SlopeNew Zealand

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of New Zealand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


10. Slope

A slope is a section of road that rises or descends noticeably. A steep slope can affect vehicle speed, braking distance, traction, visibility and the ability of heavy or low-powered vehicles to maintain a steady speed.

Warning signs may indicate a steep ascent or dangerous descent and may show the gradient as a percentage. Drivers should adjust their speed early, select a suitable gear and remain prepared for slow vehicles, bends and changing road conditions.

Slope
Steep-gradient warning sign on State Highway 12 approaching Omapere and Hokianga Harbour. (Northland, New Zealand)
Wikimedia.org • Michal Klajban • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s Road Code warns about steep hills and recommends a suitable gear for a descent. Reduce speed before the slope so that braking and engine braking can keep the vehicle controlled.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — slope

Warning for a steep ascent. Warning for a steep ascent.

English • W14-10.1 • Steep ascent. A steep uphill section is ahead. Select a suitable gear and allow for slower vehicles.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W14-10.1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2021-03-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a steep descent. Warning for a steep descent.

English • W14-9.1 • Steep descent. A steep downhill section is ahead. Select a suitable gear and control your speed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W14-9.1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2021-03-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

How should I approach a steep descent in New Zealand?

Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to help control the vehicle. Keep enough following distance and avoid building up speed that requires continuous heavy braking. A warning gives no fixed safe descent speed: the gradient, surface, visibility, load and vehicle can require a speed well below the legal maximum.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — slope

What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in New Zealand?

Do not overtake if you cannot see enough clear road ahead. On a narrow section, follow any give-way or priority signs and use a suitable passing place rather than assuming the gradient warning decides priority.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — slope

1 New Zealand 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Advisory speed 5 Bike path 6 Pedestrian warning 7 Bridge 8 Speed bump 9 One-way traffic 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Road narrowing 16 Pedestrian crossing 17 Railway crossing 18 Mandatory direction 19 Turn prohibition 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Priority at the next junction 30 Traffic lights 31 Pedestrian lights 32 Road markings 33 Parking 34 Disabled parking 35 Reversing 36 U-turn 37 Tourist attraction 38 Charging station 39 Dangers 40 Cyclist 41 Bus 42 Police 43 Ambulance 44 Pothole 45 Path 46 Particulates 47 Air pollution 48 Rush hour 49 Road code 50 Two-way traffic 51 Street gutter 52 Cargo bike 53 Forestry vehicle 54 Construction vehicle 55 Semi-trailer truck 56 Trolleybus 57 Speed pedelec 58 Delivery vehicle 59 Idling 60 Tow truck 61 Four-wheel drive 62 Bicycle 63 Motorcycle equipment 64 Tram 65 Rail track 66 Caravan 67 Trailer 68 Tow hitch 69 Fire truck 70 Siren 71 Convoy 72 Emergency vehicle lighting 73 Agricultural machinery 74 Electric bicycle 75 Electric vehicle 76 Pedelec 77 Quadricycle 78 Microcar 79 All-terrain vehicle 80 Van 81 Recreational vehicle 82 Scooter 83 Trikke 84 Personal mobility device 85 Skateboard 86 Segway 87 Kick scooter 88 Roller skates 89 Mailman 90 Hitchhiker 91 Toddler 92 Child 93 Disability 94 Motorail 95 km/h 96 mph 97 Speedometer 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...