About New Zealand
Driving Tips
1. Licences
If you have a current and valid* overseas driver licence or international driving permit you can drive a campervan in New Zealand. You can drive using that for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand (Note: if your overseas licence or permit isn't in English, you must carry an accurate translation) Current and valid* overseas driver licence means that your licence allows you to legally drive in your own country. If you are disqualified from driving or your licence is currently suspended, expired or revoked, then you are not allowed to drive in New Zealand.
Visit Land transport website for more information
2. Safety Belts
Driver's responsibility for ensuring passengers wear safety belts in their campervan.
If you're the driver, the law says it's your responsibility to make sure that everyone under 15 years old is wearing a safety belt or sitting in an approved child restraint Note: Safety belts are designed to hold one adult. Never put a safety belt around two or more children, and never put a child on an adult's lap with the belt around them both.
If you don't wear a safety belt, or you allow a person under 15 years to travel unrestrained, you can be fined $150.00 New Zealand Dollars for each belt not worn. The driver must pay for each unrestrained person under 15 years old. People 15 years and over are responsible for their own fine.
Visit the Land transport website for more information
3. Child restraints
- Children under five years must be properly restrained in an approved child restraint. Eurocampers has a variety of child restraints available for hire with your campervan.
- Children aged five to seven years must use an appropriate child restraint if there's one available. If there isn't, the child must use a safety belt. If there's no safety belt available, the child must sit in the back seat.
- Children aged eight to 14 years must use a safety belt if there's one available. If there's no safety belt, they must sit in the back seat.
- Drivers and passengers 15 years and over must wear a safety belt if there's one available.
Visit the Land Transport website for more information
4. Speed Limits
Historically, public road speed limits in New Zealand have been 50 km/h, for roads in urban situations and 100 km/h, for roads in rural areas and motorways.
Speeding - excessive speed is a major cause of road accidents. Drive within the speed limit at all times, and watch ahead for slow traffic or road signs notifying a change in the speed limit. If you encounter sunstrike or heavy rain, or are unsure of the road, slow down.
Visit the Land transport website for more information
5. Safety tips for holiday travellers
Visit The AA website for more tips
We recommend the following safety tips to help you, and your family and friends, stay safe when travelling in your campervan on our roads
- Courtesy - be courteous and show consideration to other road users. Obey the rules of the road. Plan your travel to avoid traffic jams and keep calm.
- Maintain the gap - maintain a minimum two-second gap between your car and the vehicle in front. The gap should be greater in adverse weather or visibility conditions.
- Keep Left - keep to the left at all times unless overtaking, and then only if you have a clear view of the road throughout the manoeuvre. Check your rear-view mirror and side mirrors regularly.
- Fatigue - if going on a long trip, get a good night's sleep beforehand. Avoid driving late at night, and take a power nap if you feel tired or stressed. Take regular breaks while driving - consider your passengers too.
- Drink driving - driving and alcohol don't mix. If you're attending a social function and intend to drink, leave your car at home or nominate a sober driver. Never get in a car with a drunk driver.
- Cellphones - don't text and drive, or talk on a mobile phone while driving. Statistics show that using a mobile phone while driving is as dangerous as driving over the legal blood alcohol limit. Ask a passenger to handle any phone call, or if you're travelling alone turn your phone off and check it only when you take a break.
- Accidents – all accidents should be reported to the police (dial 111). Eurocampers needs to be notified immediately. The hirer must complete the Motor Vehicle Accident Form, including full details of Third Party and Witness details if present.
6. Roading Issues
Visit the AA website and click onto “road warnings” to get up to date information about New Zealand roads and the current conditions.
7. NZ Road Code
Learn all about the giving way rules, signs and driving code of New Zealand. Go to the Land Transport Website