Driving is the best way to see New Zealand. The country is compact, the scenery is world-class, and many of the best places are only accessible by car. But if you're visiting from overseas, there are a few important things to know before you get behind the wheel — from which side of the road you'll be on, to what licences you need, to why roundabouts will demand your full attention. This guide covers everything.
Driving Licences
If you have a current overseas driver licence, you can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months from your date of arrival. This applies each time you visit, as long as you don't stay longer than a year at a time. Your licence must be current — an expired licence is not valid.
If your licence is not in English, you'll need either an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to carry alongside your licence. Get the IDP before you leave your home country — you can't get one in New Zealand.
New Zealand rental companies will generally accept full licences from English-speaking countries without any issues. For licences from non-English-speaking countries, most rental companies require an International Driving Permit or certified translation. These rules are at the discretion of each rental company, so check with yours before you arrive.
Left-Hand Driving Tips
New Zealand drives on the left. If you're coming from a country that drives on the right, this takes some getting used to — but the roads are well-signposted and traffic is generally light outside the main cities.
- Left turns are easy, right turns need concentration. You'll naturally drift to the correct lane on left turns. Right turns across traffic require more focus — take your time.
- Roundabouts go clockwise. Give way to traffic already in the roundabout (coming from your right). If you miss your exit, just go around again — no shame in it.
- The windscreen wipers are on the wrong side. You will accidentally turn on your wipers when you mean to indicate. Everyone does it. It stops after a few days.
- Look right first. When pulling out at intersections, your instinct from right-hand-driving countries will be to look left first. Force yourself to look right — that's where the traffic is coming from.
- Stay left on open roads. The right lane is for passing only. On motorways, keep left unless overtaking.
Road Rules & Signs
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on the open road unless otherwise signed. Speed cameras and police radar are common.
- Seatbelts: Compulsory for all passengers, front and back. Children under 7 must use an approved child restraint.
- Mobile phones: Illegal to use a handheld phone while driving. Use hands-free or pull over.
- Blood alcohol limit: 250 micrograms per litre of breath for drivers aged 20+. Zero alcohol for drivers under 20.
- Give way rules: At unmarked intersections, give way to your right. Turning traffic gives way to traffic going straight.
- One-lane bridges: Common on rural roads. A sign indicates who has right of way. If the sign shows a small red arrow on your side, you give way to oncoming traffic.
- No parking: Never park on a yellow line or within 6 metres of an intersection.
Campervans & Motorhomes
Hiring a campervan is one of the most popular ways to travel New Zealand, and for good reason — the freedom camping infrastructure is excellent, holiday parks are everywhere, and the scenery makes every campsite feel special. Here's what to know:
- "Berths" means beds, not rooms. A 2-berth campervan has one double bed for two people, not two separate beds. If you're travelling with a friend and want separate beds, book a 4-berth.
- Diesel is cheaper than petrol. Most larger campervans run on diesel, which costs less per litre than petrol. This can add up to significant savings over a two-week trip.
- Book early for peak season. December to February is the busiest period and campervans sell out fast. Book months ahead for the best rates and vehicle choice.
- Freedom camping has rules. You can only freedom camp (park overnight outside a campsite) in a certified self-contained vehicle and only in areas where it's permitted. Fines apply if you break these rules. Download the CamperMate or WikiCamps app to find legal freedom camping spots.
- Holiday parks are excellent. NZ holiday parks (motor camps) typically have powered sites, kitchen facilities, hot showers, laundry, and often a communal lounge. Expect to pay $20–$50 per night for a powered site. Top 10 Holiday Parks is the largest chain.
- One-way fees: Many rental companies charge extra for picking up in one city and dropping off in another (e.g. Christchurch to Queenstown). Shop around — some companies include this, others charge $200+.
Fuel & Costs
Fuel in New Zealand is more expensive than in North America but comparable to Australia and cheaper than the UK. As of 2025, expect to pay around $2.80–$3.20 NZD per litre for regular petrol (91 octane) and $2.10–$2.50 for diesel. Prices are cheapest in cities and most expensive in remote areas — fill up before heading into the countryside.
- Fuel types: 91 (regular), 95 (premium), 98 (high octane), and diesel. Most rental cars run on 91. Check with your rental company.
- Self-service is standard. Pay at the pump with a card, or go inside to pay with cash.
- Budget guide: A typical rental car uses about $60–$80 NZD per day in fuel if you're covering 200–300 km. Campervans use more.
Road Safety & Conditions
New Zealand's roads are generally well-maintained and well-signposted, but they're very different from motorways in Europe or North America. Most highways are two-lane roads (one lane each way), often winding through hills and mountains. Google Maps driving times are optimistic — always add 20–30% extra.
Stay connected on the road: You'll need mobile data for Google Maps navigation, especially on rural highways. An eSIM is the cheapest option — set it up before you fly. See our eSIM guide for the best providers and prices.
- Many roads are narrow and winding. The South Island in particular has mountain passes, single-lane bridges, and roads cut into cliff faces. Take your time.
- Weather changes fast. You can start a drive in sunshine and hit fog, rain or snow within an hour. Check the MetService forecast and NZTA road conditions (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) before any mountain drive.
- Watch for tourists. Seriously. Many accidents in NZ involve visitors unfamiliar with the roads. Pull over regularly to let faster traffic pass.
- Fatigue kills. Long drives through beautiful scenery can be tiring. Stop every two hours, share driving if you can, and don't drive at night in rural areas — there's no street lighting and the roads are full of possums.
Kiwi Road Etiquette
New Zealanders are generally patient and friendly drivers, but there are some unwritten rules you should know. Break these and you'll get a taste of the famous Kiwi stink-eye in the rear-view mirror.
- Pull over to let people pass. This is the big one. If you're driving slowly on a winding road and cars are building up behind you, pull over at the next safe spot and let them through. It's not just polite — it's the law (you can be fined for holding up traffic). Look for the blue "slow vehicle bay" signs.
- Don't speed up at passing lanes. Nothing frustrates Kiwi drivers more than someone who crawls along a single-lane road then suddenly accelerates when a passing lane appears. Be consistent — if you're doing 80, stay at 80 through the passing lane.
- Indicate early and clearly. Use your indicators for every turn, lane change and roundabout. Kiwis get especially annoyed by drivers who don't indicate at roundabouts.
- Dip your headlights at night. On rural roads there's no street lighting, so high beams are essential. But always dip them for oncoming traffic. Failing to do so is dangerous and deeply annoying.
- The courtesy wave. When someone lets you in, gives way, or pulls over for you, a small hand-raise from the steering wheel is expected. It's the Kiwi thank-you on the road — not doing it will be noticed.
- Don't tailgate. Leave at least a two-second gap. Kiwi roads are full of unexpected turns, gravel shoulders, and the occasional sheep on the road. You need the stopping distance.
Motorcycle Touring
New Zealand on a motorcycle is one of the great riding experiences in the world — winding mountain passes, empty coastal roads, and scenery that changes every hour. The South Island in particular is a biker's paradise. Rental companies operate from Christchurch and Auckland with modern fleets from BMW, Triumph, Honda and more, starting from around $125 NZD per day. You'll need a full motorcycle licence, and one-way rentals between cities are available.
Useful Links
- Christchurch to Dunedin — Every Stop Worth Making
- South Island Road Trip — 14 Days
- Buying & Selling a Car in New Zealand
- Car Hire in New Zealand
- Motorcycle Rental in New Zealand
- Christchurch to Nelson via Lewis Pass
- Fuel Prices in New Zealand
Insurance for drivers: Rental car excess in NZ can be $2,000–$5,000. Consider excess reduction insurance and make sure your travel insurance covers driving in New Zealand, including gravel roads if you plan to explore off the main highways.
