Driving Safely in New Zealand
For detailed information on the New Zealand road code, the official guidebook is available at most bookstores and petrol stations. You must be 21 to hire a rental car or mobile home, and show a current driving licence and/or an international licence.
Rural driving
There are some unsealed or gravel roads, but these are well maintained and all roads are signposted. Remember, your insurance does not cover you if you drive your rented campervan or vehicle on Ninety Mile Beach (Northland), roads north of Colville (Coromandel), Skippers Road (Queenstown), or Ball Hutt Road (Mt Cook). Drivers may find open stream crossings on remote roads and 4WD tracks. Gently test the brakes immediately after water crossings to dry them. Take extra care on gravel verges and roads, especially on corners. Drive slowly and keep your tyres in the tracks where possible. If you are staying or camping in remote rural areas, make sure your gas canister and petrol tank are full.
Road Rules
- New Zealand drives on the left so keep left at all times.
- When turning left, you must give way to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
- North American drivers should note that you cannot turn left on a red traffic light. A red light means stop.
- New Zealand law requires all the occupants of a car to wear a seatbelt at all times while mobile.
- At roundabouts, always keep left and give way to all traffic on your right.
- The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h and 50km/h in residential areas unless otherwise marked. Speed cameras are in use on New Zealand roads – take care not to exceed the speed limits as fines can be heavy.
- The New Zealand Police enforce all traffic laws, including the speed limit and dealing with accidents. All accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours. Dial *555 on cell phones for non-emergency accidents. If you are involved in an accident, you must obtain the driver's name and address and the registration number of all other vehicles involved.
Tips for Safe Driving
- Speed cameras are in use on New Zealand roads - take care not to exceed the signed speed limits as fines can be heavy, not forgetting the safety factor.
- Take care when cornering, especially if you are in a campervan or towing behind a car.
- If you notice traffic building up behind you, pull over at a rest area to let it pass.
- If you are tired, pull into a rest area and take a break. Be extra careful when rejoining traffic, and be sure to keep to the left.
- Winding roads, difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions will slow you down, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Comfortable driving distances in a day are 200-300km, but less if you want to stop and enjoy attractions.
- Follow the two-second rule: ensure you are at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. In wet weather or on icy roads, maintain even more distance.
- Ringing bells and flashing red lights at a railway crossing signal that a train is coming. Many railway crossings are not controlled by barrier arms. Look out for the distinctive X-shaped railway crossing signs, and take extra care.