Unfamiliar Roads
Unfamiliar Roads
Visiting a new country can be scary, yet exciting.
So can driving in a new country!
Drivers in different countries have their own way of doing things, their own 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.
First, some basic road rules…
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We drive on the LEFT side of the road.
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We use kilometres not miles.
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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!
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RED light= Stop, YELLOW light= Slow down, Green light = Go!
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Changing lanes or turning corners; indicate for at least 3 seconds before doing so.
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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.
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Car headlights are to be turned on from 30 minutes after sunset and until 30 minutes before sunrise.
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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.
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Always carry your driver's license with you, when driving.
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.
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If going straight ahead, you must give way to all vehicles coming straight through from your right.
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If you are turning, you are to give way to all vehicles not turning.
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If you are turning left, you have the right of way to traffic turning right.
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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).
To get you on your way, we have car rentals available from three great locations in the North Island, from Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga. We have cars and vans ready to hire to take you on your beautiful New Zealand adventure. Make sure to give us a call on 0800 250 251 or you can simply book online now.
