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.

Buying and Selling Cars 

Buying and selling cars in New Zealand is a very easy process. The used car market is very competitive.  You can have a look at the following websites to find any vehicle, at any price and condition:

To transfer ownership of a car, just visit Buying and selling a vehicle | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Because the process is so easy beware of scammers and fraudsters. You will need identification and provide your address details. Either the buyer or seller can initiate the process.