How to prepare for driving in New Zealand
Complete the safe driving questionnaire
To help prepare for your van travel adventure, it's important to fill out this safe driving questionnaire. You’ll need to do this before you begin driving your campervan.
This questionnaire is designed to help you familiarise yourself with New Zealand's road rules. It means you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your maui campervan hire and enjoy the best of New Zealand.
Ensure you have a valid driver’s licence
One of the must-haves, if you want to rent a travel van in New Zealand, is a valid driver’s licence. This must be for a full-size motor vehicle, without any restrictions.
It's vital to confirm this before leaving for your trip, as it's a prerequisite for driving a campervan.
If you have a foreign licence in a language other than English, be sure to arrange an accredited English translation before your departure. This step can save you time and eliminate potential delays during the campervan pickup process.
How to drive a motorhome safely in New Zealand
New to driving a motorhome? We’ve got you covered with these helpful tips.
Familiarise yourself with the road code
As you prepare for your road trip through New Zealand, one of the key steps is to familiarise yourself with the New Zealand Road Code online.
This handy resource details the must-know rules of the road, including those about passing other vehicles, speed limits, and giving way at intersections.
To help reinforce your learning, you may like to test your knowledge with an online mock theory test.
Follow road safety rules
When driving on New Zealand roads, adhering to road safety rules is vital. These are just some of the basics:
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Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are securely fastened. If you're travelling with children, it's compulsory to use approved child restraints for their safety.
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Breaching this rule attracts severe penalties and fines.
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The same applies to mobile phone usage during driving. It's illegal and can result in hefty fines. So, before making that call or sending a text, always pull over safely to the side of the road.
These rules may seem basic, but adhering to them is the first step toward a safe and enjoyable New Zealand road trip.
Keep left
One fundamental rule to remember when driving in New Zealand is to drive on the left-hand side of the road. It's a big change for drivers accustomed to right-side driving, but keeping a few simple guidelines in mind will make the adjustment smooth:
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Always check over your right shoulder for incoming traffic before merging or changing lanes.
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At roundabouts, remember to give way to traffic coming from your right. This rule keeps the flow of traffic consistent and reduces confusion.
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Lastly, stick to the left lane whenever possible. Other lanes should only be used for passing or making right turns.
Consider weather conditions
New Zealand's roads can often be narrow and winding, making cautious driving crucial. With that in mind, before you hit the road, it's important to be aware of what the weather will be doing as you travel.
Adapting your speed to match weather conditions is especially important during winter. You may face hazards such as black ice and sunstrike.
Black ice is a thin coating of ice on the road surface. It’s almost transparent and can make roads extremely slippery. Sunstrike, on the other hand, is when the low angle of the sun causes a temporary blinding effect. Both can create challenging driving conditions and are reasons to reduce speed and increase following distance.
Winter also brings limited daylight hours, so plan your itinerary to reach your destination well before dark. This ensures you're not trying to park your maui campervan in challenging lighting conditions.
Before setting off each day, ensure you check the local weather forecast. This can give you a heads-up about any potential weather-related challenges on the road.
Follow speed limits
Driving a maui motorhome is different from driving a standard-sized vehicle, especially in terms of handling speed. Due to its larger size and weight, it's advisable to drive slower than you would in a smaller car. Adapting your speed will mean you have more control over your campervan, particularly when turning or braking.
Always follow posted speed limits to ensure safe driving. These limits are set not just for your safety, but for the safety of others on the road as well. This is especially important when manoeuvring through the often twisty turns of the picturesque New Zealand landscape.
Allow for overtaking
While travelling in your maui motorhome, it's important to be mindful of other road users who may wish to overtake.
New Zealand's roads are used by a mix of vehicles, large and small. Slower-paced motorhomes can cause frustration for drivers behind if they can't find a safe opportunity to pass.
To prevent this, utilise slow lanes or identified pull-over areas to allow faster vehicles to overtake safely. This is a simple yet crucial step in promoting road safety and courtesy. And remember, always indicate early when pulling over or returning to the road, providing clear signals to other drivers.
Understanding road signs
Road signs in New Zealand might be different from what you're used to. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the most common signs – these include:
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Speed limit signs: These circular red signs have a number in the middle indicating the maximum speed (in km/h) you are allowed to drive on that stretch of road.
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Permanent warning signs: These are yellow with a black symbol and are used to warn you about potential dangers ahead, such as sharp bends, railway crossings, or pedestrian zones.
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Information signs: These are rectangular and typically blue or green. They provide helpful information such as distances to destinations, tourist sites, or where you can find services like petrol stations and campsites.
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Temporary warning signs: These are orange and black. These signs alert you to road works, lane closures, slips, etc.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Top tips for motorhome driving
Travelling around New Zealand in a motorhome is an unforgettable experience. Here are a few tips to help you do so safely and confidently.
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Being mindful of the motorhome's size and height can save you from potential mishaps when entering campsites or parking areas.
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Before heading off on your adventure, take the time to familiarise yourself with your motorhome’s dashboard. Take note of which side the indicator is on, how to use the air conditioning, where the window wiper controls are, etc.
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Always give yourself extra space when making turns due to the larger dimensions of your motorhome.
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Reversing a motorhome can be challenging, especially for those new to van travel. If you're not feeling confident, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Safety should always be a priority.
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Remember to secure all your belongings before setting off. Unsecured items could cause damage or distraction while driving. Make sure all cupboards are locked and loose items are safely stowed away.
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Take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue, especially on long journeys. New Zealand offers many picturesque rest areas where you can safely park your motorhome, stretch your legs, have a snack, and enjoy the scenic views.
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Lastly, remember to respect the environment. Part of the joy of a motorhome adventure is immersing yourself in the beautiful landscapes New Zealand has to offer. Make sure to dispose of waste properly and avoid using cleaning products that could harm the environment.
Ready to explore New Zealand?
Preparing for a motorhome journey in New Zealand goes beyond creating an exciting itinerary. Following these guidelines, from maintaining a safe speed to considering the local weather conditions, ensures you'll have an unforgettable and safe New Zealand campervan holiday.
Now that you’ve got all the information you need to feel confident driving in New Zealand, it’s time to start planning! The first step is to book your maui campervan online today. Maui’s range of campervans are equipped with all the comforts of home. You can conveniently pick up your campervan from your nearest local branch, in either Christchurch, Queenstown, or Auckland, and begin your adventure.
New Zealand's awe-inspiring landscapes are waiting for you. Start planning your unforgettable journey today.