North Island Winter Road Trip

By Ianz - Flickr

The Winter Holidays are the perfect time to take the kids on a mini Campervan tour of the North Island in New Zealand.  Bubbling mud pools, Thermal Hot Springs and snowy mountains are on the cards in this exploration of the beautiful New Zealand scenery.

Begin the holiday in Auckland, but leave the big city behind as you head for Tauranga and the mount.  Spend some time at the cafes and shops down at Main Beach, Mount Maunganui and be sure to take a walk around the Mount or up to the summit to get some beautiful views of the East Coast.

Mount Maunganui
By SW-arts - Flickr

From Tauranga,  jump on the highway to Rotorua.  Rotorua is a tourists playground and if you've been there before, the lovely smells will make you nostalgic for previous holidays.   Visit the bubbling mud pools and hissing geysers in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village and Te Puia's New Zeland Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.   Have some fun up the Rotorua Gondola's, complete with thrilling Luges and chairlifts.  Newly renovated Rainbow Springs is a must visit with it's Kiwi's, birds, Wildlife and fun "Big Splash" ride!   Take a tiki tour around the Lake and surrounding Lakes like Tarawera,  Rotoiti and Rotoma.  Visit the Agrodome for some Kiwi Farm experiences or take an exhilarating "roll" in the Zorb!

Huka Falls
By KiwiHugger - Flickr

The Next Stop is Taupo.  Another geothermal town with lots to do.  On your arrival into town, if it's a clear day,  you'll be able to see Mount Ruapehu peeking out in all her glory, from behind the lake.  Play a game of mini golf lakeside (always a favourite with me), try your luck at getting a hole in one on the Lake's Golf hole pontoon, or relax and unwind in De Brett's Thermal Hot Pools.  Set up the Campervan Lakeside and share a delicious Kiwi classic - Fish and Chips.  Experience the extravagance of the 'Huka Falls' or the Aratiatia Rapids.  The Botanical gardens are a beauty and the 'Craters of the moon' Geothermal sites is a must visit.

Tongariro Crossing
By trailrunz - Flickr

If your family or friends are up for it, do the world Famous Tongariro Alpine crossing.  Being amongst the volcanoes and all that comes with them is a life changing experience.  You may even feel like you've stepped into 'The Lord of the Rings'. 

Turoa Side

By flashmick - Flickr

 Not coincidentally, the alpine crossing entrance is on the way to the next stop - Ohakune or National Park.  Both offer access to Mount Ruapehu for skiing, snowboarding or just sightseeing the glorious mountain and the spectacular views that come with it.  If it's a clear day you may even be able to see Mount Taranaki from the Turoa side. 

Head back to Auckland from here, perhaps stopping via Rotorua again to break up the journey to Auckland.

New Zealand is a marvel to travel in and you will have  blast with your family or friends.  Find a winter special on a Campervan at Campervan Hire Sale Finder and Have Fun!!

Take a look at the following videos if you're not already inspired!!

A few quick Campervan ideas for NZ

By Subwaynz -Wikimedia Commons

Pack up the kids, husband/wife or friends and spend a weekend or longer in a Campervan! The perfect way to see the sites of the beautiful New Zealand is from the comfort of a Campervan.  Campervanning gives you the chance to cruise around and take in the scenery, friendly people and hopefully some lovely weather.

Easter Weekend Campervan trip idea #1 - Coromandel

Paradise within New Zealand is the Coromandel. With so much coast comes the most beautiful beaches! Dig a hole at Hot water beach and bathe in the warm waters like the video. Visit Cathedral cove, where Narnia was set or park up next to a pristine beach and read your book.

Easter Weekend Campervan Idea #2 - Rotorua

If the intriguing smell of Rotorua can't tempt you then maybe Zorbing, Thermal hot pools or petting lion cubs will. With so much to do in Rotorua you'll be set for the whole long weekend. Park up in a Campervan park around the Lake and have fun all weekend. Ride the Gondola and zoom down on a luge!

By Valley2city- Wikimedia Commons

Easter Weekend Campervan idea #3: Queenstown

Sit alongside the beautiful Lake Whakatipu with a hot drink, ride the Shotover jet, or cruise to the quaint Arrowtown. Cuddle up in the comfort of your campervan by evening and the next day take a trip on the Earnslaw, a picturesque journey across the lake.

Easter Weekend idea #4: Auckland

If you're not from Auckland, why not explore the "big city" by Campervan. Stay at a campervan park next to one of the beautiful beaches that surrounds Auckland. Rise to the top of the Skytower and see for as far as you can or join the underwater world with the penguins and sharks at Kelly Tarltons. Visit the rugged west coast beaches or the many more tranquil East Coast beaches and don't forget to relax in one of Auckland's fantastic cafes .

Find a Campervan to fit your holiday at Campervan Hire Sale Finder. You'll find the best deal on a campervan that will make your Easter weekend a memorable time.