Campervan Road trip from Auckland to Tauranga | News
Planning a campervan road trip from Auckland can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not sure where you want to go or what you want to see. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated because you’re not sure where to turn or who to trust. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! Our Auckland to Tauranga road trip is the perfect 240km route that allows you to make the most of a relatively short trip, seeing all the beautiful sights up close with unique spots that other road trippers would normally miss!
1. Pokeno
Start in Pokeno, a beautiful town in the Waikato region. There are plenty of beautiful views, places to eat and a weekly market you won’t want to miss. Their Sunday Franklin Markets are home to over 70 stalls selling food, drinks, arts and crafts, so you can fuel up for the next part of your trip and pick up some souvenirs.
While stopping here, take some time to explore the Mt William Walkway, a scenic path that takes you through the Mount William Scenic Reserve, with stunning peaks and breathtaking views of Auckland. We also recommend going to Poekno Waterfall, known as Leathams Stream Waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, this hidden gem is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. You can reach it quickly from a nearby parking lot, allowing you to make a final stop there before hitting the road again.
2. Ngatea
Ngatea is a lovely town in the Hauraki Plain, full of shops, restaurants and various accommodation options. There are plenty of parks where young children can stretch their legs, such as Pioneer Park. If you’re in Ngatea, we recommend the Ngatea Water Gardens, where you can wander the beautiful paths and stumble across bridges, waterfalls, lily ponds and local wildlife.
Miranda Hot Springs is also worth a visit, where you can enjoy the warmth of spring in an adults-only pool. There is a swimming pool for children and a playground, so everyone can have fun. You can even enjoy a barbecue here or get something tasty in the café.
3. Waihi
Waihi is a fantastic place to stop, where you can enjoy New Zealand’s gold mining hotspot and where adventure meets history. The Gold Discovery Center is the perfect place to learn more about the town’s history, along with the mining pit or the vintage Godfields railway. An excellent activity for all the family, the Vintage Railway takes you through the landscapes between Waihi and Waikino, where you can learn about its rich history. Besides the gold mine, there is much more, including Waihi Beach, a 9 kilometer long stretch of beautiful sand.
It’s the perfect place to surf, relax or enjoy fish and chips by the sea. If you’re looking for water spots, Anzac Bay and Bowentown are great places for kayaking, surfing or fishing. If you’d rather stretch your legs after driving, we recommend Orokawa Ba and William Wright Falls, where you can slip into nature and enjoy breathtaking views.
4. Katikati
Katikati is the perfect place to stop if you want to appreciate some art and relax for a while. Known as the mural city of New Zealand, there are hundreds of works of art for you to enjoy, along with the living art gallery and beautiful plants that make the area even more beautiful. Take some time to enjoy the Haiku Pathway, the largest collection of haikus outside Japan, and add some poetry to your picturesque journey.
While in Katikati, head to the Arts Junction where you can see more than 76 works of art that tell the past of the area or of the artist. Here you can enjoy the Kaiku trail and there is a Bird Walk for bird watching. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails so you can stretch your legs.
The Katikati Bird Gardens are also worth a visit if you want to relax. You can walk through these gardens and enjoy the peace, nature and the hundreds of bird species that live here.
5. Omokoroa
Your last stop before Tauranaga is Omokoroa, a little treasure in the Bay of Plenty waiting for you to explore. Spend some time walking along picturesque paths, or if you’ve taken your bike, there are plenty of cycle paths to explore. We recommend Omokoroa Domain for a quiet haven and a peach, or the golf club if you want to play 18 holes with miles of scenic views.
Rent a camper today for your road trip from Auckland to Tauranga
Before you head out on your trip to Tauranga, make sure you have the perfect vehicle, such as a campervan, to provide you with comfort during your journey. We recommend renting one from Travelers Autobarn, which rents nationwide, for easy pick-up and return without high prices. Why not enjoy one Travelers Autobarn camper from Auckland and ensure that you travel in comfort and style?
