New Zealand / Auckland
Rent a Campervan in Auckland Start Your North Island Adventure
Auckland is where most international flights land and where most NZ campervan trips begin. Every major rental company has an Auckland depot. Head east to the Coromandel beaches, north to the Bay of Islands or south toward Rotorua and Tongariro. The North Island is warmer, greener and more accessible than the South.
Auckland Rental Pricing
| Platform | Pricing (NZD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jucy | $60-$140/night | Largest budget fleet in NZ, airport nearby |
| Britz | $100-$250/night | Quality mid-range, good family options |
| Spaceship | $50-$90/night | Cheapest fleet option, relocation deals |
| Maui | $200-$320/night | Premium motorhomes, newest vehicles |
| Wilderness | $160-$280/night | NZ-only company, excellent reputation |
| Apollo | $90-$230/night | Wide range, good availability |
Getting Started From Auckland
Most depots are in Penrose or Mangere, near Auckland Airport. Shuttle transfers from the terminal are standard. Don't try to camp in Auckland city — there's nowhere legal and traffic is miserable. Pick up your van and get out of Auckland as fast as possible. Head east (SH2) or south (SH1) within 90 minutes.
If you arrive on a long-haul flight, stay one night in a hotel before picking up the van. Jet lag plus unfamiliar left-hand driving is a dangerous combo. NZ roads demand attention.
Best Road Trips From Auckland
Coromandel Peninsula
2.5 hours east. Perfect 3-5 day trip. Cathedral Cove (that beach from the Narnia movie) and Hot Water Beach (dig your own hot spring in the sand at low tide) are the highlights. The road over the Coromandel Range is winding and narrow — take it slow in a larger van. DOC campgrounds at Fletchers Bay and Stony Bay are remote and beautiful. New Chums Beach is regularly voted one of the world's best.
Bay of Islands
3.5 hours north. 3-5 days. 144 subtropical islands. Paihia is the main town — dolphin watching, kayaking, sailing. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where NZ's founding document was signed. Cape Reinga at the northern tip of NZ is a 2-hour drive from Paihia — the lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Russell was NZ's first capital and is gorgeous. Holiday parks along the coast run $20-$35 NZD/night.
Waikato: Hobbiton and Waitomo
2-3 hours south. 2-3 day loop. Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata is a must for Lord of the Rings fans ($89 NZD/adult). Waitomo Caves glow-worm boat ride is surreal ($55 NZD). Hamilton Gardens is free and surprisingly good. Raglan on the west coast is the surf capital of the North Island. Lake Taupō is 4 hours south — NZ's largest lake with trout fishing and hot springs.
Full North Island Loop
2-3 weeks. Auckland → Coromandel → Rotorua (geysers, mud pools, Māori culture) → Taupō → Tongariro Alpine Crossing (the best one-day hike in NZ) → Napier (art deco wine country) → Wellington. Drop the van or take the ferry to the South Island. This route covers every major North Island highlight. 2,000+ km total.
Auckland-Specific Tips
- → One-way to Christchurch. Many travelers pick up in Auckland and drop off in Christchurch (or vice versa) after doing both islands. One-way fees plus the ferry cost $300-$600 NZD total. Relocation deals sometimes waive or reduce one-way fees.
- → SH1 is the main artery. State Highway 1 runs the full length of the North Island. It's the fastest route but misses the coastal scenery. Take the side roads when you can.
- → Fuel costs. NZ petrol averages $2.80-$3.20 NZD/litre. Budget $40-$60 NZD/day in fuel depending on your van size and driving distance.
- → Download CamperMate. Free app showing every campground, dump station, freedom camping spot, fuel station and attraction in NZ. Better than Google Maps for campervan travel planning.
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