Family-Friendly Campervan Travel in NZ - Top Spots & Tips

While there are plenty of options for exploring New Zealand with family, you can’t beat the convenience and freedom of a campervan. You’re bringing your beds, kitchen, and creature comforts along for the ride, so there’s no rushing between motels or stressing about strict schedules. Even better, you can stop when the kids need a break, or when you find that perfect ice cream shop on the way.

At Big Little Campers, we’ve helped plenty of families hit the road in the right-sized campervan with campervan hire NZ family travellers depend on. Here’s our take on the best routes and tips for making campervan travel family-friendly (and fun).

North Island Adventures The North Island is full of family-friendly drives. You’ll find stunning scenery, fun little towns, and plenty of holiday parks to keep things easy. Campervans open up heaps of options, whether you’re chasing beaches, culture, or hot pools. A few good family roadie ideas: Auckland to Waipu (5-day loop, 250km) Tairua to Thames (7-day loop, 200km) Auckland to Wellington(12 days, 1200 km)
	South Island Spots The South Island feels made for campervans. Big mountains, turquoise lakes, and wide open roads mean every drive is part of the adventure. Facilities are more spread out than the North, but holiday parks and DOC sites are dotted around, giving you a mix of comfort and nature. Try: Christchurch Loop (5-day loop, 250km) Christchurch to Picton (7 days, 1000 km)
Tips for Making Campervan Travel Easier with Kids 1) Keep Drives Short Plan around 2–3 hour drives most days. Save longer stretches for when there’s something big waiting at the other end. 2) Stock Up Before Leaving the City Supermarkets get smaller and more limited the further you go. Load up on snacks, water, and essentials while you can. 3) Mix it up A few nights of freedom camping can be fun, but holiday parks add playgrounds, showers, and Wi-Fi. Always a win with kids.
	4) Give Kids Something to Do Responsibilities give kids a stake in the trip. Whether it’s helping set up chairs or spotting the next campsite, these small jobs avoid boredom and help them feel like they’re part of the team. 5) Be ready for rainy days Pack games, books, or downloaded shows. It will save your sanity when the weather turns. 6) Keep Meals Simple One-pan dinners, pre-chopped veggies, or wraps make life easier. Get the kids involved and cooking becomes part of the fun. 7) Stay Flexible If you find a beach the kids don’t want to leave, stay another night. That’s the beauty of travelling by van, your plans can change with your mood.

Make Your Next Family Trip One to Remember

Family travel should feel fun, not stressful. With a campervan, the journey becomes part of the holiday. You’ll always have a bed, a kitchen, and the freedom to go with the flow, whether you’re chasing geothermal pools in Rotorua or alpine lakes in the South Island.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, Big Little Campers has a van ready for you and the crew. Book your campervan today and start planning the roady.

While there are plenty of options for exploring New Zealand with family, you can’t beat the convenience and freedom of a campervan. You’re bringing your beds, kitchen, and creature comforts along for the ride, so there’s no rushing between motels or stressing about strict schedules. Even better, you can stop when the kids need a break, or when you find that perfect ice cream shop on the way.

At Big Little Campers, we’ve helped plenty of families hit the road in the right-sized campervan with campervan hire NZ family travellers depend on. Here’s our take on the best routes and tips for making campervan travel family-friendly (and fun).

North Island Adventures The North Island is full of family-friendly drives. You’ll find stunning scenery, fun little towns, and plenty of holiday parks to keep things easy. Campervans open up heaps of options, whether you’re chasing beaches, culture, or hot pools. A few good family roadie ideas: Auckland to Waipu (5-day loop, 250km) Tairua to Thames (7-day loop, 200km) Auckland to Wellington(12 days, 1200 km)
	South Island Spots The South Island feels made for campervans. Big mountains, turquoise lakes, and wide open roads mean every drive is part of the adventure. Facilities are more spread out than the North, but holiday parks and DOC sites are dotted around, giving you a mix of comfort and nature. Try: Christchurch Loop (5-day loop, 250km) Christchurch to Picton (7 days, 1000 km)
Tips for Making Campervan Travel Easier with Kids 1) Keep Drives Short Plan around 2–3 hour drives most days. Save longer stretches for when there’s something big waiting at the other end. 2) Stock Up Before Leaving the City Supermarkets get smaller and more limited the further you go. Load up on snacks, water, and essentials while you can. 3) Mix it up A few nights of freedom camping can be fun, but holiday parks add playgrounds, showers, and Wi-Fi. Always a win with kids.
	4) Give Kids Something to Do Responsibilities give kids a stake in the trip. Whether it’s helping set up chairs or spotting the next campsite, these small jobs avoid boredom and help them feel like they’re part of the team. 5) Be ready for rainy days Pack games, books, or downloaded shows. It will save your sanity when the weather turns. 6) Keep Meals Simple One-pan dinners, pre-chopped veggies, or wraps make life easier. Get the kids involved and cooking becomes part of the fun. 7) Stay Flexible If you find a beach the kids don’t want to leave, stay another night. That’s the beauty of travelling by van, your plans can change with your mood.

Make Your Next Family Trip One to Remember

Family travel should feel fun, not stressful. With a campervan, the journey becomes part of the holiday. You’ll always have a bed, a kitchen, and the freedom to go with the flow, whether you’re chasing geothermal pools in Rotorua or alpine lakes in the South Island.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, Big Little Campers has a van ready for you and the crew. Book your campervan today and start planning the roady.