The central North Island is one of New Zealand’s most diverse and rewarding road trip regions, bringing together geothermal valleys, volcanic peaks, alpine landscapes, and coastal highways in a single journey. It’s home to some of the country’s most iconic touring routes, including the Volcanic Highway through the dramatic central plateau, the Thermal Highway around Rotorua’s geothermal landscape, and the Pacific Coast Highway along State Highway 35, where surf towns and quiet beaches define the drive.
Inland, the central plateau opens into rugged alpine terrain, home to the North Island’s main ski fields and the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Around Rotorua, geothermal activity shapes the landscape with steaming vents and natural hot pools, while Lake Taupō offers a hub for water-based adventures and scenic lakefront stays. Further east, Gisborne delivers laid-back coastal living and some of the first sunrise views in the world, before the route winds into Hawke’s Bay, known for its vineyards, food, and long, sunny lunches.
Whether you’re looping the central plateau or travelling coast to coast, this region connects a wide mix of campgrounds, landscapes, and experiences—from lakeside freedom camping spots to fully equipped holiday parks. Using real-time CamperMate data, we’ve highlighted popular stays alongside curated food, drink, and local highlights across each destination.
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Looking for the best free and paid campsites, plus the top food and drink stops in a specific region of the Central North Island? Click below to jump straight to your next destination!
Rotorua
Gisborne
Taupō
Ruapehu
Hawke’s Bay
♨️ Rotorua
Geothermal wonders, lakeside escapes, and rich Māori culture.
Rotorua is a geothermal playground where steam rises from the earth and lakes sit beside lush forest. It’s a hub for adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one place. Spend your days exploring geysers, walking through redwood forests, or soaking in hot pools.
Stay in Rotorua
Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Par
Trending Free Campsites
- Government Gardens Camping Area - Camp right in the centre of Rotorua, across from the Polynesian Spa and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Hamurana Reserve Campground - Camp at the stunning Kaikaitāhuna Bay, just a 20min drive from Rotorua.
- Trout Pool Road - Park for the night alongside the famous Kaituna river. Only 25 mintues from Rotorua, and just a short walk from the famous Tutea Falls - the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!
Want to raft it yourself? Book your rafting trip with the local experts HERE!
Raft the mighty Tutea Falls with Kaituna Cascades River Rafting
See all Free Campsites in Rotorua
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Rotorua Family Holiday Park & Motel - This Holiday Park is the closest to most of Rotorua's major tourist attractions with only a 2 minute drive, and a short drive to central Rotorua.
- Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park - Cook your own Maori Hangi in their steam oven, relax in thier hot mineral pools, or dig your own spa at their own private hot water beach!
- Holdens Bay Holiday Park - Perfect for families with a full range of activities available including a playground, trampoline, volleyball net, outdoor swimming pool and indoor hot pools all free of charge.
- Tasman Holiday Parks – Rotorua - the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of this region. We’re located just 1km from the city centre.
- Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park - Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Rotorua's Blue Lake, this holiday park has over 14 acres of well-maintained grounds set in a tranquil native bush setting.
See all Paid Campgrounds in Rotorua
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Rotorua
Rotorua’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Between geothermal adventures and lakefront walks, you’ll find everything from historic pubs and elevated dining experiences to relaxed cafés, riverside bites, and hidden local favourites. It’s a city where you can start your day with artisan coffee, enjoy long lunches overlooking Lake Rotorua, and finish with craft beer or modern New Zealand cuisine.
Explore our curated guide to Rotorua's best food and beverage stops
🌅 Gisborne
Sunrise coastlines, surf beaches, and laid-back East Coast living.
Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sunrise, with long beaches, surf breaks, and quiet coastal roads defining the region.
Stay in Gisborne
East Cape Campground
Trending Free Campsites
- Lottin Point - A secluded beach camp sorrounded by native forest. What's not to love!
- Te Ahiaua Reserve - A wonderful spot near the tidal mouth of the Waiōtahe river, and close to the huge white sand sweep of Waiōtahe beach.
- Hukuwai Beach Recreation Reserve - Ideal spot, tucked between regenerating coastal bush and the Dunes Trail, which is part of the Motu Trails Great Ride.
- Kaiti Beach - A handy coastal location with a toilet and playground, making it ideal for family stopovers.
- Tokomaru Bay South - Often referred to simply as "Toko" on the East Coast, with grassy sites right next to the stunning beach.
See all Free Campsites in Gisborne
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - Beautiful beachfront sites right in the heart of Gisborne, perfetly located to explore local shops, drink our local wines & taste our local food.
- Tolaga Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park - Whether you’re here to explore local heritage, cast a line off the wharf, enjoy a swim in the surf, or simply unwind under the stars, Tolaga Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park provides the ideal base for your adventure.
- Island View Holiday Park - A unique Kiwi beach experience with so much to do, you’ll wish you stayed longer!
- Tasman Holiday Parks – Ōhiwa Beach - Relax and unwind in their peaceful setting, with the Pacific Ocean and Ohiwa Beach only steps from the camp ground & the Ohiwa Harbour even closer.
- East Cape Campground - You'll be in awe at finding yourself the middle of views and places you never thought possible at this off-the-beaten-path camp that blends solitude and natural beauty.
See all Paid Campgrounds in Gisborne
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Gisborne
Gisborne’s food scene is relaxed, coastal, and full of personality. Expect sun-drenched cafés, casual beachfront eats, boutique wineries, and creative local kitchens that showcase the region’s fresh produce and East Coast flavours. It’s the kind of place where long brunches turn into vineyard afternoons and sunset drinks by the water feel like the norm.
Explore our curated guide to Gisborne's best food and beverage stops
🌊 Taupō
Lake adventures, geothermal landscapes, and outdoor energy.
Taupō sits in the centre of the North Island, built around New Zealand’s largest lake and surrounded by geothermal attractions and volcanic landscapes.
Stay in Taupō
Reids Farm – Hipapatua Recreational Reserve
Trending Free Campsites
- Whakaipo Bay Freedom Camping Area - Camp next to Lake Taupō and enjoy the farm park surroundings and the mountain bike track through native bush.
- Waikoko Campsite - The endangered blue duck/whio live in the nearby river - you may be lucky enough to spot one around dawn and dusk! If you do see one, pelase report the sighting to the Department of Conservation.
- Huka-Aratiatia Amenity Area - Very peaceful place, with camping near the water and plenty of walks nearby.
- Lake Maraetai - A peaceful lakeside camping and recreation spot offering beautiful views across the water and a relaxed, open setting close to nature.
- Reids Farm – Hipapatua Recreational Reserve - Taupō’s main free camping spot—and popular for good reason. While facilities can feel stretched during peak season, the location is hard to beat, set right on the stunning Waikato River and just moments from Huka Falls.
See all Free Campsites in Taupō
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Coddiwomple Motorhome and Caravan Park - Set amongst beautiful trees in the countryside this park offers a simple farm stay experinece and is a quick 15 minutes from central Taupo.
- Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park - This park is located right on the lake edge, about halfway between the towns of Taupo and Turangi making it the perfect base to explore the region.
- Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park - Offers the closest Holiday Park to Taupo township and the stunning Lake Taupo, just 1.5 km away.
- Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort and Holiday Park - An award winning park with stunning views of Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, along with its own Hot Springs and water park!
- Lake Taupō Holiday Resort - Blending classic camping with resort-style comforts, this spot is a hit with families. The lagoon-style thermal pools form the heart of the park—perfect for relaxing or socialising—with a swim-up bar and café, warm water year-round, and plenty of space for kids and adults alike to splash and unwind.
See all Paid Campgrounds in Taupō
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Taupō
Taupō’s food scene is built around lake views, easy-going hospitality, and a strong mix of casual cafés, creative eateries, and standout dining spots. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between hot pools and hikes or settling in for a long lakeside meal, the town delivers plenty of variety with a relaxed, outdoorsy feel.
Explore our curated guide to Taupō's best food and beverage stops
🏔️ Ruapehu
Volcanoes, alpine landscapes, and rugged adventure.
Ruapehu is home to dramatic volcanic peaks, alpine terrain, and some of New Zealand’s most iconic hiking and skiing experiences.
Stay in Ruapehu
Whakahoro Campsite
Trending Free Campsites
- Ruatiti Domain Camp - Set in a stunning riverside location, this spacious and peaceful campsite is a favourite for travellers seeking a true back-to-nature experience. Surrounded by open farmland and native bush, there’s plenty of room to spread out.
- Dominion Road Carpark -A simple riverside freedom camping area tucked beside native bush, offering an easy overnight stop close to flowing water and short walks. Best suited as a convenient nature break rather than a destination stay,
- Piropiro Campsite - A large, well-used backcountry hub on the Timber Trail, set in open grassland surrounded by forest. Popular with cyclists, hikers, and hunters, it functions as a key staging point with basic facilities including toilets, water, and shelters.
- Te Maire Carpark - A tiny forest-edge pull-in beside a quiet road, offering a short-stay stop for up to a few vehicles. Known more for its nearby bush walks and suspension bridge than camping comfort, it suits brief, self-contained overnight stops.
- Pokaka Mill Campsite - A remote bush campsite accessed via a long gravel road, offering total seclusion and dark sky stargazing. A basic, self-sufficient stop for experienced travellers seeking isolation rather than facilities or convenience.
See all Free Campsites in Ruapehu
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Whakapapa Holiday Park - Camp in a mountain beech forest, beside a stream. It's a perfect base for exploring the national park with short walks close to the campsite. In winter, skiing is just up the road.
- Taumarunui Holiday Park - Set on the banks of the Whanganui River in the heart of the Central Plateau, Taumarunui Holiday Park is a peaceful, well-located base surrounded by native bush. Ideal for exploring the Forgotten World Highway, Tongariro National Park, and the Timber Trail.
- National Park Alpine Lodge - The National Park Alpine Lodge is a budget-friendly base for exploring Tongariro National Park, from hiking and skiing to rafting, biking, and more. Set in a historic 1912 building, it’s the perfect stay for adventure seekers year-round.
- Ōhinepane Campsite - Camp in a remote setting. The forest is a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa, and kowhai trees.
- Raetihi Holiday Park - This park offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers, while it's just a short drive from the vibrant town of Raetihi, where you can find local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
See all Paid Campgrounds in Ruapehu
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Ruapehu
Ruapehu’s food scene is shaped by its alpine setting and adventure culture. Expect hearty mountain meals, cosy cafés, craft beer stops, and a few hidden gems scattered across ski villages, river valleys, and small towns. It’s the kind of place where you refuel properly after big days on the slopes, trails, or alpine crossings.
Explore our curated guide to Ruapehu's best food and beverage stops
🍷 Hawke’s Bay
Sunshine, vineyards, and coastal charm.
Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, known for its warm climate, Art Deco cities, and long vineyard-lined plains.
Stay in Hawke’s Bay
Mohaka Te Hoe Campgrounds
Trending Free Campsites
- Evers-Swindell Reserve - Named after Olympic rowers Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, this popular one hectare reserve is on the shores of the Clive River, between Napier and Hastings.
- Kairakau Beach Campsite - An awesome beach side camp where visitors can explore the river mouth or kayak up the river, head up the hill behind the baches for the view, or walk north along the beach at low tide and discover Waterfall Bay.
- Oraka Reserve - A small but lovely waterfront freedom camping spot right on the edge of the estuary, with peaceful views and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
- Clifton Road Reserve - This large natural reserve is right on the beach front between Haumoana and Te Awanga. Nearby attractions include awesome wineries and Cape Kidnappers.
- Opoutama Beach Reserve - A great freedom camping spot on the Mahia Peninsula, the beach is a white sandy one, safe for swimming, and perfect for relaxing, picnics, walking and surfing if the conditions are right.
See all Free Campsites in Hawke’s Bay
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Havelock North Holiday Park - The perfect base in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, just a short walk from Havelock North village. The Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail starts at their front gate, and they are neighbours to the Sunflower Farm 🌻 and Strawberry Patch 🍓. With Te Mata Peak, wineries, beaches, and Napier’s Art Deco just minutes away, it’s the ideal spot to stay and explore.
- Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park - Camp within 10 acres of beautiful park-like grounds, along with a heated outdoor pool, all privately tucked away in the centre of Hastings in Hawke's Bay. Napier and Havelock North are also an easy drive away.
- Kennedy Park Resort Napier - Located just a short distance from Napier’s CBD, Kennedy Park Resort offers the ultimate getaway for families, couples, and travellers alike. Enjoy their heated swimming complex, let the kids run free on the playground, bouncing pillow, and pedal cars, or simply unwind in their expansive park-like grounds
- River’s Edge Holiday Park - A secluded holiday park with plenty of room to spread out under the trees and it's just a short walk to the river for safe swimming and fishing.
- Te Awanga Point Holiday Park - A laid-back beachfront motor camp right on the gravel beach at Clifton, with wide ocean views and easy access to fishing and surfing. It’s a simple, budget-friendly place that’s popular with travellers looking for a relaxed stay by the sea.
See all Paid Campgrounds in Hawke’s Bay
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s true food and wine regions, where long lunches, cellar doors, and coastal cafés are part of everyday life. From world-class wineries in Havelock North to relaxed beachfront eats in Napier, the region blends fresh local produce with a strong café culture and some of the country’s most iconic vineyards.
Explore our curated guide to Hawke’s Bay’s best food and beverage stops
🚐 Not Done Exploring?
If you’re looking to experience the very best of the Central North Island in one seamless journey, check out our Volcanoes & Vines Road Trip Itinerary.
