Driving in New Zealand

Driving is relatively straightforward in New Zealand as traffic is light, the distance between towns is reasonably short and roads and signs are well maintained. There are few multi-lane highways. Unsealed back-roads in the country can be a hazard and care must be taken.

If you have a valid, unrestricted and current driver's licence from your home country, or an international driving permit you will be able to drive in New Zealand for 12 months before you require a New Zealand driver's licence.

Legal Requirements

• New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• There are three phases to the traffic lights - red (stop), orange (get ready), and green (go).
• The speed limit is 100km/h (60mph) on the open roads and motorways. Central Auckland has a speed limit of 80km/h and built-up areas are usually 30-50km/h. (30mph).
• Do not drink and drive, as this is a very serious offence. The police can stop you and there are often random road stops or checks at any time of the day or night to breathalyse drivers. If you are stopped you will be required to blow into a plastic bag or speak into a machine that measures the amount of alcohol in your breath. If you refuse this test you will be taken to a testing centre where you will have another test and a sample of your blood will be taken.
• You will not be covered by your insurance if you have an accident while driving and are over the legal limit for alcohol. If you are convicted, you will automatically lose your licence, and be heavily fined or be put in jail.
• LSZ means the speed limit is restricted due to unsafe driving conditions like poor visibility, animals on the road, bad weather, pedestrians, school children or cyclists.
• Speed cameras and radar abound and plain clothes traffic officers and police are a speed deterrent.
• The law requires the driver to give way to any traffic approaching or crossing on the driver's right if you are at:
  - a ` Give Way ' sign
  - a `Stop' sign - stop completely then give way to all traffic - do not go over the line or you will be fined
  - going straight ahead - give way to all traffic coming straight through from your right
  - turning - give way to all vehicles not turning
  - turning left - give way to all vehicles coming towards you that are turning right
  - turning right - give way to vehicles on your right that are turning right.
• Safety belts must be worn at all times in the front and back by all occupants of the car.
• You are responsible for ensuring that all children under five years must be in an approved restraint or safety seat.
• Safety helmets are compulsory and must be worn by all cyclists and motorcyclists. They must conform to the New Zealand Standard and be securely fastened and can be purchased at cycle shops. There is a fine of NZ$55 for breaking this law.