New Zealand's tourist routes are of a generally high standard and the main roads are sealed. All roads, including those in rural locations, are signposted. Remember to drive on the left!
Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP).Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.
Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.
Road Rules
New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).
Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats. Get plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you get sleepy.
Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand, drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
Cycling and Motorbikes
- Helmets for riders of cycles and motorbikes must be worn at all times.
- Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night.
- Motorbikes should drive with a headlight on at all times.
- Cycling is not permitted on motorways.
For comprehensive information about driving in New Zealand, from road rules to vehicle safety, visit the Land Transport Safety Authority website
The following chart gives you an approximate indication of distances between main centres:
North Island |
South Island | |||||
| distance miles/km | driving hours | distance miles/km | driving hours | |||
Auckland to: |
Christchurch to: | |||||
| Napier | 262/422 | 6:35 | Milford Sound | 480/772 | 10:40 | |
| Paihia | 149/240 | 4:15 | Mount Cook | 206/331 | 4:55 | |
| Rotorua | 145/233 | 3:35 | Nelson | 263/423 | 6:15 | |
| Waitomo | 124/200 | 3:10 | Picton | 209/336 | 5:00 | |
| Wellington | 409/658 | 9:15 | Queenstown | 302/486 | 7:15 | |
Napier to: |
Nelson to: | |||||
| Auckland | 262/422 | 6:35 | Christchurch | 263/423 | 6:15 | |
| Paihia | 411/661 | 9:50 | Milford Sound | 712/1146 | 18:35 | |
| Rotorua | 139/224 | 3:50 | Mount Cook | 469/775 | 10:30 | |
| Waitomo | 190/306 | 5:05 | Picton | 68/109 | 2:10 | |
| Wellington | 201/323 | 4:50 | Queenstown | 431/693 | 12:45 | |
Rotorua to: |
Mount Cook to: | |||||
| Auckland | 145/233 | 3:35 | Christchurch | 206/331 | 4:55 | |
| Napier | 139/224 | 3:50 | Milford Sound | 342/550 | 8:55 | |
| Paihia | 295/475 | 7:50 | Nelson | 469/755 | 10:30 | |
| Waitomo | 103/166 | 2:45 | Picton | 414/666 | 9:45 | |
| Wellington | 286/460 | 6:30 | Queenstown | 163/262 | 3:50 | |
Waitomo to: |
Picton to: | |||||
| Auckland | 124/200 | 3:10 | Christchurch | 209/336 | 5:00 | |
| Napier | 190/306 | 5:05 | Milford Sound | 689/1109 | 18:25 | |
| Paihia | 273/439 | 7:25 | Mount Cook | 414/666 | 9:45 | |
| Rotorua | 103/166 | 2:45 | Nelson | 68/109 | 2:10 | |
| Wellington | 294/473 | 7:10 | Queenstown | 511/822 | 13:20 | |
Wellington to: |
Queenstown to: | |||||
| Auckland | 409/658 | 9:15 | Christchurch | 302/486 | 7:15 | |
| Napier | 201/323 | 4:50 | Milford Sound | 181/291 | 5:05 | |
| Paihia | 558/898 | 13:30 | Mount Cook | 163/262 | 3:50 | |
| Rotorua | 286/460 | 6:30 | Nelson | 431/693 | 12:45 | |
| Waitomo | 294/473 | 7:10 | Picton | 511/822 | 13:20 | |