Bay of Plenty Region Motorhome, Caravan & Campervan Hire

Set off on your North Island journey through the stunning Bay of Plenty, where golden beaches meet geothermal wonders. This sun-soaked region offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty, Māori culture, and natural attractions. It’s the idyllic spot to start your caravan hire journey from Bay of Plenty.

Where to start your adventure for motorhome hire in Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty offers several excellent starting points for your campervan journey:

Whakatāne: The sunshine capital
Tauranga: The region's largest city with Mount Maunganui at its doorstep
Rotorua: The geothermal wonderland and cultural heart

Camplify, New Zealand's leading peer-to-peer platform, connects you with local owners offering motorhome hire across the Bay of Plenty. Choose from a range of well-equipped motorhomes, campervans, and caravans based in these key locations.

Why the Bay of Plenty is perfect for your campervan adventure

The region's diverse landscape makes it ideal for exploration:

Coastal paradise: Pristine beaches from Mount Maunganui to Ōhope
Geothermal wonders: Bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs in Rotorua
Cultural heart: Rich Māori heritage throughout the region
Adventure hub: Best surfing

Our Bay-based owners offer convenient pick-up locations throughout the region, with local expertise to enhance your journey.

The Camplify Bay of Plenty advantage: More than just a van rental

Choosing Camplify in the Bay of Plenty means connecting with the local coastal and cultural lifestyle:

Local owners: Our owners in Tauranga, Whakatāne, and Rotorua share their knowledge of the best surf spots, hidden geothermal pools, local fishing spots, and secret camping locations.
Versatile fleet: Find your perfect match from compact beach-ready campervans to spacious family motorhomes, all equipped for Bay of Plenty adventures.
24/7 local support: Our local NZ team offers regional expertise, seasonal advice, and local tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Camplify: Your trusted mate in the Bay of Plenty

Whether you're exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua or surfing at Mount Maunganui, Camplify is your reliable travel companion. Our blend of global experience and local support knowledge has earned us a stellar Trustpilot score of 4.3/5. Our local NZ support team knows every corner of the Bay, and we offer flexible options to match your travel style and budget.

How to book campervan rental in the Bay of Plenty with Camplify

Getting on the road in the Bay of Plenty is easy with our user-friendly platform:

Browse and choose: Find your perfect van from our Bay of Plenty fleet.
Book and connect: Send a booking request and chat with your local owner.
Hit the road: Meet your owner, get familiar with your van, and start exploring.

For more details, visit our How It Works page.

Must-visit destinations in your campervan
Coastal gems

Mount Maunganui: Climb the Mount and surf world-class beaches
Ōhope Beach: Relax at New Zealand's most loved beach
Whakatāne: Gateway to White Island and marine adventures
Papamoa: Endless stretches of pristine coastline

Inland treasures

Rotorua: Geothermal wonders and Māori cultural experiences
Te Puke: The Kiwifruit Capital of the World
Kawerau: Gateway to forest adventures

Road trip ideas in the Bay of Plenty
Coastal routes

Mount Maunganui and surrounds: Start in Tauranga, explore the Mount's beaches and walking tracks, then cruise to Papamoa for more beachside camping.
Eastern Bay Explorer: Begin in Whakatāne, visit Ōhope Beach, and explore the hidden coves along the eastern coastline.

Geothermal journeys

Rotorua and Taupō Circuit: Start in Rotorua, explore the geothermal parks, then head to Taupō for more volcanic wonders.

Top camping spots across the Bay
Coastal campgrounds

Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park:
- Right at the base of Mount Maunganui
- Full amenities, beachfront access
Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park:
- 10 km from Whakatāne
- Perfect for family beach holidays
Ohiwa Campground - Tasman Holiday Parks:
- Located in Opotiki
- Famous for nearby Ohiwa Oyster Farm and boat tours
- Scenic coastal setting
Papamoa Beach - Tasman Holiday Park:
- Beachfront location in Tauranga
- Five-minute walk to shops and mall
- Popular with Aucklanders during summer
- Close to Beach Bar and Blue BiYou restaurant

Inland camping

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park Rotorua:
- Beside Lake Tikitapu
- Modern amenities, bike wash
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park:
- Central Rotorua
- Natural thermal pools, powered sites

Freedom Camping in the Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty offers fantastic opportunities for freedom camping, letting you wake up to stunning coastal views or peaceful forest settings. Before you set out, make sure you understand the essentials of freedom camping in New Zealand by reading our comprehensive guide to freedom camping when hiring from a local owner.

Key points for freedom camping in the region

Self-containment requirements: Your van must have proper certification to freedom camp
Regional rules: Each district in the Bay has specific regulations
Popular spots: Check local council websites for approved locations
Seasonal restrictions: Some areas have different rules during peak season

Popular freedom camping locations in the Bay

TECT All Terrain Park: Between Tauranga and Rotorua
Pukehina Beach: Beautiful coastal spot
Lake Okareka: Near Rotorua
Matata Straights: Coastal area with stunning views

Always check local regulations and use the CamperMate app for up-to-date information on freedom camping spots and dump stations. For detailed information about certification changes and responsible freedom camping practices, visit our comprehensive freedom camping guide.

Getting to and around the Bay of Plenty
Distances from major cities

From Auckland:

To Tauranga: 200 km (2.5 hours)
To Rotorua: 230 km (3 hours)
To Whakatāne: 300 km (4 hours)

From Wellington:

To Tauranga: 520 km (6.5 hours)
To Rotorua: 460 km (6 hours)
To Whakatāne: 490 km (6 hours)

Flight Options
Air New Zealand (Book flights) offers

Auckland to Tauranga: 30-minute flights starting from $100 NZD
Multiple daily flights (5-10 per day) at various times
Auckland to Rotorua: 45-minute flights

Ground Transportation

InterCity Bus Service (Book buses): Regular service from Auckland Airport to Tauranga, economical option

Private Shuttle Services

Luxury Airport Shuttles: Door-to-door service
SuperShuttle: Shared and private transfer options

Essential tips for your Bay of Plenty adventureBest times to visit

Summer (December-February): Perfect for beaches and water activities
Autumn (March-May): Mild weather, great for hiking
Winter (June-August): Ideal for hot springs and geothermal experiences
Spring (September-November): Beautiful blooms, fewer crowds