Essential tips for cooking vegetarian meals on the road
Cooking vegetarian meals while travelling in a campervan is easier than you might think – especially with a bit of planning and the right ingredients on board. Whether you're staying at a powered campsite or going off-grid for a night or two, these practical tips will help you cook well, waste less, and keep things simple on the road.
Plan ahead
Before you leave, take a few minutes to map out a rough meal plan and write a shopping list. This helps avoid last-minute supermarket runs and means you’ll only pack what you need. Think about which ingredients can be used across multiple meals – like using spinach in wraps, omelettes and pasta – so nothing goes to waste.
Stock up on versatile ingredients
Choose pantry staples that are filling, nutritious, and easy to work with. Good options for campervan travel include:
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Tinned beans and lentils – great for quick salads, curries or wraps
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Dried grains like rice, couscous, and pasta
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Rolled oats for overnight oats or porridge
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Long-lasting vegetables like carrots, capsicum, onions and kūmara
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Wraps, nuts, seeds, and hard cheeses for quick lunches or snacks
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A few key spices to add flavour without taking up space
Use minimal equipment
Your maui campervan comes equipped with the must-haves for making great meals – a cooktop and stove, pots and pans, and utensils. With just a few basic tools, you can cook a wide range of meals without needing extra gear.
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Use one pan for multiple steps – sauté veggies, cook protein, then toss in pre-cooked rice or pasta.
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Repurpose your pot for boiling, simmering, or reheating pre-made meals
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Foil is a handy add-on – use it to wrap ingredients for the grill or to cover leftovers.
Storage tips for fresh produce
Campervan fridges and chilly bins have limited space, so store fresh produce wisely. Hardier vegetables like carrots, cabbage, kūmara and apples last well without refrigeration. Store leafy greens in a container with a paper towel to keep them fresher for longer, and avoid overpacking – shop as you go for fresh top-ups.
Dried and tinned ingredients are your best friends on longer trips. They’re compact, shelf-stable, and form the base of loads of great meals. Think dhal, veggie chilli, pasta sauces or grain bowls.
Cooking without a stove
On days when you don’t want to cook – or don’t have access to power – no-cook meals are the way to go. Stock ingredients for:
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Overnight oats with fruit and seeds
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Hummus, salad and veggie wraps
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Lentil or bean salads using tinned pulses, herbs, olive oil and lemon juice
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Rice paper rolls with pre-cut veg and peanut dipping sauce
Quick and easy vegetarian breakfasts
Breakfast on the road should be simple, satisfying, and quick to prepare – especially when you’ve got a full day of exploring ahead. These vegetarian-friendly ideas are ideal for campervan travellers in New Zealand, with minimal prep and no fancy equipment required.
No-cook overnight oats
A campervan staple that takes minutes to prep and keeps well in the fridge or chilly bin.Ingredients: Rolled oats, plant-based milk (or dairy), chia seeds, chopped fruit, nuts or nut butter.
Method: Combine all ingredients in a jar or container, give it a stir, and leave it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just grab and go – no cooking needed.
Optional extras: A dash of cinnamon, a spoonful of yoghurt, or a sprinkle of seeds for crunch.
Avocado & tomato on toast (or wraps)
Fresh, fast, and full of flavour – ideal for powered sites with a toaster or pan, or just as good served cold.
Ingredients: Bread or wraps, ripe avocado, tomato, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Method: Toast your bread (if you have power) or use wraps for a no-cook option. Mash the avocado with a squeeze of lemon, spread it over the base, top with sliced tomato, and season to taste.
Add-ins: Fresh herbs, chilli flakes or a poached egg if you're feeling fancy.
One-pan breakfast scramble
A warm, protein-packed breakfast you can throw together in one pan – easy to customise based on what you’ve got.
Ingredients: Tofu or canned chickpeas, diced capsicum, spinach, onion, garlic, and your choice of spices (paprika, turmeric, and cumin work well).
Method: Sauté the veggies and protein in a pan until warmed through and nicely browned. Add salt, pepper and a dash of spice for flavour.
Optional variation: Add whisked eggs for a vegetarian egg scramble, or finish with a dollop of hummus or pesto for extra flavour.
Simple and satisfying lunches
Midday meals should be light, nutritious, and easy to prepare while you’re on the road. Whether you’re stopping at a scenic lookout or grabbing a bite before your next hike, these vegetarian lunch ideas are quick to pull together and full of flavour.
No-cook chickpea salad wraps
A fresh, filling option that requires zero cooking – ideal for travel days or when you’re off-grid.
Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, hummus, lettuce, shredded carrots, wraps.
Method: Mash the chickpeas with hummus in a bowl until slightly chunky. Spread the mixture onto a wrap and top with lettuce and shredded carrots. Roll up tightly and serve straight away or wrap in foil for an easy packed lunch.
Easy campervan lentil soup
A warm, comforting lunch that’s quick to make with pantry staples and just one pot.
Ingredients: Canned lentils, vegetable broth, chopped carrots, celery, garlic.
Method: Sauté garlic, carrots and celery in a pot until softened. Add the lentils and broth, then simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if you have them. Serve with fresh bread rolls or toast.
Mediterranean pasta salad (pre-cook option)
This salad holds up well in the fridge and makes a great make-ahead lunch.
Ingredients: Cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta, chopped basil.
Method: Toss everything together in a large container with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice, or mix through a spoonful of pesto. Store chilled and serve cold or at room temperature.
Hearty dinners for a cosy evening under the stars
After a full day on the road or out exploring, a warm and satisfying dinner can really hit the spot. These vegetarian-friendly meals are perfect for campervan cooking – low effort, filling, and packed with flavour.
One-pot vegetable stir-fry
A quick, tasty dinner that makes the most of fresh veggies and pantry staples – all in a single pan.
Ingredients: Bell peppers, zucchini, tofu, soy sauce, cooked rice or noodles.
Method: Sauté chopped vegetables and tofu in a splash of oil until lightly browned. Add soy sauce (and garlic or ginger if you have it) and stir through your pre-cooked rice or noodles. Cook until heated through, then serve hot.
Optional variation: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or chilli sauce for extra flavour.
Campfire stuffed sweet potatoes
A hands-off, comforting meal that’s ideal for cooking over the fire or in a campground oven.
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes (kūmara), black beans, salsa, avocado, sour cream.
Method: Wrap whole sweet potatoes in foil and cook on the fire or in an oven for 40–60 minutes, until soft. Once cooked, slice open and stuff with black beans, a spoonful of salsa, avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream.
Optional variation: Add grated cheese or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving.
Easy veggie tacos
Tacos are always a hit – especially when everyone can build their own.
Ingredients: Tortillas, black beans, grilled vegetables, cheese, guacamole.
Method: Grill or sauté vegetables like capsicum, onion, and zucchini until soft and slightly charred. Warm the tortillas in a pan or over the grill, then fill with black beans, veggies, cheese and a spoonful of guacamole.
Optional variation: Add corn, lime juice or hot sauce for extra zing.
No-cook camping snacks for energy on the go
These no-cook vegetarian camping snacks are ideal for campervan travellers – easy to prepare, easy to store, and satisfying enough to keep everyone happy.
Trail mix
A classic road trip snack that’s endlessly customisable. Mix together nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a handful of dark chocolate or yoghurt-covered raisins. Store in a container or zip-lock bag and portion out as needed. Great for long drives, hikes, or snacking at the beach.
Hummus and veggie sticks
An easy option for when you want something fresh and crunchy. Slice carrots, cucumbers, and capsicum in advance and store them in the fridge. Pair with store-bought or homemade hummus for a quick, no-fuss snack that doubles as a light lunch option.
Peanut butter & banana sandwiches
High in protein and energy, this combo is great for active days. Simply spread peanut butter on wholegrain bread or wraps and add sliced banana. Eat straight away or wrap it up for later. Swap in almond or cashew butter if you prefer.
Chia seed pudding
A great make-ahead snack or light breakfast. Mix chia seeds with almond milk (or any milk you have), stir well, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, top with fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for a healthy, filling snack that’s ready to go.
Pro tips for cleaning up after cooking in a campervan
When you’re travelling by campervan, keeping your kitchen area clean is just as important as what you cook. With limited space and water on board, a smart, eco-friendly approach to cleaning can make a big difference – both for your convenience and for the environment. These tips will help you tidy up quickly and responsibly, so you can get back to enjoying your trip.
Use biodegradable soap
Always opt for biodegradable dish soap when washing up, especially if you’re using shared facilities or staying at off-grid campsites. It’s better for New Zealand’s waterways and native ecosystems, and many campgrounds now ask for it as standard practice. A little goes a long way – especially when paired with hot water and a good sponge.
Limit water use
Campervan water tanks have a limited capacity, so it’s worth being efficient. Wipe out food scraps and grease from pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing to reduce how much water and soap you need. Soaking dishes straight after cooking also helps loosen anything stuck, making cleanup easier and faster.
Pack eco-friendly disposables
Reusable plates, containers, and cutlery are ideal for everyday meals – they reduce waste and are easy to clean. But for nights when you’re off-grid or want a quick pack-down, having a few eco-friendly disposable items like bamboo cutlery or compostable plates can come in handy. Just make sure you dispose of them properly or take them with you if facilities aren’t available.
Top tips for a tasty campervan road trip
Good food can elevate your road trip from great to unforgettable – and with a little planning, eating well on the road is easy. These tips will help you make the most of your campervan kitchen, stay organised, and enjoy fresh, delicious meals wherever you go.
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Make sure you book your campground or holiday park by downloading the thl Roadtrip app.
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Consider well-equipped campground kitchens if you want to cook more involved meals like stir-fries, curries or pasta bakes.
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Shop at farmers markets and roadside stalls for seasonal produce and local flavours.
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Store snacks and essentials in easy-to-reach places so you can prep meals or snack without unpacking half the van.
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Keep a few go-to meals up your sleeve using pantry staples like lentils, pasta and canned beans – perfect for nights when you roll in late.
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Bring your favourite spices or sauces in small containers to add flavour without taking up too much space.
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Prep ingredients like chopped veg or pre-cooked rice in batches, so you can mix and match for different meals during the week.
READ MORE: Looking for fresh ingredients? Check out our ultimate guide to New Zealand farmers markets.
Ready to cook up some vegetarian goodies on your campervan holiday?
Cooking vegetarian meals on the road doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few basics and a little prep, you can create fast, nutritious meals that don’t rely on takeaway or expensive café stops. It’s often cheaper, more convenient, and a whole lot more satisfying – especially when you’re travelling through remote areas where food options can be limited.
Whether you’re making a one-pot curry in a campground kitchen or throwing together wraps from the back of the van, vegetarian campervan cooking can be easy, flexible and full of flavour.
Book your Maui campervan online today and start planning a road trip that tastes as good as it looks.
FAQs
What do vegetarians eat when camping?
Vegetarians can enjoy meals like veggie wraps, stir-fries, pasta, salads, and one-pot soups made with eggs, cheese, legumes, grains, and plenty of vegetables.
What are some good camping dinners?
Easy options include mac and cheese, veggie tacos, stir-fried rice with tofu or eggs, and foil-wrapped roasted vegetables with beans or cheese.
What is the most famous vegetarian dish?
Globally, dishes like vegetable curry, pasta primavera, and falafel are widely recognised and easy to adapt for camping meals.
What vegetarian food is high protein camping?
Look for eggs, cheese, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and nuts. These are easy to store and add to meals like wraps, scrambles, or one-pot dinners.