First-Time Driving in New Zealand? Here’s What You Need to Know
Driving in Aotearoa (New Zealand) can be an incredible way to explore the country’s ever-changing landscapes - from rugged coastlines and mountain passes to rolling farmland and bustling cities. But if it’s your first time behind the wheel here, there are a few golden rules (and quirks!) to keep in mind. Below, we’re sharing our insider tips, learned from years of guiding travellers along New Zealand’s highways and byways.
Whether you’re about to rent a car or just brushing up for a future trip, these pointers will help you stay safe, relaxed, and ready for every scenic detour you’ll inevitably want to take.
1. Drive on the Left - Adjust and Take Your Time
The most obvious difference for many international travellers is that New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road. If you’re used to right-side driving, give yourself an adjustment period:
Practice in a quiet area: If possible, start in a suburban street or a lesser-known road to get a feel for left-hand driving without the stress of city traffic.
Remember the driver sits on the right: The indicator and wiper controls may be flipped compared to your home country - don’t worry, we’ve all turned on the wipers when we meant to indicate!
Personal Insight: We’ve found travellers quickly adapt within a day or two. Just be patient and keep reminding yourself: left side, left side until it becomes second nature.
2. Speed Limits, Signage, and Road Etiquette
New Zealand’s speed limits vary depending on the type of road:
Urban areas: Typically 50 km/h (about 31 mph).
Rural roads: Speed limits can range from 75 km/h to 100 km/h, depending on road conditions and signage.
Open highways: Usually 100 km/h (about 62 mph), unless signs indicate otherwise.
Roadworks & special zones: Watch for temporary speed limits, especially on rural stretches where repairs are common.
Unlike some larger countries, roads here can be narrower and winding, so it might be tough to drive at the maximum speed limit in certain areas. That’s okay - drive to the conditions. Locals prefer you to pull over and let faster cars pass if you’re feeling cautious - there are often safe designated passing areas, lay-bys or slow vehicle bays
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Be Aware:
Give way to the right at roundabouts.
Observe “Stop” and “Give Way” signs - particularly at one-lane bridges in more remote regions.
Keep an eye out for tourist signage that highlights scenic routes and viewpoints - some are not to be missed!
3. One-Lane Bridges and Narrow Roads
New Zealand’s smaller highways often feature one-lane bridges - a unique experience if you’ve not encountered them before. Look for the signs that show who has priority:
Arrow Sign: The larger arrow means you have the right of way; the smaller arrow means oncoming traffic has priority.
If you see a car approaching from the opposite direction and you’re unsure who goes first, it’s safer to wait.
Personal Insight: We’ve encountered visitors who felt nervous when seeing their first one-lane bridge on the West Coast. Take a breath, slow down, and you’ll be fine. Most drivers here are patient and courteous about waiting if there’s confusion.
4. Plan for Extra Travel Time & Scenic Stops
It might look short on the map, but Kiwi roads can be winding, hilly, and occasionally unsealed (especially in rural areas). Plus, you’ll almost certainly want to pull over for photos or a snack break when you find a hidden gem viewpoint.
Tip: Budget at least 30-60 minutes more than the GPS suggests - just to be safe.
Breaks: We suggest taking a rest stop at least every two hours. Explore a café in a small town, stretch your legs, and chat with the locals - you’ll often pick up great travel tips in the process.
Personal Insight: We once drove from Christchurch to Queenstown in what should’ve been a 6-hour ride, but it took 8. Too many gorgeous lakes, scenic lookouts, and “quick coffee stops” along the way - and zero regrets!
5. Fuel Up Wisely (and Check Those Distances)
Petrol (gas) stations can be few and far between in more remote stretches, like the West Coast or parts of the South Island’s inland routes.
Keep the Tank Topped Up: If you’re below half a tank and see a petrol station, consider filling up - particularly if you won’t hit another major town soon.
Know Your Fuel Type: Check your rental (or personal vehicle) for whether it needs diesel or unleaded petrol (91 or 95/98).
Pro Tip: In smaller towns, stations might close early (think 5-7pm). If you’re planning a late drive, fill up before heading out or risk a nerve-wracking “Will we make it?” journey.
6. Respect Weather Conditions (They Change Fast!)
We always tell visitors: pack for four seasons in one day - especially in mountainous areas. Rain can roll in quickly, making roads slippery, and snow or ice can appear on alpine passes in winter (June-August).
Snow Chains: If you’re travelling in winter or heading to ski areas, check if your rental includes chains. Practice putting them on if you’ve never done it before.
Monitor Forecasts: Local apps or radio stations often give weather alerts and road condition updates. If in doubt, it’s safer to wait out a storm than push through.
Personal Insight: We’ve had countless days that started with sunshine, shifted to hail in the afternoon, and ended with a stunning golden sunset. Embrace the unpredictability - it’s part of the Kiwi experience (and listen to the Crowded House song “Four Seasons in One Day - they’re Kiwis too)!
7. Stay Off Your Phone & Buckle Up
Just like in many countries, using your phone while driving is illegal in New Zealand (unless it’s hands-free). The same goes for texting or fiddling with GPS manually - pull over if you need to adjust something on your device.
Seatbelts: Everyone must wear a seatbelt, front and back. Police here don’t take seatbelt laws lightly, and you can be fined on the spot.
Pro Tip: Set your GPS or Google Maps route before you start driving. Better yet, download offline maps in case you hit areas with weak phone signal (common in remote regions).
8. Watch for Animals & Cyclists
Rural highways can be home to wandering sheep, cows, or even deer on occasion - especially if a farm fence is damaged. Slow down if you spot animals near the roadside; they can dart unpredictably.
Livestock on the Road: If you find the road blocked by a herd being moved, be patient. Farmers usually guide their animals past cars as quickly as they can.
Cyclists & Pedestrians: Some scenic roads are popular with cyclists. Give them plenty of space, and pass only when it’s absolutely safe.
9. Navigating Towns & Cities
Even in bigger cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, traffic is generally manageable compared to global metropolises. However, you’ll want to:
Check for Bus Lanes: Sometimes bus lanes are off-limits to general traffic, especially during peak hours.
Plan Parking: Inner-city parking can be pricey, so factor that into your travel day. Many hotels offer deals or discounted parking options.
Roundabouts & Traffic Lights: Indicate left when exiting a roundabout, and keep an eye out for pedestrians at crossing lights - they have priority.
Personal Insight: We’re fans of exploring city centres on foot once we’ve parked up. Many CBD areas are compact, and it’s easier to find hidden cafés or street art on foot.
10. Get Insured & Know Who to Call
Lastly, we recommend making sure you have adequate car insurance - whether it’s through your rental company or a separate provider. Accidents can happen, and it’s better to be covered if someone scrapes your bumper or you misjudge a narrow corner.
Emergencies: Dial 111 for police, fire, or ambulance services.
Rental Assistance: Keep the rental company’s roadside assistance number handy in case you get a flat tyre or run into mechanical trouble.
Pro Tip: If you’re renting, double-check the fine print on insurance, especially for windscreen or tyre coverage - these can get pricey if you skip them and something goes wrong on a gravel road.
Bonus: Incorporate These Tips Into a Stress-Free Self-Drive Holiday
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to hit the road (on the left side, of course!). If you’d rather let us handle the route planning, check out our Self Drive Packages. We can build in realistic daily driving times, recommend the best rest stops, and share insider tips like the quieter scenic roads or the hidden gem cafés we’ve discovered over the years.
Feeling confident? Great! Then book your rental, grab your map (digital or old-school paper), and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a good Kiwi road trip. Don’t forget to wave or nod to fellow drivers on back roads - that’s a local tradition in some rural areas. It’s a friendly place, after all!
Safe Travels & Ngā Mihi!
We hope these tips set you up for a smooth driving experience in New Zealand. If you have questions about route planning, driving rules, or just want some moral support before taking the wheel, get in touch. We’re happy to help you navigate - literally and figuratively - your Kiwi driving adventure. Enjoy every twist and turn, and don’t forget to pull over for those jaw-dropping photo ops!
