5 day Waikato road trip

Your exciting New Zealand road trip begins at Mighty’s Auckland branch, where you’ll pick up your campervan hire. The team at Mighty will explain how to use your motorhome and make sure you’re ready for your New Zealand travel adventure. Before you leave the city, take a moment to explore a few Auckland attractions. Dive into the underwater world at Kelly Tarlton’s or admire the masterpieces at the Auckland Art Gallery.

With a few city sights ticked off, it's time to hit the road for Raglan. This cool coastal town is known for its surf, arts, and cafe culture. On your two-hour journey, you'll be accompanied by a landscape of rolling hills and the sparkling waters of the Waikato River. Once you arrive in Raglan, it’s time to unwind and make the most of the laid-back vibe. Take your pick of things to do in this Waikato gem, including:

• Catch a wave or take a surf lesson at the world-renowned Manu Bay.
• Wander along the Raglan Art Trail, meeting local artists and craftmakers.
• Explore Bridal Veil Falls with a short walk leading to a spectacular 55-metre plunge waterfall.
• Wander Ngarunui Beach. This expansive beach is perfect for a walk in the fresh air, sunbathing, or even a surf lesson. It's a slice of paradise for beach lovers and one of Raglan's most beloved spots.
• For those who love a good hike, Mount Karioi presents a challenging trail that rewards you with panoramic views of the coastline and the rolling Waikato countryside.
• Rent a kayak and paddle around the tranquil waters of Raglan's estuary or venture out to the limestone coast.

After a day of exploration, unwind at the Raglan Holiday Park, which offers a range of facilities to cater to your needs, from powered sites for your motorhome to communal kitchens and BBQ areas, all set within a stone's throw of the beach.

Leaving the surf and arts of Raglan behind, your journey continues inland to the subterranean wonders of the Waitomo Caves. But first, we suggest a stop in Otorohanga. Known as the Kiwiana Capital of New Zealand, Otorohanga celebrates New Zealand culture with its Kiwiana displays lining the main street. Don’t miss your chance to visit Otorohanga Kiwi House, a sanctuary for New Zealand's native birds and reptiles, including the elusive kiwi. It's a unique opportunity to encounter our national icon up close.

As you continue to Waitomo, prepare to be captivated by the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you can glide silently by boat under a galaxy of glowworms. For the more adventurous, black water rafting and cave abseiling offer an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the limestone formations and underground rivers. Not far from the Waitomo Caves, the Marokopa Falls walk leads to what many consider to be the most beautiful waterfall in the country, cascading over fern-clad cliffs.

After a day of exploration, the Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect place to rest. With facilities that cater to all your needs, from powered sites for your motorhome to a communal kitchen and BBQ area, you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures in comfort.

You’re halfway through your awesome Waikato road trip, and today you’re travelling to Rotorua. This popular North Island tourist hot spot is renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. There is no shortage of awesome Rotorua attractions to keep you busy while you’re in town. Here are some worth adding to your travel itinerary:

• Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods at the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest. The forest is not just a place to wander but also to ride, with some great Waikato bike trails weaving through the landscape. You may also like to elevate your experience on the Redwoods Treewalk for a bird's eye view of the forest.

• Feel the thrill of the Rotorua luge, a fun-filled gravity ride suitable for all ages. Navigate your way down one of the multi-level tracks through the Redwoods Forest, and then enjoy panoramic views of Rotorua as the chairlift takes you back to the top.
• Relax and rejuvenate in one of the 28 mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa. Overlooking Lake Rotorua, the spa offers a range of therapeutic hot pools and spa treatments, drawing on the geothermal waters unique to the region.
• Experience the warmth of Māori culture and witness the Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. At Te Puia, you can also visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute to see traditional carving and weaving.
• For a bit of quirky fun, try ZORB, where you can roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball. You’ll soon see why this is one of the most popular Rotorua attractions!

Tonight, park up your campervan at the All Seasons Holiday Park Rotorua and enjoy a relaxing night before the next leg of your New Zealand road trip.

On day four of your campervan road trip, you’ll make the short drive to the city of Hamilton. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is the heart of the Waikato region and a hub of activity. With a thriving art scene, bustling cafes, and plenty of lush green spaces, it makes for a popular destination for campervan travellers. Here's how you can make the most of your visit:

• For nature lovers, Hamilton Zoo houses a diverse range of native and exotic animals. Wander through the different enclosures to see everything from majestic giraffes to playful lemurs and participate in the daily animal encounters for an up-close experience.
• Dive into the region's history and culture at the Waikato Museum. With its dynamic exhibitions ranging from visual art to science, the museum offers insights into the stories of the Waikato region and its people.
• Escape to the tranquillity of the Taitua Arboretum, where walking paths meander through a collection of mature trees and picturesque ponds. It's a perfect spot to reconnect with nature.
• Explore the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens, a showcase of themed gardens from around the world. Each garden tells a story and offers a glimpse into different civilizations, from the serene Japanese Garden of Contemplation to the vibrant Italian Renaissance Garden.
• For something a bit different, visit the Classics Museum to see a collection of vintage cars and memorabilia. It's a trip down memory lane and a treat for car enthusiasts.

After a day of discovery and enjoyment, Hamilton City Holiday Park provides the perfect retreat for campervan travellers. Nestled in a quiet, leafy corner of the city, this holiday park offers spacious powered sites that cater to all sizes of motorhomes, ensuring a comfortable and secure spot for the night.

It’s the last day of your road trip, but as you steer your campervan back to Auckland, there's still plenty to see and do. If you missed out on some Auckland attractions at the start of your trip, here are three more suggestions worth adding to your travel itinerary:

• Make your way to One Tree Hill for panoramic views of Auckland. The drive up is as scenic as the destination itself, with lush greenery and the city skyline unfolding before you. It's a great spot for a picnic while you soak in the vistas.
• For a fun and relaxed activity, swing by Treasure Island for a round of mini golf. This is not your average mini-golf course; it's a full-blown pirate-themed escapade complete with ships, treasure chests, and water hazards. It's a fun way to spend an hour or two before the end of your holiday.
• End your adventure with a visit to Butterfly Creek, where you can wander through tropical butterfly houses, meet unique animals, and even spot dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Kingdom. It's the perfect ending to your New Zealand road trip and is conveniently located near Mighty's Auckland branch, making for an easy drop-off.

Explore the beautiful Waikato region with Mighty

From the surf-friendly waves of Raglan to the wonders of Waitomo, Waikato has something unique to explore around every corner. Keen to plan your own amazing road trip of the Waikato region? Take the first step and book your Mighty campervan hire online today.