August 22, 2023

Driving in New Zealand: A Guide

If you are adventurous enough to take a flight to the other side of the world, it’s also worth following this guide to driving in New Zealand with your Indigo hire car.

Driving in New Zealand: General Tips and Rules

• Unlike Europe and the US, New Zealand drives on the left, so UK drivers rejoice! There’s no need to worry about warnings such as “sit left, drive right”.
• Be aware that even though the road infrastructure is well developed in New Zealand, travelling will take longer due to the hilly, narrow and winding nature of the roads here.
• They use the metric system in New Zealand hence signs in kilometres not miles. Signs also use international symbols.
• Front and back seat belts are compulsory, and so are child restraints.
• Much like in the UK it is illegal to have a mobile phone in your hand whilst driving
• New Zealand also has very stringent laws regarding drink driving. The limit for drivers 20 years and over is 250mg of alcohol per litre of breath, and the blood alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml. You could face a hefty fine of up to $4,500 NZ. Plus, it will void your car insurance which could be costly if you have an accident.
• Your current driving license will suffice for 12 months in NZ.
• Check for weather conditions before starting out on a road trip: New Zealand has a varying climate all year round depending on where you are so make sure you’re thoroughly prepared before you head off.
• Outside the cities, there are few motorways so be ready for two-lane traffic in rural areas and you may end up stuck behind a tractor or livestock.
• Keep to the speed limits which are 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas or face a stiff fine and increase the risk of accident.
• Traffic lights are pretty much the same as UK: stop at red and amber, the latter if it is safe to do so.
• A yellow line in the middle of the road indicates no overtaking.
• As you will be travelling long distances make sure you take regular breaks to avoid driving when tired (a recipe for disaster).

What About Driving in New Zealand in Winter?

Driving in New Zealand in winter can be a challenging experience given its rugged topography and remote countryside. Expect snow, ice, heavy rain and hail at times, and make sure you’re prepared.

• In winter Indigo will supply you with the necessary snow chains, check how to use them before you encounter snowy or icy roads. If you’re looking to go skiing in winter in New Zealand, we can can also help you with this.
• Wear warm clothing including hat, scarf and gloves as well as a throwover blanket.
• Bring a torch with spare batteries in case you run into trouble and it’s dark
• Look out for black ice (it is a shiny silvery sheen) and drive carefully when spotted.
• Drive with your headlights on day and night.

What is There to Do in New Zealand in the Winter?

So enjoy some of the wonders and magic of New Zealand without tears. New Zealand is a stunning country to visit all year round and you will encounter many adventures.

Enjoy superb art, culture and heritage, opportunities for cycling and mountain biking, exquisite food and drink, many different sports, health spas with hot pools, beautiful nature and wildlife. Cities like Auckland allow you to shop till you drop, which may be a nice offset to all the various walking and hiking winter activities along the way.

If you’re looking for further inspiration for your car hire adventures in New Zealand or elsewhere in the winter season in general, take a look at some of our other guides:

• Ski Car Rental New Zealand
• Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Book Your Holiday in September
• Top Winter Destinations For Hiring a Car
• The Ultimate Winter Car Hire Guide: Tips & Recommendations