What’s different about driving in New Zealand?
Driving is a great way to see our beautiful country! However, there are a few things that you may not be used to when driving in New Zealand. For example:
- we drive on the left side of the road
- we have a unique give way rule at intersections
- hilly, narrow or winding roads mean that your journey may take longer than you expect.
Make sure you have a safe and enjoyable journey – please take a few minutes to read this before starting out.
Keep left
Always drive on the left side of the road. If you drive on the right hand side in your own country, please take a moment to re-familiarise yourself with this rule before pulling out onto the road after a break – it’s easy to forget where you are!
Giving way at intersections
Always use your indicators when turning.
Stop completely then give way (yield) to all traffic.
Slow down and be ready to stop and give way to all traffic.
In general:
- if you’re turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning
- in all other situations, give way to vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
No left turn on red
In New Zealand you’re not allowed to turn left at an intersection when the traffic lights are red.
Travelling times
It’s easy to underestimate travelling times in New Zealand.
Although distances may seem short on paper, New Zealand roads may be narrower than you are used to, cover hilly terrain and vary from motorways to unsealed gravel roads.
If you’re tired you’re much more likely to have a crash. Here are some tips to help you stay alert.
- Take a break from driving every two hours.
- If possible, share the driving with someone else.
- Avoid large meals and drink plenty of fluid.
- If you begin to feel sleepy, try to nap for up to 40 minutes.
- If you’re feeling very tired – find a place to stay overnight.
Driving speeds
Speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. However, at times you may need to drive at a slower speed due to road or weather conditions.
Different speed limits apply throughout New Zealand – look out for the speed limit signs.
On most of New Zealand’s main roads the speed limit is 100 km/h unless a sign says a lower speed applies.
Safety belts
By law, everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt – whether they’re in the front or the back.
Alcohol
Don’t drink and drive – the laws against this are strictly enforced in New Zealand and penalties are severe.
Driver licence requirements
In New Zealand, you must have your valid and current driver licence or international driving permit with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or permit is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation issued by:
If you hold a valid and current overseas driver licence or international driving permit, you can drive for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand.
Each time you visit New Zealand, you can drive for a further 12-month period on a valid overseas licence or international driving permit, as long as you stay for no longer than a year at a time.
Overtaking
Most roads in New Zealand have a single lane each way, but provide passing lanes at regular intervals – these should be used where possible. You must not cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre-line, as this indicates it’s too dangerous to overtake.
One lane bridges
Many roads in New Zealand have one lane bridges on them. At one lane bridges, vehicles travelling in one direction must give way to vehicles going in the other direction.
Any of the signs shown below indicate that you are approaching a one lane bridge. Slow down and check for traffic coming the other way. The smaller red arrow shows which direction has to give way.
These two signs show you must give way to traffic coming the other way across the bridge.
This sign indicates you can proceed across the bridge with caution.
Animals on the road
Watch out for farm animals and horses on the road, particularly in rural areas. When you see them slow down and do not sound your horn – it may startle them. You may need to stop and let the animals go past you or move slowly up behind and follow the farmer’s instructions.
Watch out for farm animals and horses on the road, particularly in rural areas. When you see them slow down and do not sound your horn – it may startle them. You may need to stop and let the animals go past you or move slowly up behind and follow the farmer’s instructions.
Winter driving
Look out for this slippery surface sign in wet or icy conditions – slow down and avoid braking suddenly.
Snow and ice can make roads even more hazardous, particularly around mountain passes. Rental vehicle companies will often supply chains if you’re likely to be driving in these conditions – make sure you know how to fit them before setting out.
Unsealed (gravel) roads
Avoid unsealed roads if possible. If you need to drive on them, remember they can be very narrow. Reduce your speed to below 40-50 km/h and slow down even further when approaching oncoming traffic as the dust will obscure your vision.
Parallel parking
In New Zealand, you can be fined or towed away for parallel parking on the wrong side of the road. You may only park in the direction of traffic flow on your side of the road (ie on the left side, unless it is a one-way street).
