The New Zealand Tourist
Safe Driving Tips

Safe driving tips elaborate on points the New Zealand tourist needs to know when self-driving. First it is crucial to learn about the driving regulations of age and second if the road rules are different to other places on the globe.

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.


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 ask for 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
• 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.
• 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. Excellent road conditions paired with hilly curve rich landscape. Roads 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 down due to width restriction and dust formation.

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• 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 you have the choice, avoid peak traffic times in the morning and in the evening. This is naturally more important around bigger cities.

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