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Your Whakatane adventure starts here.

New Zealand's largest Campervan, Motorhome and Caravan hire.

Your Whakatane adventure starts here.

Whakatane

Whakatane Motorhome, Caravan & Campervan Hire

Start your Bay of Plenty campervan hire adventure from sunny Whakatāne. This slice of paradise offers beautiful beaches, rich Māori culture, and plenty of sunshine, perfect for a mix of coastal relaxation and outdoor fun.

Last updated: November 2024

Just 90 km east of Tauranga and 290 km southeast of Auckland, Whakatāne is your ideal base for exploring the stunning Bay of Plenty region. Camplify, New Zealand's leading van-sharing platform, connects you with local Whakatāne owners offering motorhome hire in Whakatāne and nearby areas. Pick from a range of well-equipped motorhomes, campervans, and caravans perfect for your Bay of Plenty escape, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip.

Why Whakatāne is a great starting point for your Bay of Plenty camper hire adventure

Whakatāne makes a fantastic launchpad for exploration:

  • Beautiful beaches: Easy access to Ōhope Beach, a favourite among Kiwis.

  • Volcanic wonders: Gateway to White Island (Whakaari), New Zealand's most active volcano.

  • Rich culture: Experience our local Māori history and traditions.

  • Outdoor paradise: Enjoy great hiking, fishing, and water sports right on your doorstep.

Our Whakatāne-based owners offer handy pick-up spots around town, so you can get on the road quickly.

The Camplify Whakatāne advantage: Local know-how at your fingertips

Choosing Camplify for campervan hire in Whakatāne means tapping into real Bay of Plenty experiences:

  1. Local tips: Hire from fellow Whakatāne locals who know all the best spots and hidden gems.
  2. Bay-ready Vehicles: Our fleet is great for cruising coastal roads and accessing our beautiful beaches.
  3. Friendly local support: Our wonderful local support team can assist you in many ways.

Looking for a van?

Here's some of our Whakatane favourites. If you can't find something below go to view all vans and find the perfect caravan or motorhome for your holiday.

Can't find what you're looking for?

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Camplify: Your trusted mate for Bay of Plenty exploration

Whether you're a local planning a weekend beach escape or a visitor embarking on a longer Bay of Plenty adventure, Camplify is your go-to for reliable motorhome hire in Whakatāne. We are proud of our Trustpilot score of 4.3/5, our local NZ support team, and especially of our local owners sharing their beloved vans with you. 

Van hire in Whakatāne with Camplify: how it works

Booking a campervan or motorhome in Whakatāne is easy with our user-friendly platform:

  1. Browse available vehicles: Check out vans in Whakatāne and nearby areas.
  2. Choose your ideal camper: Pick based on your needs and travel plans.
  3. Chat with the owner: Sort out pick-up details and get local travel tips.
  4. Collect your van: Meet the owner and get to know your home-on-wheels.
  5. Hit the road: Start your Bay of Plenty adventure!

For more info, visit our How It Works page.

Ready to hit the road? Here are some great trips starting from Whakatāne

Whakatāne is the perfect launchpad for your Bay of Plenty adventure. Whether you're picking up a campervan from a local Camplify owner or coming from further afield, you're in for a treat. Here are some exciting road trip ideas to get you started:

Discover the Bay of Plenty's hidden gems

The Bay of Plenty is full of stunning spots, and we're right in the heart of it all. Check out our guide to the best road trip around the Bay of Plenty for inspiration. While the guide starts in Tauranga, you can easily adapt it:

  • Head west to Mount Maunganui (about 90 km) for beautiful beaches and great hiking

  • Explore the Kiwifruit Country in Te Puke (75 km west)

  • Visit the stunning McLaren Falls Park (100 km west)

Venture further afield

If you're up for a longer journey, consider these trips:

Coming from further away?

If you're starting your journey from one of New Zealand's major cities, here's how far you'll need to travel to reach us:

Remember, you can always find a local van on our Camplify van-sharing platform to start your journey right here in Whakatāne!

Where to stay in and around Whakatāne? Check out these top campgrounds

Here are five of the best campgrounds and holiday parks in and around Whakatāne:

  1. Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park: Just 10 km from town, this beachfront park offers stunning ocean views and great facilities.
  2. Awakeri Hot Springs: About 10 km southwest of Whakatāne, this park features natural hot pools for a relaxing stay.
  3. Thornton Beach Holiday Park: 15 km north of Whakatāne, this park offers beachfront sites and great fishing spots.
  4. White Island Rendezvous: In the heart of Whakatāne, this park is perfect for those planning a trip to White Island.
  5. Murphy's Holiday Camp: Located in Matatā, about 30 km west of Whakatāne, this family-friendly camp offers a more laid-back experience.

Key questions about motorhome, campervan, and caravan hire in Whakatāne

  1. How do I pick the right vehicle for my Bay of Plenty adventure starting in Whakatāne?Think about how much space you need, what features you want, and where you plan to go in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. Our platform gives you detailed descriptions to help you find your perfect match for a coastal getaway.
  2. What's the difference between campervans and motorhomes for hire in Whakatāne?Campervans are usually smaller and easier to drive, great for exploring our coastal roads and hidden beaches. Motorhomes give you more living space and comforts. Both are awesome for discovering the Bay of Plenty's diverse landscapes.
  3. What are some campervan-friendly spots near Whakatāne I shouldn't miss?Don't miss the active volcano of White Island (Whakaari), our beautiful Ōhope Beach, and the lush Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. Check out our list of top destinations for more Bay of Plenty gems.
  4. Is hiring a campervan through a peer-to-peer platform in Whakatāne cost-effective?Often, yes. Our platform connects you directly with local Whakatāne owners, which can mean better prices and a wider range of unique vehicles to choose from.
For more info, visit our help centre.

Essential info for Whakatāne caravan hire
Driving your hired campervan or motorhome in New Zealand

  • Keep to the left side of the road

  • Be ready for different road types, from Whakatāne's town centre to our scenic coastal highways

  • Allow extra time for your trips, especially when visiting popular spots or remote beaches

  • For loads of driving tips, check out the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's handy guide.

What you need to drive a hired campervan or motorhome in New Zealand

  • You need a valid driver's licence from your home country (or an International Driving Permit if your licence isn't in English)

  • While the minimum rental age is 21, many owners set higher age limits (often 25+, especially for motorhomes), so carefully check each RV listing's specific requirements before booking.

  • For more info on driving requirements, visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's dedicated page.

Experience the North Island with a Camplify van from Whakatāne

We offer the most flexible, personalised, and relaxed campervan and motorhome hire experience in New Zealand. Our van-sharing platform gives you the freedom to create your own adventure, without being tied to set routes or pickup spots.

Start your journey in Whakatāne and create a unique Kiwi adventure that fits your style. 

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