Fuel costs for your motorhome roadtrip journey

Fuel is one of the main costs to plan for when travelling around Australia or New Zealand. Prices can vary depending on where you are, your route, and current fuel rates, so it’s helpful to build a simple estimate before you set off.

If you have made a decision on what motorhome or campervan you hope to travel in, have a rough route in mind; a quick check on current pump prices before you go can help you get a you realistic cost estimate in just a few minutes. Think of this page as a friendly planning guide: clear, practical, and transparent.

Fuel prices across Australia & New Zealand

Fuel prices can differ depending on location:

Australia: Prices are often higher in remote or regional areas, especially in the Outback

New Zealand: Prices can vary between islands and regions, especially in the main city Auckland.

Plan your fuel stops and check pricing ahead of your journey by using popular apps and websites such as:

Australia FuelPrice

New Zealand Gaspy

What recent global news means for travellers

Disruption to oil supply, refining, or shipping routes typically cause fluctuation in gas prices at the pump. This is one reason prices may feel unpredictable from week to week.

The practical takeaway for guests is simple: build your estimate using current prices, expect some movement, and re-check prices along the way. Planning with a small buffer can make the whole trip feel more relaxed and less uncertain.

Travelling smart: how to drive less, save money, and still enjoy the journey

Typical fuel usage

Fuel consumption varies by vehicle size and driving conditions, so is a tricky one to gauge. However, this fuel tank planning guide should help you estimate costs quickly, before travel. Because assigned vehicles can vary within a category, exact tank capacity may differ slightly from one vehicle to another. The right way to use these numbers is as a practical planning starting point rather than a guaranteed exact fill amount.

Vehicle Type	Vehicle Length (m)	Planning Tank Capacity (L)
Hitop	5.94m	80
Endeavour	5.94m	80
Euro Tourer	7.05m - 7.20m	71
Euro Plus	7.20m	71
Euro Quest	6.74m	70
Euro Camper	7.55m	70
Euro Deluxe	7.55m	70

For example, if your motorhome has a 71-litre tank and diesel is AUD$3.16 per litre, a full fill-up would cost about AUD$224.36. If the same fuel is AUD$3.30 per litre, that same fill-up would cost about $234.30. If your motorhome has a 100-litre tank and diesel is AUD$3.16 per litre, a full fill-up would cost about AUD$316. If the same fuel is AUD$3.30 per litre, that same fill-up would cost about $330. That is why fuel prices can make a noticeable difference from one route to another.

Guests can use this simple math at any point during their trip. Just check the fuel price at a station, multiply it by the estimated tank size for your campervan or motorhome, and you will have a quick refill estimate for budgeting purposes.

These are planning estimates; your exact vehicle may differ slightly. Your total fuel cost will depend on a number of factors from how far you travel, the terrain (mountains, highways, gravel roads), the weather and individual driving style.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a few tips for fuel-efficient travel:

Drive at a steady pace and avoid unnecessary idling.
Refill water tank once you arrive at your next campsite to reduce weight as you drive to the next campsite.
Linger for longer - Spend more time at each destination to reduce daily driving distances.  Explore each destination in more detail and enjoy getting closer to the destination.
Use our trip planning tools, itineraries and our thl Roadtrip app to find campsites and things to see and do.
At pick-up speak with our team for route suggestions that optimise fuel access and efficiency.
Check fuel prices regularly during your trip. We also suggest filling up before heading into remote areas.

Plan your trip

Alyssa Tresider / Monday, 28 April 2025

/ Categories: NZ Itineraries, North Island, 5-7 Days

5-Day North Island Adventure Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Arrive at Auckland International Airport, pick up your vehicle at the Auckland branch. After picking up your vehicle, take some time to explore Auckland this afternoon and choose your own adventure! We recommend the following:

Auckland Museum: Set in the Auckland Domain, this museum offers a powerful introduction to New Zealand’s natural history, Māori culture, and military history.
Auckland Art Gallery: A beautiful blend of historic and contemporary architecture, this gallery showcases national and international works across four levels.
Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city (SkyCity Auckland).
All Blacks Experience: An interactive, high-energy journey into New Zealand’s rugby legacy – perfect for sports lovers, located at the SkyCity Precinct.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed: Dive behind the scenes of blockbuster film-making with this immersive creative experience from the makers of The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Located at the SkyCity Precinct.

After exploring Auckland, take an evening Stroll and enjoy some dinner. Wander through Viaduct Harbour or Commercial Bay, both buzzing with waterfront energy. Enjoy dinner at one of the many vibrant restaurants or bars to toast the start of your trip.

Where to stay: Ambury Campground

Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel

It’s time to leave Auckland and drive to Coromandel (2.5 hours). Enjoy scenic coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway. On arrival in Coromandel, you can have a Hot Water Beach Experience and dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide.

We recommend taking a visit to Cathedral Cove and walking through native bush to reach the iconic rock archway and beach, or paddle by kayak with Cathedral Cove Kayaks, or, take a boat tour through the marine reserve with Hahei Explorer o Mercury Bay Discoveries.

Where to stay: Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 3: Coromandel to Rotorua

Today, you are going to head to Rotorua which is a 3 hour drive. Make a stop at Paeroa for a L&P, which is an iconic Kiwi drink and enjoy a pie whilst there. Feel free to check out the giant L&P bottle, this is a #NZmustsee.

On your drive, you must visit Te Puia and discover geothermal wonders and Māori craftsmanship, including the famous Pohutu Geyser.

If you are feeling like some downtime, enjoy some much needed relaxation at the Polynesian Spa, or Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa experience features soaking in mineral-rich pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa’s two hour Restorative Journey experiences features a five-stage multi-sensory experience, inspired by Māori wellness traditions.

After you have enjoyed your day out, its time to head to camp.

Where to stay: Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 4: Rotorua Exploration

Today it’s time to explore Rotorua, you can start the day by ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Glide through an ancient rainforest forest with incredible conservation insights. This is the World’s #1 Nature experience for good reason! We also recommended visiting Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Here you can explore colourful geothermal features, including the Champagne Pool.

After all that fun, it’s time to eat. We suggest having dinner on Eat Streat and sample local and international cuisine in this lively dining hub. After dinner, explore the majestic Redwood Forest on an elevated walkway lit by soft, glowing lanterns suspended among the towering trees. A magical, immersive evening experience.

Where to stay: Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Day 5: Return to Auckland

It is time to drive back to Auckland and return your camper. On the way, choose your perfect final North Island experience:

Nature option: Stop at the Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway) in Putaruru. This easy and picturesque walk follows one of the clearest freshwater springs in the world, surrounded by native flora.
Movie magic option: Detour to Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata for a guided tour of the iconic film location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander through the Shire, explore hobbit holes, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Final meal in Auckland: Celebrate your adventure with dinner at one of Auckland’s celebrated restaurants—perhaps in the Viaduct, Commercial Bay, or Ponsonby.

Ready to book your road trip? Click here.

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Tags: Apollo Camper North Island apollo nz

days	5
kms	605
stops	5+