Driving the West Coast by Campervan: One-Lane Bridges, Slips and Fuel Gaps

Quick summary: The West Coast’s State Highway 6 is one of the great campervan drives, but it has its own character. The road is long and often remote, with one-lane bridges, long gaps between fuel stops, steep mountain passes at each end, and rain that can bring slips and temporary closures. None of this is difficult for a careful campervan or motorhome driver, but it pays to know what to expect and to plan fuel, timing and flexibility before you set off.

At a glance
Main road	State Highway 6, sealed throughout
One-lane bridges	Common; follow the give-way signs
Fuel gaps	Longest between Wānaka, Haast and Fox Glacier
Mountain passes	Arthur’s Pass, the Haast Pass, Lewis Pass
Weather risks	Heavy rain, slips, flooding, occasional road closures
Mobile coverage	Patchy between towns

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How do one-lane bridges work?

Many West Coast bridges are only one vehicle wide. Signs before each bridge show which direction has priority: a large white arrow means you have right of way, while a small red arrow means you must give way to oncoming traffic. Slow down as you approach, check for vehicles on or approaching the bridge, and never assume the other driver will stop. A few bridges are shared with the railway near Greymouth, so watch for trains.

Where are the fuel gaps?

Between	Distance	Tip
Wānaka and Haast	Around 140 km	Fill up in Wānaka
Haast and Fox Glacier	Around 120 km	Fuel in Haast is limited
Fox Glacier to Franz Josef	Around 25 km	Fuel in both townships
Franz Josef and Hokitika	Around 135 km	Small stops in between

Keep your tank above half on the West Coast, and fill up whenever you pass a fuel station in a larger town.

How do rain and slips affect the road?

Heavy rain can cause slips, rockfall and flooding, especially on the Haast Pass and in the steep country around the glaciers. The roads are cleared quickly, but closures can last hours or sometimes longer. Check road conditions before you set off, especially after heavy rain, and keep a day’s flexibility in your plans. Don’t drive through floodwater.

Are the West Coast’s mountain passes difficult in an RV?

They’re steep and winding but manageable with care. On Arthur’s Pass, the western side is especially steep; on the Haast Pass, the road climbs through narrow sections beside the river. Use a lower gear on descents to save your brakes, use the slow-vehicle bays to let traffic pass, and take your time. In winter, check for snow and ice on the passes. For general advice on New Zealand roads, see our sister site’s driving NZ roads guide.

What else should you watch for?

• Wildlife, including weka, flightless birds that wander onto roads, and kea on the passes.
• Logging trucks and tour coaches on narrow sections.
• Rain and glare on wet roads, which reduce visibility.
• Fatigue on long drives; stop every couple of hours.
• Unsealed side roads, such as the road to Gillespies Beach. Your hire agreement may exclude some of these; our sister site lists roads worth checking against your hire terms.

How long should you allow?

Distances on the West Coast take longer than they look, with winding roads, bridges and stops. Plan on an average of around 60–70 km an hour, and add time for photo stops and walks. Avoid driving long distances after dark, when wildlife and wet roads make it harder.

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Frequently Asked Questions