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New Zealand's tourist routes are generally of a high standard and the main roads are sealed. All roads, including those in rural locations, are signposted. Remember to drive on the left! The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas.
You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being two-way. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).
North Island Driving Matrix (kilometres / miles)
| Auckland
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127 km
79 mi
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Hamilton
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325 km
202 mi
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452 km
281 mi
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Napier
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357 km
222 mi
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231 km
144 mi
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412 km
256 mi
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New
Plymouth
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241 km
150 mi
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368 km
229 mi
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661 km
411 mi
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597 km
371 mi
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Paihia
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537 km
334 mi
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411 km
255 mi
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178 km
111 mi
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234 km
145 mi
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777 km
483 mi
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Rotorua
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280 km
174 mi
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153 km
95 mi
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143 km
89 mi
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296 km
184 mi
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518 km
322 mi
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80 km
50 mi
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Taupo
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206 km
128 mi
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107 km
66 mi
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299 km
186 mi
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308 km
191 mi
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445 km
277 mi
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86 km
53 mi
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156 km
97 mi
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Waitomo
Caves
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457 km
284 mi
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331 km
206 mi
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252 km
156 mi
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160 km
99 mi
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697 km
433 mi
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309 km
192 mi
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229 km
142 mi
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273 km
170 mi
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Wanganui
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658 km
409 mi
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532 km
331 mi
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323 km
201 mi
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355 km
221 mi
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898 km
558 mi
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460 km
286 mi
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380 km
236 mi
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473 km
294 mi
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195 km
121 mi
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Wellington
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SOUTH Island Driving Matrix (kilometres / miles)
| Christchurch
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361 km
224 mi
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Dunedin
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408 km
254 mi
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570 km
354 mi
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Franz Josef
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554 km
344 mi
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424 km
263 mi
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146 km
91 mi
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Haast
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771 km
479 mi
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410 km
254 mi
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660 km
410 mi
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514 km
319 mi
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Milford
Sound
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417 km
259 mi
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799 km
496 mi
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485 km
301 mi
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631 km
392 mi
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1145 km
711 mi
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Nelson
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350 km
217 mi
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711 km
442 mi
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549 km
341 mi
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695 km
431 mi
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1121 km
697 mi
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113 km
70 mi
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Picton
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487 km
303 mi
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281 km
175 mi
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365 km
227 mi
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219 km
136 mi
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307 km
191 mi
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850 km
528 mi
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837 km
520 mi
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Queenstown
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428 km
266 mi
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276 km
172 mi
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294 km
183 mi
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148 km
92 mi
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366 km
227 mi
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779 km
484 mi
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778 km
483 mi
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71 km
44 mi
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Wanaka
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336 km
209 mi
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670 km
416 mi
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294 km
183 mi
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440 km
273 mi
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954 km
593 mi
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230 km
143 mi
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294 km
183 mi
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659 km
409 mi
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588 km
365 mi
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Westport
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Safe Driving In New Zealand
A self drive holiday is the most relaxing way to enjoy New Zealand's landscape. Enjoy our low traffic levels and scenic roads in absolute comfort.
Although New Zealand is a relatively small country, it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey.
If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads. New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant.
Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight.
The following general information is provided for your road safety:
- All road distances are measured in kilometres.
- Please note: The give way rules have changed as of 25th March 2012. For more information on the changes, please see this PDF
- When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.
- The amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection you can't stop safely.
- The speed limit on the open road is usually 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced by the police.
- Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats.
- During long journeys take regular rest and refreshment breaks.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.
You can find more information about Driving in New Zealand on www.newzealand.com
Travel Restrictions
To ensure your safety, Hippie has some travel restrictions for certain vehicles. Two Wheel Drive vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 500 metres long to recognised campgrounds. Restricted locations included parts of: Ninety Mile Beach, Mt Cook Region, Queenstown Region, Coromandel Peninsula and Waipapa Point to Corio Bay
Restriction Maps: New Zealand
Road Maps & Extra Information
All Hippie customers are supplied with a complimentary magazine when picking up their vehicle. This magazine includes discount vouchers, campground guides, safety tips, local/regional information and other helpful information. Our vehicles also include a New Zealand road atlas to help you travel through New Zealand with ease. If you would like any more information our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you and offer you personal advice on where to go, what to see and the best routes to travel.
Breakdown & Accident Assistance
All Hippie vehicles are serviced and maintained to the highest industry standard. In the event you run into mechanical difficulties on your holiday, Hippie offers 24hour roadside assistance for your peace of mind. If you require assistance, please call Hippie on 0800 234 567 and we will help to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
New Zealand toll roads
If you are touring New Zealand's beautiful North Island, you may pass through the Northern Gateway Toll Road. In 2009, New Zealand's first new toll road opened to the public - offering motorists a faster, safer and more direct route between Orewa and Puhoi, north of Auckland. When driving a rental vehicle in New Zealand, you are responsible for paying toll fees, so it is important to be aware of payment options before you travel. Visit the Northern Gateway Toll Road website for more information.
Featured New Zealand Touring Routes
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Wellington - Nelson - Wellington (3 Days)
Start: Wellington
End: Wellington
Distance: 559 kilometres
This short excursion to the South Island gives you a taste of wine, art and alpine adventure.
Includes: Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Murchison and Blenheim.
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Napier - Wellington - Blenheim (3 Days)
Start: Napier
End: Blenheim
Distance: 486 kilometres
If you like fine wine, you'll love this driving route. Travel from Hawke's Bay through Tararua, the Wairarapa and Wellington to Marlborough. This route is also known as the 'Classic New Zealand Wine Trail'.
Includes: Napier, Hastings, Masterton, Martinborough, Wellington, Picton and Blenheim.
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Wellington - Mt Cook - Queenstown (4 Days)
Start: Wellington
End: Queenstown
Distance: 1,155 kilometres
Start Wellington / Finish Queenstown This four day journey includes some of the South Island's most impressive landscapes and wildlife experiences.
Includes: Wellington, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook Village, Twizel, Omarama and Queenstown
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Wellington - Greymouth - Queenstown (5 Days)
Start: Wellington
End: Queenstown
Distance: 1,131 kilometres
Take the west coast route from Wellington to Queenstown – you'll discover glaciers, gold towns, rainforest and wild beaches.
Includes: Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Westport, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Haast, Wanaka and Queenstown.
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Queenstown - Wellington - Auckland (11 Days)
Start: Queenstown
End: Auckland
Distance: 2,652 kilometres
This Queenstown to Auckland route takes you from alpine scenery to subtropical sailing grounds in eleven days.
Includes: Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Murchison and Blenheim.
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Christchurch - Auckland (12 Days)
Start: Christchurch
End: Auckland
Distance: 2,651 kilometres
Target the regions that hosted the Lions Tour test matches. You'll still have the chance to see a lot of New Zealand.
Includes: Napier, Hastings, Masterton, Martinborough, Wellington, Picton and Blenheim.
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Billy Connolly Drives New Zealand (25 Days)
Start: Auckland
End: Christchurch
Distance: 4,055 kilometres
Start Auckland / Finish Christchurch Billy Connolly traversed 8,500km of New Zealand during his recent tour of the country. Take your own 'world tour' of New Zealand. This extensive driving route provides a total view of the country, and takes in all the most significant attractions.
Includes: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Omarama, Queenstown, Wanaka, Haast, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, Nelson, Blenheim, Picton, Wellington, Martinborough, Masterton, Hastings, Napier, Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga, Whangamata, Whitianga, Coromandel and Auckland.
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Have an adventure with an Hippie Campervan or Motorhome today! With our great variety of Featured New Zealand Touring Routes. You are sure to find the perfect route for your next self-drive Holiday.