Campervan New Zealand
Self-Driving holidays are one of the best ways of seeing the landscape of New Zealand at your own pace. All the country roads offer fantastic scenic views of the rural countryside. The traffic on these rural roads is very quiet compared to international standards.
You are legally allowed to drive in New Zealand for a period up to 12 months provided you have either an International Driving Permit or a valid current driving license from your home country. You must carry the driving license or permit with you at all times when driving. You are also only allowed to drive the same types of vehicles as in your home country. The legal age to rent a vehicle is 25 years old.
If you driving licence is not in English you should bring a English translation with you or get a International Driving Permit.
Rule of Road for New Zealand
In New Zealand you drive on the left hand side of the road. Maximum speeds unless stated by road signs are 30 mph in towns and cities, on the open road this is 60mph.
Do not drive when you are tired. Do not under estimate journey times, the distances between locations maybe small but the roads are often hilly and winding terrain, making slow driving conditions. Please give yourself extra time to travel on your journeys.
Remember the following:
- All motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Road Distances are shown in Kilometers
- When turning left, yield (Give way) to oncoming traffic, approaching on your right.
- When traffic lights are red you must stop. You are not allowed to turn left as in North America.
- The speed limit on open roads is 100 kilometers, in built up urban areas such as cities and towns it is 50 kilometers.
- Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Take regular breaks during long trips.
- Do not drink and drive. You cannot take alcohol and drive a vehicle. New Zealand drink driving laws are very strictly enforced.
Up to date road conditions can be seen on the Transit New Zealand website.
More information on the difference about Driving in NZ on the Land Transport NZ web site.
Fuel
New Zealand Fuel prices change through-out the year based on location and suppliers such as BP, Caltex, Mobil, Shell, Challenge, Gas Alley service. For the best idea of local fuel prices select PriceWatch and pick a region.
Parking
Finding a car park is not always easy when you are new to an area. One of the best resources is this Finda site. You can quickly locate car parking locations thought-out the whole of New Zealand.
Water
Water is an important item when traveling. Make sure the campervan always has a fresh supply of clean water. Not only for your own consumption but also food preparation and personal hygiene, you do not want to become ill during your trip due to poor food preparation or hygiene.
The Orginization Drinking Water for New Zealand should help.
Fridge
Most campervan and motorhomes have a fridge, these fridges run off a gas supply during normal use. You must give serious consideration to food hygiene during a road trip, more information on food preparation.
Emergency numbers
Dial 111 for Police, Ambulance or fire services.
Driving Routes
To get the most from your campervan rental we recommend you plan your driving route to see the best that New Zealand has to offer. The best fit for your ideal route plan is only a click away.
Planning your New Zealand Road Trip
New Zealand has a lot to offer tourists during their stay in this fascinating country of scenic beauty and freedom of the open horizon. If you are looking for ideas of places of interest to visit during your road trip why not stop at one of the following regions for more local attractions:
Cook Strait Ferry Crossings in New Zealand
If you want to hop between the North and South Islands in your campervan you will need the Cook Strait ferry crossing.
The journey takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes depending on the weather. Interisland who run the ferry offer six daily sailings from Wellington and five from Picton.
Ferry Bookings
Book your ferry crossing between Wellington and Picton. The New Zealand ferry company can of Interisland can provide you with ferry tickets directly, however discount ones maybe available from ferrytickets. Times vary during the year estpecially during the school holidays.
