5 things I thought I'd hate about campervan travel (and what actually happened)
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Apollo motorhome driving nearby Auckland, New Zealand

Motorhome and Campervan Hire Auckland

Please proceed to our new location at 470 Oruarangi Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022.

There is no better place to start your New Zealand road trip adventure than in Auckland, the country’s largest city and the gateway to the North Island. Though it’s known as the entrance to many of the North island’s destinations, this metropolis is a popular destination all on its own. Explore Auckland with visits to the museums for Māori cultural performances, to the Auckland Zoo to get in touch with the local wildlife, and to many other landmarks, all perfect for a day out with the family. Whether visiting Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf to bask in the scenic beauty, or venturing up to the Sky Tower for a heart-stopping bungee jump, there are many activities to enjoy on your Auckland campervan holiday.

 

Auckland Transfer Information:

The thl dedicated shuttle is operated by The Yellow Bus company and runs daily, with the first pick-up at 8am from the airport terminals. The shuttle runs approximately every 30mins. The last airport pick-up of the day will be at 4:10pm from the Domestic Terminal and 4:17pm from the International Terminal, with the last pick-up from the thl Auckland branch going back to the airport at 4:30pm. Look for the bus with the maui, Apollo, Britz, Mighty, Cheapa & Hippie logos on it. Phone number for The Yellow Bus company, should you need it is +64 9 917 5176.

If you’re flying into Auckland airport, Domestic Terminal: Exit the terminal at Door 3, turn right and follow the edge of the building to The Yellow Bus and Park & Ride bus top. Refer to the attached map and follow the pink line.

If you’re flying into Auckland airport, International Terminal: Exit the terminal at Door 4, walk across the pedestrian crossing and into the Transport Hub. Our shuttle pick-up is in the first row at “Bus Stop D”. Refer to the attached map and follow the pink line.

If you're travelling by car: There is secure parking available at the airport. Visit the Auckland Airport website for more information.

 

Looking for campervan rental in Auckland?

For the campervans Auckland travellers love, choose Apollo! Leave Auckland from any direction in your campervan, and you will find more of what the North Island has to offer! Visiting Northland and the Bay of Islands will provide splendid opportunities to see dolphins up close. The relaxing beaches and spas of The Coromandel are truly worth the scenic road trip, as are Hamilton and Waikato, with stunning beaches, nature reserves and the famous Hobbiton; the movie set where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot. While you’re there, don't miss the thermal mud pools of Rotorua, and Lake Taupo, which offers beautiful clear waters and stunning stargazing by night.

Explore ethereal landscapes and majestic scenery, and be immersed in unique Māori and modern culture with a self-drive adventure in a campervan or motorhome hired from Apollo Motorhome Holidays. If you’re visiting from the South Island, we have a branch there too. Apollo has you covered for campervan hire from Auckland to Christchurch.

Campervan hire Auckland Airport: Guests will need to arrange their own way to and from the airport to our branches in Auckland and Christchurch.

Auckland Branch

  • Address:
    470 Oruarangi Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022.
  • Opening Hours:
    Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4:30pm
  • Telephone:
    0800 845 222
  • Distance from City:
    20kms / 12.43 Miles
  • Taxi Fare City:
    NZD $95 Approx
  • Distance from Airport:
    6.3kms / 3.9 miles
  • Taxi Fare Airport:
    NZD $25 Approx
  • Closed Days:

    All branches are closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec). 

What to do on your campervan road trip?

 

The beautiful legends of New Zealand and the inception of its two main islands are told as part of the traditional Māori people, who settled in the country long before the Europeans first arrived. According to the Māori, the North Islands were formed after the brothers of Māui, a demigod, fought over a great fish that he pulled from the sea. The fish was chopped into pieces, creating what is now known to be Te Ika-a-Māui, the traditional name of the island group. Though the tales may only be myth, the breathtaking beauty of the North Island is definitely not.

Auckland City

The North Island of New Zealand has endless opportunities for adventure, beauty and wonder. However, we think the perfect place to start is Auckland, where you’ll be picking up your Apollo motorhome or campervan. Although surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Island, Auckland itself has an array of fantastic tourist activities sure to keep everyone entertained, from food and music to art and culture. So, after setting off from our Auckland branch location, why not stop in at a few of the city's best sites and attractions.

Sky Tower

Piercing Auckland’s skyline, the Sky Tower is known for its panoramic views of the city, bay area and surrounding landscape. Standing at 300 metres high, it is the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as stunning views, the Sky Tower also offers gift shops, world-class restaurants and a heart-stopping bungee jump which starts at 192m above the streets below. 

Auckland Museum

Step back in time and discover the rich history of Maori and Pacific Islander culture. With extensive cultural, military and natural history collections, the Auckland Museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s story. Located within a historical building and surrounded by tranquil parkland, it’s the perfect day trip for the whole family. 

Mount Eden

Walk up Auckland’s highest volcanic peak for stunning views of the Auckland CBD and harbour. You can observe the crater in the centre of the mountain, which is now covered in grass. 

Tapapakanga Regional Park

Operated by the Auckland City Council, the Tapapakanga Regional Park is a scenic coastal farm park about an hour’s drive east of Auckland. Perfect for a relaxing start to your NZ road trip, park up at your beach-side campsite, and watch the sunset over the rolling landscape behind you. 

Touring the North Island

Travelling out of Auckland in your Apollo campervan, you are spoiled for choice. From forests, beaches, rolling hills, and wild rivers, which area of natural beauty should you visit first? 

The Northern Tip

Travelling north of the city, you will reach the world-renowned Bay of Islands. From there, drive as far as you can to arrive at Cape Reinga, the northernmost point on mainland New Zealand. Along the way you will encounter cute little towns, rural charm and gorgeous coastal scenes.

Heading South

South of Auckland, there are many different paths you can take. If you’re feeling in need of some sea air, make a beeline for the Bay of Plenty or Coromandel Peninsula. A trip inland will likely guide you to lakes and thermal environments of Taupo and Rotorua.

Wild West Coast

If dramatic, rugged scenes are what you crave, the west coast of the North Island is perfect for you. Let the wind whip through your hair as you stand over the craggy cliffs or paddle out on one of the many surf beaches. Dotted with national parks, limestone caves and even a volcanic mountain, let the west coast captivate you with its natural beauty.

East Coast Adventure

Known as the ‘Sunshine Capital’, Napier and surrounding regions are home to world-class vineyards and a wonderful collection of art-deco architecture. Get a bit of culture in you and stroll the streets of Napier on a self-guided ‘Art-Deco walk’, designed by the Art-Deco Trust. 

Things to do in Auckland

Alyssa Tresider
/ Categories: NZ blog

5 things I thought I'd hate about campervan travel (and what actually happened)

Katie Hurst has spent years exploring New Zealand by campervan and knows that first-time campervan road trips come with plenty of questions. In this blog, she reflects on her own early doubts – from driving worries to sleeping in a small space – and shares what actually happened once she hit the road. If you're on the fence about hiring a campervan, her honest take might just give you the nudge you need. 

I’ll admit it – when I booked my first campervan hire, I was curious but cautious. I loved the idea of the open road, waking up beside lakes and beaches, and setting my own pace. But I also had questions. Was I really going to be comfortable living out of a compact mobile space for a week? Would I sleep well? Would I even be able to drive the thing? 

Social media makes van life look effortlessly idyllic – morning coffee with mountain views, perfectly parked vans in remote bays, and people who somehow look fresh after days without a proper bathroom. It’s inspiring, but it also sets the bar high. 

So I went into that first trip with a mix of excitement and hesitation. And what I found was that the things I worried about most weren’t problems at all. Here are five things I thought I’d struggle with – and the unexpected ways they turned out to be highlights. 

 

I thought I'd hate the lack of space and privacy

Expectation: 
Before the trip, I was genuinely unsure how two people (plus all our stuff) were going to live comfortably in a campervan for a week. I imagined it feeling cramped and chaotic – like sharing a tent, but with a fridge and wheels. I worried about bumping into each other constantly, having no personal space, and nowhere to retreat when I needed a moment alone. The idea of always being ‘on’ didn’t sound very relaxing. 

Reality: 
The reality was completely different. I was surprised by how cleverly designed our campervan was – everything had its place, and the layout made it feel much more spacious than I expected. Comfy seats, smart storage, and even the option to set up an awning outside gave us flexibility and room to breathe. We naturally fell into a rhythm: outside during the day, winding down inside in the evenings. New Zealand’s incredible landscapes quickly became our lounge, dining room, and reading nook all in one. 

Having our own bathroom on board made a huge difference too – not just for comfort, but for privacy. Most Apollo vehicles in New Zealand come with a bathroom, which means no dashing across a campsite in the middle of the night or awkwardly queueing in jandals. And for downtime? Curtains or window coverings helped us feel like we had our own little sanctuary, even when parked near others. 

Top tip: 
If you’re travelling with someone, build in little pockets of solo time – like taking a walk while the other cooks dinner, or listening to music with headphones while parked up for the night. It’s amazing how even 20 minutes of ‘me time’ makes the shared space feel easier. 

 

I thought driving a big vehicle would be stressful

Expectation: 
Before the trip, I was more nervous about the driving than I wanted to admit. I hadn’t driven anything bigger than a hatchback, so the idea of handling a campervan – especially on narrow rural roads or in busy towns – felt pretty intimidating. I worried about scraping it on something, holding up traffic, or just feeling completely out of my depth behind the wheel. And then there was the thought of long stretches of highway driving and how tiring that might be. 

Reality: 
Turns out, campervans are much easier to drive than I expected. After a quick practice run around the block, I felt surprisingly confident. Most Apollo rentals include a full walkthrough before you hit the road, with tips on how to manage the size, use the mirrors, and reverse safely (mine even had a reverse camera – lifesaver). 

Outside of major cities, New Zealand roads are generally quiet – especially midweek or outside peak season – and we found the slower pace actually made the whole trip feel more relaxed. There were heaps of places to pull over, take breaks, and snap photos, which broke up the driving nicely. 

Auto-transmission also helped keep things simple, and before long, I wasn’t even thinking about the size of the vehicle anymore. The road trip became less about the logistics and more about the journey (that one use of the word – promise!). 

READ MORE: Is it hard to drive a campervan in NZ? 

 

I was dreading finding overnight parking

Expectation: 
Before the trip, I pictured myself aimlessly driving around at dusk, tired and hangry, desperately trying to find a legal and safe spot to park. I’d heard all the cautionary tales – fines for parking in the wrong place, being moved on in the middle of the night, or ending up squished in a carpark next to a noisy highway. I assumed overnight parking would be one of the most stressful parts of the whole campervan experience. 

Reality: 
It turned out to be one of the easiest. Between Apollo’s helpful guides and using the thl Roadtrip app, I had plenty of options at my fingertips – from well-equipped holiday parks to peaceful DOC campgrounds, and even some free campsites with million-dollar views. 

In peak season, I’d book a night or two in advance, especially in popular areas, but outside the busy periods, we were able to stay flexible and plan as we went. It actually became something I looked forward to each afternoon – checking the app, choosing a spot that suited our mood (beach? forest? lakefront?), and knowing we had everything we needed with us. 

 

I expected to sleep poorly and miss the comforts of home 

Expectation: 
I’ll be honest – I didn’t have high hopes for sleep. I pictured a thin, fold-out mattress, strange campsite noises, light pouring in at sunrise, and a general sense of discomfort. I expected to miss my bed, my couch, even my kitchen. Basically, all the familiar little things that make home feel like home. 

Reality: 
I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable the bed was. Many motorhomes – including ours – come with proper mattresses and blackout blinds, which made a big difference. I slept better than I expected, often lulled to sleep by the sounds of a nearby river or waves in the distance. 

It helped that we brought a few creature comforts – a soft blanket from home, cosy PJs, and my favourite pillow. Those small touches turned the camper into something that felt more personal and relaxing. Evenings were slower and simpler – a book, a chat, maybe some stargazing – and without all the usual distractions, I actually found I slept more deeply than I had in weeks. 

Top tip: 
Pack like you’re going on a comfy weekend away – not a survival mission. A couple of familiar items from home can go a long way in making your camper feel like your own little retreat on wheels. Bonus: nothing beats making your morning coffee with a lake view. 

 

I thought I’d struggle with keeping the temperature comfortable

Expectation: 
This was a big one for me. I was sure I’d be freezing at night or overheating during the day – maybe both in the same 24 hours. I imagined a stuffy little space that held onto heat in summer and turned icy as soon as the sun disappeared. I’d heard stories of condensation dripping from the ceiling and waking up with cold feet and a foggy camper. 

Reality: 
What I didn’t realise was how well-equipped modern campervans actually are. Ours had a built-in diesel heater that kept things toasty, even during a frosty morning in the mountains. And on warmer days, we opened the windows for airflow and used the insect screens to keep things fresh without letting the bugs in. Some campervans also come with a shade awning, which makes a huge difference on sunny afternoons. 

We also picked a season that worked for us – spring – which meant mild days and crisp, clear nights. Layering clothes, parking in the right spot, and taking advantage of campsite amenities (hello hot showers and shared kitchens) made it all feel easy and comfortable. 

Top tip: 
If you’re worried about temperature, check whether your camper comes with heating and good ventilation before you book. A few smart adjustments – and knowing when to throw on an extra layer – made the whole experience much more enjoyable and helped us settle into the natural rhythm of life on the road. 

 

The final verdict

Looking back, most of the things I was worried about never really happened – or if they did, they were far less of a big deal than I’d imagined. The space felt comfortable, driving wasn’t stressful, and I slept better than I do at home some nights. What I thought would be challenges ended up being part of what made the trip so memorable. 

Hiring a campervan turned out to be one of the best travel decisions I’ve made. It gave me a new sense of confidence, connected me with nature in a way that no hotel ever could, and created the kind of memories that stick with you long after the trip ends – early morning swims, quiet evenings under the stars, and the joy of changing plans on a whim. 

If you’re on the fence about giving campervan travel a go, I say do it. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a full-blown New Zealand road trip, the flexibility is part of the magic. The route might change, the weather might surprise you, but the journey? Always worth it. 

 

Ready to give it a go?

If you’ve been wondering whether campervan travel is really for you, hopefully this has shown that it’s not just doable – it’s one of the most rewarding ways to see New Zealand. Whether you're planning a short escape or a longer road trip, it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stay closer to nature, and make the journey just as memorable as the destination. Book your Apollo campervan online today and start planning your own roadie – you might be surprised by how quickly the open road wins you over. 

 

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Where to stay in Auckland with your campervan

 

The Auckland region and surrounding North Island are perfect for your motorhome or campervan journey. The area is packed full of motorhome-friendly holiday parks that can provide power and security while offering amazing views. There will often be a holiday park close to popular towns and tourist spots so you can enjoy everything Auckland has to offer.

Holiday parks can supply powered and non-powered sites for campervans and motorhomes, as well as tents and caravans. They may offer multiple recreational amenities like heated swimming pools, trampolines and barbeque facilities. 

For inspiration, check out these world-class tourist areas which cater to motorhomes and campervans:

The Shakespear Regional Park - Situated north of Auckland, this beautiful spot offers beautiful views of Te Haruhi Bay, with three main walking tracks for you to enjoy.

Whatuwhiwhi Holiday Park - Perfect for a beach-side getaway, this spot is great for accessing the pristine Perihepe Beach. Enjoy an array of activities in the area, like fishing, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding. 

Kauri Coast Holiday Park - Located on two hectares of stunning native parkland, the Kauri Coast is a great launching point for seeing the natural wonders of the west coast. Visit the nearby Waipoua Forest, Kauri Park or stroll along the beaches at Maunganui Bluff.

New Zealand is also a free camping nation which means you can park and stay the night in designated areas, as long as you're respectful of others and the environment. Freedom camping is a great option for cheap campervan hire, but it is only allowed for certified self-contained vehicles. This means it must have an on-board toilet, shower and waste disposal facilities.

For more information about free camping in your campervan rental, Auckland City Council has provided detailed rules and regulations for staying in the city.

Why choose Apollo for campervan and motorhome hire in Auckland?

 

Apollo has been a leading brand for premium quality motorhome and campervan rentals since 1985. Our entire campervan fleet is designed and custom built by expert RV manufacturers, who understand New Zealand’s unique climate and terrain. Fitted with quality appliances and furnishings, we can ensure you all the comforts from home when you’re on the road.

Contact our Apollo Motorhomes Reservations team and speak to one of our dedicated team members today. You can also browse through our range of campervans and motorhomes online now and start planning your ultimate Auckland road trip.

Nearest Campsite

Ambury Farm

43 Ambury Road, Mangere Bridge

Auckland 2022

(6.9km from branch)

Apollo campervan filling up at petrol station

Nearest Fuel Station

Mobil Mangere

747 Massey Road, Mangere

Auckland 2022

(2.1km from branch)

Family cooking in Apollo motorhome

Nearest Supermarket

PaknSave Mangere

44 Orly Avenue, Mangere

Aucckland 2022

(4.2km from branch)

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