What are the best campervan routes for nervous first timers?

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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. 

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Why choose an easy campervan route in New Zealand?

If you’re new to motorhome travel, picking an easy campervan route can make all the difference. New Zealand’s roads can be winding, with occasional one-way bridges and changing weather conditions, but don’t let that put you off. Some routes are far more beginner-friendly, with smooth highways, minimal traffic, and plenty of great places to stop along the way. Before you hit the road, it’s worth checking out our handy guide to driving in New Zealand to get a feel for what to expect. 

Here’s why picking an easy route is a smart move: 

  • Shorter drives, more time to explore – Sticking to routes with no more than two hours of driving per leg means less fatigue and more time to enjoy the places you’re visiting. Instead of spending hours on the road, you can stop for a coffee, take in the views, and make the most of each destination. 

  • Less stress, more confidence – The easiest routes avoid tricky driving conditions like steep hills, sharp corners, and heavy traffic. This means you can focus on enjoying the drive rather than worrying about challenging roads. 

  • Predictable road conditions – Some roads in New Zealand can be narrow, winding, or prone to sudden weather changes. Beginner-friendly routes tend to be well-maintained, with fewer surprises along the way. 

  • More flexibility – A simple, relaxed route means you have more freedom to stop whenever you like, take a scenic detour, or change your plans without worrying about long distances or tricky driving conditions. 

 

Best campervan routes for beginners

Route 1: Auckland to Coromandel (Thames & Whitianga) – Coastal bliss

The Auckland to Coromandel road trip is an ideal choice for first-time campervan travellers and one of the most popular campervan routes in NZ. With well-maintained highways, easy coastal driving, and plenty of great places to stop, it’s a relaxed and confidence-boosting introduction to campervan travel. The journey from Auckland to Thames and Whitianga offers a mix of scenic beaches, historic towns, and simple driving conditions. 

Why this campervan route is great for first timers

  • Mostly wide, well-paved roads with gentle curves and minimal steep sections. 

  • Short driving distances – around 1.5 hours from Auckland to Thames, then another 1.5 hours to Whitianga. 

  • Plenty of safe places to stop for breaks, including beaches, cafés, and lookout points. 

Suggested stops

  • Auckland to Thames (1.5 hours) – Take a break in Thames, a historic gold-mining town with great cafés and the fascinating Thames Goldmine Experience. 

  • Thames to Whitianga (1.5 hours) – Stop at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand, or take a short walk to the famous Cathedral Cove. 

Recommended campgrounds

Best travel times

  • Leave Auckland mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak-hour traffic. 

  • Travel on weekdays where possible – weekends can be busier, especially in summer. 

 

Route 2: Rotorua to Taupō – Geothermal wonders & relaxation

For an easy, rewarding drive packed with hot pools, waterfalls, and lakeside views, the Rotorua to Taupō road trip is a great pick. It’s a short 80 km drive on well-maintained highways, making it ideal for first-time campervan travellers. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the North Island’s best geothermal attractions, plus plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs. 

Why this campervan route is great for first timers

  • A quick, easy drive – only around one hour on State Highway 5, a straightforward and well-signposted route. 

  • No complex navigation or challenging roads, just smooth highways with plenty of stopping points. 

  • Lots of great places to pause and explore, breaking up the drive into short, manageable sections. 

Suggested stops

  • Rotorua to Wai-O-Tapu (30 minutes) – Stop at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a geothermal park known for its bubbling mud pools, colourful hot springs, and the famous Lady Knox Geyser. 

  • Wai-O-Tapu to Taupō (45 minutes) – Take a short detour to Huka Falls, where you can see thousands of litres of water thundering through a narrow gorge every second. 

Recommended campgrounds

Best travel times

  • Mid-morning or early afternoon is ideal, avoiding both rush hour and the busiest times at popular attractions. 

  • Weekdays tend to be quieter, especially at geothermal parks and waterfalls. 

 

Route 3: Nelson to Kaiteriteri – Gateway to Abel Tasman

If you’re looking for an easy, scenic drive with plenty of great places to stop, the Nelson to Kaiteriteri road trip is a fantastic choice. Just 60 km from Nelson, Kaiteriteri is the perfect base for exploring Abel Tasman National Park. The drive itself is short and straightforward, following well-maintained highways through the sunny Nelson-Tasman region. 

Why this route is great for first timers

  • A short and easy drive – just over an hour on well-paved roads with gentle curves. 

  • No steep inclines or tricky navigation, making it ideal for those new to campervan travel. 

  • Plenty of great stops along the way, with scenic viewpoints, local markets, and vineyards. 

Suggested stops

  • Nelson to Motueka (45 minutes) – Stop at The Moutere Inn, New Zealand’s oldest pub, for a coffee or a locally brewed beer. If you’re an art lover, pop into Höglund Art Glass to see stunning hand-blown glasswork. 

  • Motueka to Kaiteriteri (15 minutes) – Before reaching Kaiteriteri, stop at the Riwaka Resurgence, a short walking track leading to crystal-clear freshwater springs. It’s a peaceful place to take a break before heading to the coast. 

Recommended campgrounds

  • Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park – A well-equipped holiday park with a heated pool, spa, and easy access to local shops and restaurants. 

Best travel times

  • Morning or early afternoon is the best time to drive, avoiding any late-afternoon congestion in Nelson. 

  • If visiting in summer, aim to arrive in Kaiteriteri early, as it’s a popular holiday spot and can get busy. 

 

Route 4: Christchurch to Akaroa – French-inspired escape

If you’re kicking off your New Zealand road trip in Christchurch, you might be wondering where to explore first. For an easy, confidence-boosting drive, the Christchurch to Akaroa road trip is a great choice. It’s under two hours from the city, mostly smooth driving, and packed with incredible views. Plus, you’ll end up in Akaroa – a charming harbour town with a touch of French flair, great seafood, and even the chance to spot rare Hector’s dolphins. 

Why this route is great for first timers

  • The drive is just under 2 hours, so you won’t spend too long behind the wheel. 

  • State Highway 75 is well-paved and easy to navigate, with only a few winding sections towards the end. 

  • There are plenty of places to stop along the way – think cafés, scenic lookouts, and small towns perfect for a break. 

Suggested stops

  • Christchurch to Little River (1 hour) – Stop for coffee and a stretch at the Little River Gallery, a great spot to browse local art and crafts. 

  • Little River to Akaroa (45 minutes) – Take a short detour to Birdlings Flat, a wild, pebbled beach known for its impressive waves and the chance to find agates and other gemstones along the shore. It’s a great place for a quick walk and a bit of fresh sea air before continuing on to Akaroa. 

Recommended campgrounds

  • Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park – Perched on a hillside with great views, plus powered sites, a swimming pool, and kitchen facilities. 

Best travel times

  • Leave Christchurch mid-morning to avoid rush hour. 

  • If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday rather than the weekend. 

 

Route 5: Queenstown to Glenorchy – Breathtaking lakeside drive

If you’re looking for an easy, scenic drive from Queenstown, the Queenstown to Glenorchy road trip is one of the best. This short yet spectacular route follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with panoramic mountain views at every turn. At just 46 km (under an hour’s drive), it’s an ideal trip for first-time campervan travellers who want to experience New Zealand’s landscapes without spending too long on the road. 

Why this campervan route is great for first timers

  • A short, straightforward drive with no complex navigation or difficult roads. 

  • Well-maintained highways with plenty of safe spots to pull over for photos or a break. 

  • Stunning scenery the whole way – this route is often called one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand. 

Suggested stops

  • Bob’s Cove – A great place to stretch your legs with an easy lakeside walk. The short track leads to a lookout point with incredible views over Lake Wakatipu. 

  • Glenorchy waterfront – Once you arrive, take a moment to visit the famous red Glenorchy Shed and enjoy the peaceful lakefront setting. 

Recommended campgrounds

  • Mrs Woolly’s Campground – A well-equipped campground with powered sites, kitchen facilities, and even a general store for supplies. 

Best travel times

  • Mid-morning or early afternoon is best for driving, as this route can be affected by early morning fog or afternoon sun glare. 

  • If you prefer a quieter experience, visit mid-week rather than weekends, as Glenorchy is a popular day-trip destination from Queenstown. 

 

Tips for a stress-free first-time campervan trip

If it’s your first time travelling by campervan, a little preparation can go a long way in making your trip smooth and enjoyable. The good news is that campervan travel is easier than you might think, especially with the right vehicle and a few travel smarts. Here are some simple tips to help you feel confident on the road. 

Choose an automatic campervan

All maui campervans are automatic, which makes driving much easier – especially if you’re used to an automatic car. You won’t need to worry about changing gears, so you can focus on the road and enjoy the drive. 

Plan campsites in advance

While part of the appeal of campervan travel is flexibility, it’s still a good idea to book campsites in advance – especially in peak season. Powered sites make life easier, giving you access to electricity, kitchen facilities, and hot showers. 

Download the thl 

RoadTrip app

The thl RoadTrip app is a must-have for first-time campervan travellers. It helps you find and book campsites, locate dump stations, and get real-time travel tips. It even works offline, so you won’t get stuck if you lose mobile reception. 

Stick to daylight driving

Driving at night can be challenging, especially on unfamiliar roads. It’s best to plan your driving during daylight hours for better visibility and a more relaxed experience. 

Use Google Maps & GPS apps

Before setting off, download maps in case you lose mobile signal along the way. Google Maps and other GPS apps can also help you find fuel stations, supermarkets, and scenic stops. 

Take breaks & enjoy the journey

Campervan travel isn’t about rushing – it’s about the freedom to stop, explore, and take in the scenery. Plan for regular breaks, stretch your legs, and make the most of the experience. 

 

Ready to hit the road?

Campervan travel is easier than you think, and these beginner-friendly routes are the perfect way to get started. With smooth roads, short drive times, and plenty of great places to stop along the way, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the journey. 

Whether you’re soaking in hot pools, exploring coastal towns, or waking up to lakeside views, a campervan gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. And with all maui campervans featuring automatic transmission, large side mirrors, and reversing cameras, you can drive with confidence from day one. 

Start planning your trip today – book your maui campervan and explore New Zealand on your terms. 

 

 

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