Why explore Wellington & Wairarapa by Campervan

There’s no better way to discover Wellington and Wairarapa than with an Apollo campervan. Be as spontaneous or structured as you like. Take your time, travel at your own pace, and truly immerse yourself in everything on offer in this special region. With your own kitchen, bed, and bathroom onboard, travel by Apollo campervan is all about freedom and comfort. A road trip through Wellington and the Wairarapa in a campervan is all about the freedom to go where you want when you want. With a campervan, your plans are as flexible as your mood, allowing you to soak up moments that you'd miss if you were rushing to meet hotel or tour schedules.

Travelling by campervan isn't just about getting from A to B; it's about the experiences along the way. It's about impromptu picnics at breathtaking overlooks, morning coffees with views that beat any café, and nights spent under a blanket of stars. Fancy spending an extra day exploring a hidden gem you've stumbled upon? Go for it. Every turn in the road offers new possibilities, and with a campervan, you're in the driver's seat!

A campervan holiday in New Zealand, especially through areas like Wellington and the Wairarapa, is a journey into the heart of what makes this part of the world so special. And it's all yours to explore!

Things to do in Wellington & Wairarapa

Wellington and the Wairarapa are bursting at the seams with activities and sights, catering to every taste and interest. If you’re enjoying a family holiday, you’ll find plenty of great family-friendly things to do in Wellington that promise fun for all ages. And if you’re a foodie looking for a taste of something new, you’ll find no shortage of must-try food in Wellington. Venture into the Wairarapa, and you'll find a peaceful escape with wine tours, scenic hikes, and charming country towns waiting to be explored.

Alyssa Tresider / Monday, 7 August 2023

/ Categories: NZ blog

Family-friendly campsites in New Zealand

But first, a quick word about non-powered sites

It's recommended that you plug your campervan into mains power at least every second night. Driving for a few hours each day will help recharge the motorhome’s battery. However, bear in mind that staying multiple days at a non-powered site could drain your camper’s house battery, affecting the functionality of onboard appliances such as the fridge.

Kai Iwi Lakes Campground, Kaipara

Situated in the Kaipara District in Northland, around three hours from Auckland, the Kai Iwi Lakes Campground is a fresh-water oasis for families. The 538-hectare site boasts three spectacular lakes, each providing an array of water-based activities and beautiful picnic spots. There is a choice of two campgrounds located on the lake foreshore, each offering a fabulous camping experience for families. Pine Beach Campground has powered and non-powered sites with flush toilets, hot showers, and washing basins. Promenade Point offers a more natural camping experience with non-powered sites and a unisex toilet block.

The surrounding pine forests offer plenty of walking and mountain bike trails for those seeking land-based exploration. Nearby, Dargaville township has an intriguing museum as well as shops and cafés.

Image: Miles Holden

Awana Beach Campground, Great Barrier Island, Auckland

A slice of coastal paradise awaits your family on the northeastern edge of Great Barrier Island at Awana Beach Campground. Great Barrier Island is located in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, and the journey there is an adventure in itself. Drive your campervan onboard the SeaLink ferry at Auckland's Wynyard Quarter for a relaxing four-hour voyage across the Hauraki Gulf.

This campsite offers 60 non-powered sites and caters to family needs with a cooking shelter, toilet facilities, and cold showers. And when the sun sets, prepare for a spectacular celestial show. As a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the island's night sky offers one of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.

Ambury Campground, Auckland

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Auckland Airport, the Ambury Campground in Auckland’s Ambury Regional Park offers a delightful blend of coastal views and rural charm. The kids will love the onsite farm, where they can see and interact with farm animals including chickens, sheep, cows, and horses.

Amenities include toilet and shower facilities, barbecue spots, and open spaces for recreational activities. Sites are non-powered, and bookings must be made in advance.

Beyond the campsite, you can enjoy a family outing to the nearby Butterfly Creek, which is home to one of the largest tropical butterfly houses in New Zealand. It also has farm animals, saltwater crocodiles, a dinosaur kingdom, and more.

Whakapapa Holiday Park, Tongariro National Park

For families yearning for a bit of adventure, Whakapapa Holiday Park located in the Tongariro National Park is an excellent choice. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers numerous walks amidst an otherworldly volcanic landscape. The most popular is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. There’s plenty more to do and see in the vicinity too including snow fun during winter, white water rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking.

The holiday park is furnished with a comfortable lounge room, a communal kitchen, and a dining area, perfect for winding down after a day of exploration. The park is also adjacent to the Whakapapa Visitor Centre, a hub of information about the national park. There’s a small shop onsite with snacks, drinks, and ice creams.

Lake Waikaremoana Holiday Park, Te Urewera

In the heart of Te Urewera lies the enchanting Lake Waikaremoana Holiday Park, a paradise for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The lake provides loads of fun water activities, from boating and fishing to swimming. The park is equipped with barbecue areas, making it an ideal spot for a family cookout while enjoying the lake views. You can spend your days hiking the Lake Waikaremoana Track. This Great Walk of New Zealand is known for its stunning vistas and enchanting native forest. The nearby visitor centre is packed with information about the local flora and fauna, as well as the rich Māori history of the area. If you want to explore New Zealand's natural beauty, this location is a must-visit on your family camping checklist.

Port Motueka Beach Reserve Campsite, Tasman

Just a stone's throw from the lively township of Motueka, the Port Motueka Beach Reserve Campsite offers an idyllic coastal getaway. The beachfront location is a dream for families, with sandy expanses perfect for castle building and calm waters inviting a refreshing dip.

Handy amenities including toilets, water supply, and picnic areas ensure a comfortable stay. Nearby, you'll find the Motueka Sunday Market, a haven of fresh local produce, crafts, and delectable food stalls. The Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park is also a short drive away, offering thrilling trails for adventurous families. Your New Zealand road trip wouldn't be complete without a stop at this picturesque site.

No More Pines, Tasman

Located at the southern end of Lake Pukaki in Tasman Bay, No More Pines is a spacious campsite perfect for a relaxed family holiday. What’s more, the views are simply breathtaking. Park up right next to the lake and enjoy views of Aoraki Mt Cook.

With cooking areas, shower facilities, and plenty of room for beach games, it's a location that caters to both comfort and fun. The bay's calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding and other water activities.

Venturing beyond the campsite, you can explore the Tasman Great Taste Trail, a cycle trail offering stunning views of beaches, orchards, and art galleries. There are also charming eateries nearby like The Mussel Inn for a satisfying meal.

Image: Miles Holden

Curioscape, Southland

Located in the heart of the South Island’s Catlins region, Curio Bay Campground is a family camping gem with 20 powered and 100 non-powered sites. Lucky campers may spot rare Hector’s dolphins and New Zealand sea lions at the nearby beach. The campsite has an amenities building housing a full kitchen and dining space, laundry facilities, and showers. If you need to stock up on essentials, just pop into the campground's onsite shop.

There’s plenty to do and see nearby too including a visit to stunning waterfalls like McLean and Purakaunui Falls. The Curio Bay Natural Heritage Centre is a treasure trove of regional information, perfect for families keen to learn about the area's unique wildlife and geology.

Mavora Lakes Campsite, Southland

Tucked away amidst the vast landscapes of Southland, Mavora Lakes Campsite offers an unforgettable family camping experience. Its pristine lakes provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking, ensuring an exciting stay for the entire family. The campsite offers essential facilities including toilets and picnic tables. While there are no shops or cafes nearby, the sense of remoteness and connection with nature is part of the allure.

Nearby, keen cyclists can explore the Te Araroa trail, promising stunning views of the everchanging Southland scenery. For Lord of the Rings fans, North Mavora Lake was a filming location for the epic series, adding an extra dash of excitement to your New Zealand road trip.

Honourable mentions

While the campsites listed above are truly exceptional, a couple of other spots also deserve a nod.

Lake Tutira Campsite, nestled on the shores of Hawke’s Bay’s tranquil Lake Tutira, offers a soothing environment for family camping. The site offers picnic tables and barbecue pits, ensuring a lovely place for a family gathering amidst nature.

Equally enchanting is Otamure Bay (Whananaki) Campsite, located on Northland's east coast. Here, you'll find well-maintained facilities including a playground, showers, and kitchen facilities, catering to all the basic needs of a family on a campervan road trip. Its proximity to a stunning white sandy beach promises countless hours of fun for the little ones.

Ready to Explore New Zealand?

Exploring New Zealand's stunning landscapes and diverse regions via campervan is a brilliant way to create lasting memories with your family. Each campsite offers a unique set of attractions, from vibrant wildlife to breathtaking views, fostering a sense of adventure and curiosity in your family travels.

Ready to discover some of these fantastic campsites for yourself? Take the first step and book your Apollo campervan online today. Pick up your camper from your nearest Apollo branch and get ready for the New Zealand road trip of a lifetime. We can't wait to see where your adventure takes you.

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Popular Wellington & Wairarapa road trips & itineraries

Positioned at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington and the Wairarapa region are perfectly placed for unforgettable road trips. Starting from Wellington, you can easily navigate your way through the scenic routes that lead to the Wairarapa, where vineyards, coastlines, and quaint towns await. Whether you're coming from the North Island's urban centres or making the crossing from the South Island, these regions offer fantastic campervan road trip experiences with a variety of itineraries to suit every traveller’s taste. Here are a few worth checking out:

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Wellington takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura. This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward, including crossing the Cook Strait by ferry. You may even like to plan an epic road trip and continue on to Auckland. You can arrange to drop off your camper at any of our three branches.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Wellington? The beauty of a campervan trip is that you can stop when you need to, change your route, or take a detour if you spot a signpost pointing to something you’d like to see.