Campervan Hire in North Island

Campervan and Motorhome Hire on the North Island

Being the smaller of New Zealand's two main islands doesn't make the North Island any less memorable. From national forests to picturesque coastlines, there are countless reasons to hire a campervan or motorhome in Te Ika-a-Māui and go adventuring. This is definitely the kind of opportunity you don't want to miss, especially if you love being immersed in nature!

North Island National Parks

North Island's national parks are perfect examples of well-preserved natural environments, and you can easily reach them with your campervan or motorhome hire. At the centre of the island, you'll find Tongariro National Park. This is the oldest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — not to mention a great place to try one of the planet's best one-day hiking trips: Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 

Although New Zealand commonly conjures images of Alpine mountain ranges, seeing the North Island from a motorhome or campervan lets you treat yourself to something different. Up in the Northland Region (the long peninsula sticking out from the northwest), you can visit densely vegetated regions like Waipoua Forest to discover the most prominent examples of living kauri trees — a great way to get to know a species that dates back to the age of the dinosaurs!

North Island campervan adventure would only be complete by checking out Whanganui National Park. It's one of the country's original conservation areas, so you can expect to see plenty of endangered species — in addition to the national bird, the iconic kiwi.

North Island Coastline, Lakes, and Rivers

Campervan and motorhome hire travellers also love the area of the Whanganui river. As the longest navigable watercourse in New Zealand, it has great launch points for scenic kayaking. 

You can also park your campervan and pick up the Te Araroa trail from here. If you want to stay close by, there are plenty of century-old rail bridges and other historical sites to visit — they're perfect interludes along your motorhome hire journey. 

The Whanganui River's Ūpokongaro Cycle Bridge also makes it a great starting point for trekking along the North Island's coast via the Mountains to Sea Cycle trail system — and a hire campervan makes the perfect home base for touring. 

For something a bit more nail-biting, take your campervan north to the Waikato River. The Waikato River is known for thrilling whitewater rafting, waterfall cruises, and jet skiing — but there are also opportunities for more leisurely downtime. Why not enjoy the action from a distance at scenic Huka Falls or discover traditional Māori art up close before indulging in rowing on the placid Lake Karapiro?

Campgrounds on the North Island

Hiring a motorhome on the North Island is a great starting point for unmatched camping adventures. New Zealand's love of conservation means there are plenty of places to experience, and having a campervan makes it easier to explore.

In the north, campgrounds like Riverside and Treasure Island are ideal for families that want to discover the forest preserves around the northern peninsula — and they're equally close to the shoreline. Down south, campervan-accommodating options like Hastings Top 10 and Foxton Beach let you explore the coasts closer to the capital, Wellington — complete with private swimming access and RV power hookups. 

If you'd prefer sticking to the interior, visit Motuoapa Bay or Great Lake to explore Lake Taupo — all of these North Island campsites are extremely campervan and motorhome hire-friendly, easy to reach, and highly reviewed.