Driving Tips
For New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand! We hope you're looking
forward to your journey.

Couple driving happily

On Arrival

Welcome to New Zealand! We hope you're looking forward to beginning your journey. Before you set off, be sure to stay a night in your arrival city to ensure you are well rested after your flight.


RentalCars247 are commited to safe driving on New Zealand Roads.

If you have never driven in New Zealand, visit www.drivesafe.org.nz to get up to date with safe driving practises for our roads.

Driving Tips & Advice

Keep Left!

Keep LEFT! We drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Always wear your seat belt. Everyone in your vehicle must wear a seatbelt, and children must be secured in an approved child seat. Your rental vehicle company can rent child seats to you if you didn’t bring your own.

Don't Speed

Keep to the speed limit and always stop at STOP signs.

Slow Down

Always slow down to observe recommended speeds around bends.

Overtaking

Overtake other vehicles only when it’s safe to do so. Use passing lanes whenever possible, and never cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line.

Stay Well Rested

Stay well-rested. Plan to only drive 1 - 2 hours at a time, and take regular breaks during your journey to stretch your legs.

Driving Conditions

Drive to the conditions. You’ll need to reduce your speed if it’s raining, icy or snowing, windy, or if you’re in a roadworks area. Ask your accommodation provider if in doubt.

Planning Your Journey

Use this Driving Time and Distance Calculator or GPS to estimate driving times while planning your journey. Driving in New Zealand can often take longer than expected due to our winding roads.

Don't Drink & Drive

Do not drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.

Mobile Phone

It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in New Zealand. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over at a rest area or in a safe place.

Make a Booking Today

Rental Cars 247 is 100% committed to keep our beautiful country clean and green. Join us by taking care of our home Aotearoa the land of the long white cloud. Book Today!