Fuel costs for your motorhome roadtrip journey

Fuel is one of the main costs to plan for when travelling around Australia or New Zealand. Prices can vary depending on where you are, your route, and current fuel rates, so it’s helpful to build a simple estimate before you set off.

If you have made a decision on what motorhome or campervan you hope to travel in, have a rough route in mind; a quick check on current pump prices before you go can help you get a you realistic cost estimate in just a few minutes. Think of this page as a friendly planning guide: clear, practical, and transparent.

Fuel prices across Australia & New Zealand

Fuel prices can differ depending on location:

Australia: Prices are often higher in remote or regional areas, especially in the Outback

New Zealand: Prices can vary between islands and regions, especially in the main city Auckland.

Plan your fuel stops and check pricing ahead of your journey by using popular apps and websites such as:

Australia FuelPrice

New Zealand Gaspy

What recent global news means for travellers

Disruption to oil supply, refining, or shipping routes typically cause fluctuation in gas prices at the pump. This is one reason prices may feel unpredictable from week to week.

The practical takeaway for guests is simple: build your estimate using current prices, expect some movement, and re-check prices along the way. Planning with a small buffer can make the whole trip feel more relaxed and less uncertain.

Travelling smart: how to drive less, save money, and still enjoy the journey

Typical fuel usage

Fuel consumption varies by vehicle size and driving conditions, so is a tricky one to gauge. However, this fuel tank planning guide should help you estimate costs quickly, before travel. Because assigned vehicles can vary within a category, exact tank capacity may differ slightly from one vehicle to another. The right way to use these numbers is as a practical planning starting point rather than a guaranteed exact fill amount.

Vehicle Type	Vehicle Length (m)	Planning Tank Capacity (L)
Hitop	5.94m	80
Endeavour	5.94m	80
Euro Tourer	7.05m - 7.20m	71
Euro Plus	7.20m	71
Euro Quest	6.74m	70
Euro Camper	7.55m	70
Euro Deluxe	7.55m	70

For example, if your motorhome has a 71-litre tank and diesel is AUD$3.16 per litre, a full fill-up would cost about AUD$224.36. If the same fuel is AUD$3.30 per litre, that same fill-up would cost about $234.30. If your motorhome has a 100-litre tank and diesel is AUD$3.16 per litre, a full fill-up would cost about AUD$316. If the same fuel is AUD$3.30 per litre, that same fill-up would cost about $330. That is why fuel prices can make a noticeable difference from one route to another.

Guests can use this simple math at any point during their trip. Just check the fuel price at a station, multiply it by the estimated tank size for your campervan or motorhome, and you will have a quick refill estimate for budgeting purposes.

These are planning estimates; your exact vehicle may differ slightly. Your total fuel cost will depend on a number of factors from how far you travel, the terrain (mountains, highways, gravel roads), the weather and individual driving style.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a few tips for fuel-efficient travel:

Drive at a steady pace and avoid unnecessary idling.
Refill water tank once you arrive at your next campsite to reduce weight as you drive to the next campsite.
Linger for longer - Spend more time at each destination to reduce daily driving distances.  Explore each destination in more detail and enjoy getting closer to the destination.
Use our trip planning tools, itineraries and our thl Roadtrip app to find campsites and things to see and do.
At pick-up speak with our team for route suggestions that optimise fuel access and efficiency.
Check fuel prices regularly during your trip. We also suggest filling up before heading into remote areas.

Plan your trip

South Island | Christchurch to Kaikoura Road Trip Itinerary

Tom Lanauze / Wednesday, 17 May 2023

/ Categories: NZ Itineraries, South Island, 5-7 Days, Iconic Road Trips, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Food & Drinks, Natural Wonders, Beaches & Surf, Outdoor Activities

South Island | Christchurch to Kaikoura Road Trip Itinerary

This 5 day trip takes you on the alpine pacific touring route to an alpine spa and adventure town, the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura and the wine trail of Waipara

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura

Travel time: 3hrs

Distance: 200km

Start your trip by heading north into the wonderful Waipara wine and food district, home to some of New Zealand's best wines at some amazing vineyards with cellar doors ready for you to try them at.

As you continue North, there is a plethora of North Canterbury beaches to explore, with our favorite being those around Gore Bay. Here you can swim and surf while also check out the awesome Cathedral Cliffs.

You will pass over the scenic hundalee hills before following the picturesque coast as you play “spot the seal” all the way to your final destination of the day, Kaikoura where famously, “the mountains meet the sea”. This is one of the best wild life spotting destinations in New Zealand, if not the world. Being so close to the sea and home to a massive fishing fleet, be sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner, with blue cod and grouper being excellent local fish.

Highlights

Pegasus bay vineyard

Where to stay: Peketa Beach Holiday Park is the only campsite offering beach side pitches in Kaikoura and provides an idyllic, dog friendly campsite just outside the township.

Day 2: Explore Kaikoura

Along with these massive mammals, you can even jump in the water with the puppies of the ocean, the New Zealand Fur Seal. On the coast itself, you can see one of New Zealand’s largest variety of sea birds including the majestic albatross as well as shearwaters, penguins and many more on the peninsula walkway. Treat yourself to the local delicacy of cray fish at the iconic “Nins Bin” while in town, especially as Kaikoura translates to “eat crayfish” in Maori!

Highlights

Kaikoura

Where to stay: Donegal House provides free camping for self-contained vehicles along with powered and unpowered sites all at this historic location complete with onsite Irish pub with live music, Irish dance and great stories!

Day 3: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs

Travel time: 2hrs

Distance: 130km

Start the day with one of the most unforgettable experiences you will ever have. You are in one of the best places to see whales anywhere in the world thanks to the 3km deep ocean trench that runs just off Kaikoura coast. Sperm Whales reside here 12 months of the year making it the BEST place in the world to see them. Along with these locals, you also have the chance to see humpbacks (June – August) and Orca (Dec – March). Many other species of whale are sighted sporadically throughout the year and if you are very lucky, you might even see the mighty blue whale as they transit through the trench.

What a way to wave goodbye to the coast as you turn onto the inland road towards the heart of the South Island. You will pass first through the mountain ranges and then onto rolling high country of the foot hills before fowling the waiau river in and arriving in Hanmer Springs, a place of thrills and relaxation like no other. The thermal pools provide an ideal place to relax at the end of your trip, with pools ranging in temperature from a heated cool pool right up to 36C hot pools to hidden away rock pools at the perfect temperature to relax in without having to move.

Highlights

Where to stay: In the summer, there is a great Freedom Camping area at the confluence of the Hanmer and Waiau rivers giving you 24/7 access to awesome swimming holes, while in the winter the Top 10 is ideally located to give you walking access to the pools, restaurants and activities in the township

Day 4: Explore Hanmer Springs

Take an early dip in the pools before a day of thrills. Hanmer Springs Attractions provides your one stop shop for adventure in Hanmer Springs. From jetboating to river rafting, to quad bike tours and bungy jumping, they have it all waiting for you try. The best part is, they all run from one location making it easy to do multiple tours in a day.

If you’re looking for some time to reflect in the peace and quiet, we highly recommend the short walk up conical hill. It’s just hard enough to make you feel ike you earned all the relaxation you have had while in Hanmer!

Highlights

The many adventures offered by Hanmer Springs Attractions including rafting, jetboating, clay target shooting, horse trekking and quad bike tours. They are Hanmer’s one stop shop for adventure
Conical hill walk

Art in the forest walk

Where to stay: In the summer, there is a great Freedom Camping area at the confluence of the Hanmer and Waiau rivers giving you 24/7 access to awesome swimming holes, while in the winter the Top 10 is ideally located to give you walking access to the pools, restaurants and activities in the township

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 5: Return to Christchurch

Travel time: 1hr 45mins

Distance: 130km

Today is decision time, you can enjoy a final dip in the pools before following the waiau river through the foothills where you need to keep an eye out for Frog rock! After, make your way back to SH1 for a quick trip back to Christchurch or if you're not ready for the adventure to end, you can head north to start the Treasured Pathway or west to start the Great Coast Road and Glacier Highway. The best thing about travelling by motorhome and campervans is the flexibility to have the kind of holiday you want.

Highlights