Top Destinations for Extended RV Trips in New Zealand
Author: The Good Guides Date Posted:6 January 2026
Planning a few months on the road in your campervan? Whether you’ve got four weeks or twelve, New Zealand delivers in spades when it comes to slow, satisfying travel. With the freedom to settle in, dig a little deeper, and really get to know a place, longer RV trips are the perfect way to experience the country beyond the usual highlights.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best road trip destinations for extended stays – places that reward you for staying a little longer. From coastlines made for exploring to mountain towns with plenty to keep you busy, these destinations offer the kind of travel that’s less about ticking boxes and more about enjoying the ride.
What makes a great long-stay RV destination?
Not every road trip destination is made for a longer stay – some places are perfect for a night or two, while others offer that ideal mix of comfort, convenience, and things to do. When you’re settling in somewhere for a while, the right set-up can make all the difference. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing your base:
- Good campground facilities: Look for powered sites, dump stations, clean ablution blocks, laundry facilities and maybe even a barbecue area or shared kitchen. Some parks also have extras like bike hire or local shuttle services that can come in handy for longer stays.
- Access to essentials: Being close to supermarkets, service stations, and places to top up your gas or water makes it easier to keep things ticking over without a lot of fuss.
- Things to do nearby: Whether it’s walking tracks, local markets, museums, or a good café scene, it’s worth choosing spots that give you a mix of relaxation and options for getting out and about.
- Wi-Fi and mobile coverage: Especially important if you’re working on the road or keeping in touch with family and friends – or just want to stream a bit of Netflix on a quiet night.
- A relaxed pace: Some destinations naturally lend themselves to slower travel. These are places where you won’t feel rushed – where you can spend the morning over coffee, stretch out a walk in the afternoon, or take a spontaneous detour without feeling like you’re missing out.
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Seasonal climate considerations: Some regions are better suited to long stays depending on the time of year. Warmer areas like Northland can be ideal in winter, while alpine towns might be better saved for the warmer months unless you’re geared up for colder conditions. Checking typical weather patterns can help you avoid extended spells of rain or wind.
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READ MORE: For more helpful tips, check out our ultimate guide to long-term RV travel in New Zealand.
North Island highlights for 4-to-6-week stays
Got a few weeks up your sleeve? The North Island makes it easy to plan a longer stay without feeling like you’re spending all your time behind the wheel. With shorter driving distances and plenty of well-equipped campgrounds, you can slow things down and explore each region properly.
Bay of Islands & Far North
There’s something special about the pace of life in the Far North. Give yourself a few weeks here and you’ll have time to enjoy the beaches, explore the historic sites, and take in the region’s strong Māori heritage. The Bay of Islands is known for dolphin-spotting cruises and sheltered bays perfect for kayaking, while further north you’ll find remote beaches, giant sand dunes, and the iconic meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean at Cape Rēinga.
Where to stay: Waitangi Holiday Park is a handy base near Paihia, close to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and a short walk to cafés and tour pick-up points.
Auckland & Hauraki Gulf islands
New Zealand’s biggest city has more to offer than just a quick overnight stop. Stick around and you’ll find a mix of urban culture, volcanic landscapes, and easy day trips that feel a world away from the city. From galleries and waterfront dining to hikes up ancient cones, there’s plenty to fill your days without having to travel far. A short ferry ride opens up the Hauraki Gulf islands – Waiheke for wine and coastal walks, or Rangitoto for a quick volcanic summit.
Where to stay: Takapuna Beach Holiday Park is a popular choice for campervan travellers wanting to stay close to the action. It’s right on the beach, with easy access to coastal walks, cafés, and public transport into the city.
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Coromandel Peninsula
With golden beaches, dense native forest, and winding roads that invite you to slow down, the Coromandel is a solid choice for a longer stay. Explore favourites like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, or spend your days walking the coastal tracks, browsing galleries, and hunting down fresh fish and chips. The eastern and western coasts each have their own feel, so it’s worth giving yourself time to explore both.
Where to stay: For easy access to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Hahei Holiday Resort is hard to beat – powered sites just steps from the beach and coastal walkways.
Waitomo Caves & Waikato heartland
Best known for its glowworm caves and underground adventures, Waitomo also makes a great base for exploring the wider Waikato. Stay a while and take in local walks, limestone landscapes, and rural towns. You’re also within easy reach of Hamilton and Cambridge, both offering their own mix of riverside trails, weekend markets, and garden visits.
Where to stay: Just a short walk from the main cave tours, Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a peaceful setting with the bonus of a swimming pool and spa to unwind in after a day underground.
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Mount Maunganui & Bay of Plenty
Long stretches of sand, great surf, and a solid café scene make Mount Maunganui an easy place to settle in for a few weeks. Climb to the summit of Mauao for sunrise views, soak in the saltwater hot pools, or take day trips to places like Te Puke or Whakatāne. With a warm climate and plenty of sunny days, this region makes a great mid-winter stop.
Where to stay: Right at the base of Mauao, Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park puts you within walking distance of the hot pools, the beach, and plenty of good coffee.
Rotorua–Taupō geothermal corridor
This region is packed with geothermal wonders, forest walks, and freshwater lakes – with enough variety to keep you busy for weeks. Rotorua is a great base for hot pools, Māori cultural experiences, and the towering redwoods, while Taupō offers some awesome cycling tracks, fantastic trout fishing, and access to the awe-inspiring Huka Falls.
Where to stay: With hot pools on site and easy access to Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is well set up for relaxed, longer stays.
Taranaki & Surf Highway 45
With its iconic volcanic peak and rugged coast, Taranaki is made for slow travel. The Surf Highway links a string of laid-back beach towns with art trails, heritage sites, and plenty of local flavour. Inland, you’ll find the stunning gardens and galleries of New Plymouth, and endless views of the maunga from just about every angle.
Where to stay: A powered site at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park gives you front-row access to the Coastal Walkway, with cafés and surf spots just a short walk away.
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Wellington & Kāpiti Coast
Wellington might be compact, but there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a few weeks. Explore Te Papa, grab a coffee on Cuba Street, ride the cable car, or ferry out to Matiu/Somes Island. Head up the coast and you’ll find relaxed seaside towns, nature reserves, and easy access to bike trails and birdlife at places like Ōtaki and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Where to stay: Just a quick drive from the ferry terminal, Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park has the convenience of city access without the city chaos – perfect if you’re recharging before crossing the Cook Strait.
South Island highlights for 6-to-8-week stays
With its wide-open spaces and some of the best scenic drives in New Zealand, the South Island is made for extended travel. Whether you’re into hiking, history, wildlife, or wine, there’s something here to keep every kind of traveller happy – and most destinations are well set up with campgrounds and services for longer stays.
Nelson, Abel Tasman & Golden Bay
Sunshine hours are high, and the vibe is easy-going – perfect for a few lazy weeks. Base yourself near the Abel Tasman National Park for kayaking, coastal tracks, and beach swims, then head over the hill to explore Golden Bay’s quieter side with stops at Pākawau, Farewell Spit, and the Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Where to stay: For easy access to the park and surrounding beaches, Marahau Beach Camp offers powered sites just minutes from the water taxi and walking track entrances.
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Marlborough Sounds & Blenheim wine country
Cruise the winding bays of Queen Charlotte Sound, walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Track, or sip your way through the cellar doors of Blenheim and Renwick. This region is all about slow travel – think fresh seafood, vineyard platters, and long days by the water.
Where to stay
Set among the vines and just a short ride from the cellar door circuit, Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park is a handy base for both wine touring and trips into the Sounds.
Kaikōura Coast & Alpine Pacific Triangle
Kaikōura delivers big on marine life – whales, dolphins, seals – with mountain views as the backdrop. The Alpine Pacific Triangle links Kaikōura with the spa town of Hanmer Springs and the boutique wineries of Waipara, making for a great few weeks of coastal drives, hot pools, and good food.
Where to stay
With mountain views and a short walk to town, Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park is well located for boat tours, walks, and fresh crayfish straight off the boat.
Christchurch & Banks Peninsula
Christchurch is a city in motion, with a mix of street art, laneway bars, riverside markets, and public green spaces. From there, take your time exploring day trips like Banks Peninsula. Stop in Akaroa for French-influenced bites, harbour cruises, and penguin-spotting, or cycle a stretch of the Little River Rail Trail.
Where to stay
Located riverside and just a short walk to the central city, Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park is a great space to unwind after a day of city or peninsula exploring.
West Coast Wilderness – Punakaiki to Glacier Country
The West Coast is raw, rugged, and rewarding – perfect for a longer stay. Take your time driving between Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, Hokitika’s craft galleries, and the glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox. Walk on ancient ice, cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail, and don’t miss a sunset on the driftwood-lined beaches.
Where to stay: Close to both the trail and town, Hokitika Holiday Park offers a peaceful spot to settle in, with roomy sites and easy access to the beach and local bakeries.
Fiordland & Southern Scenic Route
Te Anau makes a great base for Fiordland, with access to both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound – both worth doing if you’ve got the time. The drive south along the Southern Scenic Route takes in waterfalls, windswept bays, and the remote edges of the Catlins.
Where to stay: A short walk from the lakefront, Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park offers powered sites with mountain views and tour pick-ups right from the gate.
Queenstown, Wānaka & Southern Lakes
There’s more to Queenstown than bungy jumps and jet boats. Give yourself time to explore the alpine trails, lake cruises, and vibrant food scene – then wind down in nearby Wānaka for a more laid-back vibe with excellent walking tracks and access to Mount Aspiring National Park.
Where to stay: Tucked just outside the bustle, Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park offers a peaceful stay within walking distance of town, with quirky charm and great facilities for longer visits.
Dunedin, Otago Peninsula & The Catlins
Wildlife lovers should plan to linger here. Watch penguins and albatross up close on the Otago Peninsula, explore Dunedin’s heritage streets, and take a drive through the Catlins to see waterfalls, sea lions, and windswept cliffs. It’s a region full of surprises – and well worth the time.
Where to stay: Set near the harbour with easy access to both city and peninsula, Dunedin Holiday Park offers a convenient, comfortable base for longer stays with friendly staff and tidy facilities.
Essential gear for extended stays
When you're on the road for more than a couple of weeks, having the right set-up can make a big difference. A few smart upgrades and well-chosen extras can mean fewer stops, more comfort, and a smoother time all round. Here are some top picks to consider before heading off on your longer trip.
- Solar upgrades: If you’re planning to spend time off-grid, solar power is a game changer. A portable solar panel kit can help keep your battery topped up so you can run essentials without always needing a powered site.
- Larger water tanks: Extra water capacity means fewer refills – ideal if you're staying in places where services are limited. Talk to the RVSC service team about upgrading or fitting an additional tank.
- Collapsible storage: Keeping your living space tidy matters more when you’re in it every day. Collapsible crates, bins and tubs are perfect for packing down when not in use, and make it easier to organise gear, groceries, or laundry.
- Outdoor living gear: When you’re parked up for a while, creating a good outdoor setup makes all the difference. Think folding tables and chairs, shade solutions, and a durable mat to keep the dirt out.
- BBQ and cooking gear: A quality barbecue gives you more meal options and lets you enjoy cooking outside when the weather plays nice. Add a set of nesting cookware to save space inside.
Not sure where to start? Check out our full guide on must-have motorhome items to be prepared for anything. It’s packed with tips and product suggestions to help get your setup sorted.
Ready to start planning your long stay on the road?
Whether you’re heading north, south, or somewhere in between, the team at RV Super Centre is here to help you get road-ready. From gear upgrades to travel planning guides, you’ll find everything you need to make your extended trip comfortable, well-equipped, and hassle-free.
Got questions or need a hand setting up? Get in touch – we’re always happy to chat.
