Keep left, every time
New Zealand traffic drives on the left. After every turn, car-park exit and rural stop, consciously check that you have returned to the left lane.
Visitor driving guide
Driving in New Zealand: Rules and Safety Guide for Tourists
A practical starting point for visitors driving in New Zealand. Use it before collecting a rental car, then always follow local signs, road conditions and the official Road Code.
Prepare your overseas licence
You can generally drive a car on a current overseas car licence for up to 18 months from your most recent arrival. Carry the original licence; if it is not in English, also carry an approved translation or international driving permit.
Read speed limits and road conditions
Choose a speed that is safe for the road, weather and traffic, even when it is below the posted limit. Reduce speed early for bends, narrow roads, gravel and unfamiliar rural routes.
Use roundabouts the New Zealand way
Give way to traffic already in the roundabout and traffic approaching from your right. Travel clockwise, stay in your lane and signal left before the exit you intend to take.
Understand one-lane bridges
The priority sign before the bridge tells you who goes first. If the other direction has priority, wait before the bridge and never try to race an approaching vehicle.
Parking and phone use
Read the signs before parking and keep clear of driveways, crossings and bus stops. Do not use a hand-held phone while driving, except for a limited emergency call to 111 or *555 when stopping is unsafe or impractical.
Winter, gravel and rural roads
Winter weather, shaded ice, loose gravel and winding rural roads all need extra space and gentler inputs. Check road and weather updates before long trips and slow down before the hazard, not in it.
Plan for fatigue
A long flight is not a good lead-in to a long drive. Keep the first day short, share driving where possible, take breaks and allow more time than a map estimate suggests.