For a peaceful stop between Rotorua and Te Urewera National Park, check out Murupara Motor Camp. Half holiday park and half motor lodge (motel), Murupara Motor Camp has a variety of accommodations for guests. Located in a small town in the Bay of Plenty Region on the North Island of New Zealand, the motor camp offers lodging that is both removed from busy tourist centers and close to lots of fun activities, including the geothermal attractions south of Rotorua.
Murupara Motor Camp is run by a husband and wife team that give the affordable accommodations a bed and breakfast feel. The motor camp is on a peaceful farm setting between the small town of Murupara and the Rangitaiki River. You can stay in a room or sleep in your RV or tent.
Murupara Motor Camp has motel-style blocks of cabin units. Rooms come with a bed, table, table-top television, and a mini-fridge. A kettle, mugs, and the makings for tea and coffee allow you to start the day in comfort. There are communal bathrooms with showers as well as a laundry room and kitchen.
The kitchen is an easy spot to prepare meals. A toaster, panini press, microwave, oven and stovetop, a full-sized refrigerator, and other useful gadgets are at your disposal. A collection of utensils and crockery are available as well. There’s a small garden on site, so time your visit right and you could be offered tomatoes or other fresh goodies to add to your meal.
The grounds of Murupara Motor Camp have powered sites for RVs and campervans and non-powered sites for tent campers. There are sunny grass lawns and areas shaded by tall pines. Picnic tables have been set up for guests and there is even a BBQ area, perfect for grilling up fish caught in the Rangitaiki River, which is a one-minute walk from the motor camp.
Also on site, guests have access to a game room with a pool table, a ping-pong table, a large television, games, and books. There is free wi-fi on site for guests. If you plan to put it to use, see if you can stay where the signal is strongest. A camp store carries basic supplies including fresh milk and free-range eggs. When you book your stay, inquire about the other food options to get an enjoyable taste of the region.
Murupara Motor Camp makes a great headquarters for outdoor enthusiasts. Whirinaki Forest and Te Urewera National Park are nearby as well as several geothermal treasures. Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve (where you can take a short hike to Crater Lake) is 37 kilometers away. Just beyond that is Kerosene Creek, for bathing in a natural hot pool below a short waterfall (both free). If that’s too far away, walk right across the street to a picnic area along the Rangitaiki River and take a dip in a local swimming hole on hot summer days.
Visit muruparamotorcamp.co.nz to review accommodations, rates, food options, and nearby activities. Dogs are not allowed in cabin units, but are allowed at tent and RV sites (on leashes). You can also email info@muruparamotorcamp.co.nz or call (64) 7 366-5365 for more information.
Directions: From the center of Rotorua, take State Highway 5 (Thermal Explorer Highway) south from the intersection with State Highway 30A. Drive 24.8 kilometers and turn left onto State Highway 38. Take SH 38 southeast for 36.7 kilometers to the driveway into Murupara Motor Camp, which is on the left, shortly after crossing the Rangitaiki River.
Lodge address: 963 State Highway 38, Murupara, Bay Of Plenty, 3079, New Zealand
Lodge coordinates: -38.458, 176.7006 (38° 27′ 28.79″S 176° 42′ 02.16″E)
 | Crater Lake This 1-kilometer walk in Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve goes to an overlook with views of a turquoise pool below vibrant cliffs. |
 | Kerosene Creek This short walk follows Kerosene Creek down to a hot pool below a crescent-shaped waterfall. Bring your bathing suit and wade into warm, welcoming waters. |
 | Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland This thermal area full of hot pools, geysers, fumaroles, and mud pots can be explored on three successive loops for walks of 1.35 to 3.05 kilometers. |
 | Waimangu Volcanic Valley This 4.75-kilometer one-way route descends through a landscape of spectacular geothermal features like Frying Pan Lake, the largest hot spring in the world. Pair a walk down the valley with a Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise for a memorable geothermal experience in Rotorua. |
 | Lake Rotomoahana Boat Cruise Take a boat tour over the lake at the bottom of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, getting close to steaming vents and geysers right along the lakeshore for a unique on-the-water experience. The cruise is reachable by bus or a hike down Waimangu Volcanic Valley. |
 | Blue Lake This 6.15-kilometer circuit near Rotorua provides a pleasant loop across lakeside beaches and forests, rising to a lookout over Blue Lake and nearby Green Lake. |
 | Okere Falls Track This scenic 3-kilometer walk through Okere Falls Scenic Reserve has views of multiple waterfalls, cascades, and pools on the Okere River near Rotorua. |
 | Kaituna River Whitewater Rafting Take a memorable trip down the Kaituna River (Okere River) through Okere Falls Scenic Reserve that includes a thrilling plunge over Tutea Falls, the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! |
 | More trails in New Zealand Explore other destinations for walking and hiking (as well camping and lodging) in New Zealand. |
 | Rotorua Top 10 This holiday park has campsites, cabins, and motel accommodations in a fun setting near the center of Rotorua with amenities that include mineral hot pools. |
 | Papamoa Beach Resort This oceanfront holiday park offers scenic lodging and campsites on grass-covered dunes above a beautiful beach on the Bay of Plenty near Tauranga. |