Driving in New Zealand.
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The land of extremes.
Diverse and impressive yet enchanting landscapes characterize New Zealand, as well as its comfortable, friendly cities and wealth of things to see and do. Although two islands, New Zealand is quite small and relatively simple to navigate by car.
That said, it is a volcanic island, home to many mountains, as well as winding roads and few highways. When planning journeys, it is always worthwhile tacking a little extra onto the estimated journey time to allow you plenty of opportunity to pull over and enjoy the view, for there are many opportunities! During the winter months, mountains passes can be difficult to traverse due to snow and ice and in some cases, snow chains may be required.
With so much to see up and down the country, driving is certainly the best way to get around and uncover this scenic treasure chest.
Read our New Zealand travel guide. You may also like to view information about popular destinations in New Zealand.
Tips for driving in New Zealand
Driving licence
A UK paper driving licence is only valid when accompanied by photographic proof of identity, e.g. passport.
Which side of the road do they drive on?
Drive on the left, overtake on the right. You must give way to the right at all times.
Bus lanes are usually painted green and cars should not drive in this lane unless road signs dictate it is ok to do so.
Seat belts
If fitted, seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle.
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit is 80mg alcohol per 100ml of blood and this is strictly enforced.
Drivers aged 20 or under will be subjected to a blood alcohol limit of 30mg alcohol per 100ml of blood.
Can I use a mobile?
It’s illegal to use a mobile unless you have a hands-free kit.
Do I need winter tyres or snow chains?
In winter some roads may be treacherous due to ice or snow, particularly around mountain passes and snow chains may be required.
Parking
Unless in a one-way street, do not stop or park on the right hand side of the road.
On the spot fines
The police are authorised to issues fines for offences such as speeding but cannot collect the payment. You will be given an infringement notice which explains how and where to pay the fine.
What should I do if I breakdown?
If you breakdown, call the supplier who will be able to advise you further.
It is recommended you contact ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
What should I do if I have an accident?
If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and the car rental provider and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill. It is recommended that you contact the supplier and ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
Toll roads
There are a few toll roads in New Zealand, most notably the Northern Gateway Toll Road and the Tauranga Eastern Link.
Current toll roads in New Zealand
SH1: Silverdale to Pūhoi
SH2: Pāpāmoa to Paengaroa
SH29: AKA Takitimu Drive or Route K, it bypasses Tauranga to SH2
Driving distances
Auckland to Tauranga – 201km (2hrs 30mins)
Auckland to Wellington – 637km (7hrs 45mins)
Auckland to Napier – 415km (4hrs 55mins)
Wellington to Rotorua – 452km (5hrs 25mins)
Wellington to Napier – 315km (4hrs)
Christchurch to Dunedin – 361km (4hrs 30mins)
Christchurch to Invercargill – 566km (7hrs)
Christchurch to Queenstown – 484km (5hrs 45mins)
Book nowPlaces to hire in New Zealand
- Auckland
- Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Blenheim Airport (BHE)
- Christchurch Airport (CHC)
- Dunedin
- Dunedin Airport (DUD)
- Gisborne Airport (GIS)
- Greymouth Rail Station
- Hamilton
- Hamilton Airport (HLZ)
- Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Invercargill Airport (IVC)
- KeriKeri Airport (KKE)
- Matiatia Ferry Terminal
- Napier Airport (NPE)
- Nelson Airport (NSN)
- New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
- Palmerston North Airport (PMR)
- Picton Ferry Terminal
- Queenstown
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Rotorua Airport (ROT)
- Tauranga Airport (TRG)
- Wellington
- Wellington Airport (WLG)
- Wellington Interisland Ferry Terminal
- Whangarei Airport (WRE)
Average customer rating for car hire in New Zealand
(4.28 out of 5.00) based on 68 responses to our customer survey.
Speed limits
- Motorways - 100 kph / 62mph
- Open roads - 100 kph / 62mph
- Built up areas - 50 kph / 31mph
Phone numbers
- Police - 111
- Fire - 111
- Ambulance - 111
Fuel
Filling stations are generally plentiful and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. That said, when travelling in rural areas or for long distances, it is advisable to fill up as often as you can.
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