Driving in New Zealand: What You Need to Know
Essential tips and rules to help you drive safely and confidently in your rental car across New Zealand.
Planning to Drive in New Zealand?
Whether you’re here for a road trip or need a car for everyday travel, understanding how to drive safely in New Zealand is crucial. From staying left to using snow chains in winter, we’ve compiled all the must-know tips to keep you safe and stress-free behind the wheel.
New to Driving in New Zealand? Start Here.
Driving in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially if the road rules are different from what you’re used to. The DriveSafe Guide, created specifically for international visitors, is a great place to start.
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Drive Smart, Stay Safe
Key safety rules and driving tips for your New Zealand road trip.
Seat Belts
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for everyone in the vehicle—front and back.
Keep Left
Always drive on the left-hand side of the road. The centre line should be on the driver’s right. On multi-lane roads, keep left unless passing.
Always stay left and do not cross the centre line.
Speed Limits
Remember to stick to the speed limit. Speed limits in New Zealand vary, however, they are clearly signposted and in kilometres. Below is a guide only with conversion from km/h to m/h.
| Location | Km/h | m/h |
|---|---|---|
| Country Roads & Highways | 100–80km/h | 50–60m/h |
| Cities & Towns | 50km/h | 31m/h |
Speeding & Speed Cameras
Speed is enforced via mobile and fixed cameras. Any fines, plus admin fees, will be passed on to the renter.
Drink Driving
Don’t risk it. The legal alcohol limit is low, and police conduct random breath tests. The safest option is zero alcohol.
Do not drive a motor vehicle if you have been drinking alcohol.
Mobile Phones
No phone use while driving unless it’s completely hands-free. Emergency calls (111 or *555) are allowed.
Drive to the Conditions
New Zealand’s weather can change rapidly. Slow down in rain, snow, or fog, and always adjust your speed to the terrain.
Country Roads
Rural roads may be narrow, unsealed, or feature single-lane bridges. Watch for livestock and don’t stop on corners for photos. Be alert for black ice and loose gravel.
Understand the Road Ahead
From road rules to unique driving conditions, know what to expect on your travels.
Road Signs
Most of New Zealand’s signs have international symbols on them. There are three main types of road sign:
● Compulsory signs
● Warning signs
● Informational signs
You must be able to recognise and understand each time of sign. Read more about the road signs on the NZTA website.
Give Way Rules
All traffic turning right must give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left.
At an uncontrolled intersection, all traffic from the terminating road (bottom of the “T”) will have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the “T”)
Basically, left turning vehicles have right-of-way unless a road sign is present to indicate otherwise.
Learn more about the Give Way rules in New Zealand by visiting the New Zealand Transport Agency website.
Passing
You must not pass another moving vehicle when there is a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line.
When changing lanes on a motorway, always indicate for at least 3 seconds and check the road is clear before changing lanes.
Motorways
On a motorway you must not:
- walk or cycle.
- stop your vehicle (unless in an emergency).
- make a U Turn.
When changing lanes on a motorway, always indicate for at least 3 seconds and check the road is clear before changing lanes.
Driving on Country Roads
Country roads may have hidden dangers. Be on the look out for loose stones, ice and single-lane bridges.
When you reach a scenic attraction, don’t drive and look at the same time. Never stop on a corner, no matter how tempting the view.
And in a country with 40 million sheep, keep a look out for livestock being herded along the roads. If you find yourself sharing the road with sheep or cows, proceed very slowly and if required stop until the farmer has cleared the road.
Help When You Need It
If you’re in an accident or an emergency, below are helpful contacts and advice on what to do.
Emergency Contacts & Resources
Police: 111 for emergencies or *555 for non-emergencies
RentX: 09 971 1231 or contact@rentxcarhire.co.nz
NZI Roadside Assistance: 0800 694 737
What to Do in an Emergency or Accident
Check for Injuries & Call Emergency Services
If anyone is injured, call 111 for an ambulance or police assistance if required.
Stay Safe & Notify RentX
Get to a safe location, and either call or email RentX. Outside of business hours, contact NZI Roadside Assistance.
Gather Important Details
Exchange details with the other party, including name, license, contact info, insurance, and rego number. Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and any damage. If police attend, note the police report number.
Report the Incident
If there’s an injury and the police haven’t attended, you must notify them within 24 hours. If property was damaged (e.g., a fence) and the owner cannot be found, notify the police within 48
Pre-Pay Tolls for a Stress-Free Trip
Skip the hassle at toll points by adding pre-paid tolls to your rental.
Make things stress free and prepay your tolls now for just $10 (cap). This is recommended for itineraries that include the North Island.
With RentX Prepaid Tolls, we will cover up to $10 of your road tolls. Any excess will be charged to you with no extra fees.
Note that when you travel through either the Auckland Northern Gateway (between Orewa and Puhoi) or the Tauranga Eastern Link / Takitimu Drive toll, you will need to prepay for your toll to ensure your payment is matched to your trip. Further details can be found on the NZ Transport Agency website.
If a toll is unpaid by you prior to travelling, RentX will be charged for the toll. If you have not purchased Prepaid Tolls with us, we will on-charge that cost and an additional $25 administration fee to you.