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One person’s hard is another person’s easy, right?
I always think about that when I see nervous visitors posting questions about driving in New Zealand, like they’re about to navigate some wild off-road jungle.
But honestly? Driving here is pretty chill, and it’s one of the easiest countries I’ve driven in.
Here’s what you really need to know before hitting the road.
2. Take It Slow
Speeding might be the norm in other countries, but here it’s just not worth it. Kiwis are pretty laid-back drivers, and speed cameras are no joke. Chill out, take your time, and enjoy the scenery—it’s part of the trip!
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
3. Get Full Coverage (Trust Me)
It might feel like an upsell, but it’s so worth it for your peace of mind. A tiny pebble can crack a windscreen (happens a lot on South Island roads), or a parking lot scratch can become a paperwork nightmare. Save yourself the stress and get the coverage.
4. Embrace the Roundabouts
Roundabouts are everywhere here. Once you get the hang of them, they’re a breeze, but always give way to those already in the circle or coming from your right. It’s easy to forget if you’re not used to them, but locals expect you to know the drill.
5. Pay, Then Fill Up
Most petrol stations are self-serve. It’s easy: pay first (inside or at the machine), then fill up. And double-check that you’re using the right fuel—nothing worse than realising too late that you put diesel in your petrol car.
6. Rural Roads Are Really Empty
Even in peak season, some stretches feel like you’re driving in a post-apocalyptic movie—no cars for hours. Embrace it! Just keep an eye on your fuel gauge (and maybe carry some snacks). Another South Island staple, is the one way lane bridges that you’ll go through. Just remember that the arrow indicates who has priority.
7. Watch Out for Cyclists
Especially in the South Island during summer—there’s a big biking culture here. Roads can be narrow and winding, and it’s easy to miss a cyclist in your blind spot. Slow down, give them space, and enjoy the ride.
8. Don’t Get Too Comfy
9. Tolls Only in the North Island (But Still Read This)
The South Island’s got no toll roads, which is great. But if you’re heading north later, like near Auckland or Wellington, remember that toll roads here are free-flowing. That means you just drive through and pay online later. Forget to pay and you’ll get extra fees.
10. Let People Pass Like a Good Kiwi
If you’re going slow (no shame in that), use the slow lanes or pull over when it’s safe to let faster cars pass. Locals really appreciate it, and it keeps everyone happy on the road.
Plus, there are so many beautiful places to stop and take in the view, there is no reason to speed through the experience.
My recent road trip all around the South Island, gave me all these stunning views and more. Make sure to read my comprehensive guide on planning a road trip in New Zealand, for more suggestions.
Bonus: New Zealand Drivers Expect Everyone to Play by the Rules
Coming from places with more creative driving styles (hello, Southern Europe and parts of Asia), I’ve noticed Kiwi drivers are generally more relaxed and expect everyone to follow the rules.
Sure, rules get broken here too, but overall, people drive pretty defensively and assume the system works. That means they might be slower to react to unexpected moves, so drive predictably and signal properly.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting New Zealand
- Emergency: Dial 111 for all emergencies.
- Language: Both English and Māori are official languages in New Zealand. Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi are also widely spoken. Common phrases to learn are “Kia ora” (Hi – informal greeting), “Aotearoa” (Māori name for New Zealand), “Mōrena”, (Good morning), “Whānau”, (Family).
- Water: Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.
- Driving: Left-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Geography: New Zealand has two main islands (North and South) and a number of smaller islands including Steward Island at the bottom of the South Island.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Air New Zealand (check out their safety videos) and Jetstar.
- Taxi: You will be able to download apps like Uber, Ola and Cabify among others, to order taxi rides.
- Culture: It is not uncommon for people to walk barefoot in certain settings in New Zealand. The summer season is popular for festivals, roadtrips and of course, a good opportunity to see a rugby game.
