Waitomo
Nestled in the King Country, Waitomo is only 2 hours 30 minutes from Auckland. The subterranean wonderland offers many tour options, including the world-famous boat trip in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the spectacular Ruakuri Cave and the Aranui Chamber, as well as the Legendary Black Water Rafting Abyss and Labyrinth adventure activities. And there are free activities like the Ruakuri bushwalk and the Marakopa Falls walk with a beautiful West Coast beach only 45 minutes up the road. If you’re after campground facilities, you'll find the perfect spot with the Top 10 Holiday Park.
Greytown
Best-kept secret in international tourism (so don't tell 'em!), Wellingtonians will be aware of the boutique stores and great restaurants, but for everyone else: if you haven't been there, you are missing out! Quaint, colourful, historic, surrounded by vineyards and great walks, with great eateries and fabulous coffee. And if you are travelling by campervan, stay at the municipal campground (it’s right next door to the municipal outdoor swimming pool), a flashback to a more carefree time of sun and simplicity.
Waipu Cove
Just a short (under 2 hours) drive north of Auckland, at Waipu Cove the surf is clear, the sand is white, the beach 4km long and empty. The campground is welcoming (and behind the beach), and everyone is kid-friendly, probably because they live and breath 'the town of a hundred thousand welcomes', so named by the Scottish settlers.
Hanmer Springs
Fancy a game of golf or a soak in the hot pools within an easy drive of Christchurch? Hanmer Springs is a one-stop location with lots to offer. A picturesque 18-hole golf course, therapeutic complex of open-air sulphur and rock mineral pools surrounded by mountain views. Whether you're a sports person or just wanting to relax, this is the place.