Driving in New Zealand can be different from driving in other countries. We drive on the left, many roads are narrow and winding, and journeys can take longer than the distance on a map might suggest.
Before collecting your Shore Rentals vehicle, please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s road rules and driving conditions.
Arriving after a long-haul flight?
Driving while tired significantly increases the risk of a crash. If you have just arrived in New Zealand after a long flight, we strongly recommend staying overnight in Auckland and beginning your journey once you are properly rested.
Please watch our short New Zealand driving video and review the information below before setting off.
10 key road rules for driving in New Zealand
1. Keep left
Always drive on the left-hand side of the road. Take particular care when leaving a car park, petrol station or driveway, and when turning at an intersection.
Remember: the driver should always be closest to the centre line.
2. Always wear your seatbelt
Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are sitting in the front or the back.
Children must be secured in an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size. Please ask the Shore Rentals team about child-seat hire if required.
3. Follow speed limits and STOP signs
Do not exceed the posted speed limit and always come to a complete stop at a STOP sign.
The posted speed limit is the maximum permitted speed, not necessarily the safest speed. You may need to drive more slowly depending on the road, traffic and weather conditions.
4. Slow down for bends and one-lane bridges
Reduce your speed before bends and pay attention to the recommended speeds shown on yellow warning signs.
When approaching a one-lane bridge, slow down and check which direction has priority before proceeding.
5. Overtake only when it is safe
Use passing lanes whenever possible and never cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line.
Be patient on narrow or winding roads. If vehicles are building up behind you, pull over at a safe place and allow them to pass.
6. Take regular rest breaks
Plan to stop and rest at least every one to two hours. Share the driving where possible and never continue driving if you feel tired or sleepy.
If you become tired, stop somewhere safe. A short break, nap or overnight stay is always safer than trying to continue.
7. Drive to the conditions
Reduce your speed in rain, strong winds, fog, snow or icy conditions, and when travelling through roadworks or on loose gravel.
New Zealand weather and road conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast and highway conditions before beginning each journey.
8. Allow enough travelling time
Driving in New Zealand often takes longer than expected because many roads are narrow, hilly or winding.
Plan your route before leaving, allow extra time and avoid trying to cover long distances in one day.
9. Never drink or take drugs and drive
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in New Zealand and is strictly enforced by Police.
The safest choice is not to drink any alcohol before driving.
10. Do not use a handheld mobile phone
It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
If you need to make a call, send a message, adjust your navigation or look at directions, pull over and stop somewhere safe first.
Before collecting your rental vehicle
All drivers must carry a current and valid driver licence while driving in New Zealand.
If your driver licence is not written in English, you must also provide and carry an accurate English translation from an NZTA-approved translation service or an acceptable International Driving Permit.
At pickup, we will ask whether you are comfortable:
- Driving on the left-hand side of the road
- Driving the size and transmission type of your rental vehicle
- Using New Zealand roundabouts
- Driving on narrow and winding roads
- Judging when it is safe to overtake
- Taking regular breaks and avoiding driving while tired
Please answer honestly. If anything feels unfamiliar, our Shore Rentals team can provide additional information and allow time for you to become familiar with the vehicle before setting off.
Plan your journey
Check your route, realistic driving time, road conditions and weather before every longer journey.
- Visit DriveSafe New Zealand
- Download the multilingual Driving in New Zealand guide
- Plan your journey with NZTA
- Check current highway conditions
- Check MetService weather warnings
If you need help
For Police, Fire or Ambulance emergencies, call 111.
If you have questions about your vehicle or rental during your journey, contact Shore Rentals on:
Within New Zealand: (09) 488 0920
International: +64 9 488 0920
We want you to feel confident, prepared and safe while enjoying your journey through New Zealand.