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Driving New Zealand
 New Zealand is a remarkable
country and one of the best ways to see it is by driving
yourself.
As you drive
around NZ, there are many benefits and some dangers,
biggest risk is driving on the wrong side of the road
and every year many drivers from the USA or Europe have
accidents as cars keep to the left lane. The greatest benefit for the
self driver is the freedom to stop, explore, get off
the beaten track and keep your own schedule.
The main
highways are up to and often better than in many
countries. Some of the minor roads are little more than
gravel tracks so to drive NZ, it is important to select
the car for the conditions you intend to drive in. We
suggest that if you are a regular driver that any normal
car is ok and it will get you around most of the
country. There are many modern 2wd rental cars and motor
homes available. For enthusiasts there are luxury cars,
sports cars and 4wd vehicles available.
Speeds are measured in
kilometers per hour, and in most towns, the limit is 50
kph with restrictions of 60, 70 and 80kph in some areas.
The open highway speed is 100kph and well patrolled by
the police who enjoy collecting speeding fines. Most
roads are well signposted and few people have problems
with direction and if lost, ask for help.
Highways are all named and
numbered, i.e. highway one runs the length of the
country from north to south. We will over the next few
weeks be adding to this area of the site.
Click here to calculate actual distances
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