Driving a Rental Car in New Zealand
When you are driving a rental car in New Zealand, keep the following information in mind to make yours a safe and enjoyable experience.
Rental Car Safety
Check the oil levels, engine coolant and tyres for wear and pressure at least once per week (recommended every time you fuel up the vehicle). Keep any receipts for oil top-ups as you will be refunded when you return.
If using snow chains, ensure these are fitted correctly and tight to avoid damage to vehicle body and wheel arch; Drive slowly and carefully on slippery roads. Keep your speed under 60kmph when driving with snow chains.
In an automatic transmission vehicle, be sure to shift down to second gear when travelling down steep hills (this will help you to avoid brake failure).
New Zealand is a safe country. However you must lock all doors, boot and windows when you leave your vehicle. Take your valuables with you or remove them from sight.
Road rules and legal requirements
General
- In New Zealand we drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- All vehicle occupants must wear seatbelt or child restraints.
- Take regular breaks at least every two hours to lower the hazard of falling asleep while driving.
Speed Limits
- Maximum open road speed is 100km/h
- Limited Speed Zone - 50km/h in adverse conditions, otherwise 100km/h
- Maximum speed limit for urban areas is 50km/h
Traffic Lights
- Red Traffic Light - you must stop (no free turn after stopping)
- Amber Traffic Light - stop unless you cannot do so safely
- Green Traffic Light - go, but give way (yield) when turning
- Red Arrow Traffic Light - do not turn in the direction indicated
- Green Arrow Traffic Light - you may turn in the direction indicated
Intersections
- Always use your indicators if you are intending to turn
- Obey traffic lights, signs and arrows marked on the road
- Turning traffic must give way (yield) to all traffic not turning
- Give way (yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
Parking
- Never park on a yellow (solid or dashed) line or within 6m of an intersection
- Pay attention to any no-parking, limited parking or metered parking areas
- Do not exceed time limit shown on temporary parking (e.g. P40 means max 40 min)
Overtaking
- No overtaking on yellow lines
- Don't overtake near a pedestrian crossing, railway crossing or intersection
- Never overtake where you cannot see 100m in front of you at all times
Alcohol Limits
- Legal limit: 30mg alcohol per 100ml blood for drivers on restricted/learner license or < 20 years old
- Legal limit: 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood for fully licensed drivers 20 years and over
- No insurance cover if above legal alcohol limit
Rural Roads
In New Zealand, most roads are two-lane and often narrow. Some are unsealed and have no surface markings; some also change from sealed to unsealed - look out for signs which indicate this. If you can, plan your journey to avoid unsealed roads.
Unsealed roads can be dangerous and affect your control of the vehicle. They are often narrow and have gravel verges. Reduce your speed to 40-50kph or slower. Drive in established tracks where the surface is harder if possible but keep left. When approaching an oncoming vehicle slow down to pass. Road dust could obscure your view of the road ahead.
Should your vehicle slide on shingle, DO NOT BRAKE SUDDENLY.
New Zealand is an agricultural country with many farm animals. You may meet sheep or cows being moved by a farmer. Slow down and stop when you reach the animals - let them go past you, or move slowly up behind and take instructions from the farmer.
Should you injure a farm animal on a road tell the nearest farmer.