Key Things to Know Before You Hit the Road

Let’s go over the basics. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, here are some key things to know about traveling New Zealand and living on the road.

1. Respecting Māori Culture & the Land

Before setting off, it’s important to recognize that New Zealand’s land is deeply significant to Māori, the country’s Indigenous people. Each region holds unique cultural and spiritual meanings, so always respect local customs and seek permission when visiting sacred sites.

Ways to show respect:

• Engage with Māori culture through authentic tours and experiences

• Put in the effort to pronounce Māori words and place names correctly (websites like Te Reo Māori Dictionary can help)

• Educate yourself on Māori history and contemporary issues to gain a deeper appreciation of their heritage

• Support Māori-owned businesses, artists, and guides

2. Sun Protection: The Sun is Brutal

The New Zealand sun is intense, it's even harsher than in Australia. With high levels of UV radiation, you can burn quickly, even on cloudy days.

Protect yourself:

• Wear sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply throughout the day

• Use hats, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing

• Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM)

3. Road User Charges (RUC) & Driving in NZ

If you’re driving a diesel or electric vehicle, you’ll need to pay Road User Charges (RUC), these aren’t included in fuel prices like petrol vehicles. RUCs are based on kilometers driven, and you must pre-purchase them in advance.

• Buy them online via the Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) website or at AA and VTNZ locations

• If you don’t pay your RUCs, you risk fines at random police checks

• Keep track of your kilometer usage to avoid running out of prepaid RUCs

New Zealand also has a lot of narrow, winding roads, always drive cautiously, especially on gravel roads and steep mountain passes.

4. Hiking Safety & Weather Conditions

New Zealand’s trails range from easy coastal walks to serious alpine terrain, and weather conditions can change fast, especially in the mountains.

Hiking safety tips:

• Check the weather forecast before heading out (use the MetService app)

• Pack layers, as alpine areas can get cold even in summer

• Carry a basic first aid kit, water, snacks, and emergency gear

• Tell someone your plans, let a friend know or use the AdventureSmart website to log your trip

• Research the trail, some hikes require river crossings, proper gear, or permits

If you're doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Taranaki Summit Track, or other high-altitude hikes, expect sudden weather changes, high winds, and freezing temperatures, even in summer.

5. Tides, Beaches & Water Safety

New Zealand has incredible beaches, but the ocean here can be unpredictable. Strong rips, currents, and tides can catch even experienced swimmers off guard.

Beach safety tips:

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches

• If caught in a rip current, stay calm, don’t fight it, swim parallel to the shore

• Check tide times before exploring coastal hikes, caves, or sandbars, as many spots become inaccessible at high tide

For tide charts, use the MetService or Tide Forecast apps.

6. Showers & Public Toilets on the Road

Public toilets are everywhere in New Zealand, so you won’t have trouble finding one. But showers are a different story.

Where to find showers:

• Public showers listed on WikiCamps and CamperMate, hot ones are rare but exist

• Holiday parks, campsites, and aquatic centers ($2 - $15 per shower)

• Some DOC campsites and KiwiCamps have showers (usually require gold coins or tokens)

• Solar showers or makeshift bush showers (use eco-friendly soap)

Always carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer, not every public restroom is stocked.

7. Food & Water: Stock Up When You Can

While cities and big towns have plenty of food options, remote areas can be expensive and have limited stock. Always carry extra food and water, especially if you’re heading into the mountains or less populated areas.

To find drinking water, use WikiCamps and CamperMate to locate refill stations

8. Seasons & Weather

New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere:

• Summer: December - February (Warm and busy)

• Autumn: March - May (Cooler and fewer crowds)

• Winter: June - August (Snow in the South Island)

• Spring: September - November (Green landscapes and baby lambs)

Weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so always be prepared for anything.

9. Emergency Procedures

In New Zealand, 111 is the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services.

You can call 105 for reports of a non-emergency concern. 

If you're hiking in remote areas, consider carrying a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), these can literally save your life.

10. Internet & Connectivity

While New Zealand has good network coverage in cities, remote areas have little to no reception.

Stay connected:

• Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, or WikiCamps)

• Grab a local SIM card (Spark, Vodafone, or One NZ)

• Some public libraries, McDonald's, and i-SITE visitor centers have free Wi-Fi

11. Respecting Wildlife & Nature

New Zealand isn’t known for dangerous wildlife, it’s mostly a bird lover’s paradise. But respecting nature is a big deal here.

Wildlife and nature etiquette:

• Don’t feed wild animals, it disrupts their natural behavior

• Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems

• Take your rubbish with you, New Zealand has a "Leave No Trace" mindset

New Zealand’s nature is one of its biggest treasures, so do your part to protect it while traveling.

New Zealand is one of the best places for road trips and outdoor adventures, but being prepared makes a huge difference. Whether it’s respecting Māori culture, staying safe on hikes, or budgeting for diesel RUCs, a little knowledge goes a long way. Now, all that’s left to do is hit the road and explore.