Thermal Explorer Highway

Once you’ve picked up your camper in Auckland don’t be too quick to drive directly out of town and head south.  

Be sure to check out the waterfront drive along Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers . Stop for a stroll, grab a coffee or ice-cream or run your feet through the sand to prove you’ve made it. 

Once that's off your chest make your way to Hawkes Bay to explore the wine country!

If you love food & wine you won’t want to leave the Hawkes Bay – many award winning wines are produced in this region.  Indulge in a lazy summer alfresco lunch, a long walk on a beach in the golden light of autumn, a glass of merlot beside a toasty winter’s fire or the dazzling view from Te Mata Peak on a crisp spring morning. Fruit is also plentiful in the Hawkes Bay so stock up your fridge! Other gourmet delights such as olives are also not to be missed.

Also make sure you get to see the world-famous Art Deco buidlings in Napier and Spanish Mission architecture, beaches that stretch for miles, and Gannet birds that come home to nest.

Stay overnight at one of our maui winery havens - Linden Estate and wake up with the vines, as well as enjoying local produce and wines straight from the source!

Lake Taupo was created by the largest known eruption of the past 5,000 years - so big the sun went hazy in China. Today, what remains is a lake the size of Singapore and the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. Just about everywhere you look you'll see a volcano. Geothermal steam has its benefits with hot mineral springs to soak and relax in. Lake Taupo is home to just about every adrenalin adventure you could want on air, land and water. But if it's the sedate life you are after, then Lake Taupo is also the perfect place to take it easy, with magical hot springs to relax in and local cafes to enjoy.

Circle Tongariro National Park to view the impressive Mt Ruapehu and stop to explore some of the many walks in the area. The Tongariro Crossing is a popular day trip but check weather conditions as it can be like experiencing four seasons in one day. There are some great cycling trails in and around the area as well. If timing your visit for the winter, the village comes alive.

Known as New Zealand’s tourism icon, Rotorua is spiritual home to the Maori of Te Arawa, and is set amidst a myriad of crystal clear crater lakes. Here you will experience nature’s earth forces, bubbling mudpools, spouting geysers and hot water beaches. Why not wind down and spoil yourself by relaxing in a natural geothermal mineral pool at the Polynesian Spa. Pure bliss.  

Depart Rotorua and head across Waitomo, home of the world famous Waitomo Caves, an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos. Once you have had your fill of underground wonders, enjoy the above ground wonders of the Waikato- the centre of New Zealand’s antique, farm stay and thoroughbred industries.

Remember, when travelling with maui motorhomes - drivers go free to Waitomo, Aranui and Ruakuri Caves.

Don’t cut short your time in Waitomo – there is much to take in… with a wealth of protected park land and volcanic ranges, the region also offers a wide range of walking and biking trails showcasing diverse scenery and has three of New Zealand Cycle Trails ‘Great Rides’ situated throughout. Head back on the road in time to meet the Auckland closing branch time by 3.30pm.