Support - Travel Information

How Far to Travel in a Day

Remember that driver fatigue kills. Roads in NZ are often narrower and more windy than roads in other countries so taking a break from driving is even more important on these unfamiliar roads. If you are driving long distances it is recommended that you have more than one licensed driver and that you share the driving, giving each other a chance to rest.. If this is not possible, you should stop for a snack or a coffee every two hours.

The amount you would like to cover in a day obviously varies according to the nature of your holiday. Always remember that the landscape changes dramatically in New Zealand and distance does not always mean the same duration. Some drives involve mountains and winding roads which will slow your travelling time down, including stopping to be awed by the scenery.

Assume if you are on the open road in your campervan that you will be covering between 80 and 90 kilometres an hour, stops permitting. We would not recommend you travel no more than 4 or 5 hours in a day. Any further and the drive just becomes a tedious chore, and you fail to acknowledge or appreciate the scenery you are driving through. An ideal distance is between 200 and 400 kilometres, as that way you cover a fair distance but not enough to tire you out.

Remember, with the often stunning scenery it is not just about the destination, it is also about the journey. Play it safe with your driving, take the time to enjoy the passing landscape, and your holiday will be all the better for it!

Petrol and diesel prices from 3 May 2011

Motorhomes travel 8 - 12 km per litre of fuel depending on the size of the motorhome and how they are driven.

For fuel price updates, click here

Driving in New Zealand and Road Rules

A motorhome road trip across New Zealand is the perfect way to explore this country's stunning landscapes. The scenic drives are not overly crowded which means that you can take it easy and drive at your own leisure. In New Zealand, many of the roads include hilly and windy, so although the driving distances between towns and attractions may seem short, the terrain can slow down your journey a great deal. As the passing scenery in many locations is truly awesome, you may well find you want to take your time and stop every now and then.

Always take care when you are driving on open country roads and keep a look out for native wildlife and wandering farm animals. Be sure to take notice of the road signs as these indicate road rules and changes in the road's conditions. Most roads in New Zealand are two-lanes and often narrow, with some of the country roads remaining unsealed. Although this will be indicated by road signs, always to careful when driving on the open roads and stick to the designated speed limit. Most campervans are not allowed to be driven on unsealed roads. There are some other more difficult roads which motorhome companies do not allow their campervans to be driven on. These roads are indicated in the motorhome terms and conditions and will be on your motorhome rental contract.

Driver Fatigue is a big problem on New Zealand roads. A major killer has been tourists coming off long-haul flights, collecting their campervan, and attempting to drive long distances on unfamiliar roads. Please rest before collecting your campervan if you have come off one of these long flights. Here are some other tips to help you stay alert on your driving holiday:

• Take a break every two hours (Stop, Revive, and Survive)
• Share the driving if possible
• Avoid eating large meals
• Drink plenty of fluids

Licence Requirements for Campervan Rentals

To drive a campervan in New Zealand you must hold a current non provisional drivers licence or permit. You can legally drive for up to 12 months if you have a licence or International Driving Permit (IDP). However, you must always be carrying this with you and it must be in English or at least have an English translation accompanying it.

Overview of Road Rules

New Zealand has an extensive set of road rules that set it apart from other countries in the world. The basic rules to keep in mind when driving along the New Zealand roads are:

• Drive on the left side of the road.
• The maximum speed limit on open roads is 100 km/h.
• The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h.
• All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt or child restraint.
• Always use your indicators when turning.
• At STOP signs, stop completely and give way to all traffic.
• At GIVE WAY signs slow down and be prepared to stop.
• When turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning.
• In all other GIVE WAY situations, give way to the vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
• The legal alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 20 is 30mg/100ml of blood.
• The legal alcohol limit for drivers over the age of 20 is 80mg/100ml of blood.

Vehicles can only be driven on sealed roads/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads to recognized campgrounds and parking areas. Travel on unsealed roads voids all insurance and coverages. The renter is liable for the total cost of any damage to all parties involved whilst travelling on unsealed roads.

Prohibted Roads

• Ninety Mile Beach - Northland
• North of Colville Township - Coromandel Peninsula
• Tapu-Coroglen Road - Coromandel Peninsula
• Skippers Canyon Road - Queenstown
• Ball Hutt Road - Mt. Cook
• Any beach or unformed/ gravel road in New Zealand. The only exceptions to this are any recognised campground access roads less than 500 metres in length or road works.

Most Hire Companies require the driver(s) to be over 21 years of age although there are variations.  License age requirements are shown in the terms and conditions section for each motorhome.

A drivers license must be in English or with an English translation.