How Far to Travel in a Day

Remember that driver fatigue kills. Roads in NZ are often narrower and more windy than roads in other countries so taking a break from driving is even more important on these unfamiliar roads. If you are driving long distances it is recommended that you have more than one licensed driver and that you share the driving, giving each other a chance to rest.  If this is not possible, you should stop for a snack or a coffee (and to stretch legs) every two hours.

The amount you would like to cover in a day obviously varies according to the nature of your holiday. Always remember that the landscape changes dramatically in New Zealand and distance does not always mean the same duration. Some drives involve mountains and winding roads which will slow your travelling time down, including stopping to be awed by the scenery.

Assume if you are on the open road in your campervan that you will be covering between 80 and 90 kilometres an hour, stops permitting. We would not recommend you travel no more than 4 or 5 hours in a day. Any further and the drive just becomes a tedious chore, and you fail to acknowledge or appreciate the scenery you are driving through. An ideal distance is between 200 and 400 kilometres, as that way you cover a fair distance but not enough to tire you out.

Remember, with the often stunning scenery it is not just about the destination, it is also about the journey. Play it safe with your driving, take the time to enjoy the passing landscape, and your holiday will be all the better for it!

Petrol and diesel prices as of 6 September 2017

The national price of fuel rose 3 cents per litre on 6 September, bringing the price of 91 Octane petrol to $2.05/litre

Motorhomes travel 8 - 12 km per litre of fuel depending on the size of the motorhome and how they are driven.

For fuel price updates, click here



New Zealand Weather Overview

The weather in New Zealand varies, to a degree that is difficult to describe it in just a few words. New Zealand's weather is one of the main attractions that draw in tourists all year round. The sharp contrasts between the distinctive seasons are unique and different to any other country in the world. Both the South and North Island enjoy mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall and many hours of sunshine. However, you should always be prepared for sudden climate changes, as cold fronts and tropical cyclones quickly blow in.

Weather is at times unpredictable wherever you go. Below is a basic breakdown of what you should generally expect during each New Zealand season. This will give you an idea of when the best times to travel are. This will help you plan your campervan holiday and ensure that you can enjoy the weather you are seeking.

Temperatures

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

New Zealand generally enjoys a pleasant temperate climate, with the average temperature decreasing as you travel further south. In general, the warmest months of the year are December, January and February (with average temperatures of 22 degrees Celcius), with the coldest weather occurring in June, July and August (with average temperatures of 9 degrees Celcius).

The North Island benefits from more of a subtropical climate, with more noticeable subtropical weather in the summer. The South Island mainly enjoys a temperate climate, with the inland alpine areas of the far south getting as cold as -10 degrees Celcius in the winter months. These sharp contrasts of temperature allow visitors to experience the best of both worlds in the one country, which is essentially what makes New Zealand's climate so unique.

New Zealand Seasons

Summer

Summer in New Zealand occurs in the months of December, January and February. During the summer months the temperatures are high and there are more hours of sunshine then in the other seasons. The days are generally long and sunny and the nights mild and pleasant. Summer in New Zealand is perfect beach weather, with tourists flocking to the many stunning beaches to soak up the rays of sunshine and enjoy the pleasant heat.

Autumn

Autumn in New Zealand occurs over the months of March, April and May bringing about cooler weather. This is one of the best times of year to visit New Zealand as the excellent weather and colourful changing leaves create a pleasant atmosphere of colour and vibrancy. Autumn is the ideal time to visit the Central Otago and Hawke's Bay regions as this is when they come to life and shine. The sharp autumn colours make New Zealand a magnificent sight that is essentially beautiful from every angle.

Winter

Winter starts in June and continues through the months of July and August. This is when the mountain ranges become snow covered and the locals and the tourists take out the skis and snowboards and experience the joy and fun of the white blanketed landscape. The weather is generally very cold so it is advisable that you pack your warm clothes and be prepared to spend countless nights snuggled up in front of the heater or fireplace.

Winter in New Zealand also brings about more rain, which can at times put a damper on your outdoor adventures. When it is not raining, winter is the perfect time to discover stunning glaciers and solid lakes. New Zealand becomes a true winter wonderland over these months and the beauty is simply breath taking.

Spring

Emerging buds and blossoms signal the start of spring in the months of September, October and November. The weather can change from cold and frosty to warm and hot, with many of the mountains remaining snow capped, well into September and October. The season of spring is celebrated in Central Otago and Hastings with a blossom festival, which highlights the emerging colours and wildlife that spring brings forth. Spring is the perfect time to visit New Zealand if you are seeking pleasant weather that is not too hot and not too cold, but just right!

School Holidays

2017 school holiday dates for New Zealand primary, intermediate and secondary schools.

Term 1

• Friday, 14 April 2017 until Sunday, 30 April 2017

Term 2

• Saturday, 8 July until Sunday, 23 July 2017

Term 3

• Saturday, 30 September until Sunday, 15 October 2017

Term 4

Primary & Intermediate Schools: 21 Dec 2017 (Thursday) to 6 Feb 2018 (Tuesday)

Secondary & Schools: 15 Dec 2017 (Friday) to Between 28 Jan 2018 (Sunday) and 6 Feb 2018 (Tuesday)

2018 school holiday dates for New Zealand primary, intermediate and secondary schools.

Term 1

• Saturday, 14 April 2018 until Sunday, 29 April 2018

Term 2

• Saturday, 7 July 2018 until Sunday, 22 July 2018

Term 3

• Saturday, 29 September 2018 until Sunday, 14 October 2018

Term 4

Primary & Intermediate Schools: 21 Dec 2018 (Friday) to 6 Feb 2019 (Wednesday)

Secondary & Schools: 19 Dec 2018 (Wednesday) to Between 27 Jan 2019 (Sunday) and 6 Feb 2019 (Wednesday)

Driving in New Zealand and Road Rules

A motorhome road trip across New Zealand is the perfect way to explore this country's stunning landscapes. The scenic drives are not overly crowded which means that you can take it easy and drive at your own leisure. In New Zealand, many of the roads include hilly and windy, so although the driving distances between towns and attractions may seem short, the terrain can slow down your journey a great deal. As the passing scenery in many locations is truly awesome, you may well find you want to take your time and stop every now and then.

Always take care when you are driving on open country roads and keep a look out for native wildlife and wandering farm animals. Be sure to take notice of the road signs as these indicate road rules and changes in the road's conditions. Most roads in New Zealand are two-lanes and often narrow, with some of the country roads remaining unsealed. Although this will be indicated by road signs, always to careful when driving on the open roads and stick to the designated speed limit. Most campervans are not allowed to be driven on unsealed roads. There are some other more difficult roads which motorhome companies do not allow their campervans to be driven on. These roads are indicated in the motorhome terms and conditions and will be on your motorhome rental contract.

Driver Fatigue is a big problem on New Zealand roads. A major killer has been tourists coming off long-haul flights, collecting their campervan, and attempting to drive long distances on unfamiliar roads. Please rest before collecting your campervan if you have come off one of these long flights. Here are some other tips to help you stay alert on your driving holiday:

• Take a break every two hours (Stop, Revive, and Survive)
• Share the driving if possible
• Avoid eating large meals
• Drink plenty of fluids

Licence Requirements for Campervan Rentals

To drive a campervan in New Zealand you must hold a current non provisional drivers licence or permit. You can legally drive for up to 12 months if you have a licence or International Driving Permit (IDP). However, you must always be carrying this with you and it must be in English or at least have an English translation accompanying it.

Overview of Road Rules

New Zealand has an extensive set of road rules that set it apart from other countries in the world. The basic rules to keep in mind when driving along the New Zealand roads are:

• Drive on the left side of the road.
• The maximum speed limit on open roads is 100 km/h.
• The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h.
• All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt or child restraint.
• Always use your indicators when turning.
• At STOP signs, stop completely and give way to all traffic.
• At GIVE WAY signs slow down and be prepared to stop.
• When turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning.
• In all other GIVE WAY situations, give way to the vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
• The legal alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 20 is 30mg/100ml of blood.
• The legal alcohol limit for drivers over the age of 20 is 80mg/100ml of blood.

Vehicles can only be driven on sealed roads/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads to recognized campgrounds and parking areas. Travel on unsealed roads voids all insurance and coverages. The renter is liable for the total cost of any damage to all parties involved whilst travelling on unsealed roads. Further vehicle movements will be restricted in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.

Prohibted Roads

• Ninety Mile Beach - Northland
• North of Colville Township - Coromandel Peninsula (Cape Colville to Port Jackson Road)
• Tapu-Coroglen Road - Coromandel Peninsula
• Skippers Canyon Road - Queenstown
• The Crown Range Road/Cardona Valley Road from Cardrona to Arrow Junction - Queenstown
• Ball Hut Road - Mt. Cook
• Any beach or unformed/ gravel road in New Zealand. The only exceptions to this are any recognised campground access roads less than 500 metres in length or road works.

Yes you can have more than one driver. The additional driver will need to be named and show his/her license at pickup. Some companies charge a small fee of about NZ$5 per day for this, some companies do not charge any extra.

Most Hire Companies require the driver(s) to be over 21 years of age although there are variations.  License age requirements are shown in the terms and conditions section for each motorhome.

A drivers license must be in English or with an English translation.

All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after their intended departure.  A visa is not required for most visitors travelling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3 months.

You should check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest information.

New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention.

A departure tax of NZ$25 is payable by anyone (over the age of 12) departing via the three international airports (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch). This fee can be paid by credit card.

Yes most companies offer a free shuttle service from the airport (and some from near-airport hotels).