Your go-to source for current road conditions, traffic updates, and the official New Zealand road rules. Before any long drive, check their journey planner for road closures, roadworks, and weather warnings that might affect your route.
The official tourism site. The most useful part for motorhome travellers is their regional guides, which break down each area by highlights, travel times, and suggested days to spend. Good for figuring out where to go if you haven’t locked in your route yet.
New Zealand’s official weather forecasting service. Check daily forecasts, severe weather warnings, and mountain weather conditions. Bookmark this one — New Zealand weather changes fast, and checking MetService each morning before you drive will save you from unpleasant surprises.
DOC runs New Zealand’s national parks, Great Walks, conservation land, and over 200 campgrounds. If you want to hike, book a backcountry hut, or find a lakeside campsite in the middle of nowhere, this is where you start. Hut bookings for popular tracks (Milford, Routeburn) sell out months ahead, so check early.
A free app that every motorhome traveller in New Zealand should download before arriving. It maps campsites, dump stations, fuel stations, free WiFi hotspots, and points of interest across the country. Works offline once you’ve downloaded the map data — invaluable in areas with no mobile coverage.
DOC operates over 200 campgrounds in national parks and reserves — lakesides, native bush, river flats, coastal spots. Prices range from free (basic sites with a toilet and not much else) to around $15 per night for sites with running water and cooking shelters. Don’t expect holiday park facilities — these are simple setups. But waking up next to Lake Mavora or under the Milford Sound cliffs makes up for the lack of a power outlet.
A community-reviewed directory of campgrounds, holiday parks, and freedom camping spots across New Zealand. Real traveller reviews help you choose between sites, and the search filters let you find exactly what you need — powered sites, pet-friendly, waterfront, and more.
Freedom camping (camping outside designated campgrounds) is allowed in many parts of New Zealand, but rules vary by region and you generally need a certified self-contained vehicle. This site explains the rules, lists approved locations, and helps you camp responsibly. Fines for camping in restricted areas can be significant.
Real-time information on road closures, roadworks, and driving conditions from the New Zealand Automobile Association. Particularly useful during winter when alpine passes may close, or after heavy rain when slips can block coastal roads.
Google Maps works well throughout New Zealand, but mobile coverage drops out in many rural areas. Download offline maps for your route before leaving town — go to Google Maps, select your area, and choose “Download offline map.” This ensures you have navigation even when there’s no signal.
New Zealand has just two toll roads — the Northern Gateway near Auckland and the Tauranga Eastern Link. Both are cashless, so you need to register online and pay electronically. Pre-register before your trip to avoid fines, or pay within five days of using the road.
The larger of the two ferry operators crossing Cook Strait between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island). The crossing takes approximately 3.5 hours and is a scenic journey through the Marlborough Sounds. Vehicle bookings are required — book well in advance during summer, as motorhome spaces are limited.
The alternative ferry service on the same Wellington–Picton route. Generally slightly more affordable than Interislander, with modern ships and a reliable service. Compare prices and sailing times between both operators to find the best option for your schedule.
Dial 111 from any phone (free call) to reach Police, Fire, or Ambulance in an emergency. For non-urgent police matters (reporting a theft, lost property, minor incidents), call 105 instead.
If your motorhome breaks down, call the AA on their free number. They provide roadside assistance throughout New Zealand, including battery jump-starts, flat tyre changes, and towing. Check with us when you collect your motorhome whether AA cover is included.
Find the nearest medical centre, hospital, pharmacy, or after-hours clinic wherever you are in New Zealand. Useful if you need non-emergency medical attention while travelling. Remember that New Zealand’s ACC scheme covers accidental injury treatment for all visitors.
Spark has the widest mobile coverage in rural New Zealand. Before heading into remote areas, check their coverage map to know where you’ll have signal and where you won’t. Consider a Spark prepaid SIM if your primary provider doesn’t roam well in NZ.
Free WiFi is available at most i-SITE visitor centres (found in nearly every town), public libraries, and many holiday parks and campgrounds. Some larger towns also have free public WiFi zones. It’s generally reliable for checking emails and maps, though speeds can vary.
For road rules and driving tips, see our Driving in New Zealand guide. To plan your trip around the best weather, check out 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.