Safe Driving In New Zealand
When driving in New Zealand, you must always drive on the left hand side of the road, obey all traffic signals and signage, and wear a seatbelt whilst in a vehicle. The driver must have their licence with them at all times when driving. It is recommended that familiarise yourself with the New Zealand road rules before driving in New Zealand to ensure you have a safe holiday. Always allow extra time to get to your next destination and be sure to stop every 2 hours to take a break.
New Zealand takes the safety of our guests and the public very seriously. Please watch the safe driving video for your relevant RV type prior to commencing your road trip with us. The videos can also be viewed on our ApolloConnect app, which is free to download from the App Store or Google Play.
2WD Safety Video
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.