Driving in New Zealand
Photo: Remember, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Driving around New Zealand will allow you to see those parts of this wonderfully scenic country that tourist operators haven't discovered yet.
UnderstandOwing to its sparse population, New Zealand is a highly car-dependent country. Around 94% of households own at least one car, and 60% own two or more.
Road rulesThe minimum age to obtain a car or motorcycle driver licence in New Zealand is 16. However, it takes a minimum of 18 months and two practical driving tests before a person can drive without restrictions.
Road signsNew Zealand road signs follow a mixture of European and American conventions. The full range of signs is illustrated in the New Zealand Road Code.
City drivingIn urban areas the speed limit is 50 km/h unless there are signs indicating otherwise.
Open roadDue to the low population density, New Zealand only has around 350 km of motorways (freeways) and expressways, and these are mainly concentrated around Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Highway networkThe main national highway network in New Zealand is the State Highway network, which connects major towns, cities and destinations in both main islands.
Toll roadsThere are three toll roads in New Zealand, located near Auckland and Tauranga. All are electronic toll roads; there are no booths so you need to purchase the toll before or within three days after using the road.
HazardsThe South Island used to be home to a number of combined road-rail bridges, particularly on State Highway 6 on the West Coast.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Driving in New Zealand" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Remember, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons