Fuel costs for your motorhome roadtrip journey

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. 

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.