Driving in New Zealand

Self-driving holidays are one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy New Zealand's landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.

It is important not to underestimate driving times. Although distances may seem short, our roads often include hilly or winding terrain, which slow down your journey.

If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads.

New Zealand Driving Routes

Find a driving route for your New Zealand holiday here: your best-fit driving route is only a few clicks away. So sit back in the driver's seat and navigate your way to a holiday that exactly fits your interests, then print a hard copy to guide you while you're on the road... (more)

New Zealand Road Rules

Listed below are some of the major New Zealand road rules to remember when driving in New Zealand:

• In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• All road distances are measured in kilometres.
• When entering a roundabout, 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 speed limit on the open road is 100 kilometres per hour (approx. 60 miles per hour). In urban areas the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour.
• Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats.
• Drivers must not use a hand held or hand operated mobile phone.
• Make sure that you have plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks--one every two hours and when you feel sleepy.
• Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand--drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.

Cycling and Motorbikes

Road rules for riding a bicycle or motorbike on New Zealand roads include:

• Helmets for riders of cycles and motorbikes must be worn at all times
• Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night
• Motorbikes should drive with a headlight on at all times
• Cycling is not permitted on motorways

Check out the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority Web site for details on the New Zealand Road Code, as well as cycle safety and other general motoring information. 'Driving Safely in the Scenic South' has particular information about driving conditions in this area.

International Driving Licences and Permits

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.

Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you, or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

There is no maximum driving age in New Zealand.

Driving Times and Distances

The following charts give you an approximate indication of distances between main centres in the North Island and South Island. Alternatively click to the link below for a graphical view (drag your mouse between two cities or towns and it will display the distance and driving time).

NORTH ISLAND	Miles	Km's	Time		SOUTH ISLAND	Miles	Km's	Time
Auckland to:					Christchurch to:
Napier Paihia Rotorua Waitomo Wellington	262 149 145 124 409	422 240 233 200 658	06:35 04:15 03:35 03:10 09:15		Milford Sound Mount Cook Nelson Picton Queenstown	480 206 263 209 302	772 331 423 336 486	10:40 04:55 06:15 05:00 07:15
Napier to:					Nelson to:
Auckland Paihia Rotorua Waitomo Wellington	262 411 139 190 201	422 661 224 306 323	06:35 09:50 03:50 05:05 04:50		Christchurch Milford Sound Mount Cook Picton Queenstown	263 712 469 68 431	423 1146 775 109 693	06:15 18:35 10:30 02:10 12:45
Rotorua to:					Mount Cook to:
Auckland Napier Paihia Waitomo Wellington	145 139 295 103 286	233 224 475 166 460	03:35 03:50 07:50 02:45 06:30		Christchurch Milford Sound Nelson Picton Queenstown	206 342 469 414 163	331 550 755 666 262	04:55 08:55 10:30 09:45 03:50
Waitomo to:					Picton to:
Auckland Napier Paihia Rotorua Wellington	124 190 273 103 294	200 306 439 166 473	03:10 05:05 07:25 02:45 07:10		Christchurch Milford Sound Mount Cook Nelson Queenstown	209 689 414 68 511	336 1109 666 109 822	05:00 18:25 09:45 02:10 13:20
Wellington to:					Queenstown to:
Auckland Napier Paihia Rotorua Waitomo	409 201 558 286 294	658 323 898 460 473	09:15 04:50 13:30 06:30 07:10		Christchurch Milford Sound Mount Cook Nelson Picton	302 181 163 431 511	486 291 262 693 822	07:15 05:05 03:50 12:45 13:20

View more key facts and information about New Zealand.