Holiday Breakdown in the Bay of Plenty — Campervans, Rentals & Tourists

Holiday Breakdown in the Bay of Plenty — What Visitors Need to Know

The Bay of Plenty welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year — drawn by the world-famous Mount Maunganui beach, the Pāpāmoa surf, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua (accessed via Tauranga on SH36), and the stunning Pacific Coast Highway. Many arrive in rental cars, hired campervans, or driving long distances from Auckland and Wellington for summer holidays. When a vehicle breaks down in an unfamiliar city, having the right number already saved makes an enormous difference.

If You’re in a Rental Car

Most New Zealand rental car companies include roadside assistance in their standard rental agreement. Check your rental agreement before calling a private tower — the rental company should organise recovery. However, if response times are unreasonable (over 60 minutes for a Tauranga city location) or if your rental company’s contracted operator cannot respond, call Towing Tauranga on 07 245 1880 directly and the cost can typically be reimbursed through the rental company or your travel insurance.

Campervan and Motorhome Breakdowns

The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s most popular campervan destinations. Common breakdown scenarios for campervan visitors:

• Kaimai Range SH29: Loaded campervans struggle on the steep Kaimai climb. Overheating is the most common issue. See our Kaimai guide.
• Pacific Coast Highway: The scenic coastal route between Tauranga and Whakatāne is popular with motorhome tourists — and remote in some sections.
• SH2 between Tauranga and Auckland: The holiday corridor through the Coromandel approach sees high tourist vehicle traffic, particularly in December and January.

We carry heavy towing equipment for motorhomes year-round and provide the same professional service to visitors as to locals. Pricing is transparent — we quote before dispatch, regardless of whether you are a local or a tourist.

Travel Insurance Note

Many New Zealand travel insurance policies include roadside assistance or towing cover. Keep our invoice — itemised receipts are provided on request for insurance reimbursement.