Driving New Zealand Roads in a Campervan: What to Expect

Quick summary: Driving in New Zealand is one of the joys of a campervan or motorhome trip: quiet roads, endless scenery and something worth stopping for around every bend. But the roads are different from what many visitors expect. Most highways have a single lane each way, they wind through hills and along coasts, and you will cross plenty of one-lane bridges and mountain passes. Drive on the left, slow down, allow extra time, and let faster traffic pass, and you will find it relaxed and rewarding.

At a glance
Driving side	Left
Typical highway	One lane each way, often winding, with occasional passing lanes
Common features	One-lane bridges, slow-vehicle bays, mountain passes, gravel side roads
Average speed	Lower than distance suggests; plan on 60–70 km per hour overall
Hazards	Fatigue, tight bends, ice in winter, wind, wildlife and livestock
Best approach	Short driving days, frequent stops, patience

What are New Zealand roads like?

New Zealand’s State Highways are the main routes between towns, but they are rarely motorways. Outside the larger cities, most are two-lane roads, one lane in each direction, often with narrow shoulders. They follow the terrain, so you will climb hills, wind along river gorges and hug coastlines.

That is what makes them so scenic, and it is also why journeys take longer than distances suggest. A 200 km drive can easily take three hours, and longer with stops. Our driving times and distances guide lists realistic times for the major drives.

How do you drive on the left?

If you are used to driving on the right, the first day takes concentration. A few habits help:

• Keep left, especially on bends and when pulling out of car parks and driveways.
• At roundabouts, give way to traffic from your right and travel clockwise.
• Turning across traffic means turning right in New Zealand, across the oncoming lane.
• Have a passenger navigate, especially on the first day, so you can concentrate on driving.

How do one-lane bridges work?

One-lane bridges are common, especially on the West Coast and in rural areas. Signs at each end show which direction has priority: a large arrow for the direction that goes first, and a smaller red arrow for the direction that gives way. Slow down as you approach, check for oncoming traffic, and wait if needed. Some long bridges have passing bays in the middle.

What is good road etiquette in a motorhome?

You will often be travelling more slowly than other traffic, especially on hills. Be courteous:

• Use slow-vehicle bays. These pull-over areas let you move aside so faster vehicles can pass.
• Pull over safely when a queue builds behind you, at a lookout, lay-by or wide shoulder.
• Use passing lanes by keeping left so others can overtake.
• Never stop on the road for a photo; pull fully off the road first.

How do you drive mountain passes and steep hills?

New Zealand has many mountain passes, including Arthur’s Pass, the Haast Pass, the Lindis Pass and the Crown Range. In a heavy motorhome:

• Use a lower gear on descents to control speed with the engine rather than riding the brakes, which can overheat.
• Take climbs steadily, and watch the engine temperature on long, steep grades.
• Slow down well before bends, as a high-sided vehicle feels the lean more than a car.

Our route guides describe the passes on each leg, and our guide to roads to check in your rental terms covers roads that some rental agreements exclude.

What other hazards should you know about?

• Fatigue. Long flights and long drives don’t mix; keep the first day short and take a break every two hours.
• Wind. High-sided vehicles are affected by strong crosswinds, especially in the Mackenzie Country, on Canterbury’s plains and on exposed coastal roads.
• Weather. Heavy rain, snow and ice can affect roads, particularly over passes in winter. See our winter campervanning guide.
• Gravel roads. Loose surfaces reduce grip; slow down and keep well back from other vehicles.
• Animals. Sheep and cattle on rural roads, and birds such as weka and pūkeko that wander onto the road.
• Slips and road closures. Check road conditions before travelling in bad weather.

How do you check road conditions?

New Zealand’s transport agency publishes current road closures and conditions for State Highways, and local councils do the same for local roads. Check before setting off on mountain passes, during heavy rain and in winter. Mobile coverage is patchy in remote areas, so check before you leave town.

How far should you drive each day?

Plan on 150–250 km on a typical driving day, with a rest day every three or four days. That leaves time for walks, tours and stops, and keeps driving relaxed. Our itineraries are built around this pace.

How is driving an RV in New Zealand different from North America?

The biggest changes are driving on the left, roads that are mostly a single lane each way rather than multi-lane interstates, and one-lane bridges. Rental vehicles are smaller to suit, and the pace is slower, so plan on covering far less ground each day than you might at home.

What about licences and age?

Licence and age requirements apply to drivers of rental motorhomes. See our licence and age considerations guide for the factors worth checking before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions