Hiring a campervan in New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore, but if you’ve never done it before, it can feel a little daunting. The good news? It’s easier than you think. Modern campervans are designed with first-time drivers in mind – large side mirrors, a reversing camera, and a standard automatic transmission make driving surprisingly straightforward. And no, you don’t need a special licence – just your regular full car licence will do. 

The key to a relaxed campervan trip is choosing the right route. Short, easy drives on well-maintained roads, with plenty of great stops along the way, make all the difference. Travel outside of peak times, stick to quieter roads where possible and give yourself time to enjoy the journey. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best campervan routes for first-time drivers – scenic, simple, and stress-free. 

If you’re a couple looking for a motorhome road trip that blends adventure with relaxation, New Zealand is the perfect place to explore together. With ever-changing scenery, from rugged mountain ranges to rolling countryside and sun-drenched beaches, every drive offers something new to discover. And with a maui campervan, you can swap rigid schedules for open-ended exploring – stopping when and where you like. 

Whether it’s enjoying a lakeside sunrise, tasting your way through a wine region, or unwinding in a natural hot spring, a campervan road trip lets you experience it all without feeling rushed. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best road trips for couples in 2025, along with a few helpful tips to help you plan an unforgettable travel itinerary. 

Napier is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. With its Art Deco buildings, sun-soaked coastline, and some of the best food and wine in the country, it’s perfect for a couples’ getaway by motorhome.  

Whether you’re planning on exploring as part of a Napier campervan road trip or just passing through, there’s plenty to see, sip, and savour. From coastal walks and winery tours to hidden spots only the locals know about, we’ve rounded up some of the romantic things to do in Napier for couples. Make sure to add these unforgettable experiences to your travel itinerary. 

Katie Hurst is a seasoned campervan traveller who knows a thing or two gourmet meals on the road! In this handy guide, Katie shares her insights and tips – along with her favourite campervan recipes.  

I’ve always loved good food, but when I first started travelling by camper, I assumed I’d be living off cheese and crackers with the occasional fry-up. It didn’t take long to realise that with a little planning and the right setup, cooking in a small space like a campervan can be just as enjoyable as cooking at home – sometimes even better. There’s something special about making a great meal after a day on the road and sitting down to eat with an incredible New Zealand backdrop right outside your door. 

Keen to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and local wildlife of New Zealand? In this guide, we’ll highlight must-see natural wonders across both the North and South Islands. 

If you want to explore these gems without rushing from hotel to hotel, we’ll also give you practical tips on planning a campervan travel itinerary, booking a campervan hire, and some general tips for exploring New Zealand in a campervan hire. Plus, we’ll address those burning questions like “Which part of New Zealand has the best scenery?” and more. 

Ready to discover some of the best nature spots in New Zealand? Let’s dive in. But first... 

When it comes to romantic getaways in New Zealand, Hamilton might not be the first place that springs to mind – but that’s exactly what makes it such a great place to explore. With a camper or motorhome, it’s easy to take your time, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. This fast-growing Waikato city has a relaxed charm, a great food scene, and plenty of ways to spend time together, whether that means wandering through world-class gardens, tucking into a long lunch, or finding a quiet spot by the river. 

With a maui campervan hire, you’ve got the freedom to turn a simple weekend away into something special. Take the scenic route, stop when you feel like it, and uncover the spots that most people drive straight past. From hidden river walks to cosy dinner spots, Hamilton has more to offer than you might expect. Here are our top picks of the best things for couples to do in Hamilton. 

Rotorua is made for couples who love exploring together by motorhome. Whether you’re unwinding in a hot pool, walking through towering forests, or discovering hidden lakes, this geothermal wonderland has plenty to offer. And with a maui campervan hire, you can do it all with the freedom to go where the moment takes you. 

Whether you’re up for a bit of adventure or just want to kick back and relax, here are some of the best things to do in Rotorua for couples. 

One of the perks of travelling in a motorhome is having your own campervan toilet on board. No late-night dashes to a campsite bathroom or searching for public restrooms on the road. But to keep things fresh – and odour-free – it’s important to empty and clean your campervan toilet regularly. If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry – it’s quick, easy, and nowhere near as bad as you might think.  

In this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to emptying your campervan toilet, so you can keep your maui motorhome clean and comfortable throughout your trip. 

Planning a New Zealand road trip is one of those travel experiences that feels like it’s made for a campervan. With its mix of cool little towns, winding coastal roads, and incredible places to park up for the night, there’s no better way to explore. Whether you’ve got a week or a few leisurely weeks to spare, a maui campervan hire lets you take the comforts of home with you as you discover everything this stunning country has to offer.  

But the big question is… how many days does it take to road trip New Zealand? Let’s dive in and find the perfect travel itinerary for your adventure.