Campervan Travel Guide in New Zealand

2017/03/11

Campervan Travel Guide in New Zealand

One may be ace at driving a campervan hire in the United States. But in New Zealand, it’s a different matter entirely. Not only are the road rules dissimilar, but there are also other things to consider—weather, road conditions, driving etiquette—so that things won’t go all to pot while you’re on the road. For Americans going on a campervan holiday in Aotearoa, here’s a quick yet helpful guide for a smoother and safer ride.

Apollo Campervan

* The first thing you must absolutely know is, as in Australia and the UK, people drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. This can be quite intimidating at first. However, with a bit of patience, plenty of focus and enough space on the motorway, you should grow accustomed to it in no time.

* You can legally drive a car or even a campervan hire in New Zealand using your US driver’s licence for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive. That is, so long as your licence is still valid and the vehicle you are driving has a gross laden weight of 6000kg or less.

* RV companies in New Zealand often have rental depots located near the airports, and they offer airport pickups for convenience. However, do plan on spending at least an hour or two at the depot, as you would have to get acquainted with how everything works in your campervan hire before you can be on your way.

Apollo Endeavour Campervan

* There is, of course, the question of insurance. There are a number of insurance options for Americans hiring a campervan. However, many recommend taking out a Zero Excess plan instead of a standard one to avoid or considerably reduce the excess you would be responsible for in case of an accident.

* Bear in mind that under no circumstance are right or left turns allowed on a red light in New Zealand. This means that you must resist the urge to turn right on a red light, despite what you’re used to or the absence of oncoming traffic.

* Take into account New Zealand road circumstances whilst travelling in your campervan hire. These include livestock crossing rural roads, in which case you must wait until they’ve finished; the occasional unpaved roads, on which you should reduce your speed; and the narrow, winding roads the country is known for that make passing lanes almost a luxury.

* Driving on these narrow, meandering roads is possibly even more treacherous during the winter months. The roads can turn icy, and visibility might be reduced due to heavy fog. Consequently, some roads may close, albeit temporarily. Even if you’re brave enough to push through, it might be a good idea to check the Transport Agency website beforehand to see if your route is open.

Apollo Hi Top Campervan

* Always exercise responsible, environmentally friendly practices when disposing of the waste in your campervan hire, both organic and non-organic. In New Zealand, there are many wastewater treatment stations along the way—such as in campgrounds and public parks—that are easily accessible to travellers.

* There are several camping options for travellers in campervans, offering choices for every need, budget, and palate. There are, of course, the traditional campsites that come with the necessary amenities.

Then there are Department of Conservation campgrounds that are more often than not set in or next to scenic locales; freedom camping sites, which must be used respectfully and possibly with permission from the local tourist office; and Okay2Stay properties, which are essentially a network of farms, vineyards and orchards that allow travellers overnight parking for a set rate.

* Last but certainly not the least, allow yourself extra time to potter along and savour the scenery. New Zealand is, after all, warming with spectacular landscapes and views the stuff of fairy tales. What use is driving through and past all that if not to enjoy it?

Drive around New Zealand in an Apollo campervan hire and experience utmost safety and comfort. After all, you deserve this road trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We are all set for the trip of a lifetime. Are you?

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