Time is precious, so beginning your next New Zealand road trip in the one of the most scenic places in New Zealand is a great start! The Bay of Plenty is a playground of serene coastlines, soft sandy shores and inviting beachside towns. It’s the perfect mix of rural New Zealand and waterfront gems. Camplify have campervans and caravans available for rent everywhere in the region from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui to Ohope and Waihī Beach. Whether it’s a bustling hub or a small township, van owners have listed their beloved holiday makers on Camplify, so other keen travellers can experience the joy of a campervan road trip. Arrange pick up’s direct with the owner, get a complete run down of how the van works and ask for insiders tips and tricks for travel in the area. Start your road trip from one of these top Bay of Plenty spots, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for campervans to hire.
1. Tauranga
The largest city in the mighty Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a hub for holidaymakers. Keep busy with water activities like fishing and swimming, or keep the pace slow and explore their top dining spots. Luxury motorhomes like Kiwi Comforts are available for hire on Camplify in Tauranga. Stock up on supplies at a local supermarket and settle in well thanks to ample storage in this van. Check out the historic suburb of Gate Pā in Tauranga, and venture to Papamoa Beach for some pristine shorelines and great cafes. From here, the rest of the region is at your fingertips!
Browse more vans to hire in Tauranga here.
2. Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui is known for its laid-back beach vibe and the Mauao Summit walk. With an esplanade of ice cream shops, cafes and apartments, it’s a holiday destination that is loved by many. ‘The Mount’ is a relaxed summer spot, and campervans for hire in the area like Valerie reflect this. Valerie the camper opens up at the rear giving you uninterrupted views of the beach, and an interior that feels coastal and fresh. Her shorter wheelbase makes her easy to park up whenever the feeling strikes. Set up the camping table and chairs and soak in that Bay of Plenty sunshine. Hiring a camper from ‘the Mount’ means you can start and end your journey right in front of the main beach at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park. Convenient and picturesque; you’ll get a good dose of van life here.
3. Papamoa
Explore the 16 km of white sandy shoreline in Papamoa, a Tauranga suburb that is a destination in its own right. As with many Bay of Plenty spots, Papamoa is a great surf spot, and campers for hire in the area suit this lifestyle. Hire the Surfer’s Adventure Van for a well-equipped van that sleeps two, plus four – eight surfboards! Decked out for the ultimate beach town adventure, you’ll be able to take everything from mountain bikes to a dirt bike! The Swift Kontiki 669 allows for a little more space and comfort, with a fixed bed and designated dining area.
If you’re ready to tow, check out Mac the 6 Bertha caravan, ready for hire in the beautiful Papamoa. Tusk the Camper is for adventurous souls. This compact camper trailer boasts a double bed and great cooking facilities, plus a pull-out awning to expand your living quarters. If Papamoa is not just your starting point but your final destination, retro caravan Concord Sally can be set up in Papamoa by the owners, awaiting your arrival. You’ll find everything you need near Papamoa Beach for a great holiday, including trendy dining spots like The Island and Beach Bar.
4. Katikati
Katikati is a wholesome rural town that introduces you to the Bay of Plenty with street-painted murals, sculptures and other various artworks dotted around the town. It’s a great place to roam and soak up the local community vibe with night markets, museums and even a gin distillery. Hire from locals in Katikati and be sure to hang around and sample the fresh fruit and vegetables growing in the area, especially the avocados. The Tapatoru Family hires out their four-berth Toyota Hiace camper; the perfect holiday maker for swinging into avocado orchards and venturing further down the coast.
5. Whakatāne
Find yourselves a camper like Kiwi Burrow and enjoy the simple pleasures of a campervan holiday in the Bay of Plenty. With two queen beds and a double bed, there’s space to bring the whole family along for the ride. Hook the bikes on the bike rack and consider hiring a kayak and paddle board from the owners of ‘Kiwi Burrow’ too, and you’re set for a classic Kiwi adventure. Whakatāne is the perfect place to pick up your camper and begin your journey, with cultural significance to discover and a sunny, welcoming beach. Park up at the Whakatāne Holiday Park for a few days in the sun before continuing along the coast to gems like Ōhope Beach.
6. Ōhope
Ōhope is a beach town centered around beautiful Ōhope Beach. This beach is just over the hill from Whakatāne. Surrounded by pōhutukawa trees and overlooking Whakaari / White Island, it’s an especially picturesque spot in the Bay of Plenty. Here you’ll find Harmony available for hire on Camplify, an Ōhope motorhome with that little something extra. Make fresh brews with the coffee machine each morning, snack on the welcome picnic hamper with cheese, crackers and bubbles, and head straight to the beach with included beach towels. Everything you need is packed inside! The Bay of Plenty is often considered a summer destination, but explore all year around in ‘Harmony’ thanks to the heating in this motorhome.
7. Waihī Beach
Explore Waihī Beach and beyond by campervan. With Maria the cosy camper, you’ll be able to explore the scenic roads, prepare meals and read a book under the festoon lights. She’s equipped with a Bluetooth speaker and all-important camping table and chairs, so you can enjoy long summer days in this incredible region. Pick up ‘Maria’ in Waihī and explore the historic gold mining town before driving 10 minutes towards the coast and discovering Waihī Beach. Continue south along the coast to experience the rest of the Bay of Plenty.
8. Te Puke
Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world is a quintessential Kiwi town. Not only is it proven to be a great place to grow kiwifruit, avocados and more, but it’s also a top place to visit for the adventurous with walking trails, waterfalls and an adventure park. Te Puke is an inland town and is nestled among incredible forests and orchards. Hire campers like Owtavit in town and stock up on kiwifruit before road-tripping to Papamoa, Tauranga and beyond!
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