Discover epic campervan road trip itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Explore scenic routes, must-see stops, and smart planning tips for an unforgettable journey.
A road trip is perfect in any country, but how do you narrow down your options and start planning? Choosing a location can seem impossible, and that’s before you have created an itinerary. You can quickly find yourself overwhelmed and frustrated, unsure where to turn and who to trust. Luckily for you, we are here to help with detailed breakdowns of our favourite road trips in Darwin, Auckland, and Los Angeles. Check out where you could go and the sights you could see along the way.
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Darwin to Melbourne, Australia Road Trip
Looking across the Yarra river from Southbank to the city of Melbourne. Photo by Gordon Bell Photography courtesy of iStock via Getty Images
Travelling from Darwin to Melbourne deserves an extended road trip, where you can take advantage of all the sights as you travel across Australia, moving from Elsey National Park to Coober Pedy and Adelaide. The impressive 4751 km trip will take 16 days to complete, with plenty of spaces to stay and extend your trip. When considering this road trip, we recommend opting for a campervan, which offers plenty of comfort, saves on accommodation costs, and lets you pretend you are Darby and Joan. Travellers Autobarn offers competitive rates on campervan hire in Darwin, so you can enjoy the comfort of a campervan without worrying about your budget.
Once you have your campervan sorted, you can follow our itinerary for your road trip:
- Darwin – Start your journey with beautiful paths, wildlife, and waterfalls. You can spend a few hours exploring each National Park, with swimming opportunities and quiet spots for a picnic.
- Kakadu – This route takes you through Katherine, where you can pick up supplies and enjoy the natural springs at Elsey National Park. There is plenty to explore here, with stunning trails and the clear, warm waters. We also recommend visiting Nitmiluk National Park for some great swimming spots.
- Elsey National Park – You can enjoy stunning rock formations, with fantastic views you will want to photograph. The drive takes you to Alice Springs, where you can restock your supplies and learn more about the Aboriginal culture.
- Kings Canyon Walk – where you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the top of the canyon. Make sure you head up early to enjoy the entire walk before the heat hits. This is the perfect stop before Uluru, allowing you to see one of Australia’s most iconic sights, but make sure you are respectful of the area.
- Uluru – A longer drive, but allows you to explore everything Coober Pedy is famous for! Make sure you allow time to learn about the mining history and see some of the Opal mines, with regular tours to join.
- Coober Pedy – Plenty of opportunities for you to stop and stretch your legs. Port Augusta boasts a rich history, featuring museums and local walks to explore. If you want to increase your trip, head 3 hours to Port Lincoln for a day trip
- Adelaide – Offers excellent hiking trails in the Grampians National Park. The small village is home to wildlife such as wallabies, emus, and various birds, allowing you to spend some time close to nature.
- Halls Gap – allows you to relax in the vibrant city, with plenty of sights and places to eat. Make sure you set aside some time to soak up the views.
Auckland to Palmerston North, New Zealand Road Trip
Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Photo copyright Susan Lanier-Graham
Auckland is an excellent place to start your road trip, as you can travel in any direction. Our trip to Palmerston North is perfect for anyone seeking a 3-5-day getaway that offers plenty of walks and exploration of small towns. The trip is best enjoyed in a campervan, which gives you the freedom to explore, stop, and stay wherever you please. Travellers Autobarn has a range of campervans available in Auckland, with easy collection and drop-off options. Explore their campervan hire rates in Auckland to begin planning your trip. When you have your campervan, you can follow our itinerary:
- Auckland – spend some time in Auckland before your journey, enjoying the Ponsonby Central Market, where you can see local art, crafts, and grab a coffee. Stretch your legs before your journey, too, by climbing Mount Eden and enjoying stunning views of the city. Mission Bay is a little closer and provides beautiful walks along the coast, with the SEA Life Kelly Tarton’s Aquarium worth a visit.
- Hamilton – where you can enjoy the Hamilton Gardens, with an outdoor museum design, featuring garden designs from across the globe. The Waikato River Trails have plenty of cycle and walking paths too, where you can travel across suspension bridges and hydropower dams.
- Waitomo Caves – Where a small boat will take you through the pitch black caves to see the glowworms light the ceiling above you. Guided tours here are not to be missed, as you will learn about Waitomo’s local history. The Ruakari Cave Walk is worth doing too, as you head deeper underground with waterfalls and even more glowworms!
- Taupo – Lake Taupo, a vast volcanic caldera with fresh water that is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and even boat trips. You can also visit Huka Falls here and Craters of the Moon, where there are bubbling mud pools and boardwalks that bring you up close to them.
- Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with numerous hiking trails and viewpoints. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike across volcanic terrain, with unforgettable views and memories you will savour. The Taranaki Falls Walk is a good alternative for those seeking a gentler and shorter option, taking around two hours and offering views of a waterfall and alpine forests.
- Taihape – known as the gumboot capital of the world, with a Giant Gumboot Statue that’s worth a visit. The Mount Stewart Reserve offers a short loop that leads to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views. There are some steep parts, so make sure you take your time and wear the proper footwear.
- Palmerston North – complete your journey with a trip to The Square, where you can enjoy art galleries, shops, cafes, and beautiful green spaces. The Te Manawa Museum is well worth a visit to learn about its rich history, diverse art, and fascinating science. The walking and cycling tracks along the Manawatu River are perfect for a gentle stroll, too.
Los Angeles, USA to Vancouver, Canada Road Trip
Big Sur Bridge, California, CA-1 Drone Shot
Embark on a road trip spanning two countries, starting in LA and concluding in Vancouver. The impressive 1,592-mile trip takes 8 to 12 days and allows you to enjoy some of the most beautiful coastlines and forests in the US before crossing the border. When travelling this distance, you want to be comfortable, so we recommend using a campervan. You can hire a campervan from Travellers Autobarn for this trip, ensuring comfort and a place to sleep or cook on the go. Check out their competitive rates on campervan hire in Los Angeles before planning your trip with the following stops:
- Los Angeles – spend some time in LA before your journey starts, enjoying Grand Central Market, the Griffith Observatory, and Griffith Park. In LA, there is plenty to see and do for everyone, so be sure to allow plenty of time here.
- Malibu – a short drive brings you to Malibu, where there are fantastic beaches and celebrity houses to spot. El Matador State Beach is a great spot, or Zuma Beach, which is a little further away but has stunning turquoise water.s
- Santa Barbara – Stunning Spanish architecture, complemented by beautiful sea views. We recommend Stearns Wharf for its incredible views of the mountains and coastlines. The Old Mission Santa Barbara has beautiful gardens that you can explore, too.
- San Luis Obispo – allows you to slow down and explore plenty of cool shops and cafes. Head to Bubble Alley to see a narrow passageway covered in chewing gum that looks far cooler than it sounds
- Big Sur – California’s best coastline, with plenty of spots to explore. McWay Falls, with an 80-foot waterfall, should be visited, along with Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.
- Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – Close together but well worth visiting, with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row offering fun and shopping opportunities. Carmel-by-the-Sea has fantastic views from its beaches, and plenty of places for food and drink.
- San Francisco – Home to some of the most famous attractions in the US, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Make time for Golden Gate Park on your trip; it is home to beautiful gardens and an aquarium, offering fun for the whole family.
- Point Reyes National Seashore – A protected area with stunning beaches and wildlife. The Tomales Point Trailhead is perfect for hiking and for seeing tule elk grazing. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is another top spot, along with the Cowgirl Creamery.
- Clear Lake State Park – Fantastic views, and it is home to the region’s largest freshwater lake. You can paddleboard here or enjoy the views, with fishing spots available as well. There are several hikes available at the park for hikers of different abilities.
- Crater Lake National Park – A huge volcanic lake (the deepest in the United States), which is the perfect photo opportunity. You can explore it along the Rim Drive, or hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail for those feeling adventurous.
- Portland – The perfect stop for anyone, with Powell’s City of Books being a highlight, where you can wander through hundreds of books. The Portland Japanese Garden is ideal for anyone who wants to stretch their legs, while the Alberta Arts District offers plenty of local and contemporary art.
- Seattle – Plenty to do, including the Pike Place Market, Discovery Park, and Kerry Park. Of course, no trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the Space Needle, where you can ride to the top to enjoy fantastic views across the city.
- Vancouver – Your journey ends here, with plenty to explore—a visit to Stanley Park, where you can enjoy long walks or bike trails. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is ideal for anyone who wants some adventure, walking across the treetop adventure course above the Capilano River.
Start Planning Your Campervan Road Trip Today!
Whether you are planning a road trip across Australia, New Zealand, or America, with one of our routes, you are guaranteed to enjoy unique sights and cover more ground than you thought possible! When planning your journey, don’t forget to factor in your campervan hire to ensure you can travel in comfort and style.
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