Easter-ready RV hire

New Zealand’s most popular Easter road trips include the Coromandel Peninsula (think Hahei and Whangapoua), the Bay of Islands in Northland, the Nelson-Tasman region for golden beaches, and Central Otago for the stunning autumn colors of Queenstown and Wānaka. Each offers a mix of dramatic coastal scenery, world-class lakeside campgrounds, and that classic long-weekend escape feeling.

The best trip depends on how much time you have — a 4-day weekend perfectly suits the Marlborough Sounds or a loop through Rotorua and Taupō, while the deeper reaches of the South Island’s Southern Alps or the remote East Cape reward travellers with a week or more of discovery.

With so many incredible spots to choose from, New Zealand's top campgrounds often book out months in advance (especially for the Easter long weekend). To help you secure your spot, we’ve narrowed down the best campsites across the North and South Islands for your perfect holiday getaway.

North Island highlights:

• Hahei Holiday Park: Extremely popular for families; steps from Hahei Beach and the Cathedral Cove trail. Book early.

• Camp Waipu Cove: A top-tier surf beach stay that offers great value compared to the Bay of Islands.

• All Seasons, Rotorua: A perfect, full-amenity base for first-timers exploring the local geothermal wonders.

South Island highlights:

• Marahau Beach Camp: The best gateway to Abel Tasman for those who want park access without the hike.

• Driftaway Queenstown: The local benchmark for views and tech, featuring lakeside pitches and Remarkables vistas.

• Havelock Holiday Park: A fantastic hub for the Marlborough Sounds, ideal for kayaking and fishing trips.

Beyond the basics — clothes, toiletries, bedding — Easter camping calls for a few extras. Pack layers for cooler autumn nights, a torch or lantern, insect repellent, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and a first aid kit. If you're heading off-grid, bring extra drinking water, a portable phone charger, and a camp chair for sunset sessions. Most Camplify vans come equipped with kitchen essentials, but check your listing to see what's included.

Easter in New Zealand falls during mid-autumn, so you should prepare for mild, crisp days and significantly cooler nights as the country transitions toward winter. In the North Island, daytime temperatures often hover between 17–21°C, though it can still feel quite summery in Northland and Auckland. As you head into the South Island, things take a sharper autumnal turn; cities like Christchurch and Queenstown usually see daily highs of 12–17°C, with overnight lows frequently dipping to 4–8°C. Inland alpine areas and Central Otago can even experience early morning frosts. Because the weather in Aotearoa is notoriously changeable, the best strategy is to pack plenty of layers—including a windproof jacket and a warm woolly jumper—to stay comfortable as the sun sets.

As early as possible. Easter is one of the busiest periods for RV hire, and popular vans — especially pet-friendly options and those with delivery available — book out weeks in advance. For the best selection, aim to book at least 4–6 weeks ahead. If you're flexible on dates or destination, you'll have more luck closer to the holiday.

While the popular coastal hubs and Great Walk tracks reach capacity months in advance, these New Zealand regions offer a seasonal surge in charm without the elbow-to-elbow crowds. You might look to Hawke’s Bay for crisp mornings in the vineyards and quiet surf at Te Paerahi, or head to Taranaki where the settled autumn air makes the Pouakai Circuit a dream for hikers seeking solitude. For those who prefer the interior, the Mackenzie Country offers "digitally enhanced" turquoise lakes and wide-open skies that feel alive yet spacious, while Golden Bay remains a tranquil sanctuary for those willing to drive just a little further past the Abel Tasman. Finally, for the ultimate slow-burn escape, the East Cape rewards the long haul with the world's first Easter sunrise and empty, sun-drenched beaches. These are the patches of paradise seasoned Kiwis head for while everyone else is still queuing for a site in the Coromandel.

It's one of the best. First-timer bookings spike over Easter — up 152% on the yearly average — as families use the long weekend to trial camping before committing to buying their own van. The mild autumn weather is forgiving, campgrounds are well-staffed, and Camplify's delivery service means you can get a van delivered straight to your campsite. If you've been curious about van life, Easter is the perfect test run.

It depends on your destination and how much you value your creature comforts as the autumn chill sets in. For families heading to popular hubs like the Coromandel or Bay of Islands, a large 6-berth motorhome is ideal, offering plenty of internal space and a fixed kitchen for cooking indoors. If you're exploring the South Island's alpine regions like Wanaka or Tekapo, a self-contained campervan with internal heating is essential; not only will it keep you toasty when overnight temperatures dip, but it also allows you to utilise freedom camping spots that require a certified green warrant. For those tackling more rugged routes or seeking the hidden surf breaks of Raglan or Taranaki, a compact high-top van offers the perfect balance of agility on winding coastal roads and the ability to cook inside when the wind picks up. 

Camplify is New Zealand's largest peer-to-peer RV sharing community. We safely connect local owners of campervans, caravans, and motorhomes with hirers like you, offering a unique range of vehicles, local expertise, and 24/7 support.