Here are some of the most important New Zealand road rules you need to know before starting your motorhome adventure.
Always drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand.
If you normally drive on the right hand side in your home country, take a moment to remember this rule before pulling out onto the road after taking a break. Be mindful of assessing traffic flow and paying close attention to road signs and markings — before merging back onto a main road from a rest area.
Ensure all your passengers are alert to the danger of crossing the centre line by:
Discussing this driving rule before beginning your motorhome adventure
Using a visible reminder to stay left inside the vehicle
Encouraging your passengers to actively assist by pointing out road signs, markings and traffic flow patterns when merging
Refraining from distractions, especially when in heavy traffic and on busy roads.
Failing to stay on the left and crossing the centre line can cause a head-on collision, which may be fatal.
When approaching an intersection in New Zealand, always slow down and be prepared to stop. The right of way depends on the type of intersection. For instance, at:
Stop signs — come to a complete stop and give way to all vehicles on or approaching the intersection
Give way (yield) signs — slow down, be ready to stop and give way (yield) to traffic coming from your right
Uncontrolled intersections — if two vehicles arrive at the same time, give way (yield) to the vehicle coming from your right.
What about when both vehicles face stop or give way (yield) signs? If:
You're turning, give way (yield) to vehicles going straight
Both vehicles are turning, give way (yield) to the one turning left.
It’s a legal requirement to always use your indicators when turning so other drivers know what you intend to do.
In New Zealand, speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. However, in a motorhome, it’s essential to drive at a safe speed and never exceed the speed limit.
If you’re in a large motorhome with a 90km/h limit, weather and roading conditions are less than ideal or you’re unfamiliar with the roads, reduce your speed to travel more safely.
Different speed limits apply throughout the country — and they can sometimes change quickly, so look out for speed limit signs.
On most of NZ’s main roads, the speed limit is 100km/h unless a sign says a lower speed applies. The speed limit is usually 50km/h in urban areas unless a sign says otherwise.
It’s against the law to exceed New Zealand’s speed limits — and can even result in defaulting on your insurance. Similarly, if you have an accident and were breaking any New Zealand road rules at the time, your motorhome insurance will be void.
In New Zealand, everyone in a vehicle, whether in the front or rear seats, must wear a safety belt by law. If you’re not wearing a safety belt and are stopped by police, you may be fined.
It’s against New Zealand law to use a handheld mobile phone or GPS device while driving. The device must be completely hands-free — or mounted securely to the vehicle.
Taking time to organise your journey before you set off will significantly contribute to a safe motorhome experience.
Any long-distance flight can leave you feeling exhausted, making it harder to stay alert while driving on the road. This is particularly true if you’re going to be driving a vehicle:
On the opposite side of the road than you’re used to
That’s larger than what you usually drive
You’re not altogether familiar with
In different road conditions than your home country.
Fatigue and tiredness are unavoidable after flying long distances. Spend some time resting overnight in your arrival city before taking on the open road in your motorhome hire.
It takes more time to get to places in New Zealand than you may expect. Travel times may be longer than what you're used to back home because:
The country has many narrow, winding roads with mountainous terrain
Your motorhome's speed limit may be lower than the limit for cars.
Get enough sleep before driving and plan where you’ll take rest breaks to avoid tiredness. Be aware of fatigue and take a break every two hours to stay refreshed and alert. Take your time to enjoy one of the many roadside rest areas scattered across New Zealand.
New Zealand's weather is unpredictable at any time of year. Bad weather can cause road closures, detours and icy conditions — so it’s vital to adjust your driving speed and travel plans.
High-sided vehicles like motorhomes are more prone to being pushed around on the road during strong winds. To prevent your motorhome rental from rolling over, pull over to the side of the road and wait until the wind drops.
It’s important to allow extra time to travel on poor weather days. For example, when there’s heavy rain, fog or snow:
Visibility is reduced
Roads can be slippery, and
Traffic is usually moving slower.
Driving a motorhome rental in snow isn’t a smart idea. Even with snow chains onboard, if you incorrectly fit them and damage your motorhome, your insurance cover will be affected.
If you manage to fit the snow chains correctly and have an accident, it could also affect your insurance coverage.
Similarly, if you drive down roads or highways temporarily closed due to the current road conditions, you’ll void your insurance.
Driving a motorhome is unique, and understanding its differences from a standard car will help you have a smooth and safe journey.
Motorhomes take longer to accelerate and slow down, so:
Leave a bigger gap when pulling out into traffic
Slow down earlier before navigating corners
Keep a longer following distance
Use a low gear on descents to avoid overheating your brakes.
When navigating corners in a motorhome, especially those exceeding seven metres in length, it's essential to account for tail swing.
Tail swing occurs when the rear of your vehicle swings out opposite to the direction of the turn. So, during a left turn, the rear of the vehicle swings to the right — and vice versa. The rear axle acts as the pivot point, causing the back end to extend beyond the front wheels' path.
Therefore, it’s important to avoid cutting corners because you may inadvertently swipe a stationary object, damaging it and your motorhome.
Before you enter a road or space, be sure you can get back out again.
Unlike when driving a car, if you find yourself in a narrow space with no easy exit path, you may be unable to turn around. Avoid driving down roads with signs saying:
Motorhomes or caravans aren’t suitable
Turning is difficult
There’s no exit.
Over 50 percent of motorhome accidents happen when parking and using gas stations. Be aware of low-hanging trees, building overhangs and other structures. Also, take note of any soft ground, as you’re much more likely to get stuck in muddy areas than when driving a car.
If traffic is backed up behind you, safely pull over to the side of the road and let it pass.
New Zealanders acknowledge other drivers when they pull over to let traffic pass. The most common way for Kiwis to show thanks to a driver pulling over is to beep their horn a few times. Some drivers may flash their warning lights to show gratitude after passing you, but most will just give a soft beep-beep.
For more information about driving in New Zealand, read our guide to driving a motorhome in New Zealand for the first time.
Here are some of the most important New Zealand road rules you need to know before starting your motorhome adventure.
Always drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand.
If you normally drive on the right hand side in your home country, take a moment to remember this rule before pulling out onto the road after taking a break. Be mindful of assessing traffic flow and paying close attention to road signs and markings — before merging back onto a main road from a rest area.
Ensure all your passengers are alert to the danger of crossing the centre line by:
Discussing this driving rule before beginning your motorhome adventure
Using a visible reminder to stay left inside the vehicle
Encouraging your passengers to actively assist by pointing out road signs, markings and traffic flow patterns when merging
Refraining from distractions, especially when in heavy traffic and on busy roads.
Failing to stay on the left and crossing the centre line can cause a head-on collision, which may be fatal.
When approaching an intersection in New Zealand, always slow down and be prepared to stop. The right of way depends on the type of intersection. For instance, at:
Stop signs — come to a complete stop and give way to all vehicles on or approaching the intersection
Give way (yield) signs — slow down, be ready to stop and give way (yield) to traffic coming from your right
Uncontrolled intersections — if two vehicles arrive at the same time, give way (yield) to the vehicle coming from your right.
What about when both vehicles face stop or give way (yield) signs? If:
You're turning, give way (yield) to vehicles going straight
Both vehicles are turning, give way (yield) to the one turning left.
It’s a legal requirement to always use your indicators when turning so other drivers know what you intend to do.
In New Zealand, speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. However, in a motorhome, it’s essential to drive at a safe speed and never exceed the speed limit.
If you’re in a large motorhome with a 90km/h limit, weather and roading conditions are less than ideal or you’re unfamiliar with the roads, reduce your speed to travel more safely.
Different speed limits apply throughout the country — and they can sometimes change quickly, so look out for speed limit signs.
On most of NZ’s main roads, the speed limit is 100km/h unless a sign says a lower speed applies. The speed limit is usually 50km/h in urban areas unless a sign says otherwise.
It’s against the law to exceed New Zealand’s speed limits — and can even result in defaulting on your insurance. Similarly, if you have an accident and were breaking any New Zealand road rules at the time, your motorhome insurance will be void.
In New Zealand, everyone in a vehicle, whether in the front or rear seats, must wear a safety belt by law. If you’re not wearing a safety belt and are stopped by police, you may be fined.
It’s against New Zealand law to use a handheld mobile phone or GPS device while driving. The device must be completely hands-free — or mounted securely to the vehicle.
