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.

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.

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.

Alyssa Tresider / Wednesday, 22 November 2023

/ Categories: NZ blog

Pet-friendly campsites & holiday parks in NZ

A motorhome road trip of New Zealand offers an unparalleled sense of fun, freedom, and adventure. And with an Apollo campervan hire, your furry friends are invited too. To help make travel with pets even easier, we’ve put together this handy guide to some of New Zealand’s best pet-friendly accommodation. From DOC campsites to TOP 10 holiday parks, we've sniffed out the best pet-friendly places to stay on your New Zealand road trip. But first …

Why you should take your pet on holiday with you

There's a special kind of joy that comes with having your furry friend along for a campervan adventure. Here's why bringing your pet on a New Zealand road trip can make your holiday even more memorable:

No one gets left behind: The beauty of travelling in an Apollo campervan hire is that it’s like having a home on wheels. It means your pets can join in on the fun, ensuring no one misses out.
Peace of mind: With your pets along for the ride, you're free from the worry and cost of finding pet sitters or the unease of leaving them in kennels. They're safe and sound, right there with you.
Shared adventures: Most dogs love exploring new places – just like we do! A road trip is a perfect way for your pets to discover new smells, sights, and friends. It's a chance for them to be as much a part of the journey as you are.
Energy busters: For those travelling with kids, a dog can be the perfect playmate to help tire them out, ensuring a good night's sleep for everyone after a day full of activities.

What you need to know about travelling with your pet in a campervan

At Apollo Campervans, we get that your dog isn't just a pet; they're part of the whānau, eager to join in on the New Zealand travel adventures. That's why we've got campervans available especially those bringing their dogs along. Just reach out to our team when booking, and we'll ensure you get a pet-friendly vehicle.

Here's the lowdown on hitting the road with your furry friend:

Restraint is key: For safety, dogs should be restrained while driving and must stay out of the driver's cabin. It's all about making sure everyone, including your pet, enjoys the journey safely.
Dog-friendly accommodation: Remember, not all campsites roll out the welcome mat for pets. Make sure to book pet-friendly places to stay to avoid any hiccups.
Plan ahead: Check out our pet-friendly guide for all the must-knows when it comes to travelling with your pet in an Apollo campervan.
Protecting wildlife: When you travel with your dog, it’s important to be vigilant around New Zealand's wildlife, especially around areas with nesting birds. Dogs are not allowed in certain national parks and regions where native birds, like the kiwi, make their homes. So it pays to check ahead and make sure your furry friend will be welcome.

The best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks in NZ

There is some fantastic pet-friendly accommodation available across New Zealand. Remember you’ll need to get prior approval for each of these, so be sure to phone ahead and organise a dog-friendly site before you arrive.

TOP 10 Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

Nestled in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a slice of paradise where you and your pet can unwind. This pet-friendly campground welcomes dogs provided you've arranged this with them in advance. It's the perfect chance for your dog to enjoy the great outdoors as much as you do.

Set just a short stroll from the iconic Hot Water Beach, this holiday park is a prime spot for you and your furry friend to soak up the coastal vibes and enjoy the famous geothermal attractions.

The area is rich with pet-friendly reserves. From the beach to bush walks, there's no shortage of sights and experiences for you and your pet to discover together. Note, dogs are not allowed in some areas to protect native species, so always check the local guidelines before you set off on your day's adventure.

TOP 10 Taupo Holiday Park

Located in the heart of the North Island, Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park is a gem for travellers and their pets. Just a stone's throw from the magnificent Lake Taupo and a mere 1.5 km from the town centre, this pet-friendly campground offers convenience and natural beauty in spades. It's the perfect base for exploring all the local attractions with your pet.

The holiday park provides spacious camping sites set on five acres of well-maintained grounds. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including a thermally heated plunge pool, modern BBQ areas for that classic Kiwi cookout, and a basketball court for some fun family competition. The main seasonal swimming pool, complete with a slide, is perfect for cooling off on those warm Taupō days.

Beyond the park, Taupō is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and their pets. From lakeside walks to exploring the nearby Huka Falls, there's no shortage of pet-friendly activities to fill your days.

Otaki Forks campsite

Tucked away in the Wellington/Kapiti region, the Ōtaki Forks Campsite offers a convenient gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. Surrounded by open river terraces and regenerating bush, it’s a great spot for families travelling by campervan with dogs.

While this DOC campsite is more rustic, it provides essential facilities including toilets and water from a tap (boil before use). It's a great spot for those who prefer the simplicity of nature.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your loyal companion. However, it's important to keep them restrained, especially since the area is home to native wildlife.

With 150 non-powered sites, it's an ideal location for getting back to basics. Spend the day fishing, kayaking, swimming, and walking. The campsite is open over summer until the end of the Easter break. Bookings are not required and you can pay your campsite fee to the onsite caretaker.

Nelson TOP 10 Holiday Park

If your New Zealand road trip takes you to Nelson, be sure to add the Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park to your pet-friendly travel itinerary. This beautiful holiday park is the perfect base to explore Nelson's beautiful beaches, parks, and attractions.

The park welcomes furry family members, offering designated areas where they can stretch their legs and play, ensuring they're as comfortable as their human counterparts. You’ll also find some excellent dog-friendly walks around Nelson to explore, including Back Beach, the Maitai River Walkway, and the Grampians Reserve.

Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

Backdropped by the majestic Kaikōura mountain range, Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a picturesque base to park up your campervan.

As well as offering pet-friendly sites, the holiday park ticks all the boxes for families with children. They’ll be kept busy for hours with a cool adventure playground, swimming pool, jumping pillow, pedal cart hire, and TV room with Sky.

There are some great dog-friendly walks in Kaikōura including the town beach walking track. This track runs from the town centre across the bridge from the car park and up to the Whale Watch centre. Another popular walking spot, with plenty of shade, is the pine forest opposite Ocean Ridge. Just a note, dogs are not permitted at the Kaikōura Peninsula walk to protect the seals and protected birds that live there.

Mavora Lakes campsite

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Lakes, the Mavora Lakes Campsite offers an idyllic escape for campervan travellers and their furry companions. Dogs are indeed welcome at Mavora Lakes Campsite, provided they are kept on a leash. This ensures the safety of both the local wildlife and your pet.

The campsite sits on the shores of the South Mavora Lake, surrounded by towering peaks and native beech forest. It's a secluded spot that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Mavora Lakes Campsite is all about the great outdoors. With its expansive open spaces and the mirror-like waters of the lakes, it's a place where you can truly connect with nature. The night sky here is a spectacle in itself, with clear views of the stars unobstructed by city lights.

This DOC campground is well-equipped for campervan travellers, offering basic facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. There are toilet blocks, water supply points, and designated areas for campfires. While there are no powered sites, the untouched nature of the campsite more than makes up for it, offering a true off-grid experience.

Paws up… who’s ready for a family holiday?

Ready for a hassle-free holiday with your four-legged pal? Book your Apollo campervan online now and set off on a New Zealand road trip that's sure to be filled with tail-wagging fun. With pet-friendly options and the comfort of knowing your four-legged friends can join in on the fun, there's never been a better time to hit the road.