Labour weekend
We often think of campervan holidays as long excursions, ranging from a minimum of seven days up up to a month, or longer. But a long weekend can easily be enough for some fun on the road, especially if you haven't done it before. With Labour weekend not far away, here are a couple ideas for a three-day motorhome trip. Dip your toe in and if you love it, that’s every reason to book an even longer one over the summer break!
North Island Inspiration
If you’re looking for a long weekend break in the North Island, head from Auckland to Rotorua with a stop in Hobbiton on the way home. There’s so much to do in New Zealand’s geothermal capital, from hurtling down the hill in a giant inflatable ball, to ziplining in the forest, to strolling through the Redwoods to mountain biking, to hot pools and - of course - bubbling mud and geyser visits. You will easily fill a couple of days there and the Blue Lake is the most magical setting to park your motorhome. Leave early in the morning on the last day and wind your way back through the Matamata area to finally tick Hobbiton off your New Zealand must-do list. If time permits, definitely do a detour to nearby Wairere Falls, at 153 metres it’s undoubtedly worth a look. From the falls it’s an easy two hours back to base in time to drop the motorhome back to Auckland.
South Island Inspiration
Take a three day trip from Rangiora through to Geraldine to see where the Canterbury Plains meet the Southern Alps. After picking up your motorhome from Christchurch head to Rangiora then through to Oxford for a look into a true South Island farming town. Then prepare for your jaw to hit the ground as you journey along the foot of the Alps to Mount Hutt and Mount Somers (take your hiking boots if you’re the active type). This is one of the best parts of New Zealand to see our rolling countryside juxtaposed with dramatic alpine beauty. After Mount Somers it's over the Rangitata River to Geraldine, where you can link to State Highway 1 or head toward Mount Cook if time allows. It’s one hour 45 from Geraldine back to Christchurch in time for drop off after your long weekend adventure.
