Glow Worms, Great Lakes and Geysers | Apollo Campervans NZ
× Search
 

Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki

A New Zealand campervan holiday through the Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki region offers an unforgettable experience. Rich in natural beauty and cultural significance, this special part of New Zealand offers travellers a unique blend of urban charm and rugged wilderness. If you love exploring arts and culture, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this region. You may even like to follow the Coastal Arts Trail which spans 300 km between New Plymouth to Palmerston North. The trail is peppered with galleries, sculptures, studios and more. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the mystical Bridge to Nowhere, accessible through the verdant Whanganui National Park, offering an unforgettable journey into New Zealand's remote backcountry. 

Transitioning westward, the landscape dramatically changes as you enter Taranaki, dominated by the iconic, conical shape of Mount Taranaki. This region is a magnet for adventurers and nature lovers alike, with New Plymouth at its heart – a coastal city known for its sunny climate, thriving arts community, and surf-friendly beaches. The coastal walkway stretching from Bell Block to Port Taranaki offers spectacular sea views, perfectly complementing the city’s dynamic cultural venues and eateries.

 

Why explore Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki by campervan

Exploring Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki by campervan offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heartland of New Zealand's North Island. It also makes it easy to change your itinerary on the fly. Whether it's spending an extra day enjoying the surf in New Plymouth, exploring the hiking trails around Mount Taranaki, or parking beside the scenic Whanganui River for a spontaneous picnic, the choice is yours. The ability to set your own pace and schedule makes a campervan ideal for discovering the hidden gems of these regions.

Travelling by campervan not only brings the comforts of home on the road, such as your own bed, kitchen, and living space, but also eliminates the hassles of constant packing and unpacking. This is especially valuable in regions like Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki, where attractions are spread out. Having your necessities with you means you're always ready for the next adventure. 

 

Things to do in Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki

Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki offer activities for all ages, from nature excursions to authentic cultural experiences. Explore Palmerston North's gardens and arts scene, Whanganui's historic riverboat cruise, or brave the surf at New Plymouth's beaches. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to museums, galleries, and artist studios. Whether it's outdoor excitement or cultural enrichment, this fascinating region provides something for everyone.

 

RSS

Popular Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki road trips & itineraries

Stretching down the lower west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki are prime destinations for road trippers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and adventure. Easily accessible from major urban centres like Wellington and Auckland, the drive itself showcases the dramatic shift from urban landscapes to the lush, green countryside of Manawatu and the striking volcanic features of Taranaki. These routes not only offer breathtaking views but are dotted with a variety of attractions, making every stop an opportunity for discovery. 

 

North Island | Auckland to Napier Road Trip Itinerary

North Island | Auckland to Napier Road Trip Itinerary

From the land of the living stars of Waitomo, the great Lakes and volcanoes of the central plateau to the thermal capital of Rotorua, this route is amazing

 
 
 
 

Day 1: Auckland - Hamilton - Lake Arapuni

Travel time: 3hrs

Distance: 200km

Your first day sees you head south towards Hamilton and its wonderous world class gardens before taking some time to explore and meet the locals at Hamilton Zoo or the stunning renaissance gardens. After stretching your legs, why not hit the water with a kayak on the mighty Waikato river?  Spend the afternoon at the amazing sanctuary at Mountain Maungatautari. At 3,400ha, this is one of the world's largest fence protected, pest free areas and contains New Zealand's endemic species living how they did before the introduction of mammals. From bats to birds, reptiles to giant Weta, take a walk back in time in our real-life version of Jurassic park - less the dinosaurs!

Highlights

Where to stay:  Camp the night at one of the many campsites to be found surrounding the beautiful Lake Arapuni which is a fabulous swimming lake. Arapuni Landing freedom camping area is our favorite.

Apollo hint: If you enjoy a surf or want to learn, make sure to stop off at Raglan on your way south. It is home to New Zealand’s best surf beach and numerous surf schools if you want to learn!

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Day 2: Lake Arapuni – Rotorua

Travel time: 1hr 30mins

Distance: 86km

It’s time to say Kia ora to Frodo and the hobbits at Hobbiton as you venture into the Lord of the Rings Universe in the best way possible.

Next up it’s time you explore the Pacific Ring of Fire! It’s a notorious mix of tectonic plate boundaries and fault lines which has provided the building blocks for both the pacific land masses and its infamous geo-thermal activity. No surprises to find that Rotorua lies right in the thick of it and with its plethora of thermal parks with bubbling hot pools, skyward shooting geysers and natural hot springs, it has earned its moniker as the thermal capital of New Zealand while also being a hub of Maori and Pacifica culture making it one of New Zealand’s top destination towns.

Finish off the afternoon at Te Puia, home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, one of the few places you can watch master carvers breathing life into their amazing works of art. In the evening, enjoy a Maori and Pacifica cultural show at Mitai Village along with a fabulous hungi for dinner. After dinner, do the nightlights tree tops walk at Redwood forest where you can explore between massive redwoods that are over a hundred years old.

Highlights

Where to stay: Overnight Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park or nab one of the 3 free spaces on the waterfront at the freedom camping area at the Rotorua yacht club or stay at the larger freedom camping area near the Polynesian spa.

Apollo hint: Check out the government gardens and Rotorua museum, a wonderful garden to explore and a very unique colonial building, plus a great museum to get lost in!

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Day 3: Rotorua - Orakei Koroko - Lake Taupo

Travel time: 1hr 30mins

Distance: 102km

If you’re up for a challenge, white water raft the kaituna river, a grade 5 rafting river where you have the opportunity to do the highest (7 meters!) commercial waterfall raft drop in the world. Immerse yourself in New Zealand on both a natural and cultural level. There are many thermal attractions to choose form, but our favorite is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother has spent thousands of years sculpting this thermal area, complete with dazzling colors and geysers reaching for the skies. Make sure you relax at the hot and cold stream after your visit to Wai-O-Tapu.

Ever heard of the Golden fleece terrace? Your next stop today is at one of New Zealand's few remaining geothermal hidden gems at Orakei Korako where you will also find geysers, bubbling mud pools and one of only two geothermal caves in the entire world! Camp here, or on the outskirts of Lake Taupo on the mighty Waikato river.

Highlights

Where to stay: Reids Park Farm freedom camping area is located right next to the Waikato river and makes for an idea place to spend a night or you can pick one of the many scenic camp sites located in and around the center of town.

Apollo hint: If you want to camp short of Taupo, call ahead to Orakei Korako as they allow guests to stay on site. With access to their facilities, a lovely grass picnic area and amazing lake views, it is a very unique place to camp.

 

Day 4: Explore Lake Taupo

Start your day with a short drive to Huka falls on the mighty Waikato river, where you can watch over 220,000 liters PER SECOND barrel over an 11m high waterfall. Just a few minutes away you will find the Craters of the Moon, a boardwalk through an extraordinary thermal landscape.

Time to head into Lake Taupo, the adventure capital of the north and home to some amazing experiences. For thrill seekers river rafting and jet boating await those looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy some of the best fishing in the world, river rafting, lake cruises and the many short walks that lead to some amazing vistas. A must see are the massive Maori carvings at Mine Bay, best explored by kayak.

Highlights

Where to stay: Motutere Bay Top 10 Holiday Park is the only lake side camp site on Lake Taupo. It is an excellent option for those wanting to do some fishing as it lies between Taupo and Turangi while also being just 45 minutes from the ski fields for winter trips.

Apollo hint: While many people visit Huka falls, lots of people miss the amazing walk through “craters of the moon” just a few minutes away while catching the flood gates open at 12pm at Aratiatata Rapids is also a pretty awesome experience!

 

Day 5: Lake Taupo - Napier

Travel time: 2hrs

Distance: 141km

Start early with a refreshing swim at the steam park before headintg to the skies for the best view of the Lake Taupo super volcano possible - as you plummet towards it! Next you cross the Rangataiki plains and travel through the edge of the Kaingaroa forest, the Waipunga river valley is the beginning of your winding climb towards Hawkes Bay. Make sure you stop off at the impressive Waiupunga falls.

As the scenery changes to rolling meadows and gentle hill country, you will have entered one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, Hawkes Bay. There is no better welcome than that at Trelinnoe park, on the old Taupo Road. This beautiful park is home to a massive 30-acre garden and café and is one of New Zealand's finest woodland gardens.

Arriving in to Napier, make a visit to Mission Estate Vineyard. Established in 1851, it is New Zealand's oldest winery and a wonderful place to pop in and taste some of the area's unique flavors for dinner or for a harder earned afternoon, climb the scenic Te Mata Peak Walk

Highlights

Where to stay: Perfume Point Freedom Camping Area is a lovely site to call home for the night with great coastal views and just down the road from Bluff Hill Lookout.

Apollo hint: If you fancy a bit of wild swimming, make a visit to the Otumuheke Stream Spa Park which is free to enter where you can relax in a geothermally heated stream.

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Day 6: Napier – Waitomo or join the Pacific Coast Highway

Travel time: 4hrs

Distance: 290km

Spend the morning exploring Napier, a funky town that is home to the greatest collection of art deco in New Zealand and takes the moniker of Art Deco capital of the world. There was a massive rebuild following a huge earthquake in 1931 making the architecture in Napier unique and helping to create a wonderous town.

There are lots of awesome places to visit in Napier outside of the art deco landscape. Otara Pa, the National Aquarium and the huge gannet colony are all of international significance while the Botanical Gardens are quite stunning.

Here is your chance to pick your own adventure. Overnight in Napier and join the Pacific Coast Highway to extend your holiday and check out more sites and adventures or head towards Waitomo to complete your 7-day loop journey.

Later in the day, get behind the wheel and start to head back North, stopping for dinner at the lovely Te Kuiti. Grab a picture at its massive statue commemorating its place as the sheep shearing capital of New Zealand and say hello to the statue of Sir Colin “Pine Tree” Meads, one of our most famous and influential All Blacks. It just doesn’t get much more kiwi than that! End the day in Waitomo, ready for a fantastic tour in the morning.

Highlights

Where to stay: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday park provides an ideally placed campsite close to the caves, while there is a lovely free camping spot down the road at Te Anga at a lovely scenic lookout

Apollo hint: If you are in the Hawks Bay on a Sunday, be sure to check the vibrant farmers market in Hastings where you can try and buy some amazing local produce while being treated to some great live music from some local bands.

 

Day 7: Waitomo – Auckland

Travel time: 4hrs

Distance: 250km

Start your day with a spa at the holiday park before grabbing the first tour of the day at the world famous and equally amazing Waitomo glow worm caves. Let the land of the living stars dazzle as the underground stars wash over you thanks to New Zealand's endemic glow worm species. The grotto offers ambiance and luminescence as you explore first by foot and then by small boat through the cave system.  Depending on your return time, you can also make a trip down the scenic Te Anga road to the Mangapohue natural bridge, a 17m high limestone arch and the amazing falls at Makrokopa often described as the most beautiful in the country. After, jump back on the main road for your trip back to Auckland and your drop off.

Highlights

Apollo hint: By doing the first tour of the morning at Waitomo, not only will you beat the tour buses, but you will also be the first to see the glow worms before they are disturbed throughout the day.

 

Ready to explore?

 

Print
9941 Rate this article:
No rating
days7
kms1,100
stops35+
LabelField4Millions
Field4Of Years in the making

Great savings on your New Zealand road trip

Apollo offers a fantastic selection of deals and specials for those looking to explore Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki by campervan. From hot deals and last-minute discounts to long-term hire benefits, you’re sure to find a deal designed to help you make the most of your campervan road trip. 

Long Hire Offer Long Hire Offer

Long Hire Offer

Do you love road trips across New Zealand as much as we do? You're in luck with our Long Hire Offer! If you are travelling for more than 21 days, you will receive 5% off daily vehicle rates, if...
0 25634

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to the Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki region sets you up for a scenic journey across the South Island, including the picturesque ferry crossing at the Cook Strait, and onto the North Island. 

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore the South Island before heading north? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days taking in some of the great southern highlights before crossing the Cook Strait by ferry.

Auckland

Set off from Apollo Auckland and kick off your exploration of this region in New Plymouth – just a few hours drive away. Make your way down the west coast taking in the charming townships, rolling rural landscapes, and rugged coastline as you venture south.  

Auckland City Skyline

Auckland

New Zealand’s multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts and culture.

 

Christchurch City, New Zealand

Christchurch

 One of the world’s most unique destinations.

 

Queenstown

Breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-pumping adventure activities.

 

Helpful tips for visiting Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki

 

Climate and seasons in Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki

Stretching hundreds of kilometres, this expansive region offers distinct seasonal experiences, making it an attractive destination year-round for visitors looking to enjoy a variety of landscapes and activities.

Manawatu-Whanganui enjoys a mild, temperate climate with moderate rainfall, making it pleasant for travel most of the year.

  • Summers (December to February) are warm with temperatures averaging around 22°C, ideal for exploring the great outdoors and the region's rivers and parks.
  • Autumn (March to May) brings cooler temperatures and a beautiful change in foliage, particularly in the bush-clad hills, providing perfect conditions for hiking and photography.
  • Winter (June to August) can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C, but it is generally mild compared to other regions, with occasional frost in sheltered areas.
  • Spring (September to November) sees the landscape rejuvenate with bursts of flowers and greenery, making it a lovely time for visiting the many gardens and reserves.

Taranaki is known for its more dynamic weather patterns, due to the presence of Mount Taranaki, which can attract clouds and cause quick changes in weather.

  • Summers here are pleasant with temperatures similar to Manawatu-Whanganui but expect more frequent rain showers that keep the surroundings lush.
  • Autumn sees stable weather, ideal for outdoor activities as the forests display a vivid array of autumn colours.
  • Winter in Taranaki can be wet, with more pronounced rainfall, and the mountain often receives snowfall, offering spectacular views and winter sports.
  • Spring brings a rapid growth of new foliage and is particularly spectacular as rhododendrons and other blooms erupt around the mountain's base.

 

 

 

What to pack?

Preparing for your campervan journey through Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki requires thoughtful packing to make the most of the diverse climates and activities available in these regions. Here’s what you should consider bringing along:

  • Outdoor gear: given the varied terrain from river valleys to volcanic mountains, pack versatile outdoor gear. Lightweight, breathable clothing will serve you well during warmer months, while waterproof and windproof layers are essential for the unpredictable weather near Mount Taranaki. Sturdy hiking boots are a must for exploring the rugged landscapes and numerous walking trails. With the stunning natural beauty and wildlife in both regions, a good camera can help you capture memorable landscapes and native birds. Binoculars will also enhance your experience, especially when visiting coastal areas and bird sanctuaries.
  • Campervan add-ons: Enhancing your campervan experience can significantly improve your comfort during the trip. Consider including a portable heater for the cooler evenings, especially during winter months in Taranaki. A reliable GPS and physical maps can help navigate the more remote areas. Additional camping chairs and a table can also be handy for scenic stops along the coast or in forest parks.
  • Sun protection and rain gear: The regions' varying weather conditions call for both sun protection and rain gear. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield against the strong New Zealand sun. Also, include a durable rain jacket and waterproof trousers to stay dry during sudden rain showers, particularly prevalent in Taranaki. For more helpful ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for your campervan road trip.

For more helpful ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for your campervan road trip.

 

 

Nearby attractions and day trips from Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki

Manawatu-Whanganui

Whanganui River cruise or kayak

Experience the tranquil beauty of the Whanganui River by taking a leisurely cruise or paddling a kayak. This historic river offers stunning views of lush landscapes and provides a quiet escape into nature, perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

Whanganui National Park

Home to native forests and scenic waterways, Whanganui National Park is popular with hikers and walkers. The park is also home to the Bridge to Nowhere Walk, a 3 km return (around 1.5 hours) easy walk popular with visitors to the area.

Forgotten World Highway

The Forgotten World Highway, running through remote, mystic landscapes, offers a journey back in time. This historic route passes through rugged terrain, dense forests, and small forgotten towns, making it a unique adventure for road-trippers.

Bushy Park

Bushy Park Ecological Sanctuary, near Whanganui, is known for its rich biodiversity and protected native forest. The 100-hectare reserve is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the region, including a 500-year-old rata. The park's predator-free status allows visitors to encounter rare and endangered birds such as the hihi and saddleback in their natural habitat.

Nearby attractions and day trips from Taranaki

Mount Taranaki

Dominating the landscape, Mount Taranaki offers challenging hikes and spectacular views from its summit. The symmetrical volcano is a striking feature of Egmont National Park, drawing climbers and photographers alike.

New Plymouth Coastal Walk

The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is a spectacular 13-kilometre path that stretches from Ngamotu Beach to Bell Block, offering panoramic views of the Tasman Sea. This award-winning walkway is ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling featuring iconic landmarks like the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, which resembles a breaking wave or whale skeleton.

Pukekura Park

New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park is a beautifully landscaped garden featuring lakes, waterfalls, and exotic plants. It hosts the famous Festival of Lights, transforming into an enchanted evening wonderland.

Dawson Falls in Egmont National Park

Dawson Falls is a spectacular 18-metre waterfall located within Egmont National Park. The area around the falls offers picturesque walking tracks that wind through lush native bush, ideal for a short, scenic hike.

 

Where to stay in Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki with a campervan

When it comes to finding the perfect spot to park and rest in Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki, there's no shortage of picturesque, comfy campgrounds. Here are a few worth checking out:

Manawatu-Whanganui

Taranaki

 

 

 

RSS
123
Terms Of UsePrivacy StatementCopyright 2024 by Apollo RV Holidays
Back To Top