Manawatu-Whanganui & Taranaki

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Keen to take a North Island road trip brimming with cultural and historical significance, natural beauty, and welcoming ‘heartland’ communities? It’s all here waiting in the Taranaki and Manawatu-Whanganui region. 

These neighbouring regions are home to three of the North Island’s relatively small cities – New Plymouth, Palmerston North, and Whanganui – with lots of smaller townships in between. This part of New Zealand is quiet and unhurried, ideal for a relaxing campervan road trip.​​ Take in views of the Tasman Sea coastline, famous here for its intermittent cliffs, hot black sands and surf beaches. Wind your way through verdant countryside dotted with hidden gems and must-see attractions.  

There’s no better way to travel through this special region than by Britz campervan. Stop along the way to see unique New Zealand artworks in boutique galleries and museums. Stock up your camper fridge with fresh produce made by talented artisans. Chat with friendly locals who can share tips on local must-see sights and activities. 

A campervan road trip is all about freedom, spontaneity, and exploration… the perfect combination for making the most of this part of New Zealand.   

Travelling by Britz campervan is also a great way to keep expenses down. Enjoy home-cooked meals, stay in affordable campgrounds, or try freedom camping. 

 

Highlights

  • ​Scenic back roads

  • Surf beaches

  • A picture-perfect volcano

  • Two national parks 

  • ​Awesome art

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Things to do in the Taranaki and Manawatu- Whanganui region

See the wildlife

From wild seal colonies to cuddly kunekune pigs, you’ll find all sorts of wildlife experiences on offer in this region. Here are a few worth adding to your travel itinerary:

Join Dave Chadfield from Chaddy’s Charters on a trip around the Sugar Loaf Islands marine area to see the northernmost seal colony in New Zealand.

Meet Aslan, the white Bengal tiger, hand-feed the monkeys, and watch lions being fed. Taranaki’s Pouakai Zoo offers close-up interaction with exotic animals and birds of all shapes and sizes. 

Looking for a fun, free family day out? Brooklands Zoo in New Plymouth is home to a diverse range of animals including capuchin monkeys, meerkats, kunekune pigs, alpacas, and more. After you’ve met the animals, let the kids loose on the playground. Bring along a picnic and relax under a shady tree for lunch.

Go surfing

Keen to hit the surf on your New Zealand road trip? Load your surfboards into the camper and head down Surf Highway 45. This coastal road from New Plymouth to Hawera leads to a number of legendary surf beaches, including Fitzroy Beach. Hailed as one of the best mid-city surf spots in the world, this beach is renowned for its excellent barrels and hollow waves. At the opposite end is East End Beach, another great surf spot with slightly smaller waves and consistent surf. 

 

Get back to nature in a national park

Two of New Zealand’s 14 national parks lie in this part of the country, each with distinct landscapes and recreational opportunities. 

 

  • Whanganui National Park encompasses the deeply ridged forestland surrounding the Whanganui River. Kayaking and canoeing adventures are a big drawcard here, but hiking, mountain biking, jet boating and scenic drives are all on offer also. 

Meet some of New Zealand’s amazing artists

New Zealand has some very talented artists tucked away in its rural communities. And you’ll find many of them along the Coastal Arts Trail, running between Taranaki and Whanganui. The trail is a self-driving itinerary of museums, art galleries, workshops, and open studios. From colourful street art to intricate glassworks, there is a fascinating and diverse variety of artwork on show. With around 77 stops along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to meet many of the artists along the way. 

Wander through the gardens

One of the joys of campervan travel is having the time to stop and smell the roses. Not to mention admiring the rhododendrons or taking photos of phalaenopsis! Whatever flower or fauna tickles your fancy, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this region. Here are a few worth adding to your travel itinerary:

Pukekura Park – New Plymouth

Described by many as the jewel in New Plymouth’s crown, Pukekura Park is one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens. Spanning 52 hectares, the park encompasses a huge garden area, water features, display houses, and recreation grounds. If you’re travelling through New Plymouth in December and January, don’t miss the spectacular TSB Festival of Lights. This fabulous festival transforms Pukekura Park into an illuminated fantasyland with hundreds of lighting displays. 

Paloma Gardens – Whanganui

This Garden of National Significance in Whanganui is brimming with plants from all over the world, from the jungles of Asia to the deserts of Africa. Paloma Gardens were created by couple Nicki and Clive Higgie. They began planning in the 1970s and have continued adding to and nurturing it ever since. There are lots of zany, fun elements to be found within the foliage too, including quirky signs, fascinating sculptures, and colourful pottery. Take your time here, there’s loads to see.  

Mangamaire Sunflower Field – Manawatu

This one is strictly a summer event, but it’s worth planning a road trip just to see this incredible sight. Each year in January, thousands of visitors flock to the Mangamaire Sunflower Field to view hundreds of brightly coloured, cheery sunflowers planted by Abbe and Emile Hoare. Come along to one of the weekend open days to take photos or book in for a Premium Picnic experience.  

 

 

Popular road trips and itineraries

There are lots of great options for road trips within New Zealand’s Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui region. You may like to kick off your adventure by picking up your Mighty camper from our Auckland branch and exploring your way south from Auckland to New Plymouth.

One of the most popular road trips in the region is the remote Forgotten World Highway, which runs between Taumarunui and Stratford. Spanning 155 km, the highway takes you past epic landscapes, remnants of old settlements, and unspoiled scenery. At around the halfway point, you’ll pass through Whangamomona. This tiny township has remained almost unchanged since the 1920s. It’s so remote that the town’s people declared it a Republic in 1989. You can even pick up a passport from the local hotel. 

 

Helpful tips

Climate and seasons

Taranaki’s climate is very temperate in both temperature and weather.  Temperatures range from an average high of 16°C in the winter, to the mid-20s or higher in the summer, with long balmy nights and crisp winter mornings.

Whanganui also offers a pleasant, temperate climate with average highs of 23°C in summer and 14.5°C in winter. Whanganui enjoys plenty of sunshine and only around 917 mm of rainfall each year, making it the second driest town in the North Island.

In Palmerston North, the summers are comfortable with highs rarely over 27°C, but winters can bring a fair amount of rain and morning frosts.

What to pack

With so many great outdoor activities to enjoy, you’ll want to make the most of your time in the Taranaki and Whanganui-Manawatu region with a well-packed campervan and a backpack ready for adventure!

  • Outdoor gear 

It can get windy along the coastline of this region at any time of year, so don’t forget to pack a warm hat and thermals. With plenty of great tracks and trails to choose from, it’s worth packing a good pair of hiking shoes too.

  • Campervan add-ons

Keen to get some cycling in on your road trip? Britz bikes are available for hire with some campervans through our Christchurch branch. If you’re bringing your own bikes, our Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown branches offer bike rack hire.

  • Sun protection

Be sure to pack a bottle of sunscreen and a sunhat, especially if you’re visiting in summer and planning on making the most of the region’s sunny weather.

 

Where to stay with a campervan

The Taranaki and Whanganui-Manawatu region is well set up for campervan travellers, with quiet roads, clear road signage, spacious parking and visitor information centres in sizeable towns and cities. ​ 

The region’s holiday parks welcome campervan travellers with first-rate, family-friendly facilities and a sociable atmosphere. There are also many Department of Conservation campsites, with sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

 

Some of our favourite campsites include:

 

New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park

Located on Princes Street, the New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park makes a great base to explore Taranaki. Park up your campervan within the scenic, tree-lined park and make use of the excellent facilities. Relax in the TV room, enjoy use of the hot showers and kitchen. The kids will love the heated pool, playground, trampoline, and pedal go-karts.  

 

Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park

Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing break alongside the banks of the beautiful Whanganui River. The Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park is located at 460 Somme Parade, just a short drive from the city centre. This family-friendly park has everything needed for a great holiday, and the location is simply magic. 

 

Palmerston North Holiday Park

Nestled within 4.5 hectares of beautiful parklands, the Palmerston North Holiday Park offers loads of room to play and explore. The park is just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, miniature railway, Esplanade Gardens, and the Lido swimming complex. 

 

Britz campervan branches

To make the most of your road trip of the Taranaki and Whanganui-Manawatu region, we recommend picking up your campervan from our Britz Auckland branch. 

 

Thinking about extending your holiday with a South Island adventure? We also have branches in Queenstown and Christchurch. 

 

 

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