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Tips & Advice

Driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand is different to driving in other countries.
What do you need to know before getting behind the wheel?

Exploring New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes by car is a popular way to get around. Even if you’re used to driving in other places, you need to be well aware of things like weather extremes, narrow, windy roads and different road rules before you begin on your journey.

What’s different about driving in New Zealand?

We drive on the left hand side of the road and our vehicles seat the driver on the right.
Always drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. If you’re used to driving on the right hand side of the road, this can be a challenge to remember especially when pulling out into traffic. Remember – if you are driving, you must be seated in the middle of the road – your front seat passenger will be the on edge of the road.

Never drive when you are tired and take regular breaks.
It doesn’t matter what country you are driving in, it is extremely dangerous to drive when you are tired. Visitors to New Zealand might be tired because of jet-lag, early starts and late nights, or because they had a long day driving the day before. Because driving in New Zealand can be very different to other countries, you need to be well-rested and alert – tired drivers are dangerous drivers.

Many roads have varying conditions, and can be narrow, windy and cover hilly terrain.
New Zealand’s diverse terrain means roads are often narrow, hilly and windy with plenty of sharp corners. Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are single lane in each direction without barriers in between. You may also encounter gravel roads. It’s important to allow plenty of time, go slow and pull over in a safe place if traffic wants to pass from behind you. Take plenty of breaks so that you stay alert.

It’s easy to underestimate drive times when looking at a map.
Maps don’t show how narrow and windy roads can be. What might look like a short trip can take a long time. For example: Hokitika to the town of Haast, a popular drive for visitors stopping to see New Zealand’s glaciers, is 278km (172mi) on the map and may look like a short 3-hour drive. However, drivers should allow for up to 4 hours’ of driving time because of the windy road. This is common all over New Zealand –always allow for more time than you think you’ll need.

Weather-related hazards are commonplace.
In New Zealand, you might experience four seasons in one day. It’s possible to start your day off with blue sky and sunshine, but arrive at your destination in rain and hail. Because of this, weather related hazards on the road can occur at any time. Always check the weather forecast before departing, and adjust your plans accordingly. If you’re driving in the South Island in winter, spring or late autumn, snow is a possibility – ensure that you’re carrying chains if a cold snap has been forecast.

Winter roads can be treacherous.
Snow, ice and fog can be common in winter, especially in the South Island and around mountain passes. Ensure you’re clued up on the weather forecast for the region that you’re driving in, leave large following distances and make sure you know how to fit the snow chains.

Not all New Zealand rail crossings have automatic alarms.Only half of the 1500 rail crossings in New Zealand have automatic alarms. When red lights are flashing it means a train is coming so stop and only proceed once the lights have stopped flashing. Other crossings have a ‘Railway Crossing’ sign and give way or stop signs only. If you see this, stop, look both ways and only cross the track if there are no trains approaching. Source: newzealand.com

What to Know about Freedom Camping

Responsible freedom camping can be a popular choice for some New Zealand visitors; but while it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility.

Responsible freedom camping is camping in a tent, campervan or motor vehicle on public land, on a site with minimal or no facilities, such as toilets or showers.

There are over 500 responsible freedom camping locations in New Zealand, each with different rules and regulations. However, there are some basic rules that all responsible freedom campers must follow.

Four basic rules for freedom camping

Dispose of rubbish responsibly

Respect the environment by taking away all waste, ensuring you leave the camping area clean for those who come afterwards. As Native American Chief Seattle said: “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.”

Keep New Zealand clean
Always use a public toilet or toilet in your vehicle. Apps such Camper Mate can help you find the nearest toilets.

Protect our environment
Use recycling facilities whenever they are available to help protect our environment.

Waste disposal station
If travelling in a motorhome, you must empty your toilet and wastewater at the designated dump station. Look for signage or check where a nearby station is

Where you can camp in New Zealand

Rankers Camping NZ App
Read independent reviews from other travellers and discover 1500 camping locations throughout New Zealand with Rankers’ Offline Map(opens in new window) – no need for WiFi! Download for Apple | Download for Android

Campermate App
Download the free Campermate(opens in new window) app to find campsites, toilets and waste stations. It also includes lots of other helpful information such as tips from other travelers and areas with WiFi access.
Download for Apple | Download for Android

Staying safe while camping

While New Zealand is a safe place compared to many other countries, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and think carefully before camping in secluded areas. Double-check weather conditions and plan for unexpected events. Always have plenty of supplies and if possible leave your details and travel plans with a contact. For more information on responsible freedom camping, see freedomcamping.org

How to pitch the Bell tent

How to Pitch a Bell tent.

As with most things in life, the first time you pitch a bell tent will take a little patience getting familiar with the engineering behind these amazing canvas tents.  Setting up the bell tent after your first go-around will only take about 15 minutes.

 

Tiaki Promisse

New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.

The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.

By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki Aotearoa, Welcome to New Zealand.

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