Road Guides New Zealand

New Zealand Road Rules

New Zealand is a beautiful country and there is no better way to see it than driving through it in a Motorhome rental vehicle. New Zealand is a very popular holiday destination and thousands of people go there every year making the switch to left hand drive. Anyone can adjust to the driving differences in New Zealand with just a few pointers and basic guidelines; it’s a manageable and extremely rewarding experience.

These are the main road rules to help you along the way:

• Always drive on the left hand side of the road.
• By law, every vehicle occupant must wear a seatbelt.
• Maps, speedometers and road signs are all in Kilometres .
• At intersections, give way rules are
  • if you’re turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning.
  • in all other situations, give way to vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
• No left turn at an intersection on red traffic light signal.
• Most of the main roads speed limits are 100km/h unless otherwise signed.
• In urban areas the speed limit is usually 50km/h unless otherwise signed.

Also, be aware that there are hilly and winding, and some gravel roads in New Zealand, you will need to allow extra time to travel to your destination.

Drivers Licence

In New Zealand you must carry a valid and current driver’s licence with you while you are driving. If your original overseas permit or licence is not in English you must carry an English translation issued by either an authorised translation provider in New Zealand, a diplomatic representative from a high commission, embassy or consulate or the authority that issued your overseas licence.

Driving in Winter

Check with your rental vehicle company as to the current road conditions before travelling in winter. There is snow and ice on some roads during winter and roads become slippery in wet and icy conditions.

You will need to slow down to be able to manoeuvre safely and need to avoid sudden braking. You may even need chains to safely drive in these conditions. If so your rental vehicle company may supply these and you will need to know how to fit them to your vehicle.

Alcohol and Drug Limits

People under twenty must have a zero alcohol reading.

People over twenty must not exceed 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or more than 400 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. This is a very difficult measure to judge for yourself. The best advice is to not drink at all before driving as drinking also contributes to driver fatigue and loss of concentration.

By law you must not take any type of drug that may affect your driving ability. Make sure you check with your doctor that any prescription drugs you may take will not affect your driving capability.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue can be a very dangerous situation. Drivers must realise the potential hazards for accidents on the road due to lack of concentration and sleepiness. Every year a large number of accidents and fatalities occur due to driver fatigue.

Make sure you stay alert by:

• Make sure you are refreshed and rested before a long drive.
• Every two hours take a break from driving.
• If possible, share the driving with someone else.
• Avoid large meals and drink plenty of fluid.
• If you begin to feel sleepy, try to nap for up to 40 minutes.
• If you’re feeling very tired - find a place to stay overnight.