Visiting a new country can be scary, yet exciting... but so can driving in a new country!

When you choose Rite Price Rentals, you’ll be able to book the perfect car rental/ car hire for your trip. We have plenty of options to suit you and your family or friends.

Drivers in different countries have their own driving habits, different expectations of other drivers, and of course a different set of road rules that they’re used to.

So we thought we would give you a few tips on mastering the roads of New Zealand. Or at least helping you feel a bit more comfortable and safe driving our roads.

• In New Zealand, we drive on the LEFT side of the road.

• We use kilometres not miles- so make sure you're driving to the correct speed/ speed limit.

• Stick to your lane (which will be marked with either white or yellow lines) and don’t cross the double yellow lines separating each side of the road!

• RED light= Stop, YELLOW light= Slow down, GREEN light = Go!

• Changing lanes or turning corners; you must indicate for at least 3 seconds before doing so.

• Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers and drivers in New Zealand. If you are caught by the police breaking this law, you will get fined.

• Car headlights are to be turned on from 30 minutes after sunset and until 30 minutes before sunrise. In addition to this, if the weather is causing some difficulty in your vision, it's recommended you turn your lights on low beam.

• During wet, foggy or icy road conditions, we go by the four-second rule; reduce your driving speed and make sure you are driving four seconds behind the driver in front of you.

• Always carry your driver's license with you, when driving. Again if you get stopped by the police without your license, you will get a fine.

Stop signs, you must stop, wait, check each way for 3 seconds, before you can go (making sure the roads are clear and safe to go) If you don’t abide by these rules and a cop catches you, you will be fined (yikes!!).

Give way signs are a little less strict than Stop signs, but you must still check both ways are clear before continuing. Give way to all vehicles except those that have stopped at a Stop sign.

• If going straight ahead, you must give way to all vehicles coming straight through from your right.

• If you are turning, you are to give way to all vehicles not turning.

• If you are turning left, you have the right of way to traffic turning right.

• If you are turning right, you must give way to all vehicles.

As do most countries, we have some strict rules in New Zealand around drinking alcohol and driving. Particular rules surrounding this will affect different people in different ways, depending on what kind of license you carry and your age. We advise that if you are drinking and planning on driving, make sure you are well within the limit. Make sure you’re drinking water and eating food while enjoying a drink. If you aren’t in a confident state to drive or you find yourself in an unstable state, please call a local taxi to take you home. You can head back to pick the car up the next day. If you have an accident resulting from driving under the influence, you may not only affect you and your passengers, but members of the public could also be seriously involved. We would rather you be safe than sorry.

It’s always a good idea to get familiar with the roads you’re driving because the last thing anyone wants is your amazing holiday to end on a bad note. If you’d like some more thorough information on driving in New Zealand, head along to the New Zealand Transport website (www.nzta.govt.nz).

Explore New Zealand with Rite Price Rentals! Rent a car from Rotorua, Hamilton or Tauranga and explore everything that New Zealand has to offer. We have car or van hire options depending on the size of your family or group. Rite Price Rentals is New Zealand’s trusted car rental company. Make sure to give us a call on 0800 250 251 or simply book online.