at the luxurious Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, zip lining through the forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours, mountain biking through Whakarewarewa Forest or taking a tour through Tamaki Māori Village.
Rotorua's Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is a perfect spot to visit during a trip. Photo / Supplied
Gisborne
If you love wine, food and sandy beaches, Gisborne (New Zealand’s unofficial “Chardonnay Capital”) is a spot to park up in. On the east coast of the North Island, Gisborne offers up the best of what the North Island has to offer with farmers’ markets, wineries and charming eateries alongside cultural gems such as The Stone Studio, which specialises in pounamu or the arthouse Dome Cinema.
Outdoorsy types will be spoiled for choice with railbike tours, diving with stingrays, walking tours and botanical beauty at New Zealand’s National Arboretum. Plus, there are plenty of camping spots up and down the coast.
