In New Zealand, times and distances are often misjudged. You can best compare our ‘highways’ with secondary roads in most other countries. Except for around a few cities, they are mostly two lanes, no median barrier winding, hilly roads. Best to compare with 80Km roads in Europe or Australia.

OK, you are allowed to drive 100 km per hour, but whether this is always possible and safe? Use an average of 60 kilometres per hour if you travel a certain distance to calculate.

In other words, travel distances in New Zealand are best calculated in hours, not so much in distance to travel. Better enjoy the mountain views, and forget about a quick ride from A to B. Is this your holiday?

Take your time, enjoying the ride itself! The drive is part of your holiday. Stop by that great “lookout”, make a good cup of coffee (advantage of travelling by Campervan) take the chairs from the “trunk” and thoroughly enjoy the surroundings. With a little luck, have your view for yourself. We recommend you stay 2 or more days in places to really experience the lifestyle or that little village. It is not about how much you drive during your vacation, is it?