6 Romantic New Zealand Destinations | Apollo Campervans NZ
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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

Heather Schiller
/ Categories: NZ blog

6 Most Romantic Destinations in New Zealand

Your guide to the ultimate romantic road trip

Marfells Beach, New Zealand

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

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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