Driving tips in New Zealand

18 November, 2024

Before you start exploring New Zealand in your rental car, it's important to understand the unique characteristics and rules that may differ from those in other countries. Here are some key points to consider:

New Zealand is the ideal country for a road trip. Aotearoa, or “the land of the long white cloud,” is full of idyllic destinations, rugged scenery, hidden beaches, and nature at every turn. You'll need a private vehicle to reach most of these places. But before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to learn some of the differences between driving in New Zealand and other countries.

1. Driving on the Left

· Left-Hand Traffic: In New Zealand, you drive on the left-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car. This can be a significant adjustment if you're used to driving on the right.

2. Speed Limits

· Urban Areas: The speed limit is typically 50 km/h (31 mph).

· Rural Areas: The speed limit is usually 100 km/h (62 mph).

· School Zones: Reduced speed limits often apply during school hours.

3. Road Conditions

· Narrow Roads: Many rural roads are narrow and winding, with fewer opportunities to overtake other vehicles.

· Gravel Roads: Some rural roads are unsealed gravel roads, which require slower speeds and more cautious driving.

One of the best ways to stay safe on New Zealand roads is to drive according to the local conditions. The weather in New Zealand can change quickly and dramatically, especially in certain regions. Fog, rain, snow, icy roads, and sudden downpours can all require adjustments to your driving speed. Slowing down when the weather deteriorates will give you more reaction time in unexpected situations.

Adjusting to Wet, Slippery, or Icy Roads

· Caution: Take extra care if the road is wet, slippery, or icy. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns that could cause you to lose control.

· Smooth Driving: Use gentle, smooth maneuvers, particularly in rural areas where road conditions can be more challenging.

Driving in Snow and Ice

· Winter Conditions: In some regions, snow and ice are significant concerns during the winter months. It's important to have snow chains available and know how to install them.

· Reduced Visibility: Poor weather conditions can greatly reduce visibility. Use your headlights, even during daylight hours, to help other drivers see your vehicle.

Legal Requirements

· Headlights: In New Zealand, it is a legal requirement to use headlights in certain situations, such as in fog. Always ensure your vehicle's lights are functioning properly and use them as needed to stay safe.

Get to know the road signage in when getting a car rental in Auckland, New Zealand

Before you drive in New Zealand, you should familiarise yourself with some of our road signage.

Traffic Signs

Road speed signs are depicted by a red circle with a white interior and the speed limit (in km’s) in black. The road speed in New Zealand is 50km/h in residential areas and 80-100 km/h on country roads. It’s important drivers pay attention to changing road speeds.

Stop signs are an octagonal red sign with white lettering. The word ‘STOP’ is also painted on most areas' roads. Stop signs require the driver to come to a complete stop before giving way to all other traffic.

Give Way signs are triangular with a red border and white interior. Vehicles at a Give Way must yield the right of way to other vehicles but don’t legally need to come to a complete stop.

One-way bridge signs are diamond-shaped and show two narrow black lines. They are also accompanied by a secondary sign that shows which vehicle has the right of way.

Hazard Signs

Slippery surface signs are yellow and depict a black vehicle and two squiggly lines on the road. These can be used to indicate that the road is slippery, or slick or just give drivers a warning that cars can skid more quickly in these areas.

Gravel road signs are yellow and depict one vehicle causing small rocks to hit the windscreen of an oncoming vehicle.

Keep left when driving in New Zealand

New Zealand's roads often feature sharp bends and twists, making it tempting for some drivers to cut corners or drive in the centre of the lane to save time. However, this behaviour is extremely dangerous. If something unexpected happens, a driver is more likely to cross into oncoming traffic rather than stick to the left. This won’t happen if you are staying in your designated lane.

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