Driving in New Zealand is
enjoyable and a highlight in itself, visitors have remarked that
to get behind the wheel in New Zealand is like it was at home in
the !950's, open roads and no traffic jams.
New
Zealand Road Rules:
New
Zealand road rules follow international standards. New Zealand
drives on the left side of the road (the same as in the UK and
Japan, and opposite to the USA and Europe).
Drivers
Licenses:
International
licenses are valid in New Zealand as are the licenses from many
individual countries. All drivers must be at least 21 years of
age. It is important that the license is written in English in
order that our hirer and traffic officers can read the details.
Traveling
Times:
The
maximum speed limit for the open road in new Zealand is 100
kilometers/hour (62 miles/hour). Drivers generally travel
slightly under the speed limit.
Please
note that average speeds are lower and it takes longer to travel
distances in new Zealand than might be expected. This is due to
the roads going around the spectacular scenery.
Please
refer to the driving times
for typical driving times between locations.
Rural
Driving:
Most
New Zealand routes have good roads especially designed for our
prevailing conditions. Many roads have gravel verges. Be mindful
to keep clear of the verge, especially on corners. Some isolated
roads are unsealed and use gravel as the surface. In these
cases, drive slowly. Note that there are some roads which are
not suitable for rental cars. You will be advised of these at
the time you pick up your vehicle.
During
winter and early spring, some roads in the South Island and
central North Island may be closed because of snow and ice.
There will usually be an alternative route for you to take, it
is recommended that you carry a set of snow chains during June
through to September when traveling in our alpine regions.
Seat
Belts:
It
is compulsory in New Zealand that the driver and all passengers
wear their seatbelts. This is an important safety requirement.
More
Information:
For
more detailed information on traffic rules, you can visit the
New Zealand Government Land Transport Safety Authority website.
Here you will find user friendly information specifically for
visitors who intend to drive in New Zealand.
Driving
Times:
Based
on an average speed of 80-100 km/hr (50-55 mph) with allowances
for short rest stops and refreshments.
North Island.
South Island.
Picton
- Christchurch
Picton - Nelson
Nelson - Hokitika
Hokitika - Franz Josef
Franz Josef - Wanaka
Wanaka - Queenstown
Queenstown - Te Anau
Queenstown - Dunedin
Queenstown - Christchurch
Dunedin - Christchurch
Christchurch - Hanmer Springs
Christchurch-Lake Tekapo |
4.30
hrs
2.00 hrs
4.30 hrs
2.30 hrs
3.30 hrs
2.00 hrs
2.30 hrs
5.00 hrs
7.00 hrs
5.00 hrs
1.30 hrs
3.00 hrs |
Smoke-free
Restaurants and bars:
Smoking is not permitted indoors in any
restaurant or bar. Most establishments provide a designated area
outdoors for smoking, often sheltered from the weather .
Museums
& Art Galleries:
New
Zealand has a comprehensive network of museums and art galleries
to suit all interests, from private collections of special
interests through to major exhibitions and national collections.
To find them an online national database is available and is
searchable by interest and regional location.
Hunting
and Fishing:
Opportunities
abound throughout the country and access is generally free,
professional guides are available throughout New Zealand to
ensure you get the most from your experience. For fishing, in
general, if in salt water no license is required, in fresh water
a license is required. Ask your accommodation Hosts, sports
shop, or information office for advice. For rules and
regulations online.
New
Zealand Conservation:
With
less than 4 million people and an area larger than the United
Kingdom, New Zealand has a lot of open spaces, Many hundreds of
Scenic Reserves, National Parks and Marine Reserves have been
created. Walking and Hiking tracks abound generally free, picnic
spots and a full range of recreational opportunities.
Accessibility is easy, but a word of warning, be careful as
conditions can change, seek advice from locals on prevailing
conditions before you venture too far.
New
Zealand's conservation estate is managed by the New Zealand
Department of Conservation, a group of dedicated professionals
who have done and continue to do a wonderful job of protecting
our treasured land and making it possible to visit it. Wherever
you get the chance to visit one of their information offices, we
recommend you do so, you will be well rewarded. Excellent online
resources are provided.
Covered
in depth are;
-
Abel
Tasman National Park
-
Aoraki
Mount Cook National Park
-
Arthur's
Pass National Park
-
Egmont
National Park
-
Fiordland
National Park
-
Kahurangi
National Park
-
Mount
Aspiring National Park
-
Nelson
Lakes National Park
-
Paparoa
National Park
-
Te
Urewera National Park
-
Tongariro
National Park
-
Westland
National Park
-
Whanganui
National Park
Kiwi
Walks:
Kiwi
Walks are a series of walks throughout NZ that are:
-
easily
accessible to a person wearing leisure footwear
-
no
more than one hour in duration
-
suitable
for most ages and fitness levels
-
maintained
and free.
Historic
Places Trust:
New
Zealand's historic places are protected and administered by The
New Zealand Historic Places Trust, for visitors who belong to
similar overseas organizations you may find you have
reciprocal rights where entry charges are applicable. Online
resources are available.
Maori
Culture:
The
places you plan to visit on you New Zealand itinerary will
generally determine your opportunities to experience and learn
about Maori culture. Most main centre and Rotorua in particular
offer opportunities to meet Maori people and understand their
culture. Museums throughout New Zealand will generally have some
Maori representation. Modern influences in our Arts are
widespread.
Horses:
For
everything you need to know about horses in New Zealand,
Horsetalk, horse news and comprehensive information including
New Zealand breeders, features, eventing and much more.
Go
to Directory Part one:
