Behind the Wheel in New Zealand: A Traveller's Guide
Driving through New Zealand's picturesque landscapes is a dream for many travellers and even us locals who have driven certain roads many times! With its stunning scenery, diverse terrain and unique driving conditions it offers an adventure like no other. However, as a tourist, there are several things you should be aware of to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on New Zealand's roads.
In this guide, we're going to cover everything you need to know about driving in New Zealand:
Scenic Routes
Varied Road Conditions
Driving On The Left Side Of The Road
Unpredictable Weather
NZTA Journey Planner
Mobile Data Coverage Gaps
Wildlife On The Road
Toll Roads
What Driver Licence Can You Use In NZ
Speed Limits
The NZ Road Code
Petrol Stations
Parking
Slow Drivers
Breaking Down
Toilet Stops
Using A Phone While Driving
Railway Crossings
Take Regular Breaks
Lock Your Car
In this guide, we're going to cover everything you need to know about driving in New Zealand:
Scenic Routes
Varied Road Conditions
Driving On The Left Side Of The Road
Unpredictable Weather
NZTA Journey Planner
Mobile Data Coverage Gaps
Wildlife On The Road
Toll Roads
What Driver Licence Can You Use In NZ
Speed Limits
The NZ Road Code
Petrol Stations
Parking
Slow Drivers
Breaking Down
Toilet Stops
Using A Phone While Driving
Railway Crossings
Take Regular Breaks
Lock Your Car
Scenic Routes
This is the worst one... the most terrible thing about driving in New Zealand... because of how INSANELY beautiful the scenery is, you want to stop every 2 seconds for a photo!! It's great for those of us in the passenger's seat, we can watch the world pass by, take as many photos as we want and keep an eye on our favourite spots but for the drivers it's not so easy and you have to pull over lots or risk getting distracted and causing an accident. I always tell people to leave more time on their journeys because they end up missing all the lookouts they wish they could stop at but can't because they haven't allowed any extra time to do so. It's always one of the top regrets people tell me after their trip to New Zealand!
This is the worst one... the most terrible thing about driving in New Zealand... because of how INSANELY beautiful the scenery is, you want to stop every 2 seconds for a photo!! It's great for those of us in the passenger's seat, we can watch the world pass by, take as many photos as we want and keep an eye on our favourite spots but for the drivers it's not so easy and you have to pull over lots or risk getting distracted and causing an accident. I always tell people to leave more time on their journeys because they end up missing all the lookouts they wish they could stop at but can't because they haven't allowed any extra time to do so. It's always one of the top regrets people tell me after their trip to New Zealand!
One of the most scenic roads in New Zealand is the Mount Cook Highway
Varied Road Conditions
New Zealand roads can range from smooth, well-maintained highways to gravel roads full of potholes, especially in rural areas. Most of the highways are fully sealed, especially on the tourist routes but if you're heading off to a waterfall or hike somewhere in the middle of nowhere, then the road might become a little less desirable. This hasn't ever stopped us from going to these places in our van, and sure we end up with a dirty car and can't drink hot coffee along the way but for us it's worth it to visit the places we're excited to see.
We have lots of hilly, windy roads here and some are a narrow too. This doesn't mean they're dangerous, it just means to take extra care on these parts of the road. It can make you sleepy when you are just going around corner after corner after corner... like on the Takaka Hill in Tasman and the Waipoua Forest in Northland.
New Zealand roads can range from smooth, well-maintained highways to gravel roads full of potholes, especially in rural areas. Most of the highways are fully sealed, especially on the tourist routes but if you're heading off to a waterfall or hike somewhere in the middle of nowhere, then the road might become a little less desirable. This hasn't ever stopped us from going to these places in our van, and sure we end up with a dirty car and can't drink hot coffee along the way but for us it's worth it to visit the places we're excited to see.
We have lots of hilly, windy roads here and some are a narrow too. This doesn't mean they're dangerous, it just means to take extra care on these parts of the road. It can make you sleepy when you are just going around corner after corner after corner... like on the Takaka Hill in Tasman and the Waipoua Forest in Northland.
Driving On The Left Side Of The Road
Not all countries drive on the same side of the road and here in New Zealand we drive on the left side of the road, which means the driver is on the right-hand side of the car. This might take some getting used to if you're from a country that drives on the opposite side to us! I remember visiting America and being a passenger in the car, absolutely freaking out because my brain couldn't comprehend what was going on!
In the South Island in particular, you'll notice white arrows painted on the road, reminding you which side of the road you need to be on, especially along the tourist highways. We get it... it's easy to forget!
Not all countries drive on the same side of the road and here in New Zealand we drive on the left side of the road, which means the driver is on the right-hand side of the car. This might take some getting used to if you're from a country that drives on the opposite side to us! I remember visiting America and being a passenger in the car, absolutely freaking out because my brain couldn't comprehend what was going on!
In the South Island in particular, you'll notice white arrows painted on the road, reminding you which side of the road you need to be on, especially along the tourist highways. We get it... it's easy to forget!
Unpredictable Weather
The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand, particularly in the alpine regions and this can cause havoc on the roads. A lot of travellers ask me if it's dangerous to drive along the West Coast because of all the rain there and I tell them that we have never been put in any dangerous situations and we have explored the West Coast a lot. We have been caught out one time where we were staying in Franz Josef and were meant to be heading down to Te Anau but the Haast Pass was closed, so we had to make other plans. We were luckily enough to check for road closures before we left, or we would have had a long drive ahead of us before being turned away - I'll talk more about checking road closures shortly. The West Coast does have the most rainfall than any other region, and it does get slips, but they close the roads if they deem it too dangerous to drive on and they clean up slips fairly quickly. We actually really enjoy driving along the West Coast, it's so beautiful and green and untouched.
In winter, some areas may have snow, especially in the alpine regions like Tongariro, Ruapehu, Arthurs Pass, Fiordland and Tekapo etc, so you will need to allow yourself longer on the roads in these areas due to possible ice on the roads. In some areas you won't be able to go further without putting snow chains on your vehicle and there will be people stopping you to check you have them on otherwise they will turn you away. We carry snow chains in our van all year around because you never know when snow will arrive (yip, the odd year can see some snow in the alpine regions! It's rare but it has happened). You can hire snow chains with your car or campervan rental and if you're heading into any alpine regions in winter, I'd recommend renting them just in case! Most towns that get snow will have trucks pouring down grit or clearing the snow from the roads. If possible, avoid driving too early in the morning while the road is still super icy.
So just be prepared for any kind of weather in New Zealand, in any season... whether it be rain, fog, snow or dry conditions, you may experience them.
The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand, particularly in the alpine regions and this can cause havoc on the roads. A lot of travellers ask me if it's dangerous to drive along the West Coast because of all the rain there and I tell them that we have never been put in any dangerous situations and we have explored the West Coast a lot. We have been caught out one time where we were staying in Franz Josef and were meant to be heading down to Te Anau but the Haast Pass was closed, so we had to make other plans. We were luckily enough to check for road closures before we left, or we would have had a long drive ahead of us before being turned away - I'll talk more about checking road closures shortly. The West Coast does have the most rainfall than any other region, and it does get slips, but they close the roads if they deem it too dangerous to drive on and they clean up slips fairly quickly. We actually really enjoy driving along the West Coast, it's so beautiful and green and untouched.
In winter, some areas may have snow, especially in the alpine regions like Tongariro, Ruapehu, Arthurs Pass, Fiordland and Tekapo etc, so you will need to allow yourself longer on the roads in these areas due to possible ice on the roads. In some areas you won't be able to go further without putting snow chains on your vehicle and there will be people stopping you to check you have them on otherwise they will turn you away. We carry snow chains in our van all year around because you never know when snow will arrive (yip, the odd year can see some snow in the alpine regions! It's rare but it has happened). You can hire snow chains with your car or campervan rental and if you're heading into any alpine regions in winter, I'd recommend renting them just in case! Most towns that get snow will have trucks pouring down grit or clearing the snow from the roads. If possible, avoid driving too early in the morning while the road is still super icy.
So just be prepared for any kind of weather in New Zealand, in any season... whether it be rain, fog, snow or dry conditions, you may experience them.
Driving out to Milford Sound
NZTA Journey Planner
We like to check the New Zealand Transport Association website before heading off on a long road trip, to see if any of the highways are closed. This does save you a lot of time and bother having to reach a certain point before being turned around and having to find a new route. I like to use this over Google Maps as I trust that the NZTA will have the best updates for any situation. It was helpful for us when we were wanting to do a cruise in Milford Sound but there was a week of snow which kept the highway shut, so we kept checking the website and was able to know when it was clear to get through.
Click here for the NZTA Journey Planner.
We like to check the New Zealand Transport Association website before heading off on a long road trip, to see if any of the highways are closed. This does save you a lot of time and bother having to reach a certain point before being turned around and having to find a new route. I like to use this over Google Maps as I trust that the NZTA will have the best updates for any situation. It was helpful for us when we were wanting to do a cruise in Milford Sound but there was a week of snow which kept the highway shut, so we kept checking the website and was able to know when it was clear to get through.
Click here for the NZTA Journey Planner.
Mobile Data Coverage Gaps
Navigating mobile data in New Zealand can be a challenge, especially for those reliant on connectivity for maps and phone service. New Zealand's rugged terrain means that some remote or mountainous areas may have limited or no mobile data coverage. While most areas in New Zealand offer reliable mobile data coverage, there are still pockets where connectivity may be limited or non-existent - this is particularly true in national parks, rural regions and areas with low population density. Different network providers may have varying levels of coverage across the country. While major cities and towns usually have good coverage from multiple providers, rural and remote areas may only be covered by one or two providers.
We broke down along the West Coast between Franz Josef and Hokitika and had zero coverage which made getting a tow truck a little difficult! Luckily the locals on the West Coast are freaking awesome and so many stopped to help us, with one guy even driving to a mechanic 30 mins away to see if he could come and helps us, and another one taking Lath up the road where there was cell service, so he could call for roadside assistance. We have broken down many times (such is life on the road!) but luckily the other times have been in a good coverage area.
Before setting off on a journey, we recommend downloading the offline map with Google Maps, so that you can still find your way if that pesky 4G disappears from your phone. Google Maps still provide navigations even without a data connection - yipee!
Navigating mobile data in New Zealand can be a challenge, especially for those reliant on connectivity for maps and phone service. New Zealand's rugged terrain means that some remote or mountainous areas may have limited or no mobile data coverage. While most areas in New Zealand offer reliable mobile data coverage, there are still pockets where connectivity may be limited or non-existent - this is particularly true in national parks, rural regions and areas with low population density. Different network providers may have varying levels of coverage across the country. While major cities and towns usually have good coverage from multiple providers, rural and remote areas may only be covered by one or two providers.
We broke down along the West Coast between Franz Josef and Hokitika and had zero coverage which made getting a tow truck a little difficult! Luckily the locals on the West Coast are freaking awesome and so many stopped to help us, with one guy even driving to a mechanic 30 mins away to see if he could come and helps us, and another one taking Lath up the road where there was cell service, so he could call for roadside assistance. We have broken down many times (such is life on the road!) but luckily the other times have been in a good coverage area.
Before setting off on a journey, we recommend downloading the offline map with Google Maps, so that you can still find your way if that pesky 4G disappears from your phone. Google Maps still provide navigations even without a data connection - yipee!
Wildlife On The Road
Occasionally you'll see some wildlife hanging out on the road (dead or alive) and you may be curious with what you may come across - some of these may surprise you!
Possums: We have a big possum problem here and they come out at night, cross the road, freeze when they see car headlights and then BAM... possum goes bye bye. So you will see a lot of dead possums on the roads.
Rabbits: Same with rabbits, especially in the country, they will run across the road early morning or evening and they also get run over a lot.
Kea: Along the highway out to Milford Sound, you'll come across kea, especially at the Homer Tunnel. You usually have to wait a while to go through the tunnel as it's only one way and while you wait, you'll be greeted by some cheeky kea who will pop their head in your vehicle to look for some food. They are also found in carparks where tourists stop at lookouts or for walks and hikes, as they get fed a lot and will always hang around for the food.
Deer: There has been the occasional deer spotting in rural areas at nighttime but this is very rare.
Cows and Sheep: It wouldn't be New Zealand without the sheep and cows, so it's no surprise that you may get caught up in a flock of sheep that are being moved to another paddock by a farmer. It's not common, so don't expect it to happen a lot and after living in New Zealand for 36 years and travelling full time for the past 2 years, I can safely say I've never been stuck behind any sheep or cows. If you do happen to, don't honk your horn, just wait patiently for the animals to move to where they need to go.
Wallabies: You'd be forgiven for thinking you're in Australia if you see a wallaby on the road... dead or alive... because there are a few living in the wild in the South Island. Over time, some wallabies managed to escape captivity or were intentionally released into the wild. We have seen a few dead ones on the road in the Mackenzie Region but none that were alive.
Penguins and Seals: Another interesting wildlife find on the roads are penguins and seals! Mostly in the South Island and for penguins, it's usually at dawn or dusk that you're likely to see them, when they're leaving their homes and heading out to sea, or coming home after a long day out at sea. The seals are usually seen during the day and we did see some in the carpark as we pulled over in Kaikoura but thankfully they stayed in the carpark and didn't venture out onto the road. In an area where there is a large penguin population, you'll see signs for penguins crossing.
Hawks: We often see hawks eating the dead animals on the road and they usually fly away before we get close enough - phew!
Weka and Pukeko: These birds have a death wish and seem to love running across the road as soon as they see a car!
Wild Pigs: Rare to see but once we saw a mama and her gorgeous little piglets along the highway on the West Coast.
Goats: You will see goats tied up along main roads, sometimes with an A frame house for them to sleep in, as they are great lawn mowers for the front yard.
Hedgehogs: A few of these little nocturnal spike balls are usually found scuttling along the road in the middle of the night. Some turn into Sonic the Hedgehog and make it it to the other side and others aren't so lucky.
Also you'll see plenty of animals in paddocks like sheep, cows, llamas/alpacas, deer, goats, pigs, chickens as you're driving along... heavy on the sheep and cows - they're everywhere here!
Occasionally you'll see some wildlife hanging out on the road (dead or alive) and you may be curious with what you may come across - some of these may surprise you!
Possums: We have a big possum problem here and they come out at night, cross the road, freeze when they see car headlights and then BAM... possum goes bye bye. So you will see a lot of dead possums on the roads.
Rabbits: Same with rabbits, especially in the country, they will run across the road early morning or evening and they also get run over a lot.
Kea: Along the highway out to Milford Sound, you'll come across kea, especially at the Homer Tunnel. You usually have to wait a while to go through the tunnel as it's only one way and while you wait, you'll be greeted by some cheeky kea who will pop their head in your vehicle to look for some food. They are also found in carparks where tourists stop at lookouts or for walks and hikes, as they get fed a lot and will always hang around for the food.
Deer: There has been the occasional deer spotting in rural areas at nighttime but this is very rare.
Cows and Sheep: It wouldn't be New Zealand without the sheep and cows, so it's no surprise that you may get caught up in a flock of sheep that are being moved to another paddock by a farmer. It's not common, so don't expect it to happen a lot and after living in New Zealand for 36 years and travelling full time for the past 2 years, I can safely say I've never been stuck behind any sheep or cows. If you do happen to, don't honk your horn, just wait patiently for the animals to move to where they need to go.
Wallabies: You'd be forgiven for thinking you're in Australia if you see a wallaby on the road... dead or alive... because there are a few living in the wild in the South Island. Over time, some wallabies managed to escape captivity or were intentionally released into the wild. We have seen a few dead ones on the road in the Mackenzie Region but none that were alive.
Penguins and Seals: Another interesting wildlife find on the roads are penguins and seals! Mostly in the South Island and for penguins, it's usually at dawn or dusk that you're likely to see them, when they're leaving their homes and heading out to sea, or coming home after a long day out at sea. The seals are usually seen during the day and we did see some in the carpark as we pulled over in Kaikoura but thankfully they stayed in the carpark and didn't venture out onto the road. In an area where there is a large penguin population, you'll see signs for penguins crossing.
Hawks: We often see hawks eating the dead animals on the road and they usually fly away before we get close enough - phew!
Weka and Pukeko: These birds have a death wish and seem to love running across the road as soon as they see a car!
Wild Pigs: Rare to see but once we saw a mama and her gorgeous little piglets along the highway on the West Coast.
Goats: You will see goats tied up along main roads, sometimes with an A frame house for them to sleep in, as they are great lawn mowers for the front yard.
Hedgehogs: A few of these little nocturnal spike balls are usually found scuttling along the road in the middle of the night. Some turn into Sonic the Hedgehog and make it it to the other side and others aren't so lucky.
Also you'll see plenty of animals in paddocks like sheep, cows, llamas/alpacas, deer, goats, pigs, chickens as you're driving along... heavy on the sheep and cows - they're everywhere here!
Toll Roads
There are very few toll roads in New Zealand, thankfully, there are just three toll roads and they're only in the North Island. They are the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, and the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road, both in Tauranga.
If you're travelling on these roads, you'll see signs notifying you of a toll road. Click here to find out how and where you can pay your toll.
There are very few toll roads in New Zealand, thankfully, there are just three toll roads and they're only in the North Island. They are the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, and the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road, both in Tauranga.
If you're travelling on these roads, you'll see signs notifying you of a toll road. Click here to find out how and where you can pay your toll.
What Driver Licence Can You Use In NZ
You're probably wondering if you're able to drive in New Zealand with your current licence from your country, so here's everything you need to know:
- International visitors driving in New Zealand need a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). The license must be written in English, or if it's in another language, you must carry an accurate translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Most visitors are able to drive in NZ without a NZ driver licence, for a maximum period of 12 months (from your last date of entry into NZ).
- Make sure your license is valid for the type of vehicle you plan to drive. Some rental car companies may have additional requirements, so it's essential to check their policies before renting a vehicle.
- Make sure your licence is up to date and isn't going to expire once you get to New Zealand... that wouldn't be fun!
Click here to learn more and to see whether you meet the criteria for driving in New Zealand on your current licence.
You're probably wondering if you're able to drive in New Zealand with your current licence from your country, so here's everything you need to know:
- International visitors driving in New Zealand need a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). The license must be written in English, or if it's in another language, you must carry an accurate translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Most visitors are able to drive in NZ without a NZ driver licence, for a maximum period of 12 months (from your last date of entry into NZ).
- Make sure your license is valid for the type of vehicle you plan to drive. Some rental car companies may have additional requirements, so it's essential to check their policies before renting a vehicle.
- Make sure your licence is up to date and isn't going to expire once you get to New Zealand... that wouldn't be fun!
Click here to learn more and to see whether you meet the criteria for driving in New Zealand on your current licence.
Speed Limits
The most common speed limits you'll find are 50km and 100km. The 50km limits are in towns, cities and built up areas and sometimes you'll see a 30km sign. The 100km limit is the maximum limit you'll see on the roads and this is on the main roads/highways.
We have random unmarked speed camera vans parked on the side of the road, as well as highway cops in unmarked police cars and if you're breaking the speed limit then you might just end up with a hefty fine. Often cars going the opposite way will flash you with their headlights if there's a cop ahead (or it could be there is an accident) and this is your sign to check your speed. You may be stopped at the airport if you have any unpaid fines.
I'd recommend reading up on the NZ road code (see below), as there are certain areas like around a school, or when passing a bus, where the limits change.
The most common speed limits you'll find are 50km and 100km. The 50km limits are in towns, cities and built up areas and sometimes you'll see a 30km sign. The 100km limit is the maximum limit you'll see on the roads and this is on the main roads/highways.
We have random unmarked speed camera vans parked on the side of the road, as well as highway cops in unmarked police cars and if you're breaking the speed limit then you might just end up with a hefty fine. Often cars going the opposite way will flash you with their headlights if there's a cop ahead (or it could be there is an accident) and this is your sign to check your speed. You may be stopped at the airport if you have any unpaid fines.
I'd recommend reading up on the NZ road code (see below), as there are certain areas like around a school, or when passing a bus, where the limits change.
The New Zealand Road Code
I recommend taking a peek at the NZ road code to learn about the road rules here. They may be similar in your country but it's always worth checking to see if there's something you didn't know about, like who goes first at a giveway and what to do when you come to a one lane bridge.
Click here to learn more about the NZ road code.
I recommend taking a peek at the NZ road code to learn about the road rules here. They may be similar in your country but it's always worth checking to see if there's something you didn't know about, like who goes first at a giveway and what to do when you come to a one lane bridge.
Click here to learn more about the NZ road code.
Petrol Stations
There are 5 main petrol stations in New Zealand and they are BP, Z (previously Shell), NPD, Pak n Save and Mobil. We find that NPD is usually the cheapest petrol station but the best thing to do is to download the Gaspy app which will let you know where to find the cheapest petrol near you. Prices vary per town, so it's not a flat rate all around the country. As of April 2024, the average price is around $3/litre NZD (around $11/gallon).
When you shop at Pak n Save or New World supermarkets, you get a discount voucher (with your receipt) for petrol at certain stations and these can be helpful to save money.
There can often be long stretches between petrol stations, so it pays to do your research to see where you need to fill up. For example, if you're heading out to Milford Sound from Te Anau, the only petrol station after Te Anau is at Milford Sound and it can be quite expensive and limited there, so you need to make sure you have enough gas to cover the 240km trip from Te Anau and back if you don't want to fill up in Milford Sound.
Make sure you fill up with the correct fuel for your vehicle! Whether it's 91 or 98 petrol, or diesel. Check with your rental company before setting off.
There are 5 main petrol stations in New Zealand and they are BP, Z (previously Shell), NPD, Pak n Save and Mobil. We find that NPD is usually the cheapest petrol station but the best thing to do is to download the Gaspy app which will let you know where to find the cheapest petrol near you. Prices vary per town, so it's not a flat rate all around the country. As of April 2024, the average price is around $3/litre NZD (around $11/gallon).
When you shop at Pak n Save or New World supermarkets, you get a discount voucher (with your receipt) for petrol at certain stations and these can be helpful to save money.
There can often be long stretches between petrol stations, so it pays to do your research to see where you need to fill up. For example, if you're heading out to Milford Sound from Te Anau, the only petrol station after Te Anau is at Milford Sound and it can be quite expensive and limited there, so you need to make sure you have enough gas to cover the 240km trip from Te Anau and back if you don't want to fill up in Milford Sound.
Make sure you fill up with the correct fuel for your vehicle! Whether it's 91 or 98 petrol, or diesel. Check with your rental company before setting off.
Parking
Most parking in New Zealand is free but some streets and carparks in big cities and towns do charge per hour. It's usually a pay and display, where you can pay at a machine with your debit/credit card and either you enter your number plate, or the machine gives you a ticket to put in your window. Some towns offer the first hour for free and this changes from town to town.
Most parking in New Zealand is free but some streets and carparks in big cities and towns do charge per hour. It's usually a pay and display, where you can pay at a machine with your debit/credit card and either you enter your number plate, or the machine gives you a ticket to put in your window. Some towns offer the first hour for free and this changes from town to town.
Slow Drivers
Most kiwis pull over when they can safely do so, if they are going slow and holding up traffic. It's just common courtesy here and people are thankful! Growing up, we travelled from the Waikato to the Coromandel a lot for our holidays and we had a caravan in tow and had to pull over to let people pass. Most people would give a 'toot toot' to say thank you and we would always say "they must be a kiwi!". So if you've pulled over and hear a toot, it's someone thanking you for pulling over for them. Nowadays we notice a lot of people using their hazard lights as a way of saying thank you. We have long highways which are mostly one laned, so pulling over when you can is the kiwi thing to do.
On the same note, be kind to people in campers, trucks and anyone towing something heavy, as they are most likely struggling to get up that big hill more than you are and most truck drivers in NZ are really good at pulling over when they can. If a vehicle is towing something, then the legal speed limit in an 100km area is only 90km.
Most kiwis pull over when they can safely do so, if they are going slow and holding up traffic. It's just common courtesy here and people are thankful! Growing up, we travelled from the Waikato to the Coromandel a lot for our holidays and we had a caravan in tow and had to pull over to let people pass. Most people would give a 'toot toot' to say thank you and we would always say "they must be a kiwi!". So if you've pulled over and hear a toot, it's someone thanking you for pulling over for them. Nowadays we notice a lot of people using their hazard lights as a way of saying thank you. We have long highways which are mostly one laned, so pulling over when you can is the kiwi thing to do.
On the same note, be kind to people in campers, trucks and anyone towing something heavy, as they are most likely struggling to get up that big hill more than you are and most truck drivers in NZ are really good at pulling over when they can. If a vehicle is towing something, then the legal speed limit in an 100km area is only 90km.
Breaking down
We have broken down in our van more times than we'd like to admit, so we have some tips to share with you.
Having roadside assistance is something we always have, so that when we break down or need a new tyre, we can call assistance to come and sort us out and it's not a headache trying to call around to find the cheapest tow truck. Talk to your vehicle rental company to see if this is something extra they can offer you.
As mentioned earlier, we broke down on the West Coast once and we were in an area with zero cell coverage but thankfully so many locals stopped to see if they could help us and they even offered us food and water - kiwis are a pretty cool bunch, especially on the West Coast!
If you do break down, put your hazards on to let others know you have broken down and you'll most likely have 1 or a few people stop to see if you need help. If no one is stopping and you're desperate for help, then flagging someone down usually does the trick!
We have broken down in our van more times than we'd like to admit, so we have some tips to share with you.
Having roadside assistance is something we always have, so that when we break down or need a new tyre, we can call assistance to come and sort us out and it's not a headache trying to call around to find the cheapest tow truck. Talk to your vehicle rental company to see if this is something extra they can offer you.
As mentioned earlier, we broke down on the West Coast once and we were in an area with zero cell coverage but thankfully so many locals stopped to see if they could help us and they even offered us food and water - kiwis are a pretty cool bunch, especially on the West Coast!
If you do break down, put your hazards on to let others know you have broken down and you'll most likely have 1 or a few people stop to see if you need help. If no one is stopping and you're desperate for help, then flagging someone down usually does the trick!
Toilet Stops
There's nothing worse than getting in the car and realising you are busting for the toilet. Luckily New Zealand seems to have quite a few of them scattered around. You'll find lots of public toilets along the main highways, just look for the man and woman sign along the highway. As well as these toilets, there are often toilets at the start of a walk and hike but not always and due to these most likely being rural, they are often long drops... which means you have a regular looking toilet but it's sitting on a giant hole in the ground! Most service stations have public toilets, as well as malls, cafes and some supermarkets.
There's nothing worse than getting in the car and realising you are busting for the toilet. Luckily New Zealand seems to have quite a few of them scattered around. You'll find lots of public toilets along the main highways, just look for the man and woman sign along the highway. As well as these toilets, there are often toilets at the start of a walk and hike but not always and due to these most likely being rural, they are often long drops... which means you have a regular looking toilet but it's sitting on a giant hole in the ground! Most service stations have public toilets, as well as malls, cafes and some supermarkets.
Using A Phone While Driving
It's illegal to use a phone while driving in New Zealand. It used to be legal to drive and hold a phone to your ear but this has changed over the years (thankfully!) and texting, scrolling or calling is illegal - unless you have a call on speaker phone.
We've seen far too many people texting and scrolling through social media while driving and it's no surprise that they are usually swerving all over the road!
It's illegal to use a phone while driving in New Zealand. It used to be legal to drive and hold a phone to your ear but this has changed over the years (thankfully!) and texting, scrolling or calling is illegal - unless you have a call on speaker phone.
We've seen far too many people texting and scrolling through social media while driving and it's no surprise that they are usually swerving all over the road!
Railway Crossings
There are railway crossings all over New Zealand and in some areas, there are no warning signals or barriers so you need to stop and look both ways before crossing to make sure there isn't a train plummeting towards you.
There are railway crossings all over New Zealand and in some areas, there are no warning signals or barriers so you need to stop and look both ways before crossing to make sure there isn't a train plummeting towards you.
Take Regular Breaks
It can be tiring driving along long stretches of road, so we highly recommend taking regular breaks or take it in turns driving, if there's more than one traveller in the car. The scenery is stunning, so it's pretty easy to stop somewhere to relax and soak in the views. You'll see lots of signs for picnic areas, which usually means there is a parking area, a picnic table, a view and possibly toilets and a rubbish bin.
It can be tiring driving along long stretches of road, so we highly recommend taking regular breaks or take it in turns driving, if there's more than one traveller in the car. The scenery is stunning, so it's pretty easy to stop somewhere to relax and soak in the views. You'll see lots of signs for picnic areas, which usually means there is a parking area, a picnic table, a view and possibly toilets and a rubbish bin.
Lock Your Car
New Zealand is pretty safe compared to most countries, however, there are thieves around who target tourists in touristy areas, so if you're heading off on a hike or far away from your car, make sure you lock your vehicle and hide and valuables. These thieves know where tourists park and how long they will be gone from their car, so to avoid any windows being smashed in, be sure to follow these tips!
New Zealand is pretty safe compared to most countries, however, there are thieves around who target tourists in touristy areas, so if you're heading off on a hike or far away from your car, make sure you lock your vehicle and hide and valuables. These thieves know where tourists park and how long they will be gone from their car, so to avoid any windows being smashed in, be sure to follow these tips!
Conclusion
As you can see, driving in New Zealand can be straight forward but it can also come with its challenges. Remember to take your time on the roads, be prepared in icy conditions, allow more time for stopping to take photos and all those pesky winding hills!
As you can see, driving in New Zealand can be straight forward but it can also come with its challenges. Remember to take your time on the roads, be prepared in icy conditions, allow more time for stopping to take photos and all those pesky winding hills!
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
|
|
|
|
Love what you’re reading? Check out more of our New Zealand tips and guides
SEND US A MESSAGE, WE LOVE GETTING MAIL! |
DISCOVER |
FOLLOW US
BORING (BUT IMPORTANT LEGAL) STUFF |
