Your guide to seeing Rotorua in a campervan

June 4, 2025

New Zealand is best explored by road – and renting a motorhome or campervan is your ticket to an epic holiday. Roam the country at your own pace, uncovering beautiful and remote locations as you go. You’ll love the freedom and flexibility to create your own unique journey, that brings all your vacation dreams to life.

As you’re driving through the North Island on a motorhome adventure, you simply must stop for a few nights in the captivating city of Rotorua. With geothermal wonders and lush landscapes aplenty, it’s a campervan-friendly destination that’s full of opportunities to relax and adventure.

Hiring a Campervan in New Zealand

Fly into Auckland Airport and you’ll find plenty of options to hire a campervan or RV for your needs. Britz, Maui and Apollo offer a variety of 2, 4 and 6-berth self-contained campervans, like a home-away-from-home with everything you need on four wheels. For those looking for a touch more comfort, Wilderness Motorhomes specialises in premium motorhomes designed for travellers who value space, style, and a smoother ride. Budget-friendly options like Jucy and Traveller’s Autobarn have simpler vehicles that are more akin to vans.

For something a little different, Camplify is a peer-to-peer van-sharing platform where you can hire directly from local owners. It offers a wide mix of caravans, campervans, and motorhomes – everything from vintage vans to modern set-ups. Around 44% of vehicles on Camplify are pet-friendly, making it a great choice if you’re travelling with a four-legged companion.

Once you’ve picked up your keys, Rotorua is just three hours’ drive away – but you might like to stop off at Hobbiton Movie Set or Waitomo Glowworm Caves to break up the journey and tick an iconic New Zealand activity off the bucket list.

Unwind with a massage and soak at Polynesian Spa

You’ve been out on the road for a while, time to kick back and take a break from all the driving! Round off your day at Polynesian Spa, situated right in town on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Pull up to the free parking outside, with larger spaces perfect for motorhomes of all sizes.

Then it’s time to choose the spa treatment to suit you. Perhaps you’ll get those knots and muscles loosened with a Swedish Massage, or you’ll try the restorative and exfoliating Signature Mud Wrap. Or for a soothing soak, the Pavilion Pools are the ideal way to unwind, with a variety of rejuvenating hot pools on offer. With waters sourced directly from natural geothermal springs, each pool offers a unique blend of minerals to relax your mind, body, and soul.

As the day winds down, there’s no need to rush back to a campground. There’s free parking spaces for self-contained campervans available in the Government Gardens opposite the spa complex on Hinemoa Street, where you can stay for up to two nights. So after an evening soak under the stars, wander into the city to grab some dinner, with plenty of downtown eateries to tempt your tastebuds.

Breakfast time at 88Ra Café

Wake up feeling refreshed and re-energised for another day of exploring. Walk across to 88Ra Café inside Polynesian Spa and start your morning off right with a barista coffee or cold-pressed fruit juice along with something from the tasty menu, full of all your brunch favourites.

From here, it’s time to roll on out and see the city’s many attractions – here’s some of our suggestions:

Explore Lush Green Forests

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Rotorua Canopy Tours offers an exhilarating ziplining experience through a native forest. Soar through the treetops, taking in the panoramic views and keeping an eye out for birdlife.

Or for a more tranquil time, head to Redwoods Treewalk, a walkway full of suspended bridges and platforms amidst the towering 120-year-old Redwoods. Wandering through the enchanting Whakarewarewa Forest is particularly special at night when it’s lit by a series of giant lanterns.

Get Behind the Wheel

If you’ve got a need for speed, hop on a 4WD for an adrenaline-fuelled ride with Off Road NZ. Navigate through challenging and exhilarating landscapes as you soak up the picturesque scenery of the Mamaku Forest. Skyline’s Luge is another fun-filled activity, with their custom-made downhill karts offering a gravity-powered adventure like no other. Journey up the scenic gondola to where your luging experience begins – once is never enough!

Immerse yourself in Māori Culture

Delve into Rotorua’s cultural heritage at Mitai Māori Village. In this evening experience, you can watch traditional Māori performances, hear some fascinating storytelling, and savour a delicious hāngi feast. This cultural encounter will deepen your understanding of New Zealand’s culture while helping you reflect on your own heritage and aspirations.

Where to park your campervan in Rotorua

With holiday parks all around town, you’re spoiled for choice, as there’s always easy access to Rotorua’s vibrant attractions. With facilities such as communal kitchens, laundry services, and recreational areas, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay – and to meet and share stories with fellow travellers.

Paid campgrounds include:

Council-managed areas include: