Driving Safe In NZ
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Speed, Weather, Roads,
When driving in New Zealand, it is essential to keep safety at the forefront of your journey. Always remember to drive on the left-handside of the road and follow posted speed limits, which may vary between urban and rural areas.
Weather and road conditions can change quickly, particularly in remote or mountainous regions, so be prepared and exercise caution. Don't forget to wear your seatbelt, avoid mobile phone use while driving, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep an eye out for wildlife and livestock, especially on rural roads, and allow extra time for winding or unfamiliar routes. If you are unsure about the road rules, please take a moment to review them. For more helpful tips, be sure to watch the video below or read the Driving in NZ booklet to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip throughout New Zealand.
The Driving in NZ booklet is available in multiple languages to suit your needs. Check the available options so you can access important safety information in the language most comfortable for you.
Drive Safe Tips
You must have your current full and valid New Zealand driver licence or International Drivers Permit with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or driver permit is not in English, you must also carry an accurate English translation. Please note that you must carry your original licence AND the translation at all times.
If arriving from a long-haul flight, we encourage you to rest and stay overnight before driving a long distance.
New Zealand is a small country, but driving times can often take longer than expected due to our winding roads. We recommend you use this Driving Time and Distance Calculator to get an accurate idea of New Zealand driving times while planning your trip, allowing additional time for rest stops.
Always drive on the left side of the road. If you drive on the right side of the road in your own country, please remember to keep left when pulling out onto the road, it’s easy to forget where you are!
By law, everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt or child restraint whether they’re in the front or back. Children under 7 years of age must be secured in an approved child seat.
Speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. On the open road, the maximum speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour. In cities and towns, the maximum is 50 kilometres per hour. Be alert for signs.
All traffic turning right must give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left. At an uncontrolled intersection, all traffic from the terminating road (bottom of the “T”) will have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the “T”).
New Zealand roads cover some impressive terrain and pass through amazing scenery, but they can also be dangerous at times and in certain weather conditions. Always drive to the conditions and reduce your speed when necessary.
