Relax - this is New Zealand

Motorhoming is about travelling at your own pace and finding your own groove. Understanding a little about our driving rules will keep you safe, reduce stress and help you enjoy your adventure.

Driving in New Zealand is not difficult. Outside cities, you will find our roads are relatively quiet and stress-free to drive. Please take a few moments before you collect your motorhome to familiarise yourself (and your other drivers) with some of our most important or quirky driving rules. more ...

International Drivers

If you are an international driver in New Zealand, and you have a current and valid driver licence or international driving permit (IDP), you can drive for a maximum of 12 continuous months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. (Each time you visit New Zealand, you may drive for a further 12-month period on a valid international licence or IDP, as long as you stay for no more than a year at a time.)

Note: if your licence or IDP isn't in English, you must carry an accurate English translation issued by: a translation service approved by Land Transport NZ (contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre for a list of approved translation services), or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your licence. more ...

New Zealand Roads

New Zealand has some fantastic road trips through some of the most splendid scenery in the World, particularly in the South Island. However road conditions may be different to those you are familiar with. Our roads are often narrow (with wide verges), windy and hilly. Road surfaces can be tarmac or gravel. Gravel is used only for secondary rural roads and require particular care, but can provide access to special areas, that's one of the great things about a motorhome.

Weather can also influence road conditions, even out of season. Roads crossing East-West and those crossing high mountain passes can experience snow and heavy rain. Sunstrike (blinded visibility from a low sun) can also be a problem. In rural areas you may encounter farm livestock being moved on the highway.

Remember too that you are driving a larger and heavier vehicle. Plan and look ahead. Brake early and gently whilst travelling in a straight direction, well before a corner.

Basic Road Rules

We drive on the left.  more ...

Like most countries, we have a range of speed limits.  Most towns are 50kph (approx. 30mph) and our “open-road” limit is generally 100kph.  New Zealand also has a range of road conditions ranging from new urban motorways to rural gravel roads.  more ...