Stay safe - read before you ROAM
Before setting off on any journey in New Zealand, let people know of your plans and expected timeframes.
Tourism New Zealand have a great online resource with safety tips to read before you set off on any journey in New Zealand, please read all sections thoroughly here before you set off on your ROAM adventure.
Tourism New Zealand have a great online resource with safety tips to read before you set off on any journey in New Zealand, please read all sections thoroughly here before you set off on your ROAM adventure.
Driving
Driving in NZ can be very different than in other countries. It is extremely important to understand the rules for driving before you get behind the wheel.
Check out DriveSafe for more information, and take the Tourist and Visitor Driving Theory Quiz to check your knowledge.
Driving in NZ can be very different than in other countries. It is extremely important to understand the rules for driving before you get behind the wheel.
Check out DriveSafe for more information, and take the Tourist and Visitor Driving Theory Quiz to check your knowledge.
Road conditions
It's important to check the route before you set off to be aware of any hazards on the main route.
If you drive off the main highways you will likely encounter unsealed or gravel roads. It is really important to drive slowly, between 40 - 50km recommended, and stick to the left as most of these roads will be narrow. There's some great advice on how to navigate unsealed roads on the Department of Conservation website. If you're not used to driving on unsealed roads, stick to the main highways.
It can get very cold in the winter, and the roads can have ice on them, even if it's not visible. Be particularly careful in areas that are in the shade. Read this section on winter driving from Tourism New Zealand if you plan to drive the loop in winter.
It's important to check the route before you set off to be aware of any hazards on the main route.
If you drive off the main highways you will likely encounter unsealed or gravel roads. It is really important to drive slowly, between 40 - 50km recommended, and stick to the left as most of these roads will be narrow. There's some great advice on how to navigate unsealed roads on the Department of Conservation website. If you're not used to driving on unsealed roads, stick to the main highways.
It can get very cold in the winter, and the roads can have ice on them, even if it's not visible. Be particularly careful in areas that are in the shade. Read this section on winter driving from Tourism New Zealand if you plan to drive the loop in winter.
Weather conditions
There are lots of websites and apps that let you monitor the weather forecast, the MetService is one of the main ones.
Always take sunscreen with you and apply regularly in the summer. Dress to the conditions. Have warm clothing with you.
There are lots of websites and apps that let you monitor the weather forecast, the MetService is one of the main ones.
Always take sunscreen with you and apply regularly in the summer. Dress to the conditions. Have warm clothing with you.
Activity risk
You must assess each activity you undertake to decide if you are comfortable with the risks. Ask for and assess health and safety plans where applicable.
Clay Cliffs Ōmarama
This site is not suitable for people with mobility issues. The road in can suffer scouring from floods so drive slowly and with care. There is a natural rock fall hazard at this site, do not attempt to climb or pull rocks from the face of the walls. There are no toilet facilities at the site, the closest toilet is located in Omarama 15mins drive. There is a $5 cash donation for each car entering the site to be left in the donation box. Please shut gates on leaving.
You must assess each activity you undertake to decide if you are comfortable with the risks. Ask for and assess health and safety plans where applicable.
Clay Cliffs Ōmarama
This site is not suitable for people with mobility issues. The road in can suffer scouring from floods so drive slowly and with care. There is a natural rock fall hazard at this site, do not attempt to climb or pull rocks from the face of the walls. There are no toilet facilities at the site, the closest toilet is located in Omarama 15mins drive. There is a $5 cash donation for each car entering the site to be left in the donation box. Please shut gates on leaving.
