Travel
On Arrival
What to expect when you arrive
What’s On Board?
Everything you’ll need…just bring your belongings, grab some food and start your journey.
Returning
Clean up, Fuel up, empty toilet and waste water tanks. If you’re departing from Auckland Airport, we’ll deliver you to the terminal.
Plan your road trip
Toll Roads: There are three toll roads in NZ: the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road, both in Tauranga. All our motorhomes are registered with the toll road service. If you decide to use a toll road, the charge will be added to your booking.
Driving Safely
In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road, remember the driver is always sitting beside the centre line. Our hilly, windy and narrow roads can mean that the journey may take you a lot longer than expected and you may also encounter gravel roads.
Ferry Services
New Zealand has three main islands – North Island, South Island and Stewart Island. You can drive anywhere in the North or South islands, you cross the Cook Strait between them by ferry. The drive‐on‐drive‐off ferries operate between Wellington (Nth Is) and Picton (Sth Is). The journey takes about 3 hours plus an hour at each end for loading and unloading. It is advisable to book ahead for busy periods like summer and school holidays. A one way sailing for 2 adults and the motorhome starts at $320. We can arrange your sailing for you.
Bluebridge
Bluebridge operate two ships on the daily service between Wellington and Picton. Get a quote and/or make a booking
The Interislander
Interislander operate three ferries with four to six daily sailings in each direction. Get a quote and/or make a booking
Roadside Assistance
We’ve partnered with the Automobile Association (AA), New Zealand’s leading roadside support company to offer 24 hour, 7 day support wherever you need it. Calls are free, dial 0800 734 543. The assistance covers any mechanical faults with the vehicle. Breakdowns as a result of damage caused in an accident are not covered. For any queries please call us.
Visitor Information
Banks
Banks are open Monday to Friday (except public holidays), 9.30am to 4.30pm. Automatic teller machines operate on a card PIN number system. Cash can be withdrawn 24 hours a day. Use of EFTPOS is common. Goods & Services Tax (GST) is 15% and is usually included in the advertised price.
Shopping
Shops are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Many will open on Saturday mornings and the bigger malls, retail chains & supermarkets are open on Sundays.
Petrol Stations
Petrol (gas) stations are often open 24 hours. They will all have diesel, some will have water and LPG bottle exchange.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency services
Police, Fire or Ambulance – dial 111 (no charge)
Local operator 010
International operator 0170
NZ Directory assistance 018
International directory assistance 0172
National direct dialing full area code (with the 0 prefix) and local number
International direct dialing 00 followed by the country code
Health Info
Medical Centers
Medical centres are found in most towns and the bigger cities have hospitals & ER services. A chemist is the NZ term for a pharmacist or drug store. Their shops are open during normal business hours & most cities have urgent dispensaries open outside these hours, listed in the front of the telephone book under Hospitals.
Sunburn
Please be aware that ultraviolet radiation from the sun can be harsh. It is important to wear sunglasses, a hat and sunblock. The burn time between 11am & 3pm can be as little as 10 minutes, so seek shade or cover up during the middle of the day. Outdoor stores sell Rash tops which have built in sun protection & they are available for adults & children.
Insect bites
While NZ doesn’t have any dangerous wildlife, sandflies & mosquitoes can be annoying in some areas. Insect repellent will take care of them. No serious diseases are carried by them, though travellers from overseas may come out in itchy lumps in reaction to being bitten by them until they adapt. Wasps can be a nuisance in some areas, if allergic to their stings, carry medication.