Basic Information on driving in New Zealand

  • Left-Hand Side – Cars drive on the left, steering wheel on the right.

  • Speed Limits –

    • Open roads: 100 km/h (about 62 mph) unless signs say otherwise.

    • Urban areas: 50 km/h.

    • Many rural roads are narrow, winding, and not fenced off from livestock.

  • Roundabouts – Give way (yield) to traffic from the right.

  • Drink Driving – Limits are strict; safest is don’t drink at all if you drive.

  • Driver's Licences - for converting to a NZ licence refer - Overseas licence conversions

Road Conditions

  • Winding Roads – NZ looks small, but trips take longer than expected because of sharp bends and hilly terrain.

  • Single-Lane Bridges – Common in rural areas. Signs will show who gives way.

  • Unsealed Roads – Many are gravel; slow down to avoid skidding or stone damage.

  • Weather Hazards –

    • Fog, heavy rain, and snow in winter (especially South Island).

    • Landslides or slips after storms can block highways.

  • Sunlight & Glare – Strong UV, so sunglasses are useful when driving.

Travel Tips

  • Plan Extra Time – A 200 km drive may take 3–4 hours.

  • Fuel Up Early – Rural areas may not have frequent petrol stations.

  • Navigation – Mobile GPS works well, but in remote areas you may lose signal—download offline maps.

Safety Reminders

  • Always wear a seatbelt (compulsory for all passengers).

  • Watch for cyclists, especially in cities.

  • In rural areas, watch for sheep or cattle being moved across roads.

  • NZ Police enforce speed limits with roadside cameras and patrols.

Top 10 Scenic Road Trips in NZ

North Island

  1. Auckland → Bay of Islands

    • ⏱ ~3–4 hrs

    • Highlights: Stunning beaches, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, dolphin cruises.

    • Tips: Stop in Whangārei for waterfalls and caves.

  2. Auckland → Coromandel Peninsula

    • ⏱ ~2–3 hrs

    • Highlights: Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach (dig your own hot pool!), rainforest drives.

    • Tips: Roads are winding; allow extra time.

  3. Auckland → Rotorua → Taupō

    • ⏱ ~4 hrs to Rotorua, another 1 hr to Taupō

    • Highlights: Geothermal pools, Māori culture, Lake Taupō, Huka Falls.

    • Tips: Rotorua has strong sulphur smell (normal!).

  4. Napier → Wellington (via Wairarapa)

    • ⏱ ~4–5 hrs

    • Highlights: Vineyards, art deco Napier, rugged coastline, boutique towns like Martinborough.

    • Tips: Stop at Cape Palliser to see seals and a lighthouse.

  5. Forgotten World Highway (Taumarunui → Stratford)

    • ⏱ ~3 hrs (150 km)

    • Highlights: Remote valleys, tunnels, old railway, “Republic of Whangamōmona.”

    • Tips: Very isolated — fuel up before starting.

South Island

  1. Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass → West Coast (Greymouth/Hokitika)

    • ⏱ ~3–4 hrs

    • Highlights: Southern Alps, waterfalls, glow worms, Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.

    • Tips: Weather can change quickly — snow possible even in spring.

  2. Christchurch → Queenstown (via Tekapo & Aoraki/Mt Cook)

    • ⏱ ~7–8 hrs total (break into 2 days)

    • Highlights: Lake Tekapo (turquoise waters), Mt Cook National Park, Lindis Pass.

    • Tips: Stargazing at Tekapo is world-famous.

  3. Queenstown → Milford Sound (Fiordland)

    • ⏱ ~4 hrs each way

    • Highlights: Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound cruises.

    • Tips: Drive carefully, lots of narrow winding roads. Bus tours are less stressful.

  4. West Coast Explorer (Hokitika → Franz Josef → Haast → Wanaka)

    • ⏱ ~6–7 hrs (with stops)

    • Highlights: Glacier walks, wild coastline, Haast Pass waterfalls, Lake Wanaka.

    • Tips: Check glacier access — sometimes closed due to weather.

  5. Queenstown → Glenorchy (Paradise Road)

  • ⏱ ~45 mins one way

  • Highlights: Mirror-like Lake Wakatipu, Lord of the Rings filming spots, lush valleys.

  • Tips: Short but jaw-droppingly beautiful — do it on a clear day.