Kia ora and welcome! NZ roads are a bit different from what you might be used to back home. Yeah, the distances look sweet on the map, but don't be fooled — our roads can be narrow, hilly, and go from smooth motorway to rough gravel pretty quick. Don't underestimate how long things take — check out estimated travelling times before you head off. Chuck in plenty of time, pull over for regular breaks, and enjoy the view — because honestly, it's bloody stunning out there.
A few things to suss out before you hit the road:
Grab a copy of the booklet for overseas drivers— available in a bunch of languages too.
Don't Drive Tired
Seriously, don't push through it. Give yourself time to adjust when you arrive, get a decent sleep before long drives, and if you're starting to zone out — pull over. No destination is worth a stack. More tips on avoiding fatigue while driving.Watch Your Speed
Speed kills on our roads. Keep it sensible and read the signs. Check out the speed limits and safe speed guidelines.Booze and Drugs
Don't even think about it. Alcohol, drugs, even some prescription meds can slow you down and cloud your judgement. It's not worth the risk to yourself or anyone else on the road. Find out more about alcohol and drug limits.Weather
NZ weather does what it wants. One minute it's cracking, next minute there's ice on the road. Winter and early spring especially — take it easy out there. Tips for driving in bad weather.Can You Drive Here?
You'll need a valid overseas licence or international driving permit. Staying longer than 12 months? Time to sort a NZ licence. Find out more about driver licence requirements. Before you head out, read Driving in New Zealand and brush up on The Official New Zealnd Road Code.Travelling over Christmas, Easter, or a long weekend? It's going to be busier out there. Read our tips for safe travel during peak times. For things to do while you're here, check out newzealand.com — heaps of ideas across the whole country.
Stay across road conditions and live traffic cams on the Traffic and Travel section of the NZTA website. The AA (Automobile Association NZ) has maps, scenic routes, rental car info, distances, and travelling times — pretty handy. Renting a vehicle? Check out the requirementsfor you and the rental company.