This journey’s all about the East Coast of the North Island with a return leg that takes you through the middle.

You’ll start in the country’s biggest and most happening city, Auckland, then head East through the Coromandel, down to Gisborne and Napier then back through the big lake in the middle of the island – Lake Taupo. Keep your camera at the ready and don’t be afraid of taking a dip in a roadside river or untouched beach.

Location start and finish:

Auckland to Gisborne

Time Recommended:

5-7 days

Key Locations:

Auckland, Napier, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisbourne

So we start in Auckland. A quick heads up about the AK – nearly half of the country live here. It’s a massive contrast to the rest of the country with its suburbs and CBD.

There’s a lot of fun to be had in this big little city though. A trip out west to see the rugged West Coastblack sand beaches of Piha, Karekare, Bethells or Muriwai is a must.

The central city offers water front good times with bars, restaurants and ferries to Waiheke – an island paradise with sumptuous vineyards. Drive over the magnificent Harbour Bridge to the North Shore too – you’ll see a cracking view of the city and get to visit some beautiful suburban beaches.

If you can pull yourself away from the City of Sails then head south east to the Coromandel Peninsula. Driving through Thames will let you experience the sunny, Pohutukawa tree lined coast – stop off for an ocean swim whenever you feel like it to freshen up. Once you’re at the Coromandel the options for beach adventures are endless.

New Chums, one of the world’s top rated beaches, can be found if you make the trek over from Whangapoua. There’s also the pristine beauty of Cathedral Cove near Hahei and the natural warm water beach pools of Hot Water beach. Get exploring and spend a couple of days at your favourite.

From the Coromandel we reckon get driving down the coast and don’t stop til Opotiki. Here you can slow down and enjoy a gentler pace of life. Again, there’s a stunning beach with some decent waves on the right swell. You might want to try and catch your dinner too, Opotiki is a great fishing spot.

Next you’re going to put your campervan through its paces through navigating the infamous Waioeka Gorge. This stunning piece of State Highway 2 lets you follow a river rapid on the way to Gisborne. Gizzy’s a stunning coastal NZ town that boasts some of the best waves and grapes in the country.

If wine or surfing isn’t your thing you can always hurl yourself down the natural rock slide on a body board or relax next to the river that runs through the central city.

We reckon head down the coast to Napier.

The Art Deco capital of the world is a timeless treat. The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is worth a drive and again, this is a region where you’re mad if you don’t try a glass of the local wine. The Church Road vineyard is well worth a visit to soak in the history and a stunning Pinot Noir. If you’re around on a Saturday stock up the van with some of the local produce at the Napier farmers’ market.

From Napier we head to Taupo.

The giant lake is actually a huge volcano – but don’t worry it hasn’t erupted since 181 AD! There’s a cute little lakeside town to check out before you hit the slopes of Mt Ruapehu or get smashed about in the Huka Falls or take a cruise round the lake. If you’re up for a trekking adventure then make sure you give the Tongariro Crossing a go. There’s even more adventure to be had if you set off across the alpine region and the central plateau. Make sure you give the lakeside hole-in-one challenge a go too!

Rotorua’s next on our inland journey.

You’ll smell Rotorua before you see it. The place has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity so there’s plenty of natural geysers mud pools and hot springs. Make sure you take a trip out to Kerosene creak too and get a swim in the naturally warm river that’s just a little bit off the beaten tourist track. The local Maori culture of the city can offer loads of cultural experiences. You’ll want to try a feast of the local cuisines from a steaming pit known as a Hangi.

FAQs

Take a few of minutes and browse through the most asked questions. If the answer you need isn’t in here, send us an email at info@luckyrentals.co.nz and we’ll take care of it.

Lucky Rentals FAQ

How and when should I make my booking?

Can I drive on unsealed roads? Are there any roads I can’t drive on?

What is the safe travel speed for driving the campervans?

Do you supply a list of campgrounds around New Zealand?

What is your Reservation Policy?

What do you mean by calendar days when we book?

How old do I need to be to drive a campervan?

Why do I have to include my credit card number?

Do I have to pay for extra diesel / road tax?

I have submitted my booking form and credit card – what happens now?

How much water do I have on board?

How can I amend or cancel my booking?

Is there a minimum hire period?

Can I park and sleep in the campervan wherever I want, or do I have to stay in a campground?

Where are your offices located?

Can I Freedom Camp in a campervan?

Can a child seat be fitted to the campervan?

Can you deliver a vehicle to our hotel/motel?

How long does the LPG last?

What happens if I have an accident and it’s not my fault?

Do I have to pay the bond? How do I get my bond refunded?

Which credit card types do you accept?

What licence do I need to drive a Lucky Rentals camper?

What do the Excess reduction options cover?

If I have an accident and I am at fault, will I lose my entire excess?

Can I drive as much as I want? Are there any restrictions on kilometers?

Do I get a discount for multiple rentals?

What is different about driving in New Zealand?

How long will my batteries last?

Is it safe to use my credit card?

What type of transmission do your campers have? Automatic or manual?

Can I pay for my hire with a debit card?

Can I hire on my Restricted or P Plate licence?

Do I have to pre-book camping parks?

I have travel insurance, which covers damage to the vehicle. Do I need to pay the vehicle insurance as well?

Is there a refund if I shorten my hire while on holiday?

Is there heating in the vehicle?

Where is Lucky Rentals based? How can I find Lucky Rentals?

Do I need snow chains in New Zealand?

What currency will my credit card be charged?

What living and cooking equipment is included with the vehicles?

How do I collect my vehicle?

Can I pick up after hours?

Do I have to pre-book the ferry service across Cook Strait (between the South and North Island)?

Is there a fee for one-way hires?

What happens if my cmaper breaksdown or I need assistance during my holiday?

Do you offer a zero ($nil) excess?

Am I covered for windscreens and tyres?

I cannot afford NZ$45 per day, are there any other excess reduction options?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Can I have more than one driver?

Can I take the camper on the ferry between the North and South Islands?

What’s not included in my daily rate?

Can I travel with children?

Can I bring my pet?

What if I return my camper late?

Can I get a refund if I return early?

What fuel do the campervans use?

Where can I find your Terms & Conditions?

Who offers the cheapest rates for campervan hire in New Zealand?

Does Lucky Rentals offer a price beat promise?