12 tips for driving in New Zealand (from an anxious driver)
If you’re a nervous driver like me, here’s what to expect on New Zealand roads
The easiest way to get around New Zealand is to rent a car or a campervan — which means most visitors need to get comfortable on New Zealand roads.
If you’re a nervous driver like me, that’s not easy.
New Zealand roads can be narrow, winding, and steep. Plus, we drive on the left. This can make driving in New Zealand challenging for visitors from the US or other countries.
If you’re from the UK, you can compare driving in new Zealand to rural Wales, Scotland, or Cornwall.
I know what it’s like to hop into the driver’s seat in a foreign country — in Norway I drove on the right for the first time in snowy conditions and it was terrifying.
Even though I’ve driven more than 10,000 miles on New Zealand roads.
So, if you’re a nail-biting, steering-wheel-clutching driver like me, here are the road rules and driving tips you need to know to help you get comfortable on New Zealand roads.
1. In New Zealand, we drive on the left
The steering wheel is on the right hand side
In New Zealand, we drive on the left hand side of the road.
One of the key things this changes is which way you look when pulling out of an intersection. It’s hard to get out of the habit of looking left (if you normally drive on the right) so just double, triple check both ways before pulling out.
This can be most confusing when going around roundabouts, and New Zealand has a lot of roundabouts. You’ll be driving around clockwise, so remember to look to your right.
From what I understand, roundabouts aren’t as common in the United States, so remember that traffic in the circle has the right of way.
Indicate left for a left turn, no signal if going straight (until you’re about to exit on the other side) and right for a right turn.
Driving on the left also means that our steering wheels are on the right hand side of the car. The turn indicator lever is on the right side. The windshield wipers are on the left.
You’ll probably mix these up for the first few days of driving in New Zealand and accidentally flick your wipers on instead of the indicator.
It’s definitely scary the first time you drive on the opposite side of the road, but as long as you’re conscious of paying attention to where you pull out and the roads you’re turning into, you’ll be fine.
One of the most common reasons for accidents is when people forget which side of the road they should be driving on and pull out into the wrong lane from intersections.
There are also a lot of tales of crashes that happen because tourists forget and drive in the wrong lane.
I have friends in Cromwell who refuse to drive on certain tourist routes because they think it’s too dangerous, and that a head-on collision is likely.
I’m not sure how well founded those fears are — there were still plenty of accidents while our borders were closed to foreigners — but there can be a lot of animosity toward tourist drivers.
Either way, driving carefully and remembering to stay left is essential.
If you’re worried about driving on the left, here are some tips:
If you’re travelling with another adult, this person should be your active co-pilot. Instead of just napping or looking at the scenery, your passenger can provide support and open, non-judgmental communication for you as the driver. They can help with turns, roundabouts, and navigation – talking out loud can help make sure you take the right side.
If you’re the passenger, don’t assume the driver always knows what they’re doing. Say something if you think they don't see an oncoming car or might have forgotten to give way when entering a roundabout.
If you can, follow other cars through turns or roundabouts.
Be extra careful when navigating or leaving parking lots, stores, and petrol stations where there isn't traffic to reliably follow. It’s easy for instincts to kick in and go the wrong way.
More accidents occur several days into the journey rather than the first few days, when drivers gain more confidence and start to be less vigilant. Try to remain alert as you get more comfortable with driving.
If it’s helpful, put your right hand down on the inside of the car to remember that the centre of the road must always be on your right side. Or, say it out loud when approaching a turn — “stay left for turns,” “I need to be on the left.”
Take your time and go slower than usual (but also don’t drive dangerously slow) and let others pass you if necessary.
2. Driving in New Zealand isn’t harder than other places — but roads might be different to what you’re used to
Driving in New Zealand is easier than in some countries, as roads are generally well maintained and road rules are carefully enforced.
The main difficulties for foreigners are driving on the left hand side of the road and adapting to the narrow, winding roads that are common in remote areas.
So, what’s different about driving in New Zealand?
Most New Zealand roads are only two lanes, with one lane in each direction. We don’t have many motorways.
Even State Highway 1, which runs the length of the country, is a narrow two lane road in some places.
A lot of roads in more remote areas might have uneven surfaces or sharp curves. This means you might find yourself getting tired quickly, and should take more breaks.
I also find the uneven road surfaces and winding roads mean I don’t feel comfortable going that fast — I tend to drive slower than the limit.
Even though the speed limit is 100km/ph on most open roads, you’ll see suggested limits on black and yellow signs at tight bends. On sharper corners, these suggested limits can be as low as 20km/ph, or they might be around 70km/ph.
Signs on the corner suggest the speed
Recommended speed signs
I tend to follow these quite closely and find the signs really helpful.
Another thing to watch out for is gravel roads.
Unsealed or gravel roads are common in a lot of scenic areas. For example, a lot of scenic DOC campgrounds (ideal camping spots if you’re on a budget) are accessed by driving down gravel roads.
Gravel is a slippery driving surface, so you have to take extra caution on unsealed roads.
It also pays to drive slowly on gravel roads if you’re in a rental car, depending on your level of excess coverage, as stones can easily flick up and damage your windscreen.
3. If traffic builds up behind you, let it pass
It is common driving etiquette in New Zealand to pull over if there are other cars behind you, even if it’s not something you would normally do at home.
It’s normal for visitors to drive a little slower than locals as you’re not familiar with the roads.
Locals won’t hold that against you, as long as you show them the courtesy of pulling over (when safe) to let any other cars behind you pass.
There are a lot of passing lanes or slow vehicle bays on main routes, but fewer on smaller and more remote roads, so keep an eye out for areas where you can pull onto the shoulder of the road.
Equally, if you’re driving slower through an area with lots of bends, don’t speed up when you hit a straight part of the road. Cars trailing you might be waiting for a safe, straight stretch so they can overtake.
I pull over a lot when driving around New Zealand, as I’m a slower driver and hate the stress of knowing people behind me probably want to go faster.
It’s also a lot safer to let traffic pass, otherwise some locals attempt dodgy passing manoeuvres.
Having said this, try not to get too stressed if you see a long line of cars behind you and there’s nowhere safe to pull over (this happens to me all the time).
As long as you’re driving at a speed you feel comfortable with, you don’t need to put yourself in danger by trying to pull over onto uneven surfaces.
4. It’s easy to underestimate how much time you will spend driving
It’s easy to underestimate travelling times in New Zealand, so always allow extra time for rest or photo stops.
There are very few four lane highways in New Zealand, so it can be slow driving if you get caught behind other vehicles or just go slow to be safe.
I tend to drive quite slowly (by New Zealand standards, where locals have a constant need for speed) but I prefer to relax and take it easy.
I often find driving quite stressful, so allowing for extra time means I can enjoy the trip more.
Just a quick note: You can usually find free public toilets in most small towns in New Zealand, which is really handy for toilet breaks. You don’t need to worry about holding on for hours until you get to your destination!
5. New Zealanders can be aggressive drivers
New Zealanders are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, until they get behind the wheel of a car.
There is a bit of an attitude of entitlement on New Zealand roads from New Zealanders (I think I can say this as a New Zealander).
People expect to be able to do at least the speed limit and act aggressively if you’re doing anything less than that. You might get tail gated by drivers who think it is their UNIMPEACHABLE RIGHT to go faster than you.
This means New Zealanders can be aggressive drivers. Don’t be surprised if you notice people tailgating you.
Try not to take it personally if someone honks at you or is driving aggressively behind you. If people are getting up close behind you, just look for the nearest place to pull over.
People won’t use their horns as much as in some countries, but you still might encounter some road rage.
Road rage in New Zealand can look like someone blasting their horn at you, swearing at you, or cutting you off on purpose.
It’s sadly quite common and 85% of New Zealanders say they have experienced road rage.
I get honked at quite frequently in Auckland, because I’m slow and cautious about pulling out of intersections into busy roads. I could probably be bolder, but I also don’t want to hurt myself or others.
If it happens to you, just take some deep breaths and remember you’re doing everything you can to drive safely — if someone is angry because you’re going slow, don’t feel pressured to speed up if it will put you and other people in danger.
6. When someone pulls over for you, it’s nice to show appreciation
If someone pulls over to let you pass, you can give a couple of quick beeps on your horn to show your thanks.
Sometimes people will flash their hazards once as a way of saying thank you.
You can also show thanks by raising your fingers from the steering wheel when someone gives way for you at a one way bridge, or lets you merge into traffic.
It’s a nice thing to do, and in keeping with the nature of New Zealanders, who mostly like to be courteous and friendly.
One survey showed that 85% of people said their mood improved when people showed them thanks on the road, so it’s a nice gesture.
I know this sounds illogical given that New Zealanders are also susceptible to road rage, but I like to think that appealing to people’s better nature is always the best option.
7. Speed cameras can be anywhere
Speed limits in New Zealand are generally 100 kilometres per hour maximum, and often less than that.
There are strict fines if you go over the speed limit.
Speed cameras are common and are good at catching people out. Even if you think you’ve stuck to the speed limits, you can get fines in the mail once you’re home — not the nicest souvenir.
Speed limits are policed even more strictly on public holidays, when there is more traffic on the road. If you’re driving on a public holiday and go even 5 kilometres over the limit, you risk getting a fine.
You may also get stung with a fee from the rental car agency if they need to supply your details to the police in case of a speeding fine.
You can also get speeding tickets for going faster than the temporary speed limit at road works sites. The limit at road works — even if workers aren’t there — is usually around 30 kilometres per hour.
If you go more than 40 km/h above the speed limit (so 70km p/hr through roadworks) you can lose your license and at more than 50 km/h over the limit you can be charged with careless, dangerous or reckless driving.
8. Winter driving in New Zealand can mean snow and ice
In New Zealand in winter, snow and ice can create an extra hazard on New Zealand roads.
I have driven rental cars around the South Island in winter and never needed snow chains, despite nearly getting stuck in a snow storm.
Some roads may close due to snow, particularly the passes going over the Southern Alps in the South Island.
The main areas you need to pay attention to in winter are high mountain passes, like Arthur’s Pass, Lewis Pass, or the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka.
Check the weather forecast before you start driving and err on the side of caution.
Heavy rain can make roads slippery and visibility poor. If there are strong winds, you might not be able to drive. Campervans have been rolled off the road by winds in the South Island.
Here are a few more winter driving safety tips:
Try and do most of your driving during daylight hours, when there are fewer hazards. This can be tricky with shorter daylight hours — you might need to be more organised and plan fewer activities than you would in summer.
If travelling long distances, take plenty of breaks — aim for a rest every two hours. This goes for both winter and summer driving, but bad weather can be more taxing if you have to concentrate harder.
Try and make sure you always have at least half a tank of petrol, in case of road closures and diversions.
9. It’s illegal to use your phone while driving in New Zealand
Be wary of using your phone while driving in New Zealand. It’s a dangerous thing to do, and it’s illegal.
Set up your phone with directions before you start driving.
Download directions before you start driving (as in many places in New Zealand, you might not have mobile reception).
If you’re travelling alone, it can be hard to stay on top of directions, so the safest thing to do is pull over and check where you’re going.
10. There are lots of one way bridges in New Zealand
Because of the narrow nature of New Zealand’s roads, one-way bridges are common.
The side that has the big white arrow has the right of way. The red arrow is accompanied by a Give Way sign.
In the South Island, there’s even a one way bridge shared by trains and cars.
11. Road works are common on New Zealand roads
Here’s an update from New Zealand’s transport agency, Waka Kotahi (it’s worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page for updates). The first few months of 2024 will see lots of road works around New Zealand:
When driving through areas with road works, you’ll see temporary speed limit signs.
A lot of locals ignore these signs and go way faster than the stated limit, but don’t follow suit.
Temporary limits are the legal limit, so you can get stung with speeding fines if you go faster.
I was once pulled over by a cop for going faster than the limit through a road works area, even though that stretch of road looked clear and open.
12. Make sure you know where you can drive your campervans or motorhome in New Zealand
Larger vehicles, like motorhomes and big campervans, can be unwieldy on New Zealand roads.
There are some places you just won’t be able to get to and other places you won’t be allowed to go, depending on who you hire your vehicle from.
It’s worth checking with your rental car or campervan provider whether you’re allowed to drive on gravel roads, or whether there are specific roads that are off limits.
Most campervan and motorhome rental companies have blanket restrictions that mean you can only drive on sealed or well-maintained roads.
There might be exceptions for gravel roads to campgrounds, or major tourist attractions, but in most cases you won’t be permitted to drive distances longer than a few kilometres on unsealed roads.
Other roads that are usually off limits include:
90 Mile Beach (technically a road)
Skippers Canyon Road (terrifying)
Sometimes it’s worth listening to this advice.
I once got a Jucy van stuck in the sand at 90 Mile Beach and spent an hour panicking before a local man stopped and helped tow me out of the hole I had dug myself into.
Sometimes it’s just limiting though, especially if you want to get off the beaten track.
Wilderness Motorhomes is one rental company that has a notable exception to road restrictions, so they are worth checking out if you have the budget for a more luxurious campervan and want freedom to drive anywhere.
Driving in New Zealand for Americans
If coming from the US, you don’t need an international driving permit to drive in New Zealand. A full US driver’s license is enough for you to rent a car.
If you stay longer than 12 months, you will need to transfer to a New Zealand licence.
Thanks for reading this far! Road tripping is definitely one of the best ways to see New Zealand, so I hope these tips have helped you feel more confident about renting a car.
If you’re in the middle of planning your trip, you might also find these articles useful:
