Campervan Pickup in Auckland for a Northland Trip

Quick summary: Every Northland campervan or motorhome trip begins and ends in Auckland, where the hire depots are. These guides cover the first and last days of the trip in order: collecting the vehicle, getting out of New Zealand’s biggest city, where to spend the first night, what to buy before heading north, and how to return the vehicle smoothly.

Stage	Guide
Collecting the vehicle	Auckland pickup for a Northland trip
Leaving the city	Driving north out of Auckland
The first night	First night north of Auckland
Supplies	Stocking up before Northland
The end of the trip	Returning to Auckland

Why is a Northland trip always a loop?

Because campervan and motorhome companies have their depots in Auckland, not in Northland, so the vehicle needs to come back. The good news is that Northland suits a loop perfectly: the Twin Coast Discovery Route heads north along the east coast and returns down the west, so you barely repeat a road.

Can you pick up an RV in Auckland and drop it off in the Bay of Islands?

Not usually, as there are no rental drop-off points in Northland. Plan your trip as a loop returning to Auckland, or, if you are continuing elsewhere in New Zealand, as a one-way trip from Auckland to another city with Northland as a detour at the start.

For the full Northland overview, see our campervan hub.

Frequently Asked Questions