New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. If you’re arriving from a country that drives on the right, take a few minutes to get comfortable before leaving the rental depot — most people adjust within the first hour or so. The most common mistake is drifting to the right when turning at intersections, so stay conscious of your lane position, especially in the first couple of days.
Speed limits are straightforward. The default open road speed limit is 100 km/h, while urban areas are generally 50 km/h. Important for motorhome drivers: vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 3,500 kg have a maximum open road speed limit of 90 km/h — this applies to several of our larger motorhomes. We’ll let you know your vehicle’s specific limit at pick-up. You’ll also encounter variable speed zones — many schools have 40 km/h limits during drop-off and pick-up times, and some rural towns use electronic signs that change depending on conditions. Always watch for posted signs, as limits can change without much warning on winding routes.
Seatbelts are compulsory for every person in the vehicle, at all times. This applies to front and rear passengers alike — no exceptions. Children under seven must be in an approved child restraint.
New Zealand has strict drink-driving laws. The legal limit is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. By international standards, this is low — roughly one standard drink for most adults. Police conduct random breath tests, and penalties are severe. The safest approach is simply not to drink if you’re driving.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal. This includes texting, calling, or even holding your phone to check a map. If you need GPS navigation, set it up before you start driving and mount it in a cradle. Bluetooth hands-free calling is permitted.
Give way rules at intersections follow a simple principle: vehicles turning right must give way to vehicles turning left (the opposite of what you may be used to in right-hand-drive countries). At uncontrolled intersections, give way to traffic on your right. When in doubt, slow down and let the other vehicle go first — New Zealand drivers are generally patient and courteous.
Driving a motorhome is a different experience from driving a car. These tips will save you from the mistakes first-timers make most often:
Tail swing is one of the most important concepts to understand. When you turn a corner, the rear end of your motorhome swings out in the opposite direction. The longer your vehicle, the more pronounced this effect. Take corners wide and check your mirrors to make sure the back end isn’t clipping kerbs, signs, or other vehicles.
Height clearance deserves your constant attention. Before leaving our depot, note the height of your motorhome and keep it in mind throughout your trip. New Zealand has low bridges, car park buildings with restricted headroom, and overhanging trees on rural roads. A moment of forgetfulness can cause serious damage.
Your braking distance is significantly longer in a motorhome than in a car. As a general rule, allow at least twice the following distance you’d normally keep. On wet roads or downhill gradients, increase this further. Use engine braking (lower gears) on long descents rather than riding the brakes.
When reversing, your rear visibility is limited. Whenever possible, have a passenger act as a spotter — they should stand where you can see them in your mirrors and guide you with clear hand signals. If you’re alone, get out and check behind the vehicle before reversing.
When parking, choose level ground wherever you can. Always engage the handbrake firmly. On any slope, use wheel chocks — you’ll find these in your motorhome’s equipment kit. Park so that you can drive forward when leaving, rather than having to reverse in a tight space.
Wind sensitivity is something many first-time motorhome drivers underestimate. A motorhome presents a large side profile to crosswinds, and gusts can push you sideways without warning. The Canterbury Plains are notorious for the hot, dry nor’west wind, and the Desert Road (between Taupō and Waiouru on the North Island) is frequently exposed to fierce winds. Grip the steering wheel firmly, reduce speed, and don’t fight the gusts — make smooth, steady corrections.
New Zealand’s roads are well-maintained, but they’re not motorways. Much of the country’s highway network is two-lane, and conditions vary considerably depending on where you are.
One-lane bridges are common, especially in the South Island. Look for the signs: a large blue arrow on a white background means you have right of way. A smaller red arrow means you must give way to oncoming traffic. If you need to give way, stop before the bridge and wait for approaching vehicles to cross. If there’s no traffic coming, proceed — but keep an eye out, as visibility can be limited.
Gravel roads are part of the New Zealand experience, particularly if you venture off the main highways. Reduce your speed to 50–60 km/h on loose gravel. The surface can be unpredictable — stones kick up easily and can crack windscreens. Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and be especially careful on corners where the surface is looser. Check your rental agreement regarding gravel road restrictions.
Mountain passes are some of the most spectacular drives in the country, but they require respect:
Logging trucks operate on many rural highways, particularly in forestry regions like the East Cape, Northland, and the West Coast. These are large, heavy vehicles that cannot stop quickly. If a logging truck approaches from behind, pull over safely and let it pass. On narrow roads, give them plenty of room.
Stock crossings are a uniquely New Zealand experience. Farmers regularly move cattle, sheep, and deer across public roads. When you see a stock crossing sign or encounter animals on the road, stop your vehicle completely, turn off the engine, and wait patiently. Do not try to drive through a herd — you could injure animals and damage your vehicle.
Narrow, winding roads are common on the West Coast of the South Island and the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island. These routes are stunning but demanding — expect limited passing opportunities, blind corners, and occasional slips after heavy rain. Take your time and use the pull-over bays to let faster traffic pass.
New Zealand is a compact country, but don’t be fooled by the map. Distances that look short can take much longer than expected because of winding roads, mountain passes, and the sheer number of places you’ll want to stop and photograph. Here are some key distances to help you plan:
| From | To | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Rotorua | 230 km | 3 hours |
| Auckland | Wellington | 645 km | 7.5 hours |
| Christchurch | Queenstown | 480 km | 5.5 hours |
| Christchurch | Franz Josef | 330 km | 4.5 hours |
| Queenstown | Milford Sound | 290 km | 4 hours |
| Picton | Christchurch | 340 km | 4.5 hours |
We recommend limiting yourself to 200–300 km per day. This might sound modest, but it allows you to actually enjoy the journey — stop at viewpoints, explore small towns, take short walks, and arrive at your campsite relaxed rather than exhausted. New Zealand rewards slow travel.
Always allow extra time for photo stops and winding roads. A route that GPS says takes four hours might easily take five or six once you factor in the views you can’t resist stopping for.
Winter driving requires additional preparation. Snow chains may be required on some alpine passes between June and September, and conditions can change quickly. Check the NZTA website or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449) for current road conditions before setting out on mountain routes.
New Zealand has very few toll roads — just two, in fact — and neither has a toll booth. They operate electronically, so you need to know about them in advance.
The Northern Gateway Toll Road is a 7.5 km stretch of motorway north of Auckland (between Orewa and Pūhoi on State Highway 1). The Tauranga Eastern Link is a 23 km expressway near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. Both use the same system.
How to pay: The easiest option is to pre-register online at tollroad.govt.nz before your trip. If you use a toll road without pre-registering, you have five days to pay online. After that, fines apply. There are no cash payment options on the road itself.
Most motorhomes run on diesel, but always confirm the fuel type when collecting your vehicle. Misfuelling is an expensive mistake you definitely want to avoid.
LPG is used for cooking and heating in most motorhomes. Refill stations exist throughout the country, but they’re not at every fuel stop. Check locations in advance using the CamperMate app, particularly before heading into remote areas.
Be aware of rural fuel gaps. In some parts of New Zealand — particularly the West Coast, Northland, and the East Cape — you can drive 100 km or more between fuel stations. Make it a habit to fill up whenever you’re in a town, rather than waiting until the tank is low.
Fuel prices vary across the country. Expect to pay 20–30 cents per litre more in remote and tourist areas compared to city prices. As a general rule, fuel is cheapest in larger towns and cities.
Always fill up before entering these routes:
Keep these numbers saved in your phone before you hit the road.
Emergency services: Dial 111 for Police, Fire, or Ambulance. This is a free call from any phone, including mobiles without credit.
Non-emergency police: Dial 105 to report non-urgent incidents such as theft or property damage.
Roadside assistance: The New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) provides breakdown services. Call 0800 500 222. Check whether your rental includes AA coverage when you collect your motorhome.
What to do in an accident:
Medical cover for visitors: New Zealand’s ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) scheme covers treatment costs for accidental injuries sustained by anyone in New Zealand, including visitors. This is a no-fault system — it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. Note that ACC covers accidents only, not illness, so travel insurance is still strongly recommended.
Weather alerts: Check MetService for forecasts and severe weather warnings before each day’s drive. Mountain weather can differ dramatically from conditions at sea level.
For more resources, see our Useful Links page. If you’re planning your trip around the seasons, check out our guide to New Zealand Seasons.
Have a look at the motorhomes, or get in touch and we will help you plan a trip that works for you.