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Apollo motorhome driving nearby Auckland, New Zealand

Motorhome and Campervan Hire Auckland

There is no better place to start your New Zealand road trip adventure than in Auckland, the country’s largest city and the gateway to the North Island. Though it’s known as the entrance to many of the North island’s destinations, this metropolis is a popular destination all on its own. Explore Auckland with visits to the museums for Māori cultural performances, to the Auckland Zoo to get in touch with the local wildlife, and to many other landmarks, all perfect for a day out with the family. Whether visiting Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf to bask in the scenic beauty, or venturing up to the Sky Tower for a heart-stopping bungee jump, there are many activities to enjoy on your Auckland campervan holiday.

 

Auckland Transfer Information:

Shuttle transfers are available to and from the Airport:

If you’re flying into Auckland airport, Domestic Terminal: Pick up is opposite the Jetstar end of the Terminal. Once you have your luggage, head left and exit through doors 9 or 10. Walk straight ahead, across the pedestrian crossing, towards the big white control tower, to the shuttle pick-up point. Once there, you will need to request a pickup on the Aeroparks shuttle by calling through to Aeroparks. Let them know you need to be collected from the Domestic Terminal. Refer to the attached map and follow the pink line. Phone number for Aeroparks is 0800 237 672 or +64 27 414 4712. Pick-up is between 8am and 4pm daily.

If you’re flying into Auckland airport, International Terminal: Once you clear customs, exit the terminal from door 4 or door 8 and make your way across the pedestrian crossing, beside the Novotel Hotel. It’s just a short 5-7 minutes’ walk under the covered canopy walkway. Refer to the attached map and follow the pink line from door 8 (or door 4), making your way to shuttle pick-up zone*. Once there, you will need to request a pickup on the Aeroparks shuttle by calling through to Aeroparks. Let them know you need to be collected from the International Terminal. Phone number for Aeroparks is 0800 237 672 or +64 27 414 4712. Pick-up is between 8am and 4pm daily.

If you are travelling by car: You can book secure parking with Aeroparks by calling 0800 237 672 or +64 27 414 4712. thl customers receive a 25% discount off the rate of the day. Please ensure you let staff know you are a thl customer and that you require to be picked up and dropped off at the Auckland branch location on Manu Tapu Drive. If you are at our branch and require a pick-up, please contact the shuttle request number on +64 27 213 2880.

Alternatively, there are many other secure local car parking options available near our Auckland branch, but there is no shuttle available from these locations.

 

Looking for campervan rental in Auckland?

For the campervans Auckland travellers love, choose Apollo! Leave Auckland from any direction in your campervan, and you will find more of what the North Island has to offer! Visiting Northland and the Bay of Islands will provide splendid opportunities to see dolphins up close. The relaxing beaches and spas of The Coromandel are truly worth the scenic road trip, as are Hamilton and Waikato, with stunning beaches, nature reserves and the famous Hobbiton; the movie set where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot. While you’re there, don't miss the thermal mud pools of Rotorua, and Lake Taupo, which offers beautiful clear waters and stunning stargazing by night.

Explore ethereal landscapes and majestic scenery, and be immersed in unique Māori and modern culture with a self-drive adventure in a campervan or motorhome hired from Apollo Motorhome Holidays. If you’re visiting from the South Island, we have a branch there too. Apollo has you covered for campervan hire from Auckland to Christchurch.

Campervan hire Auckland Airport: Guests will need to arrange their own way to and from the airport to our branches in Auckland and Christchurch.

Auckland Branch

  • Address:
    13 Manu Tapu Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
  • Opening Hours:
    Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4:30pm
  • Telephone:
    0800 845 222
  • Distance from City:
    21 Kilometres / 13 Miles
  • Taxi Fare City:
    NZD $95 Approx
  • Distance from Airport:
    4.5 Kilometres / 2.8 Miles
  • Taxi Fare Airport:
    NZD $25 Approx
  • Closed Days:

    All branches are closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec). 

What to do on your campervan road trip?

 

The beautiful legends of New Zealand and the inception of its two main islands are told as part of the traditional Māori people, who settled in the country long before the Europeans first arrived. According to the Māori, the North Islands were formed after the brothers of Māui, a demigod, fought over a great fish that he pulled from the sea. The fish was chopped into pieces, creating what is now known to be Te Ika-a-Māui, the traditional name of the island group. Though the tales may only be myth, the breathtaking beauty of the North Island is definitely not.

Auckland City

The North Island of New Zealand has endless opportunities for adventure, beauty and wonder. However, we think the perfect place to start is Auckland, where you’ll be picking up your Apollo motorhome or campervan. Although surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Island, Auckland itself has an array of fantastic tourist activities sure to keep everyone entertained, from food and music to art and culture. So, after setting off from our Auckland branch location, why not stop in at a few of the city's best sites and attractions.

Sky Tower

Piercing Auckland’s skyline, the Sky Tower is known for its panoramic views of the city, bay area and surrounding landscape. Standing at 300 metres high, it is the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as stunning views, the Sky Tower also offers gift shops, world-class restaurants and a heart-stopping bungee jump which starts at 192m above the streets below. 

Auckland Museum

Step back in time and discover the rich history of Maori and Pacific Islander culture. With extensive cultural, military and natural history collections, the Auckland Museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s story. Located within a historical building and surrounded by tranquil parkland, it’s the perfect day trip for the whole family. 

Mount Eden

Walk up Auckland’s highest volcanic peak for stunning views of the Auckland CBD and harbour. You can observe the crater in the centre of the mountain, which is now covered in grass. 

Tapapakanga Regional Park

Operated by the Auckland City Council, the Tapapakanga Regional Park is a scenic coastal farm park about an hour’s drive east of Auckland. Perfect for a relaxing start to your NZ road trip, park up at your beach-side campsite, and watch the sunset over the rolling landscape behind you. 

Touring the North Island

Travelling out of Auckland in your Apollo campervan, you are spoiled for choice. From forests, beaches, rolling hills, and wild rivers, which area of natural beauty should you visit first? 

The Northern Tip

Travelling north of the city, you will reach the world-renowned Bay of Islands. From there, drive as far as you can to arrive at Cape Reinga, the northernmost point on mainland New Zealand. Along the way you will encounter cute little towns, rural charm and gorgeous coastal scenes.

Heading South

South of Auckland, there are many different paths you can take. If you’re feeling in need of some sea air, make a beeline for the Bay of Plenty or Coromandel Peninsula. A trip inland will likely guide you to lakes and thermal environments of Taupo and Rotorua.

Wild West Coast

If dramatic, rugged scenes are what you crave, the west coast of the North Island is perfect for you. Let the wind whip through your hair as you stand over the craggy cliffs or paddle out on one of the many surf beaches. Dotted with national parks, limestone caves and even a volcanic mountain, let the west coast captivate you with its natural beauty.

East Coast Adventure

Known as the ‘Sunshine Capital’, Napier and surrounding regions are home to world-class vineyards and a wonderful collection of art-deco architecture. Get a bit of culture in you and stroll the streets of Napier on a self-guided ‘Art-Deco walk’, designed by the Art-Deco Trust. 

Things to do in Auckland

Alyssa Tresider
/ Categories: NZ blog

Things to do in Taupō

From its sparkling lake to the endless adventure opportunities, Taupō is a mecca for motorhome travellers. But with so many awesome things to do in Taupō, it helps to do a bit of planning before you go. In this blog, we'll share some of the top Taupō attractions and activities that should feature on your campervan travel itinerary. 

 

Why Taupō is worth a visit

One of the great things about a campervan holiday in Taupō is that there’s plenty to do year-round. Spend the warm summer days enjoying ice cream or a picnic by the lake, walking the scenic trails, or kayaking Taupō’s picturesque lake. And when winter rolls around, it's all about hitting the ski slopes, soaking in the hot pools, or browsing through the museum and souvenir shops.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, exploring with friends, or taking a family holiday, Taupō has something for every kind of camper. Learn more about the history and culture, get up close with nature, and try out some of the awesome Taupō activities for families. Many of these fun activities don’t cost a cent, so you can soak up Taupō’s beauty without worrying about your wallet.

And because Taupō is right in the middle of the North Island, its central location means you can easily venture to other North Island hotspots with your campervan hire. You may like to plan a road trip that includes a few days in the geothermal gem of Rotorua or the surfing mecca of Raglan. 

 

What’s the best way to explore Taupō?

Wondering about the best way to make the most of the many great Taupō activities on offer? There's nothing quite like the freedom of an Apollo campervan hire. It's all about taking things at your own pace, with the flexibility to stop, explore, or move on whenever you feel like it.

With a campervan, you're not just travelling; you're adventuring in comfort. Fancy a lakeside sunset accompanied by wine and cheese? Or perhaps a spontaneous detour to check out the awesome Taupō walking trails? Go for it! Your schedule is yours to command. And the best part? You're carrying your little slice of home with you, minus the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.

In short, cruising around Taupō in a campervan or motorhome is about making your trip truly yours. It's the freedom to linger a bit longer at places you love and skip the spots that don't fit the bill. That's the beauty of campervan travel – it's your adventure, on your terms.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

The best things to do in Taupō

Ready to start planning your Taupō travel itinerary? Here are some of the must-do activities while you’re there. 

 

1. Ride on the Doughboats

One of the coolest things to do in Taupō is to take a leisurely ride with Doughboats Taupō. These eco-friendly, donut-shaped boats offer a fun and novel way to experience the beauty of Lake Taupō. Cruise along the calm waters with family and friends, a few snacks, and your favourite music playing on the Bluetooth speakers. It's an experience you won't want to miss.

Doughboats are perfect for groups of up to six people. Rentals last for two hours so you’ll have plenty of time to explore. These boats are super easy and safe to operate, cruising at a gentle pace of up to five knots. And for an extra special experience, book an evening session to enjoy the multi-coloured lights that make your Doughboat cruise even more magical.

 

2. Check out Taupō Museum

A visit to the Taupō Museum is a must for anyone interested in the town’s rich local history and culture. Located on Story Place, the museum is a treasure trove of stories and artefacts.

You'll find everything from precious Māori treasures and a charming Kiwiana caravan to a 'virtual' tour of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the contemporary New Zealand artwork displayed in the two galleries. You’ll find everything from fibre art to sculpture and photography.

With a dedicated children’s activity area, the museum is a great spot for families too. Engaging displays and activities are designed to captivate younger visitors, making it an educational and fun experience for all ages.

The museum also houses the Ora - Garden of Wellbeing, an award-winning garden recognised as a 'Garden of National Significance' by the NZ Gardens Trust. This living exhibit, which won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2004, is a must-see while you’re here.

 

3. Explore Tongariro National Park

If you're looking for an adventure that combines stunning natural beauty with rich cultural history, then Tongariro National Park is the place to be. As New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring Taupō by campervan.

Tongariro National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes and significant Māori cultural and spiritual associations. Whether you're an avid hiker or just love scenic views, the park offers a range of walking and tramping tracks to suit all levels. From the easy 30-minute Lake Rotokura Walk to the more challenging historic Waihohonu Hut Track, there's something for everyone.

But it's not just about the hikes. The park's dramatic scenery, including the iconic Mount Ruapehu, makes it a photographer's paradise. And for those interested in geology and natural history, the volcanic features of this park are simply fascinating.

Visiting Tongariro National Park in your campervan means you can take your time, soak in the views, and truly connect with this unique landscape. It's an experience that combines the thrill of exploration with the deep sense of tranquillity that comes from being in such a special place.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

4. Enjoy the Taupō bike trails

Park up your campervan for the day and explore Taupō on two wheels. A paradise for bike enthusiasts, Taupō offers a range of tracks that cater to all skill levels and preferences. 

One of the must-try Taupō bike trails is the Tongariro River Trail in Turangi. This gentle 14 km loop is perfect for families and recreational riders, winding past beautiful farmland, beech forests, and offering stunning river views. For those seeking a bit more thrill, Craters Mountain Bike Park, just a five-minute drive from Taupō’s township, offers a variety of trails from easy to technical cross country.

If you're after a scenic, family-friendly ride, the Great Lake Pathway, also known as Lion's Walk, is your go-to. Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, this path is ideal for all levels with plenty of spots for coffee or ice cream along the way.

You can easily hire a bike from local rental providers including FourB, conveniently located on Huka Falls Road. They offer a wide range of bikes, ensuring you have the perfect ride for your trail adventure.

 

5. Test yourself with an escape room challenge

Looking for a different kind of adventure in Taupō? Why not test your wits at Confinement Escape Rooms Taupō? Located on Oruanui Street, this escape room experience is a thrilling quest that combines mystery, adventure, and a whole lot of fun.

You and your family or friends will be immersed in intricately designed rooms, each with its own unique theme and storyline. From the suspenseful 'Hunting Lodge' to other captivating scenarios, these rooms are crafted to challenge your problem-solving skills and teamwork. 

Whether you're an escape room veteran or a curious first-timer, this activity is a great way to bond, have fun, and test your skills under pressure. Remember to book in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during peak times. 

 

6. Try indoor rock climbing

For a challenging all-weather activity in Taupō, head over to the Taupō Rockwall at the Taupō Events Centre. This 12-metre-high climbing wall offers an exciting challenge for climbers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're new to climbing or an experienced enthusiast, the wall's climbs, graded from 12 to 25, are constantly changed to keep the challenge fresh and engaging.

Top rope and lead climbing are available, catering to different preferences and skill sets. For those who prefer staying closer to the ground, there's also a bouldering section along the bottom of the wall. This low-level climbing option is perfect for beginners or those who want to focus on technique without the height.

 

7. Meet the Siberian Huskies

For a truly unique Taupō activity, plan a tour with Timberline Racing Siberian Huskies. This exceptional experience allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals, known for their friendly nature and impressive racing skills.

Timberline Racing offers tours throughout the year where you can mingle with the huskies, learn about their unique characteristics, and witness them train and race on their tracks. It's a chance to see these beautiful dogs in action and understand more about the thrilling world of sled dog racing.

 

8. Take a kayak adventure

Discover the beauty of Lake Taupō from a unique perspective with a kayak adventure. Taupō Kayaking Adventures, located in Acacia Bay, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the lake at your own pace, with a variety of kayaks available for hire.

One of the must-see attractions during your kayak journey is the iconic Taupo Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. These impressive carvings, accessible only by water, are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi. Paddling towards these magnificent artworks, you'll be surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Lake Taupō.

The experience is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Taupō Kayaking Adventures provides everything you need for a safe and enjoyable trip, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and maps. Whether you're seeking a peaceful solo paddle or a fun-filled family outing, this kayak adventure is a perfect addition to your Taupō travel itinerary.

 

Where to stay in Taupō

Looking for a top-notch campsite to park up in while you stay in Taupō? Here are a couple worth checking out:

 

Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park

Just 1.5 km from the town centre, Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect base to explore the region. This awesome holiday park is set on five acres of well-maintained grounds and has everything you need for a relaxed holiday. Enjoy the convenience of mountain bike and kart hire, a basketball court, and a main seasonal swimming pool complete with a Manu rock and slide. For relaxation, there's a thermally heated plunge pool and brand-new hot tubs, refreshed daily.

 

Great Lake Taupō Holiday Park 

Located on Acacia Bay Road, Great Lake Holiday Park offers a picturesque, relaxed setting to park up your motorhome. The park has all the must-haves for a comfortable stay including free Wi-Fi, hot showers, and free gas barbecue use. The park's tranquil setting, combined with its practical facilities, makes it a favourite among campervan travellers looking for a peaceful yet convenient place to stay in Taupō.

 

Ready to try out these Taupō attractions?

As you can see, Taupō is packed full of unique attractions and unforgettable scenery, made all the better with the freedom of a campervan hire. An Apollo campervan is your ticket to an unforgettable New Zealand road trip, so why wait? Book your Apollo campervan online today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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Tags: Apollo Camper things to do apollo nz central north island

Where to stay in Auckland with your campervan

 

The Auckland region and surrounding North Island are perfect for your motorhome or campervan journey. The area is packed full of motorhome-friendly holiday parks that can provide power and security while offering amazing views. There will often be a holiday park close to popular towns and tourist spots so you can enjoy everything Auckland has to offer.

Holiday parks can supply powered and non-powered sites for campervans and motorhomes, as well as tents and caravans. They may offer multiple recreational amenities like heated swimming pools, trampolines and barbeque facilities. 

For inspiration, check out these world-class tourist areas which cater to motorhomes and campervans:

The Shakespear Regional Park - Situated north of Auckland, this beautiful spot offers beautiful views of Te Haruhi Bay, with three main walking tracks for you to enjoy.

Whatuwhiwhi Holiday Park - Perfect for a beach-side getaway, this spot is great for accessing the pristine Perihepe Beach. Enjoy an array of activities in the area, like fishing, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding. 

Kauri Coast Holiday Park - Located on two hectares of stunning native parkland, the Kauri Coast is a great launching point for seeing the natural wonders of the west coast. Visit the nearby Waipoua Forest, Kauri Park or stroll along the beaches at Maunganui Bluff.

New Zealand is also a free camping nation which means you can park and stay the night in designated areas, as long as you're respectful of others and the environment. Freedom camping is a great option for cheap campervan hire, but it is only allowed for certified self-contained vehicles. This means it must have an on-board toilet, shower and waste disposal facilities.

For more information about free camping in your campervan rental, Auckland City Council has provided detailed rules and regulations for staying in the city.

Why choose Apollo for campervan and motorhome hire in Auckland?

 

Apollo has been a leading brand for premium quality motorhome and campervan rentals since 1985. Our entire campervan fleet is designed and custom built by expert RV manufacturers, who understand New Zealand’s unique climate and terrain. Fitted with quality appliances and furnishings, we can ensure you all the comforts from home when you’re on the road.

Contact our Apollo Motorhomes Reservations team and speak to one of our dedicated team members today. You can also browse through our range of campervans and motorhomes online now and start planning your ultimate Auckland road trip.

Nearest Campsite

TAKAPUNA BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

22 The Promenade, Takapuna,
Auckland 0622

Apollo campervan filling up at petrol station

Nearest Fuel Station

WAITOMO MANGERE

33 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere,
Auckland 2022

Family cooking in Apollo motorhome

Nearest Supermarket

PAK'N'SAVE

Corner of Bader Drive & Orly Avenue, Mangere, Auckland, 2022

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