Learn more about driving safely in New Zealand
Driving is a wonderful way to explore New Zealand’s spectacular scenery at your own pace.
Before you get behind the wheel, check you understand the basics of driving in New Zealand and how to do it legally and safely.
Here is what you need to know:
Check out more information about driving in New Zealand and a useful video for visiting drivers.
If you have a current driver’s licence you can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You must have your licence with you whenever you’re driving. If your licence isn’t in English you must carry an accurate English translation.
If you have a full car driver’s licence (that is not a provisional licence) you can drive a rental motorhome in New Zealand.
You can also legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) that is issued in English or translated into English, as long as you also carry the current driver licence that the permit is based on.
You can find out more about international driving licences and permits here.
New Zealand has diverse terrain and our weather conditions can change quickly. The roads are often narrow and hilly with twists and turns so may take longer to drive than you expect. Our time and distance calculator can help you plan your itinerary.
Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are two-way with one lane in each direction and no barriers in-between. In rural areas you’re likely to encounter gravel roads, as well as slow-moving farm machinery, horses and stock.
New Zealand roads are busiest during summer and early autumn (December-April) and you need to take extra care when driving in winter as there may be snow, ice, or heavy rain and hail.
It’s important to allow plenty of time for driving in New Zealand. Use the NZTA Journey Planner for the latest road and travel time information before you set out. Check the weather forecast too, as you may experience four seasons in one day when driving long distances.
Use this distance calculator to get an approximate travel time and distance between two points in New Zealand.
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Driving through New Zealand can be an exciting adventure, but here are some tips to keep you safe:
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