Google Maps road trip planning: complete guide

Not sure how to make a road trip map? Google Maps is the best free tool to use when planning a road trip. Once you’ve had a quick introduction to its features, you’ll be able to create detailed itineraries to take you around the natural wonders of New Zealand so you can make the most of your travels.

In this guide, our experts will teach you step-by-step how to plan a road trip with Google Maps, detailing every stop you want to make along the way. You can then open the map on your smartphone via the Google Maps app and use the live navigation feature.

Let’s get started and discover exactly how to make a road trip map.

Why is Google Maps the best app to plan a road trip with?

Google Maps is the best app to map a road trip with because it’s simple, reliable and free of charge. Once you understand the basics of planning a road trip, you’ll be ready to try out the exciting range of additional features available on Google Maps:

• Live Traffic Feed: Google Maps can provide you with real-time ETAs and provide you with alternative routes to avoid traffic, accidents and road closures.

• Alternative Transport: Besides driving routes, Google Maps can also provide you with routes and ETAs whilst walking, biking or catching public transport.

• Local Information: Google Maps provides helpful information including reviews, opening times and more in regard to local restaurants, attractions, events, etc.

• Interior Navigation: Google Maps can even be used to find your way around inside large public places, like airports and shopping centres.

• Sharing: Using the share features, you can send your Google Maps to friends or even cast votes as a group about which destinations to visit.

• Offline Maps: You can still use Google Maps even if you're offline thanks to the GPS in your smartphone.

How to make a road trip map with Google Maps

Step 1: Create or log in to your Google account

1. On your desktop, go to Google Maps and log in to your Google account.

2. If you don’t have a Google account, create one now.

Tip : A Google account allows you to save your maps to your free Google Drive.

Step 2: Create a new Google Map

1. Click the three-line menu in the top left corner of Google Maps.

1. Click “Your Places”.

3 . Click “Maps”.

1. Click “Create Map” at the bottom of the menu.

Tip : “Your Places” is where your Google Maps will be saved if you want to access them again in the future.

Step 3: Name your Google Map

1. After clicking “Create Map” you will be redirected to Google My Maps.

1. Click “Untitled map” in the control panel on the left.

1. Type in a name for your map and write a short description.

1. Click Save.

Step 4: Add location pins to your Google Map

1. In the search bar, type the location or address of your starting point and click the relevant search result.

2. Google Maps will place a green marker on your starting point.

1. Click “Add to Map” on the information panel.

1. The green marker will turn blue and your starting point will be saved as a layer in the control panel.

1. Repeat the above steps to add the rest of your road trip destinations.

Tip: You can only save up to 10 pins per layer on Google Maps. For your first layer, add your major destinations. Later we will create more layers where you save pins for things like attractions or restaurants.

Step 5: Customise your pins

Change the Pin Colour and Icon Style:

1. Click on the destination pin (it will be blue by default).

2. Click the paint can “Style” button.

1. Choose the colour you want.

1. Choose from the Popular Icons or More Icons.

2. Click the X or anywhere else on the map.

Change the Name of the Pin or Write a Description:

1. Click on the destination pin.

2. Click the pencil “Edit” button.

1. Enter a name in the top box.

Tip: Use the description section to make notes about your destination, such as the attractions or restaurants you want to visit.

Attach Photos or Videos to Your Pins:

1. Click on the destination pin.

2. Click the camera “Add image or video” button.

1. Upload an image from your device or use an image URL.

1. Click the blue “Save” button.

Tip: Use the image or video section to create an interactive collage of your road trip. You can share this later with family and friends.

Delete a Pin:

1. Click on the destination pin.

2. Click the bin “Delete feature” button.

Step 6: Add layers

When using Google Maps to plan a road trip, you can add up to 10 layers with 10 destinations each. Each layer is used to save and display information about a particular aspect of your road trip (e.g. major destinations, restaurants, attractions, accommodation, etc.).

Rename Your Existing Layer:

1. Your map will already have 1 layer called the “Untitled layer”. You can see your layers in the control panel on the left.

1. Click “Untitled layer” and change the name to something like “Major Destinations”.

Add a Layer:

1. Click “Add layer” in the control panel on the left.

1. A new “Untitled layer” will be created in the control panel. You can rename this layer by clicking the three vertical dots “Layer options” and then clicking “Rename this layer”.

Move a Pin Between Layers:

1. Click and hold on to the pin you want to move.

2. Drag and drop the pin to another layer.

Turn Layers On and Off:

1. Check or uncheck the box next to the layer title.

Tip: Turning layers on or off can help you focus on one layer at a time. For example, if you only want to see your major destinations you could turn your second layer off.

Delete a Layer:

1. Click the three vertical dots “Layer options” next to the layer title.

2. Click “Delete this layer”.

Step 7: Create your road trip route

Add Directions to Your Road Trip Map:

1. Click the arrow icon “Add directions” button under the search bar at the top.

1. A new layer will be created called the “Untitled layer”. It will have an A and B point.

1. To choose your starting point (point A), click on the relevant pin on the map.

1. To choose your next destination (point B), click on the relevant pin on the map.

2. The route will be shown as a blue line between point A and point B.

1. To add more destinations, click “Add Destination” under points A and B (you can add up to 10 destinations).

Tip : Click “Select transportation mode” to switch between routes for driving, walking or bicycling.

Step 8: Adjust your road trip route

1. Click anywhere on the blue line.

1. Hold your mouse over the blue line.

2. Drag and drop the blue line to match the route you want to take.

3. Click anywhere else on the map to save the route change.

4. To undo the change, click on the route again and click the white dot.

Tip: You can also change the route by reordering the pins in the “Directions” layer.

Extra Tip: _For full directions, mileage and drive times, click the three vertical dots “Layer options” next to the layer title and then click “Step-by-Step Directions”. _

Step 9: Open your map with the Google Maps app

Open Your Map in the Google Maps App

1. Download and sign in to the Google Maps app on your smartphone.

2. Click the “Saved” tab at the bottom.

1. Click “Maps”.

1. Choose your saved map.

Step 10: Start live navigation of your map

1.Tap on your first destination. 2. Tap the blue “Directions” button.

1. Choose your starting point.

1. Tap “Preview” to start live navigation.

Hire a van for your New Zealand road trip

Now that you know how to make a road trip map, you’re almost ready to hit Go and start your adventure!

The first thing you need to determine is where you plan to start and finish. Are you sorting out campervan hire on the North Island? Or would you prefer to work out campervan hire on the South Island? Once you know the basics, you can put together your trip of a lifetime in Google Maps!

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• Nationwide AA roadside assistance

• 24/7 customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.