Campervan license NZ: complete driving requirements

A question that our travel experts are asked frequently is “What license is needed to drive a campervan?”.

In New Zealand, residents can drive a campervan if they have a standard class 1 car license. However, weight limits apply, particularly if you hold a learner car license or a restricted car license.

Foreigners travelling to New Zealand can also drive a campervan if they hold a full car license in their own country or have an international drivers permit. Again, however, weight limits apply.

Below we will discuss:

• Which license you need to drive a campervan.

• Why you need to consider the weight of your campervan.

• Some of the road rules you need to follow when travelling around New Zealand.

• The best campervans you can hire when travelling around New Zealand.

What License Do I Need to Drive a Campervan in New Zealand?

New Zealand Residents

In New Zealand, different classes of license entitle you to drive different types of vehicles. The standard car license is called a “class 1 license”. There are three stages to obtaining a full class 1 car license:

• Stage 1: Learner License

• Stage 2: Restricted License

• Stage 3: Full License

If you are a resident of New Zealand and hold a full class 1 car license, you can drive most campervans and motorhomes. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) states that residents with a full car license can drive:

• A campervan that has a gross laden weight (GLW) of 6000kg or less; or

• A campervan that has a gross combined weight (GCW) of 6000kg or less.

However, if you only hold a learner car license or a restricted car license, the weight limit is reduced. Residents with a learner or restricted class 1 car license can drive:

• A campervan with a GLW of 6000kg or less; or

• A campervan with an on-road weight of 4500kg or less.

Foreigners Visiting New Zealand

In New Zealand, foreign tourists who hold a full car license in their own country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) can drive a campervan with a TARE weight of 4500kg or less.

It is irrelevant whether your foreign license states a lower weight limit (i.e. less than 4500kg). For example, if your foreign car license states a maximum weight limit of only 3000kg, this is irrelevant whilst you are travelling in NZ - you would still be allowed to drive a campervan with a TARE weight of 4500kg or less.

To drive a campervan in New Zealand, your foreign license of IDP must be current. If your license or IDP is written in a foreign language, you must present an accredited English translation. The NZTA lists several approved translation services.

Alternatively, the translation can be done by a diplomatic representative (i.e. embassy or consulate) or the authority that issued your overseas license

Vehicle and Campervan Weights Explained

The New Zealand Transport Agency provides the following definitions in relation to vehicle weights.

• Gross Laden Weight (GLW) refers to whichever of the following is heaviest:

• The weight of the vehicle plus any load it is carrying (including passengers);

• Any weight that the vehicles manufacturer specifies as the GLW (usually displayed on the windshield or in the driver’s door opening); or

• Any weight that the NZTA specifies as the GLW of the vehicle.

• Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the GLW of the tow vehicle plus the GLW of the trailer being towed.

• On-road Weight is the total weight of the vehicle plus its load at any particular time.

• Tare Weight is the weight of the vehicle without any load.

Road Rules Whilst Travelling in New Zealand

Drive on the Left

You must always drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand. This can be a little bit tricky to get used to at first if you are from a foreign country, but after a day or two, it will be second nature.

Wear Your Seat Belt

In New Zealand, the driver and all passengers in your campervan must wear a seatbelt whilst travelling. If you have children under 7 years of age in the vehicle, they must be properly secured in an approved child seat. It is easy to rent child seats if you don’t want to bring one from overseas.

Stick to the Speed Limit

Always stick to the speed limit that is signposted. In New Zealand, the speed limit in urban areas (e.g. cities and towns) is usually 50km/h. However, you must also be aware of school zones, which have a speed limit of 40km/h at certain times. On most motorways and open roads in NZ, the speed limit is normally 100km/h. Control your speed at all times so that it is safe given road conditions.

Don’t Drink and Drive

It is a criminal offence to drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In New Zealand, the legal drink driving limit for drivers over 20 is a breath alcohol concentration of 0.05. If you are under 20, you are not allowed to drink and drive at all. Regardless of age, you are not allowed to drive if you have taken any type of drug that may affect your driving ability.

Pay Attention to Stop and Give Way Signs

In New Zealand, you must give way to all other vehicles when you come to a giveaway sign at an intersection. If you are approaching a roundabout, you must give way to the right. When you come to a stop sign, you must bring the vehicle to a complete stop and give way to any traffic before proceeding.

Don’t Overtake on Solid Lines

When driving through New Zealand, only overtake on dotted lines or in passing lanes when it is safe to do so. Don’t overtake if there is a solid centre line.

Don’t Use Your Mobile Phone While Driving

It is illegal to use your mobile phone while driving in New Zealand. If you do so, you are liable to receive a substantial fine. Always pull over in a safe place and turn the vehicle off if you need to use your mobile.

If you’re interested in more Kiwi road trip tips, check out our article on essential information when driving in New Zealand.

Some Great Campervans for Hire in New Zealand

The key to a comfortable road trip is finding a campervan that suits both your needs and your budget. Camplify lists heaps of privately owned campervans available for hire in New Zealand, each one uniquely customised to fit the needs of different travellers.

Browse through the selection and within minutes you will find a campervan that is as cosy as it is cost-efficient. Plus, when you hire through Camplify, you receive a tonne of other benefits such as:

• Comprehensive Hire Insurance

• 24/7 RAC Nationwide Breakdown Coverage for Hirers

• Dedicated Customer Support

If you need a hand choosing between all the awesome campervans available for hire in New Zealand, we’ve handpicked a few of our favourites below for you.

[

Sandy](https://www.camplify.co.nz/rv/campervan-rental-hawkes-bay-sandy-the-tiny-house-on-wheels%21/13789) (Sleeps 2)

This cute and cosy campervan really is a “tiny home on wheels”! It is self-contained and recently converted to feature a tonne of luxuries such as:

• 95L Fridge/freezer;

• Induction stove and portable gas stove

• Indoor and outdoor showers

• 80L fresh and grey water tank

• Heaps of storage

• Comfy double bed

• Electric fan

• Insulation

• And heaps more!

Frank (Sleeps 2)

This awesome self-contained campervan is highly rated and has all the luxuries you could ever need for an NZ road trip. It features:

• A fully functioning kitchen (including fridge bag, sink and tap and double gas cooker)

• 2 comfy benches that turn into a large double bed with a premium quality mattress

• Secondary battery for charging your electronics or powering a TV

• 25L fresh and grey water tanks

• Electronic fan

• Portable toilet

• Interior table

• LED lights

• Solar shower

• And much more!

Tapatoru Nr. 9 (Sleeps 3)

This fully self-contained campervan has enough room for a couple with a child and is perfect for your next family holiday. This reliable campervan includes:

• A fully equipped kitchen (including microwave, 3 burner gas hob, fridge/freezer, sink with hot and cold water, pantry)

• Foldable table converts into a queen-size bed

• Gas and 220V heating system

• Porta Potti toilet

• Heaps of storage

• BBQ

• And tonnes more!