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Auckland, the City of Sails and New Zealand’s biggest metropolis at 1.4 million residents. It is the main point of entry for visitors to the country and so a great and convenient spot to pick up a motorhome hire and begin exploration of the Auckland region and the rest of the country.

Though large in population, Auckland is not very crowded as the suburbs are spread out and the area the city occupies is huge- so being mobile with a motorhome is great to be able to see the different parts of Auckland. To the north are the sandy bays and beaches of the north shore- Takapuna, Mairangi Bay, Brown’s Bay and more which are backed by Auckland’s northern suburbs, then the gorgeous Long Bay which is in a Regional Park and is a popular picnic spot. Even further up the coast and a short drive out of the suburbs is the peninsula of Whangaparaoa, and the hot spring pool complex of Waiwera.

To the west is the spectacular Waitakere mountain range, where there are a huge variety of trails to walk on, a chance to experience New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna without leaving Auckland. The beaches beyond the Waitakere range are also spectacular. The absolute opposite of the east coast beaches on the north shore, they are wild and wonderful with black sand, surf and backed by forest and mountains.

Dotted around the city are old volcanoes in the form of hills which rise up out of nowhere- these are climbable and in the case of Mt. Eden, driveable. From the top, there are great views of Auckland and the harbours it is based around, so make a great excursion for a morning, an afternoon or a picnic lunch.

To the south of Auckland is the rest of the North Island- Rotorua, known for its boiling mud and thermal springs, is an easy drive, as is the beachy city of Tauranga. Coromandel Peninsula is a great place for a weekend from Auckland- at 2-3 hours away, it is a wonderland of beaches, rivers, wineries and friendly small towns that will leave anyone wanting to return!

Northland is a holiday-maker’s dream, especially in the summertime- it is consistently hotter and sunnier in the north than in the city, and there is oodles of coastline. Popular spots include the Bay of Islands, which is as it sounds. Towns such as Russell and Paihia make amazing destinations for a beachy holiday, and boats from there can take you to explore the islands. Doubtless Bay is full of small towns and hopeful amateur fishermen- if they have no luck, there is the Fish Shop at Mangonui which sells some of the country’s favourite fish and chips.Northland is a holiday-maker’s dream, especially in the summertime- it is consistently hotter and sunnier in the north than in the city, and there is oodles of coastline. Popular spots include the Bay of Islands, which is as it sounds. Towns such as Russell and Paihia make amazing destinations for a beachy holiday, and boats from there can take you to explore the islands. Doubtless Bay is full of small towns and hopeful amateur fishermen- if they have no luck, there is the Fish Shop at Mangonui which sells some of the country’s favourite fish and chips.

Paulette Justiné is a writer that has a passion for campervan hire new zealand and motohroming around the world. She has travelled extensively around New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada. Her best motorhome rental tip: Book your RV rental before your flights; Flights regularly go on sale but motorhomes sell out fast during peak season!