Auckland’s North Shore is a large urban area located across the Waitemata Harbour from the Central Business District of Auckland. The North Shore is home to many golden sandy beaches and is one of Auckland’s most in demand locations. Over the bridge and down a short stretch of motorway, you’ll find places to park up your rental motorhome, a healthy restaurant and cafe culture as well as a stunning coastline to explore. At NZ Motorhome Rentals, the Shore is a favourite destination and we recommend making your way to some or all of the following places.

Takapuna: Head over to Takapuna and choose from a number of cosy cafes to start your day. Hurstmere Road is where you’ll find something to your taste (we recommend parking your hire campervan on one of the surrounding streets). For the fans of peace and quiet, Milford is right next door. Milford is a relaxed beach suburb on Lake Pupuke – popular with the locals of many water sports, especially rowing. We recommend soaking up all the coastline has to offer on the Milford to Takapuna track that winds its way right along the seaside.

Devonport: Devonport has a remarkable and long kiwi history and is still home to a New Zealand Naval base. From the Ferry Building, Devonport is a mere 15 minute ride across the water from Auckland’s CBD for those leaving their rental motorhomes in the city. In Devonport are a number of wonderful cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

North Head: A real gem is North Head – a dormant volcano and former military hub during the Second World War. There are many tunnels and former gun emplacements to explore and an incredible 360 degree view of the Harbour and city. A truly special spot to enjoy a fish and chip dinner with family and friends.We also recommend stocking your RV with a couple sheets of cardboard. Use these as sleds to slide down the long grass verges that grow on the steeper slopes of North Head.

Albany, Long Bay & Birkenhead: Albany features a large mall with shopping, food and a cinema for a rainy day when you’re keen to escape the confines of your hire campervan during your stay. North Harbour Stadium is situated in the heart of Albany and is a prime location for football, Rugby Union and Rugby League matches taking place year round. Birkenhead features stunning ocean views from the top of every street in the area and is the perfect place from which to view Rangitoto Island.

Spend the day (or perhaps 2 or 3 days) on the stunning Waiheke Island. Waiheke is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke is approximately 45-60 minutes from Auckland by ferry (if you’re planning on driving your rental campervan over to Waiheke, we recommend using our friends at Sealink – pricing is available on request). Ferries leave frequently from the inner city Ferry Terminal building and head directly to the island. A number of campsites are present on the island suitable for rental motorhome parking with shower, power and toilet facilities. Once on Waiheke you have the option of making your way about on public transport or hiring a bike to conduct your own two wheeled tour.

As for wholesome activities on the Island, the highlights on Waiheke are the white sand beaches. Little Oneroa Beach, is a beautiful secluded beach located down the east end of Oneroa Beach. Down Little Oneroa you’ll find a playground for the children and free to use BBQs. Perfect for an evening by the beach. Waiheke is also home to a small cinema and, being home to a number of artists, often features performances from talented musicians.

Waiheke is home to many culinary delights at one of the island’s many vineyards, known in New Zealand as the Island of Wine. The climate favours the growth of Bordeaux style grapes and has resulted in a number of awards being won for the quality of the red wine produced. An afternoon of wine tasting and delicious food is easily organised with the island featuring Cablebay, Mudbrick, Kenny Point and Te Wahu vineyards. Guided tours around the island are also available. It goes without saying, do not drink and drive your rental motorhome.

45 minutes from central Auckland is the wild West Coast featuring a number of beautiful black sand beaches well worth exploring during your time in Auckland. For the surfers in your party, Bethells Beach, Piha, and Muriwai are home to some of the best breaks within an hour of the city. See the great Albatross perched high above the ocean on rugged cliff tops and the resident Gannet colony enjoying the view from a rocky outcrop.

Slightly further down the coast from Piha is Karekare Beach. A blacksand beach popular with filmmakers – the dramatic landscape and rocky outcrops that lead directly to the sea make for stunning photographs. For those rental motorhome drivers heading further South, Karioitahi Beach is a popular destination. A rugged blacksand beach popular for cycling, horse riding, windsurfing and Blokarts (wind powered carts) that present a great opportunity for fun.

North of Karioitahi is the Awhitu Peninsula – a stunning and tranquil park featuring hiking tracks and flat beach land. A short walk over the farmland leads to panoramic views out over the Manukau Harbour toward Auckland. We recommend a walk to the Peninsula’s end where you’ll find an iconic lighthouse. Campsites are available to park your motorhome rental at – be sure to check the websites of local authorities for more information.

Always take care when entering the water – not all of these beaches are manned by surf life guards all year round (some have no lifeguard service at all). The ocean is dangerous, make sure you swim with a buddy, tell someone where you are going and monitor the conditions – if in doubt, we stress that you should not go out. Take the motorhome rental to a nice spot and enjoy the ocean view.

Auckland’s highest natural point, Mt Eden (also known by the Māori name Maungawhau) is a dormant volcanic cone that rises 196 metres (643 feet) above sea level. An astonishing bowl-like crater with a depth of 50 metres (160 feet), it is as much a part of the summit’s appeal as the spectacular 360-degree city panoramas on show.

One Tree Hill is a 182-metre (597-foot) volcano which serves as an important memorial place for Māori and other New Zealanders. Maungakiekie, or the ‘mountain of the kiekie vine’, was home to the largest indigenous pā (defensive settlement site) pre-European colonisation. A 30-metre (100-foot) tall stone obelisk was also erected on top of the summit to mark Auckland’s centenary commemorations in 1940.

Take a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to reach the ever so popular Waiheke Island. The island is situated on the Hauraki Gulf and has a length of 19 kilometres (12 miles). Visitors are drawn to this local gem because of its famous vineyards, picturesque beaches and wondrous natural landscapes.

Located just west of Auckland, the black-sand Piha Beach is famous for its strong surf conditions and breathtakingly rugged scenery. Landscape photographers are particularly drawn to the beach’s Lion Rock and its surrounding Maori carvings. Film buffs will also know the picturesque beach for its cameo in movies like the 1993 feature drama The Piano.

Located at the tip of the Whangaparoa Peninsula, 50 kilometres (31.1 miles) north of central Auckland, Shakespear Regional Park is the most visited and accessible open sanctuary in the region. With a strong focus on conservation and farming, the park provides a pest-free habitat for endangered wildlife — to an extent that dogs and other pets aren’t permitted in it.

Having come into existence approximately 600 years ago, Rangitoto Island is Auckland’s youngest volcano. Wherever there is a view of the Hauraki Gulf, you’ll be able to sight Rangitoto summit — you could say it’s a bit of a local icon because of its prominence. The island is a popular hiking destination as well as being a much-adored spot for kayakers and boaties.

The seaside suburb of Devonport is wont to attract history buffs, beach lovers, maritime enthusiasts and budding foodies keen to try out some of its buzzing cafes and eateries. A 12-minute ferry ride from the city is all it takes to reach this North Shore gem; this ease of access makes Devonport a favourite day trip destination for both locals and visitors.

Mission Bay is located quite close to Auckland’s central business district on Tamaki Drive. Aucklanders are particularly drawn to the local beach because it is so close to the city. Mission Bay is also loved for its cafes and restaurants, plus the picturesque park that lies right on the beach’s doorstep.

For the adrenaline junkie in all of us!

Take your New Zealand campervan adventure to the next and challenge yourself to take a jump with Skydive Auckland. Skydive Auckland provides thrill seekers with the option to jump from heights of 9,000ft (25 second freefall), 13,000ft (45 second freefall), 16,000ft (60 seconds of freefall) or 20,000ft! 20,000ft being the highest tandem skydive experience available in New Zealand with a freefall time of 85 glorious seconds over the stunning city of Auckland.

Know that you’re in the safest of hands – your skydive and your safety are of utmost importance to the crew at SkyDive Auckland.

Skydive Auckland is a reputable provider and has a number of highly qualified experienced skydive professionals to assist you with your jump on the day. Some of Skydive Auckland’s jump instructors have over of 14,000 jumps to their names!

Visit their website for more information.

The Citywalks World global network spans several countries and continents. As big advocates of the best way to explore being slow and steady by foot (to take your time, apply presence of mind to soak up the sights and sounds) we are proud to put forward Citywalks World.

Not only are there immediate health benefits of getting your walk on but with the help of a knowledgeable Citywalks World tour guide, you’ll be enjoying all of the sights and sounds of the city you’re exploring in no time!

With locations including Auckland, Wellington, Taupo, Tauranga and one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – The Tongariro Crossing, look up Citywalks World during your time travelling NZ to make sure you see it all.