What's different about driving in New Zealand

You can find out what's different about driving in New Zealand on the Land Transport New Zealand website.

International Driving Licences and Permits

This applies to all visits to New Zealand. You will only be able to drive the same vehicles classes that you are licensed to drive in your own country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years but mx5 touring requires all drivers to be over 25 years of age for insurance purposes. Make sure your driver's licence is current. You must carry on you an English translation If your licence or yor International Drivers License is not in English. You should contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an International Drivers License. 

A translation of your overseas licence or permit can be issued by: the New Zealand Translation Service, or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation). It is important to note that if you are caught driving without an acceptable English translation or an IDP, you may be prosecuted for driving unlicensed or for driving without an appropriate licence and will be liable for an infringement fee of NZ$400 or up to NZ$1,000 on conviction in court.

The Police have the power to stop an unlicensed driver from driving until they have an appropriate licence. If you continue to drive after being aprehended, the vehicle you are driving could be impounded for 28 days, at the vehicle owner's expense. You might also risk not being covered by your insurance if you have an accident. New Zealand law requires that you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or coming from the right. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. Note that some areas between motorways and urban areas have speed limits of 70kph and 80kph. Multi-lane motorways and expressways usually mark the approaches to our larger cities. Signposting follows internationally recognised standard symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).

When you arrive from a long haul destination it is important to get plenty of sleep before a long drive. There have been some very serious accidents due to visitors arriving and driving immediately after a long flight. Note that both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in  the front and back seats. Once you start your journey make sure that you take regular breaks - we suggest one every two to three hours or when you start to feel sleepy. Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced in New Zealand. Do not drink alcohol before driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.  For comprehensive information about driving in New Zealand, from road rules to vehicle safety, visit the Land Transport NZ.

Road Safety

The following, general information is provided for your road safety:

Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape and driving an mx5 enhances this experience.

Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey.If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads. New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant.Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight.The following, general information is provided for your road safety:Always drive on the left-hand-side of the road and give way to your right. All road distances are measured in kilometres.

When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right. When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America. The amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection you can't stop safely.Refer to the Transit New Zealand website for country wide information on New Zealand roads. For up to date information on South Island roads you can also call toll free 0800 4 HIGHWAYS ( 0800 44 44 49 0800 44 44 49).