When holidaying abroad being
able to hire a car and travel around makes things all the more
interesting, but it pays to do a little research in advance to find
out whether there are any quirks, laws and regulations that you
need to know about.
Important factors such as local speed limits are coupled with the condition of the country’s roads, and where New Zealand is concerned many people who travel to the beautiful North and South Island choose to indulge in a driving holiday as there is so much to see.
The first thing to know about New Zealand is that drivers in that country drive on the left hand side of the road. This means the driving position is the same as that in the UK, and if you are familiar with driving in the UK you should be fine.
Road signage and give way routines are similar to those in the UK, too, and there are many resources available on tourist websites for your information.
It is vital to remember that distances and speed limits will be shown in kilometres and kilometres per hour, and it is essential not to get the two confused!
Furthermore, New Zealand is a country of wildly varying landscape, so it is easy to go from a wide straight road to a tight and twisty one in no time at all.
Like many countries New Zealand insists upon the wearing of a seatbelt by all passengers in a car, and this is strictly enforced. Also enforced to a great degree are the laws on alcohol and driving – the basic advice is don’ drink and drive, for New Zealand is famed for being very strict on drink drivers.
An English driving licence enables you to drive in New Zealand and you must carry it with you at all times; those without English licences need to apply for a permit.
In many parts of New Zealand the roads pass through rural areas, and many farms and ranches may have animals roaming. Pay close attention to farm animals in these areas, and follow the rules of the road.
New Zealand is a wonderful country with much to offer the driving tourist, but as with every country it is essential that you observe the rules and customs that the locals do.
Follow the guidelines available and you will enjoy an exciting and adventurous driving experience in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.
Important factors such as local speed limits are coupled with the condition of the country’s roads, and where New Zealand is concerned many people who travel to the beautiful North and South Island choose to indulge in a driving holiday as there is so much to see.
The first thing to know about New Zealand is that drivers in that country drive on the left hand side of the road. This means the driving position is the same as that in the UK, and if you are familiar with driving in the UK you should be fine.
Road signage and give way routines are similar to those in the UK, too, and there are many resources available on tourist websites for your information.
It is vital to remember that distances and speed limits will be shown in kilometres and kilometres per hour, and it is essential not to get the two confused!
Furthermore, New Zealand is a country of wildly varying landscape, so it is easy to go from a wide straight road to a tight and twisty one in no time at all.
Like many countries New Zealand insists upon the wearing of a seatbelt by all passengers in a car, and this is strictly enforced. Also enforced to a great degree are the laws on alcohol and driving – the basic advice is don’ drink and drive, for New Zealand is famed for being very strict on drink drivers.
An English driving licence enables you to drive in New Zealand and you must carry it with you at all times; those without English licences need to apply for a permit.
In many parts of New Zealand the roads pass through rural areas, and many farms and ranches may have animals roaming. Pay close attention to farm animals in these areas, and follow the rules of the road.
New Zealand is a wonderful country with much to offer the driving tourist, but as with every country it is essential that you observe the rules and customs that the locals do.
Follow the guidelines available and you will enjoy an exciting and adventurous driving experience in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.
Car hire information for New Zealand
