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New Zealand law requires both driver and front seat occupants to wear a seatbelt at all times while mobile. If belts are fitted in the back of your motorhome, it is prudent to wear them.
The primary rule for drivers to remember is that New Zealand drives on the left. When turning left, you will need to give way to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h and 50km/h in residential areas unless otherwise marked. There are speed cameras on the road - which may sometimes be hidden - so always stick to the limits.
Be aware that winding roads, difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions will slow your motorhome down considerably, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
Comfortable driving distances in a day are perhaps 200-300km, but less if you want to stop and enjoy attractions.
Never drink and drive. The police can stop you at random breath testing stations to test your breath.The legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 400 micrograms per litre of breath. (This equates to about 1-2 glasses of wine and 2-3 glasses of beer, depending on your body weight).Be a courteous driver. If traffic builds up behind your motorhome, please pull over on the road shoulder or at a rest area to allow traffic to pass.
Stay alert and if you're feeling tired, pull over and take a break.
Motorhomes can have significant windage, so take special care in exposed or windy places and when cornering, particularly with larger motorhomes.Ringing bells and flashing red lights at a railway crossing signal that a train is coming - don't try to cross or run the red light. Many railway crossings are not controlled by barrier arms. Look out for the distinctive X-shaped railway crossing signs, and take extra care when crossing.
You may encounter narrow sealed or even unsealed gravel roads in more remote rural areas, but these are generally well maintained. There are a few unsealed roads on which you may not take your campervan or motor home. These are indicated in your rental contract and documents. Take care on gravel verges, especially on corners, and keep your tyres in the tracks where possible.
Follow the two-second rule - ensure you are at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. In wet weather or on icy roads, you will need to maintain even more distance to allow yourself a safe breaking distance.
In extreme conditions, some roads may be closed. Don't try and drive on them - an alternative route is usually offered.
If you're driving to ski areas, you may need chains. Ask for them - and for instructions on fitting them – when your pick up your vehicle. They are hired out at $ 45.00.
If you are travelling between the North and South Island, you will need to reserve a ferry passage across the Cook Strait channel. Don't forget to book well in advance in holiday periods and during the summer months between November and March.
You can book online at The Interisland Line, through a Visitor Information Centre, or through south island travel.com if you advise us of your preferred crossing times prior to vehicle pick-up.
The approximate crossing time is 3 hours on the InterIslander ferry, and 2 hours 15 minutes on the Lynx Fast Ferry.
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