WHO GIVES WAY?

New give way rules come into effect at 5am on March 25.

All traffic turning right will have to give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This rule will apply at crossroads, T-intersections and driveways where both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, all traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T) will have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T).

Super fresh mussel fritters

Mussels are prolific around the coast of New Zealand. Packed with minerals, they are versatile to cook and great to eat as well. Just be careful where you get them from though, and remember some areas have limits on the numbers you are allowed to take.

Mussel Fritters are very popular, and easy to make, even when camping!

(more…)

Freedom camping in the Lake District

Queenstown is the centre of the Lake District, a very popular place to visit on the South Island. Not only is it the ‘Adventure Capital’ of New Zealand where you can do the original Bungy-jump, Skydive, Wild Water Rafting and Jet Boating to name some it is one of the few places with a sort of ‘night life’ with clubs and bars.

Not a party goer or thrill seeker? Parts of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ are filmed amid the mountains, lakes, rivers and forests and Queenstown is the gateway to the Milford Sound, Fiordland.

(more…)

Video New Zealand Russell

The Top of New Zealand video: Russell

Romantic Russell as it is now known is located in the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. The old charm, history, modern facilities and access to many attractions make it the perfect base for a romantic stay, family holiday or base to explore the upper north island.

Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and one of the first European settlements. The town is rich in history with a variety of shops and services that do not spoil the old charm. Hours can be spent in the museum tracing the towns history from the first European settlers, whaling and marine history. Even the headstones at New Zealand’s first church have a story to tell.

New zealand Video: Northland

The Top of New Zealand video: Northland

New Zealand Video: Bay of Islands

The Top of New Zealand video: The Bay of Islands

New Zealand was first discovered about 1000 years ago by the great Polynesian navigator Kupe who sailed here from his homeland Hawaiki. He named the islands Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Kupe returned to Hawaiki and left instruction on how to get here.

About 400 years later Maori arrived back in Aotearoa with seven great canoes and began to populate the North Island.

The Dutchman Abel Tasman landed in 1642, charted part of the coastline and named it Staten land, believing it was part of the Australian continent. When his mistake was discovered the country was renamed Nieuw Zeeland.

In 1769 James Cook came to New Zealand, extensively charted both North and South Island and gave the Bay of Islands its present name.

New Zealand video: Far North

The Top of New Zealand: The Far North

Tourism Radio in your campervan

Tourism Radio in your campervan

What is Tourism Radio?

It’s like  travelling around New Zealand with your own personal Tour Guide.It will add a new dimension to your New Zealand holiday.

Using the latest GPS technology, this personal tour guide comes standard with your Bay of Islands Campervans. (more…)

Travel times and distances in New Zealand

Travel times and distances in New Zealand are often misjudged. Highways (except round a few cities) are comparable to 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 kilometers per hour if you travel a certain distance to calculate. (more…)

Themed Highways

Touring New Zealand by campervan and not knowing where to start? There are 10 Highways with a theme to choose from.

This may not sound a pleasant way to explore; when you are used to traffic in Europe or USA expectations of highways are different from New Zealand ‘Highways’. You will probably call them: Secondary Roads. Don’t be shocked to find a one lane bridge!

1. (more…)

Keeping safe outdoors

Touring in a Campervan, New Zealand is the perfect destination for all types of outdoor adventure and activity. Before heading into your chosen pursuit, make sure you follow the Outdoor Safety Code: (more…)

Driving left in New Zealand

Why does New Zealand drive on the “wrong” side of the road ?

Well it’s one of those trivia questions that can really nag at you until you find an answer; (more…)