🛻 Best Motorhome Stops Along SH1 – From Tongariro to Wellington

Many travellers heading south after walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or exploring trails in Tongariro National Park continue their journey along State Highway 1, making their way to Wellington for the inter-island ferry. This stretch is often overlooked, but there are some great motorhome-friendly stops—especially for those keen on freedom camping and scenic stays.

This guide follows that route, from the base of the Central Plateau through to Manawatū–Whanganui, highlighting the best paid campgrounds, freedom camping spots, and practical service stops to help you plan a smooth drive south.

🏨 Paid Holiday Parks & Campgrounds

Starting Point: Whakapapa Holiday Park – Tongariro National Park

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$23pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, hot showers, laundry, kitchen, drying room
• Why it’s great: Nestled right inside Tongariro National Park and walking distance to some of the park’s best trails.
• Tips: Book ahead in summer. Ideal base for pre- or post-Tongariro Crossing recovery.

Flat Hills Tourist Park – Ohingaiti (near Mangaweka)

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$20–25pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, café, maze, toilets, hot showers, Wi‑Fi
• Why it’s great: A charming rural stop with great coffee, puzzles, animals, and wide-open green space.
• Tips: Family-friendly and a great option for an early-night wind-down.

Mangaweka Campground (Awastone)

• Type: Riverside campground | Cost: ~$15pp
• Facilities: Toilets, basic kitchen, paid showers, riverside views
• Why it’s great: A hidden gem along the Rangitīkei River. Great for kayaking or a relaxed nature stop.
• Tips: First-come, first-served; visit the Awastone cafe next door for breakfast.

Ready to book your campground? Most campervan sites in Aotearoa – New Zealand are bookable directly through the holiday park’s website or apps like CamperMate and Rankers. If you’re looking for cabins or motel-style units instead, many of these can be booked via Trip.com or Tripadvisor
And don’t forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips especially handy if you’re carrying gear or heading remote.

🚐 Freedom Camping (Self-Contained Only)

Putai Ngahere Domain – Vinegar Hill

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables
• Why it’s great: Beautiful bush setting by the river. Quiet, peaceful and well-maintained.
• Tips: Keep clear of the cliff edge in wet conditions.

Waiouru Army Museum Carpark

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Public toilets
• Why it’s great: Interesting stop for history buffs. Good lighting and flat space.
• Tips: Check museum opening hours if you want to explore inside.

🌳 DOC-Style Conservation Camping

None listed directly on SH1 in this stretch, but nearby riverside and bush spots offer a similar experience.

🧰 Essential Services & Pit Stops

Service	Locations
Dump Stations	Marton (King St), Feilding (Turners Rd), Sanson, Hunterville
Rubbish Drop-offs	Feilding Transfer Station, Palmerston North Resource Recovery Centre
Laundromats	On-site at Flat Hills; public options in Taihape, Feilding
Supermarkets	Countdown Ohakune, Taihape Four Square, Feilding, New World Palmy
Fuel & Food Stops	Taihape, Hunterville, Bulls (great bakery), Foxton

🗺️ Suggested Route Options

• Option 1 – For History Buffs
  • If you’re keen to explore the Waiouru Army Museum, take your time and spend the day there. It’s rich in history and well worth a deep dive. You can freedom camp overnight in the museum carpark (free) and then head straight to Wellington the next morning.
• Option 2 – For a More Relaxed Drive
  • If you’re feeling tired after the Tongariro Crossing or just want to break up the drive, stop at Mangaweka, Flat Hills, or Putai Ngahere (Vinegar Hill) for the night. Each offers a peaceful place to rest. With a few scenic or snack stops, you can still make it to Wellington in a  few hours—so why not pause to explore a bit of the central North Island along the way?