Hawke's Bay

Looking for a New Zealand campervan holiday destination that ticks the boxes for sunshine, adventure, great food, and perhaps a little history and culture? You can’t go past Hawke’s Bay. This stunning region offers a taste of the good life amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you’re into adventurous hikes, wine tasting, or family fun, you’ll find plenty of great things to do in Hawke’s Bay.

The appeal of the Hawke's Bay region lies not only in its charming townships such as Napier and Hastings but also in its natural attractions. The Hawke’s Bay weather is among the best in New Zealand, boasting plenty of sunshine that ripens grapes in its world-renowned vineyards and warms its expansive beaches. This climate makes the region a year-round destination for visitors looking to explore the outdoors whether on bike trails, on foot through its scenic reserves, or along its stunning coastlines.

Travelling by campervan allows you to take in everything Hawke's Bay has to offer at your own pace. Wake up to ocean views, spend your days discovering local markets or touring iconic wineries in Hawke’s Bay. In the evenings, enjoy relaxed sunset meals prepared in your campervan kitchen. And with plenty of Hawke’s Bay accommodation for campervan travellers, you’ve got the freedom to explore far and wide.

Why explore Hawke’s Bay by campervan

Exploring Hawke's Bay by campervan offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the region's offerings at your own pace. From the freedom to wander through the sunlit vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to parking along the coastlines near Napier, your campervan allows for a flexible, immersive travel experience.

Travelling by campervan comes with heaps of perks that make the trip even better. Fancy cooking up some local produce from a roadside stall? You've got your own kitchen right there. Tired of hauling suitcases in and out of hotels? That's not an issue when your campervan acts as your base. You can also pack all the gear you need for outdoor fun – like hiking packs or surfboards – without worrying about space. And let’s not forget the convenience of having your own bathroom, which means no more hunting for public restrooms. It’s all about making your holiday as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Things to do in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke's Bay is a playground for explorers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the rich history and Art Deco architecture of Napier. Sample some of New Zealand's finest wines. Or simply explore the natural beauty of the region's landscapes and coastlines. Whatever you’re keen to see and do, there's something here for everyone.

Heather Schiller / Wednesday, 28 October 2020

/ Categories: NZ blog

6 Most Romantic Destinations in New Zealand

Your guide to the ultimate romantic road trip

Some of the best memories are made on holidays. If you are looking to get away from it all and reconnect with your significant other, a romantic road trip campervanning around New Zealand, driving through luscious green rolling hills, exploring hidden beaches, incredible wineries and taking in the jaw dropping views from the coast is exactly what you are looking for.

Campervan holidays around New Zealand is the best way to explore the most of this incredible destination and with Apollo locations in both Christchurch and Auckland you can fly into one location and out the other allowing you make the most of your New Zealand Trip itinerary. New Zealand is also a free camping nation which means you can pretty much park anywhere (unless signed otherwise) making for an affordable road trip in New Zealand.

So, throw your bags in the campervan, turn up the tunes and get set for an unforgettable romantic holiday as we showcase the 6 Most Romantic Destinations in New Zealand to add to your ultimate NZ road trip!

AUCKLAND

A great place to pick up your motorhome and start your journey, Auckland has everything on offer for a romantic getaway. Enjoy a wide range of cuisine in the city’s diverse cafes and restaurants, explore trendy suburbs like Ponsonby delving through vintage clothing boutiques, take a romantic stroll through the Parnell Rose gardens and drive along the coastal road from the CBD to Mission Bay where you can brunch at seaside cafes, relax on gorgeous beaches, paddleboard or kayak on the calm waters, explore the parks and take a stroll along the paved beach boardwalk.

Waiheke Island is an incredibly romantic spot for couples and only a short car ferry away from Auckland. Visit the Waiheke Community Art Gallery and enjoy a romantic lunch and wine tasting at cellar doors in a gorgeous vineyard with views of rolling hills and the ocean. Our top picks are Mudbrick, Stony Ridge and Cable Bay.

BAY OF ISLANDS

The Bay of Islands is one of the most exquisite romantic locations in New Zealand. A 3.5-hour drive from Auckland via scenic winding roads, Bay of Islands is world away from hustle of the city. Encompassing 144 islands and including the popular boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, here you can spend your days together exploring seaside walking tracks, watching the sun set from the many secluded beaches, snorkeling or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters.

For an extra special romantic adventure, charter a yacht for just the two of you sailing along the calm and pristine waters, pulling up at your own private beach for the afternoon, enjoying a picnic lunch and each other’s company.

COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Think pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls, trendy cafes and a friendly relaxed vibe, you can easily spend a few quality days together exploring the beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, a 2.5 km drive from Auckland. Walk hand in hand from the north end of the Hahei Beach as it takes you to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed, cathedral-like tunnel separates two secluded white sand beaches. Hire a kayak and paddle the crystal-clear waters, just offshore you will find a protected marine reserve where you can spot seals, dolphins and colourful fish. On the southern end you will find Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own hot pool for 2 in the sand and relax in the bubbling thermal spring waters metres away from the Pacific Ocean – awesome!

Explore the Pinnacles on foot via the spectacular Pinnacles Track which will see you climbing through ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges on an overnight adventure giving you another aspect of the Coromandel to enjoy. Climb to the summit early in the morning taking in the awe inspiring 360-degree views of the Coromandel as the sun rises.

QUEENSTOWN

A tourist hotspot during the ski season in winter, Queenstown, located 6 hours south of Christchurch, promotes itself as the adventure capital of the world, with an abundance of daredevil sports on offer but there is so much more to experience with gorgeous landscapes, calm blue waters and numerous walking trails to explore.

During the warmer months explore the scenic Gibbston Valley, also known as the ‘Valley of Vines’ where you can enjoy some of the world’s best Pinot Noir at over 75 boutique wineries along with delicious cheese which are a great addition to your picnic basket. Driving to the top of the Remarkables and taking the 40-minute hike up to the picturesque snow-fed crystal-clear Lake Alta is also a well worth the trip during summer. Enjoy a romantic picnic by the lake nestled amongst the rugged backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain range and if you are game, a refreshing dip in the icy green waters.

MILFORD SOUND

Located on the west coast of the South Island, a 4-hour drive from Queenstown, Milford Sound with its snow-capped peaks, lush green rainforests and waterfalls that dissolve into mist offers an experience that is guaranteed to leave you both lost for words and spell bound. If you both enjoy hiking, the Milford Track, a 53 kilometre journey that begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and leads you across suspension bridges, board walks, a mountain pass to feel the misty breath of Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand, will be a highlight.

Best travelled in the warmer months, the journey to Milford Sound is equally spectacular as you journey into the heart of the Fiordland National Park. As you pass through the Homer Tunnel and into the Cleddau Valley you will find one of the most impressive photo spots along the Milford Road – The Chasm – a series of gushing waterfalls just a short walk from the road.

CHRISTCHURCH

The vibrant and creative Christchurch city is a great inclusion as the last leg of your journey so you can drop off your motorhome and explore the city by foot, double-decker bus or tram. Take in the incredible street art, enjoy a bite to eat at eclectic cafes like The Caffeine Laboratory, relax in hot pools and spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Punting along the picturesque Avon River on handcrafted flat-bottomed boats is an incredibly romantic experience in any season and an enjoyable and relaxing way to enjoy Christchurch together from a different perspective.

Visit our itineraries for Christchurch to Auckland travel routes and further travel inspiration.

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Tags: Auckland things to do canterbury southern lakes and fiordland coromandel and bay of plenty northland and bay of islands

Popular Hawke’s Bay road trips & itineraries

Located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Hawke's Bay is easily accessible from major cities including Auckland and Wellington. Setting off from Napier, the heart of Hawke's Bay, you can delve into the area's renowned Art Deco architecture, explore the dramatic cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, or indulge in a tasting tour through its famous vineyards. Whether coming down from Auckland or making your way up from Wellington or even the South Island, Hawke’s Bay is perfectly poised to offer an unforgettable New Zealand road trip.

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Apollo Campervan branches

Auckland

Departing from Apollo Auckland, you’re perfectly positioned for a half-day drive to Northland & the Bay of Islands. This route ensures a seamless blend of scenic beauty and local culture, culminating in the stunning landscapes of Northland.

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The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Northland & the Bay of Islands sets you up for a scenic multi-day journey across the South Island, including the picturesque ferry crossing at the Cook Strait, and into the North Island.

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