Most of our customers at Comfort Campervans have never driven in New Zealand before. Nearly all of them do fine.
Still, a few things surprise almost everyone in the first week. Here is what to expect, so nothing catches you out.
We drive on the left
New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, and the driver sits on the right side of the van. If you normally drive on the right, this feels strange for about a day, then your brain adjusts.
Two tricks help in the first hour. First, the driver always sits closest to the centre line of the road. If the centre line is on your left, you are on the wrong side.
Second, in most Japanese vans the indicator stalk is on the right of the steering wheel and the wipers are on the left. Every visitor flicks the wipers instead of the indicator at least once. Everyone does it, so do not worry.
Roundabouts go clockwise here. Give way to traffic coming from your right, which means let it go first, then join when there is a gap.
If you buy from us, you can get used to the van on the quiet streets around our yard before you commit to anything. Here is how a viewing and test drive works.
Roads are slower than the map suggests
This is the one that catches people most. New Zealand roads are mostly two lanes, winding and hilly, and motorways exist only around the big cities.
A distance that would take two hours on a European motorway can take three or four here. Map apps give drive times that are roughly right for a car, so add extra for a loaded campervan.
Plan around 300 kilometres a day at most, less if you actually want to enjoy the trip. Our itineraries from Auckland use realistic drive times.
One-lane bridges
Rural New Zealand has hundreds of bridges wide enough for only one vehicle at a time. A sign before the bridge shows two arrows.
If the smaller red arrow points in your direction, you give way: stop and let oncoming traffic cross first. If the big arrow is yours you have priority, but slow down anyway and check the bridge is actually clear.
Driving a tall van
A campervan is heavier and taller than what most people are used to driving. Three things follow from that.
Wind. Crosswinds push a high-sided van around. The Desert Road, a high open stretch of State Highway 1 in the middle of the North Island, is famous for it. Slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and give trucks plenty of room.
Gravel. Some scenic side roads are unsealed gravel. They are fine at low speed, but brake gently and leave a long gap, because stopping distances stretch out.
Height. Many city car parks have barriers at around 2.1 metres, and a high-roof van will not fit under them. Learn your van's height on day one and stick a note on the dashboard.
Do not drive far on arrival day
The classic mistake is to land in Auckland after 24 hours of flying, pick up a van, and set off the same afternoon. Jet lag plus left-hand driving plus unfamiliar roads is a genuinely risky mix.
Sleep first. Buy the van the next day, or buy it and stay a night or two in Auckland before heading off. Fatigue is a factor in plenty of crashes here, and the road trip will still be there after a good sleep.
Weather changes fast
Four seasons in one day is not a joke in New Zealand. Sun, rain and strong wind can rotate through in a few hours, especially in the mountains and on the west coast.
In winter, alpine passes in the South Island can get snow and ice, and they sometimes require snow chains or close at short notice. Check the forecast and the Waka Kotahi NZTA road conditions before crossing a pass, and be relaxed about waiting a day if it looks bad.
Speed, cameras and alcohol
The limit on most open roads is 100 kilometres per hour, and 50 in towns. Speed cameras are common, and camera fines go to the registered owner, which will be you. Treat the limit as the limit.
The drink-drive limit is low: 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for drivers aged 20 and over, and zero for drivers under 20. One drink can put some people near the limit, so the simple rule is do not drink and drive at all.
Your overseas licence
You can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months from arrival on a valid overseas licence. The licence must be in English, or carried with an accurate English translation or an International Driving Permit. The full detail, including insurance, is in our guide to driving and insurance on a foreign licence.
Come and try the vans
Our Auckland yard is open 7 days from 8am to 6pm, viewings by appointment. Ring or WhatsApp 020 444 3304, or send us a message. Wir sprechen Deutsch. Nous parlons français.