Safe Driving Tips

For The New Zealand Tourist

Safe driving tips elaborate on points the New Zealand tourist needs to know when self-driving.

Hei Matau, natural

First it is crucial to learn about the driving regulations on age and second where the road rules differ to other places on the globe.

Did you know that a Hei-Matau pendant like that to the left, is said to protect travellers especially on long journey's over sea? It is a traditional carved bone jewelry by the Maori people.

Can I drive in New Zealand?

All overseas driver with a current and valid driver permit, and older than eighteen years, have the legal right to drive for twelve months. The time starts counting with the entry date. For verification the drivers license is in English either translated by an authorised New Zealand translation provider, or an international driver license.

After twelve months permanent stay in New Zealand, it is required to obtain a New Zealand driving permit. A great source to practise the 'New Zealand Road Code' are the driving tests online.

Self driving with Ace rental cars and other motor home rental companies for young drivers aged 18 to 21 sometimes up to 25 years often means special terms and conditions. These are often in regards of excess limits in case of an accident or insurance fees.

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Driving rules in New Zealand

A key ingredient for safe driving, and great stress free vacations is to know the differences to New Zealand’s driving rules. Some rules in New Zealand demand increased awareness from overseas visitors, as they are different.

The Give Way rule while turning left is important. Vehicles coming from the opposite direction indicating a right turn pass first. Out of own experience I can tell that is the trickiest part. It is worth to review the turning rules, too. Some are quite different to other countries.

New Zealand Driving facts

• The steering wheel on the right site helps to adjust driving left
• Wearing seat belts on front and back seats is obligatory
• Approved car seats for children
• On open roads and motorways the speed limit is 100km/h. Tempo adjustments occur often around villages, towns, and cities. Watch out for signs that indicate the maximum speed there.
• Within villages, towns and cities the limit is 50km/h if not signed otherwise.
• Around school zones the limit of 40km/h applies
• Driving and drinking is strictly separated

Land Transport New Zealand covers the topic on safe driving tips more extensively.

Measured in kilometre, the time to cover a certain distance may often be underestimated. Road conditions are usully excellent but hilly and curve rich landscapes take their toll on the driving time. 

Roads peacefully meander through hills and valleys, sometimes wider sometimes narrower. Crossings on creeks can narrow down to one lane with Give Way regulation. Other times the sealed road changes into gravel. It is still in good condition but it slows traffic down due to width restriction and dust formation.

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In case of an accident

• Stop your car, give assistance
• Dial 111 to ask for police assistance and an ambulance in serious situations
• Detail exchange with opponent driver and or owner and witnesses
• Names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• registration details
• car insurance specifications
• Is the involved opponent uninsured also identify:
• Proof of name, passport number if possible
• The car and licence number
• Witnesses with contact details
• Police Officer’s contact details

Bearing the safe driving tips in mind the New Zealand tourist can enjoy a stress free driving experience. 

As long as there is a choice, avoid peak traffic times in the morning and in the evening. This is naturally more important around bigger cities like Auckland City.

For indepth reflection what means of transport could be right for your adventure vacations visit New Zealand travel.