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Perched on the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand's largest city. With a sunny climate for most of the year, you'll be set up with the perfect environment to explore the incredible food, wine, and shopping scene as you discover the largest and most diverse city in New Zealand. With so many experiences nearby, Auckland is the perfect place to experience campervan travel.
With easy access to the top of the North Island as well as the Coromandel and central North Island, Auckland makes for an ideal destination to kick off your campervan road trip in New Zealand. Choose to head toward Northland to discover magical coastlines and pristine beaches, or head south to discover the adventure-packed, geothermal region in Rotorua and Taupo.
Auckland Must Do's
Auckland Campervan Road Trips
Auckland Travel Tips & Inspiration
Things To Do in Auckland
Goat Island, the local name for Cape Rodney/Okakari Point Marine Reserve, was the first marine reserve in New Zealand. The best way to experience this slice of paradise and its inhabitants is by getting straight into the water. With a mask and a snorkel explore close to shore, while more experienced divers can venture a little further out. Marvel at the collection of colourful fish and marine life.
As well as exploring underwater, back on land explore two coastal walkways that will take you from Goat Island through forest to epic sweeping views, as well as some quiet spots to slip away for an afternoon nap or a picnic. Rain or shine there are a collection of activities to keep the whole family amused like learning about marine science, visiting a reptile park, taking a glass-bottom boat trip, or kayaking.
Auckland's wild west is renowned for its rugged yet striking beauty. Where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes onto a collection of massive black sand beaches. Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Te Henga, and Muriwai Beaches all hold a remote, natural beauty that is a must-see on any Auckland road trip. Be transported to another world as you explore these beaches in all their glory.
Less than an hour's drive out of the city centre, these beaches are ideal for a day trip of exploring. Whether you want to get straight into the wild seas for a spot of surfing, explore the various walking tracks, or just park up for a picnic to admire the unparalleled scenery, be sure to include a visit to Auckland's wild west in your itinerary.
Known for its beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards, local arts scene and picturesque village with an epic farmers market, Matakana makes for a perfect weekend road trip destination. This foodie's haven is only an hour's drive north of Auckland and is close to an epic collection of pristine east coast beaches. Enjoy a wine-tasting tour at one of the numerous local wineries, graze on a gourmet lunch and peruse the local markets offering home-grown delicacies and local artisanal flavours before heading further north to relax at an east coast beach for the afternoon.
Explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum and discover more than a thousand Māori taonga (treasures), the largest collection in the world. From small precious artefacts to a full-sized original marae and waka, be transported to a fascinating glimpse into early Māori culture in New Zealand. With a range of incredible galleries spread out over three stories, the Auckland Museum is an incredible space to spend the day learning about natural history, warfare, Māori history, and child-friendly spaces for the kids.
New Zealand's Auckland region is covered with 48 volcano cones, providing sweeping views of the city and surrounding harbour. Many are covered by lush parkland, making them the perfect place for a picnic.
Showcasing the best of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, including the highest and largest volcano in the region, the Sunset Tour to Rangitoto Island is a bucket list item if you're exploring Auckland. Set out across the harbour and marvel at the panoramic views of the sun setting over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. Once you've made it over to Rangitoto wharf, embark on a one-hour trek to the summit, stopping at spectacular historical sites along the way. Once you get to the top, admire the incredible 360 views of Auckland on offer before returning to the water's edge to tuck into a kiwi-style barbecue.
Auckland is a paradise for those who like shopping. With everything from top-end designers to open-air street markets on offer, you're bound to find something perfect for you after perusing the streets of Auckland. Home to an epic café and restaurant scene, be sure to include some fine dining in your itinerary before experiencing the buzzing nightlife of central Auckland. The top places to visit are Britomart, City Works Depot, Wynyard Quarter, and the Viaduct Harbour.
Britz Campervan Branches
Auckland
Pick up your campervan from our Auckland branch and explore the wealth of wild places to visit, such as ruggest west coast beaches and the island of Rangitoto. Head North for a classic New Zealand road trip that's full of seaside scenery as you head to highlights like the Bay of Islands in Northland. Or if you're looking for an adventure packed holiday, head south to explore the central North Island.
Christchurch
The drive from the upper North Island to Christchurch offers a few different paths. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland, stopping in at highlights of the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Taupo before heading to the capital of Wellington and jumping on the Interislander across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Our Christchurch branch is then a 4 and a half hour drive down the east coast. The perfect road trip if you're looking to see as much of New Zealand as you can in one trip.
Queenstown
New Zealand's renowned adventure playground, Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round alpine resort. With somany activities and natural delights to choose from, no campervan trip is complete without a visit to this hot spot. Although a long drive from the upper North Island, taking some extra time to explore all the pockets and highlights along the way, you're bound to discover more of New Zealand than ever before.
Helpful Tips For Visiting Auckland
Climate and Seasons in Auckland
Auckland enjoys a warm coastal climate without extreme temperatures all year round. Summer in Auckland stretches from December to February, Autumn is from March to May, Winter is from June to August and Spring is from September to November. January and February are the hottest months, with daily temperatures averaging around 23 degrees, with July and August being the coldest months at around 14 degrees.
Nearby attractions and day trips from Auckland
Tawharanui Regional Park
One of north Auckland's best-kept secrets, Tawharanui Regional Park is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the region. Previously a private farm, the Tawharanui Regional Park covers the end of a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy beach on the northern side is labelled one of the best swimming and surfing spots in Auckland. Enjoy a picnic on the grassed areas above the beach against a backdrop of some of the region's most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, and native coastal forest.
Pakiri Beach
Covering a wide stretch of pristine coastline to the southeast of Wellsford, you will find Pakiri. Perfect for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and fishing, this beach playground location is made to enjoy by all with its abundant beach activities. While the beach stretches long enough for you to get your steps in, exploring Pakiri's Regional Park will offer you some incredible views from up high.
Tapapakanga Regional Park
A beautiful coastal farm park, Tapapakanga is home to a rich Māori and European history and is home to an accessible, Pohutukawa-edged beach on the western shores of the Firth of Thames. An easy hour's drive from our Auckland depot, a visit to this regional park will provide you with a peaceful escape to nature from the city. The highlight of this spot is the bay itself, sheltered from the elements, it is perfect for swimming and fishing and is surrounded by lots of space for the kids to get out and stretch their legs.
What to pack
Auckland doesn't experience extreme temperatures, but the weather can change quickly so it's important to ensure you have all your bases covered. In summer you may be wearing shorts and a T-shirt most of the time but be sure to pack a warm layer on the chance the weather turns cooler. Whatever the season, bring a light rainproof jacket, in case of the odd shower. If you're in Auckland between May and September, be prepared for cooler temperatures by bringing layers and a hat and gloves.