Why explore Nelson & Marlborough by campervan

Travelling in a campervan, especially through beautiful areas like Nelson and Marlborough, turns a simple holiday into a series of unforgettable experiences. It's your adventure, at your pace, surrounded by the comfort and convenience that only campervan travel can offer. With a campervan, you're not tied down. You can linger over a long lunch in a Nelson café or decide to spend an extra day tasting wines in Marlborough because you've fallen in love with the scenery.

The journey itself becomes part of the fun when you're in a campervan. It's about making spontaneous stops at breathtaking lookouts, enjoying your morning coffee in the middle of postcard-perfect views, and finding your own special spot to watch the stars. Stumbled upon a hidden gem in Golden Bay or found a hiking track in Marlborough you’d like to tackle? With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore it as much as you like.

Things to do in Nelson & Marlborough

Nelson and Marlborough are rich with activities and attractions, offering something special for every kind of traveller. For families on holiday, there are endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Nelson to the interactive and educational experiences in the region's museums and galleries. Food enthusiasts will revel in the culinary journey through Nelson and Marlborough, from the fresh seafood of the coastal areas to the exquisite flavours of the region's renowned wineries. Whether you're indulging in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough or sampling local artisan produce at a Nelson market, your taste buds are in for a treat. Adventure seekers and nature lovers won't be left wanting either. With activities like kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, the great outdoors is your playground. And for those looking to unwind, the charming towns scattered throughout the region offer a peaceful retreat with their unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Alyssa Tresider / Wednesday, 22 November 2023

/ Categories: NZ blog

Pet-friendly campsites & holiday parks in NZ

A motorhome road trip of New Zealand offers an unparalleled sense of fun, freedom, and adventure. And with an Apollo campervan hire, your furry friends are invited too. To help make travel with pets even easier, we’ve put together this handy guide to some of New Zealand’s best pet-friendly accommodation. From DOC campsites to TOP 10 holiday parks, we've sniffed out the best pet-friendly places to stay on your New Zealand road trip. But first …

Why you should take your pet on holiday with you

There's a special kind of joy that comes with having your furry friend along for a campervan adventure. Here's why bringing your pet on a New Zealand road trip can make your holiday even more memorable:

No one gets left behind: The beauty of travelling in an Apollo campervan hire is that it’s like having a home on wheels. It means your pets can join in on the fun, ensuring no one misses out.
Peace of mind: With your pets along for the ride, you're free from the worry and cost of finding pet sitters or the unease of leaving them in kennels. They're safe and sound, right there with you.
Shared adventures: Most dogs love exploring new places – just like we do! A road trip is a perfect way for your pets to discover new smells, sights, and friends. It's a chance for them to be as much a part of the journey as you are.
Energy busters: For those travelling with kids, a dog can be the perfect playmate to help tire them out, ensuring a good night's sleep for everyone after a day full of activities.

What you need to know about travelling with your pet in a campervan

At Apollo Campervans, we get that your dog isn't just a pet; they're part of the whānau, eager to join in on the New Zealand travel adventures. That's why we've got campervans available especially those bringing their dogs along. Just reach out to our team when booking, and we'll ensure you get a pet-friendly vehicle.

Here's the lowdown on hitting the road with your furry friend:

Restraint is key: For safety, dogs should be restrained while driving and must stay out of the driver's cabin. It's all about making sure everyone, including your pet, enjoys the journey safely.
Dog-friendly accommodation: Remember, not all campsites roll out the welcome mat for pets. Make sure to book pet-friendly places to stay to avoid any hiccups.
Plan ahead: Check out our pet-friendly guide for all the must-knows when it comes to travelling with your pet in an Apollo campervan.
Protecting wildlife: When you travel with your dog, it’s important to be vigilant around New Zealand's wildlife, especially around areas with nesting birds. Dogs are not allowed in certain national parks and regions where native birds, like the kiwi, make their homes. So it pays to check ahead and make sure your furry friend will be welcome.

The best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks in NZ

There is some fantastic pet-friendly accommodation available across New Zealand. Remember you’ll need to get prior approval for each of these, so be sure to phone ahead and organise a dog-friendly site before you arrive.

TOP 10 Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

Nestled in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a slice of paradise where you and your pet can unwind. This pet-friendly campground welcomes dogs provided you've arranged this with them in advance. It's the perfect chance for your dog to enjoy the great outdoors as much as you do.

Set just a short stroll from the iconic Hot Water Beach, this holiday park is a prime spot for you and your furry friend to soak up the coastal vibes and enjoy the famous geothermal attractions.

The area is rich with pet-friendly reserves. From the beach to bush walks, there's no shortage of sights and experiences for you and your pet to discover together. Note, dogs are not allowed in some areas to protect native species, so always check the local guidelines before you set off on your day's adventure.

TOP 10 Taupo Holiday Park

Located in the heart of the North Island, Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park is a gem for travellers and their pets. Just a stone's throw from the magnificent Lake Taupo and a mere 1.5 km from the town centre, this pet-friendly campground offers convenience and natural beauty in spades. It's the perfect base for exploring all the local attractions with your pet.

The holiday park provides spacious camping sites set on five acres of well-maintained grounds. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including a thermally heated plunge pool, modern BBQ areas for that classic Kiwi cookout, and a basketball court for some fun family competition. The main seasonal swimming pool, complete with a slide, is perfect for cooling off on those warm Taupō days.

Beyond the park, Taupō is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and their pets. From lakeside walks to exploring the nearby Huka Falls, there's no shortage of pet-friendly activities to fill your days.

Otaki Forks campsite

Tucked away in the Wellington/Kapiti region, the Ōtaki Forks Campsite offers a convenient gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. Surrounded by open river terraces and regenerating bush, it’s a great spot for families travelling by campervan with dogs.

While this DOC campsite is more rustic, it provides essential facilities including toilets and water from a tap (boil before use). It's a great spot for those who prefer the simplicity of nature.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your loyal companion. However, it's important to keep them restrained, especially since the area is home to native wildlife.

With 150 non-powered sites, it's an ideal location for getting back to basics. Spend the day fishing, kayaking, swimming, and walking. The campsite is open over summer until the end of the Easter break. Bookings are not required and you can pay your campsite fee to the onsite caretaker.

Nelson TOP 10 Holiday Park

If your New Zealand road trip takes you to Nelson, be sure to add the Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park to your pet-friendly travel itinerary. This beautiful holiday park is the perfect base to explore Nelson's beautiful beaches, parks, and attractions.

The park welcomes furry family members, offering designated areas where they can stretch their legs and play, ensuring they're as comfortable as their human counterparts. You’ll also find some excellent dog-friendly walks around Nelson to explore, including Back Beach, the Maitai River Walkway, and the Grampians Reserve.

Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

Backdropped by the majestic Kaikōura mountain range, Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a picturesque base to park up your campervan.

As well as offering pet-friendly sites, the holiday park ticks all the boxes for families with children. They’ll be kept busy for hours with a cool adventure playground, swimming pool, jumping pillow, pedal cart hire, and TV room with Sky.

There are some great dog-friendly walks in Kaikōura including the town beach walking track. This track runs from the town centre across the bridge from the car park and up to the Whale Watch centre. Another popular walking spot, with plenty of shade, is the pine forest opposite Ocean Ridge. Just a note, dogs are not permitted at the Kaikōura Peninsula walk to protect the seals and protected birds that live there.

Mavora Lakes campsite

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Lakes, the Mavora Lakes Campsite offers an idyllic escape for campervan travellers and their furry companions. Dogs are indeed welcome at Mavora Lakes Campsite, provided they are kept on a leash. This ensures the safety of both the local wildlife and your pet.

The campsite sits on the shores of the South Mavora Lake, surrounded by towering peaks and native beech forest. It's a secluded spot that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Mavora Lakes Campsite is all about the great outdoors. With its expansive open spaces and the mirror-like waters of the lakes, it's a place where you can truly connect with nature. The night sky here is a spectacle in itself, with clear views of the stars unobstructed by city lights.

This DOC campground is well-equipped for campervan travellers, offering basic facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. There are toilet blocks, water supply points, and designated areas for campfires. While there are no powered sites, the untouched nature of the campsite more than makes up for it, offering a true off-grid experience.

Paws up… who’s ready for a family holiday?

Ready for a hassle-free holiday with your four-legged pal? Book your Apollo campervan online now and set off on a New Zealand road trip that's sure to be filled with tail-wagging fun. With pet-friendly options and the comfort of knowing your four-legged friends can join in on the fun, there's never been a better time to hit the road.

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Popular Nelson road trips & itineraries

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson and Marlborough are prime starting points for some of the most picturesque road trips in the country. Kicking off from Nelson, you can weave through the scenic drives that unveil the artistic townships, golden beaches, and lush national parks. Heading into Marlborough, the journey continues through rolling vineyards and along the majestic Marlborough Sounds. Whether you're venturing from the urban buzz of the North Island or the rugged landscapes of the South, these regions promise memorable campervan road trip adventures tailored to every interest. Here are a few worth checking out:

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Nelson takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward taking in some of the great southern highlights along the way.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Nelson? This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry offering the opportunity to travel through the pristine Marlborough Sounds.