Epic Mount Egmont

Taranaki (New Plymouth) Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park: We arrived in the dark and the rain to wake up with a 270 degree view of the sea situated on the cliff top! New Plymouth, which was overlooked by the menacing Mount Egmont volcano cone, with its snowy peak, is an amazing location. Walking or “tramping” round the volcano is great, littered with waterfalls and deep pools for swimming if the weather permits, I say that because we had hail and rain, sun in the space of an hour! Being just off the Surf Highway we felt it was necessary to try out some of the black sand beaches along the way.

Waitomo Caves Campervan Trip

Despite not being budding cavers, the Waitomo caves were a necessary weekend away. We camped at the Waitomo Top 10. We chose to go with the Black Water Rafting Company Adventure Trip because of their good value for YHA/hospital members. The 4 hours trip included a plummeting abseil into the cave, flying fox and floating down underground rivers in inner tubes. The ceiling of caves were scattered with glow worms and looked just like the night sky! However, I known that more civilised boat trips are available for those who do not thrive on frolicking around in cold water 50 foot underground! A welcome finish to the day was soaking in the hot outdoor spa pool at the campervan site, surrounded by rolling hills. The staff at the site were really friends and lawns and gardens were so well kept it was quite picturesque.

Campervan sites Northland

This blog was written by Charlie and Kieran, young doctors on a working holiday in New Zealand from the United Kingdom. They had hired a campervan for six months and their blogs will appear here as they make their trip around New Zealand.


"How to enjoy the wonders of New Zealand is waking up to it on your doorstep. Pull back the curtains to see nothing between you and the sea but the beach. This luxurious version of camping is the way to access front row tickets to some spectacular Kiwi landscapes.

You can always make the most of the outdoors by enjoying it from the moment you get up; breakfast in the sun and fresh coffee after a deep sleep. The campervans offer excess storage space and require the minimal cleaning so for those of you, who like me, are not interested in cleaning on the holiday it is perfect. Once you want to get on and commence the next discovery, shut the doors, jump in the driving seat and leave. Back on the road.

The ease of hiring a campervan immediately avoids having to buy and sell, to ensure you are getting a good deal and insurance issues involved. You can relax that any prangs will be covered in the insurance and there is number you can call immediately if you need help. From our experience though check your insurance’s excess and be careful about extra costs with picking up or dropping off the van in different locations as it is a unique way for the company to charge more.

The best thing about hiring a campervan is that you are able to enjoy New Zealand as it is intended-outdoors in the wilderness surrounded by a deserted snow-capped mountain with a crystal clear blue lake shimmering at its base. Drive for miles throughout dense green forest with thousands of species of New Zealand’s birds flying alongside you. You can get closer than anyone else with a campervan and it’s so simple, because you are already there surrounded by it.

For those more socially minded, don’t worry! Thousands of visitors each year enjoy campervan camping in NZ. Campsites and motor parks are the perfect venue to meet travellers of all ages, from students to families.

And what if you don’t like the campsite? Then fear not, you can just pack up and drive to the next one!

Orewa Top 10: Orewa Top 10 campsite is the perfect location and set up for a campsite. This good value campervan site truly is beachside and the other great thing is that it is a perfect location, either for a stop off on your way up to the Bay of Islands or to escape the confusion of Auckland. Open the curtains in the morning to the beach and sea. The beach is really nice for an early morning walk or run for those that are more disciplined than me! The third time we went there, we belatedly discovered the FREE broadband internet which is always useful to keep the holiday as budget as possible.

Russell Top 10 campsite: This campervan site is situated slightly on the hill ten minutes walk from Russell centre. The proximity to the wharf means that you can get in maximum sleep before the various boat trips that are offered. The campervan site’s height gives it some incredible views of the sunsets over the bay. A perfect evening was using the site’s impressive outdoor BBQ and a few drinks overlooking the bay. Making the most of the sites amenities means the best value for money.

Matauri beach: This campervan site feels like the end of civilisation after the tourist driven Bay of Islands. The site is just 40 minutes north from the Bay of Islands and off the beaten track. As you come down and round the hill the white sandy beach and crystal water stretches out in front of you. There is a beautiful lookout just above the campervan site at the north end of the beach. The secluded campervan site is budget but has all amenities you need, including a couple of petrol pumps and beachside power sites. Personally I’d advise making sure you stock up with food beforehand. The site is quiet so just go ahead and fall asleep to waves and wake up to your own private beach in the morning. "

Rotovegas

Rotorua or rotovegas as the locals affectionately call it is the tourist hub of New Zealand so there is alot to do around Rotorua. Aaron is only three years old so our activities were limited to what we could do together.

Kayaking the lakes is an optioning but we took the easier version with the Duck Tours. These are converted Second World War water landing vehicles. Aaron enjoyed blowing on the duck beaks (if can I call them that!).

The Gondolas and the luge ride down the hill I should say is exhilarating. The hills were steep and I would say the speeds were reaching upto 60 km/h maybe or it felt like that. The prices were reasonable as well. Take your own drinks and snacks though as the prices for these were steep at the only shop up the top.

The smell of sulphur at Rotorua is strongest around town. It reminds me of the small Fijian gold mining town of Vatukoula. Sulphur deposits in Vatukoula causes corrosion of corrugated iron roofing. People say not to buy a car from Rotorua because of this. I lived in Vatukoula for three years so my brains links the smell with gold.(Which is why I always think of gold when in Rotorua)

A visit to the Wai-o-tapu gazers or hot springs is also a must. The varying colours of water and sulphur deposits are amazing. I haven't tried the hot mud "spa" which I have been told is good for the skin and an alternative to Botox.

We stayed at the Rotorua Top 10 camping site and you can get a membership card for $40 and get 10% discount at other top 10 sites. We rented a campervan at a budget price from See you next time.

Mount Maunganui

My first camping with aaron experience was at the Mount as they call it in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. I enjoyed and I guess it reminds me of home. The white sandy beach, waking up to the musical sound of waves and swimming without the swim suit (in summer).

The walk up the mount was challenging especially to my three year old, Aaron but I must say he enjoyed it and I had to carry him on my shoulders a third of the way from the top. The view is magnificient from the top.

http://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/photos/cities/tauranga/066j.shtml

You can see a few islands from the top, including Mayor Island and White Island which is an active volcano. Mount Maunganui is a surfers paradise and frequented in summer.

Just next door to the camping site is probably New Zealands only natural hot salt water swimming pools. Nice and soothing after the walk up the mount.

The camping site was well located and unlike a number of camping grounds around New Zealand is not threatened by property developers. The facilities are quite modern with new kitchens, secure electronic key toilets and baths.

Campervans - Two Berth or Not Two?

Are you wondering whether to hire a four berth or a two berth and not sure? That's a hard one but there is just price to be considered and of course the comfort.

I find two berth campervans excellent for my needs when on a budget. Two berths vary in prices in New Zealand and most ads say from around $25 per day but these are winter specials. Most camping sites in New Zealand have showers, toilets, kitchen facilities and even a pool and a hot spa. So I find it over the top to rent a camper with toilet and a shower when you get these anyway at camping sites.

I wanted to get some beer and groceries from the supermarket so off we went in our two berth Toyota Granvia campervan. Parking at the supermarket was a breeze as I looked over two find a larger camper struggling and the holiday maker finally taking over two parking spaces. Motorists in New Zealand are courteous and would patiently follow your 4 berth. However, you will always find yourself having to pull over to give way more frequently or getting the finger or two.

So if you're on a limited time holiday then two berths are ideal. Don't take me wrong 4 berths are more spacious and comfortable and excellent when the weather is not on your side.

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