Before you put the key in the ignition and hit the road, it’s important to put safety first and take the time to understand the local road rules.
Driving in New Zealand - what you need to know
The video is also available in Chinese, French and German.
Chinese version - Watch now
French version - Watch now
German version - Watch now
Driving tips
What's Different About Driving In New Zealand
The What’s Different About Driving In New Zealand guide is an easy-to-read information booklet from the New Zealand Transport Agency. The guide explains the road rules and provides tips and information to help you have a safe and enjoyable journey in New Zealand. You can download it now in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Arabic.
Driving time and distance calculator
It's easy to underestimate travelling times in New Zealand. The distances on the map can be deceptive and don't account for windy, hilly or narrow roads, which can add time to your journey. It’s not safe to drive when you are tired so this handy driving time and distance calculator can help you plan your journey - and your breaks - so you arrive safely at your destination.
AA's Visiting Driver Training programme
We want to make sure every driver is adequately prepared and understands 'what's different' about driving in New Zealand. We recommend that you visit the AA’s visiting Driver training programme at http://www.aa.co.nz/visiting-drivers and complete the training programme before you leave home. It’ll help you understand the NZ road rules and the typical road conditions you will experience here in New Zealand. You can print a ‘certificate of completion’ and then present it to the rental desk to show you have taken steps to prepare yourself for driving in New Zealand. We will give you a discount off the cost of ancillary charges equivalent to the cost of the certificate.
What's Different About Driving In New Zealand
The What’s Different About Driving In New Zealand guide is an easy-to-read information booklet from the New Zealand Transport Agency. The guide explains the road rules and provides tips and information to help you have a safe and enjoyable journey in New Zealand. You can download it now in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Arabic.