New Zealand Driving Rules
Driving in New Zealand? Read on for all you need to know about New Zealand road rules, driving rules, getting an NZ driver's licence and motorcycling laws in New Zealand.
New Zealand Driving Rules
If you're planning on driving in New Zealand, you should be aware of our road rules and driving restrictions before you set out. Read on to learn the basics, or contact the Land Transport Safety Authority for more information.
New Zealand Driving Licences
If you have a current overseas driving licence or an international driving permit you can drive for one year after you first arrive in New Zealand.
After a period of one year you must apply for a New Zealand driver's licence – you will have to pass a theory test, and depending on your country of origin, a practical test.
Speed Limits in New Zealand
|
50 km/h (urban) |
|
70km/h (urban) |
|
100 km/h (open road) |
|
Open Road (100km/h) |
|
You can drive at the Open Road speed limit but must reduce speed when weather is bad, visibility poor or there are people/animals on the road | ||
|
Reduce speed to 20km/h |
||
|
Reduce speed to 20km/h when passing a stationary school bus | ||
New Zealand Traffic Signals
|
Red light means stop |
|
Red Arrow means no turning if travelling in direction of arrow |
|
Amber light means the lights are about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely |
|
Amber Arrow means arrow is about to turn red. If travelling in direction of arrow, stop if you can safely |
|
Green light means go; if turning follow the Give Way rules and give way to pedestrians crossing on a CROSS light |
|
Green Arrow means turn with care, if travelling in the direction of arrow |
|
Flashing amber light means the traffic signals are not working; apply the Give Way rules |
New Zealand Road Signs
|
Give way to all vehicles except those that have stopped at a Stop sign. Follow the Give Way rules.
|
|
You must stop. Stay stopped and give way to all other vehicles. Follow the Give Way rules. |
|
|
|
|
Keep Left |
No Left Turn |
No U-Turn |
|
|
|
|
Look out for Children |
Greasy Surfarce |
Slips |
|
|
|
|
Metal Surface |
Road Narrows |
Road Works |
New Zealand's Give Way Rules
- If you are going straight ahead, give way to all vehicles coming straight through from your right.
- If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning.
- If you are turning left, you have right of way to traffic turning right.
- If you are turning right, give way to all vehicles. If you are leaving the path of the centre line, you are turning. You must give way to vehicles that are following the centre line, or that are turning left.
Roundabouts
- Single lane roundabout: Give way to your right
- Multi lane roundabout: Give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from
the right as you enter the roundabout
One Lane Bridges in New Zealand
|
Round sign with red border and red arrow means you must give way to oncoming traffic. |
|
Big white arrow on blue rectangle means you can go onto the bridge first (provided there is no oncoming traffic on the bridge already). |
New Zealand Driving Conditions
|
Wet Weather |
On slippery, wet or icy roads stick to the four-second rule: make sure you are at least 4 seconds behind the car in front. Reduce your driving speed
|
|
Fog |
Dip your lights when driving in fog – if lights are on full beam they will only be reflected, hindering visibility.
|
|
Night Driving |
You must use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. You must dip your headlights when other vehicles come towards you and when you are following another vehicle
|
Seat Belts
In New Zealand, all passengers in vehicles must wear seatbelts, and fines are regularly imposed on vehicle occupants caught without a seatbelt. So remember to buckle up!
Riding Motorcycles and Bikes in New Zealand
- Motorcyclists and cyclists must wear helmets at all times.
- Motorcyclists should drive with a headlight on at all times.
- When cycling at night, rear and front cycle lights should be used.
- Bicylces are not permitted on Motorways (Freeways).
Other New Zealand
Transport Information
Motorhome Dump Stations »
Driving in New Zealand »
New Zealand Ferry Transport »
Public Transport »
Bus & Coach Transport »
View All New Zealand
Transport
Getting around New Zealand is easy! Take a look at our listings to find the perfect option for you.
Find New Zealand
Activities & Attractions
Browse and book your New Zealand activities & attractions now!
Search through the range of current accommodation specials to grab yourself a bargain.
The New Zealand Backpackers category includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or "hotel". Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen, or offer linen hire.
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) provide "home-like" or "character" accommodation; think a garden cottage, converted villa or a 'homestay' arrangement. Bed & Breakfast accommodation will always include breakfast.
At the top end of the price scale, Exclusive accommodation includes intimate, luxurious and highly individual establishments offering the finest locations, food and wine, facilities, activities and service.
Stay with a New Zealand family, in their home, with Farmstay and Homestay accommodation. Homestays are commonly located in urban areas, whereas farmstays let you experience real Kiwi life on a New Zealand farm!
Freedom camping in New Zealand means pitching a tent or parking a motorhome on public land, without paying. Visitors need to be careful where this is done, as many regions will fine campers staying in undesignated areas.
NZ Holiday Homes are rentable time-share and 'summer house' type accommodation. Typically self contained and un-serviced, holiday homes vary hugely in size and are often located near beaches, lakes and mountains.
The New Zealand Holiday Parks category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries and a variety of additional features.
A New Zealand Hotel is 'a property with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.' All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and on-site management at all times.
The New Zealand Motel category includes a wide range of accommodation - from budget to top end. New Zealand motels typically offer a 'unit' or room with a private bathroom and at least tea and coffee-making facilities.
The Self Contained Units category includes studio units and self contained holiday cottages. 'Self Contained' implies full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can comprise a studio or multi-bedroom layout.
Serviced Apartments range from exclusive luxury suites to affordable family-size accommodation. Serviced daily, apartment accommodation should include a full ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities.
Search through the range of current specials on activities to see more of New Zealand, for less!
Adventure is all about getting out into the wild, pushing your limits and going places you only ever dreamed of! New Zealand has plenty of adventure activities to choose from.
From dirt bikes to armoured tanks - New Zealand has some amazing adventure driving experiences to rev you up!
Take to the air! Whether in a balloon, plane, glider or with a parachute attached, New Zealand looks spectacular from the air. You’ll find plenty of airborne activities throughout the country.
Visit New Zealand's array of attractions. Museums and markets, cathedrals and chocolate factories; there's something for everyone.
Take a wild mountain biking tour, try heli-biking, rent a scooter, motorcycle or push bike and explore the cycling paradise of New Zealand!
Bubbling mud, soothing thermal pools, natural hot springs... New Zealand is a geo-thermal wonderland. You’ll find geothermal areas in both the North and South Islands.
New Zealand boasts some of the top golf courses in the world. Try your luck at one of the many courses sprinkled around the country, from the Far North, to the Deep South.
New Zealand's landscape is purpose built for walking. Get the most out of your visit by taking a guided walk - learn about the landscape, the flora & fauna and - best of all - never get lost!
Horse riding and horse trekking are a great, eco-friendly way to see New Zealand’s backcountry. Each region offers vastly different experiences.
Tried and true entertainment for all the family, mini-golf is a popular and fun way to pass the time in New Zealand.
For a unique Kiwi experience, explore and climb New Zealand’s spectacular and diverse mountain ranges with a guided mountaineering expedition.
A great activity for nearly any age, paintball is a popular pastime in New Zealand. Beware of the bruises!
New Zealand is known for its exceptional ski resorts and heli-skiing opportunities. Get amongst it with this list of unforgettable skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing adventures.
Adventure tours to scenic tours; garden tours to wine & food tours - join a tour to experience your favourite things with like-minded people.
Venture into New Zealand's beautiful landscape on a walk or hike. Home to many world-famous bush walks, New Zealand is a spectacular walking holiday destination.
Get out and on the water! With thousands of kilometres of coastlines, numerous lakes and winding rivers, you’ll never run out of activities, be it diving, jet boating or kayaking.
New Zealand is home to some world-class wines and top restaurants. Sample a selection of wines on a wine tour in some of New Zealand's best wine regions.
Indulge yourself! Sink into a steaming hot pool; enjoy a relaxing massage; or treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment.
Search through the range of current transport specials to grab yourself a bargain.
New Zealand is well serviced with a strong network of domestic flights to all the main centres.
Exploring New Zealand by bus is easy and affordable. Several companies offer commercial, as well as scenic transport for visitor, covering the length and width of the country.
Travel to your own agenda with a New Zealand rental car. The choice and variety are broad to fit your style & budget.
Take a cruise on a New Zealand ferry. Journey between NZ's islands, or cruise Gulf Harbour.
Travel in luxurious style with a New Zealand limousine rental!
Explore New Zealand's back roads and highways on a motor cycle.
Motorhomes, campervans, RVs... whatever you call them, they're an excellent and popular way of discovering NZ.
Make your way around NZ on a multi-day overland package tour!
Sit back, relax and enjoy a train ride through stunning New Zealand.
Whether to the airport, across town or to another city, shuttles are a convenient and affordable transport option.
Taxis are available in all major towns & cities in New Zealand.
Browse through New Zealand event listings to find an event near you. Stay up to date with the best happenings in the country.
Catch up on travel news related to New Zealand and find out about local happenings without having to leave your house!
A selection of travel writers offer insights into some of New Zealand’s most scenic and often, quirky attractions. These stories are sure to amuse and inform you.