What's it like driving in New Zealand?

New Zealand  is a land of breathtaking landscapes, winding roads, and unforgettable adventures! If you're planning a trip to this paradise on earth, get ready to experience one of the most scenic road trips of your life. But what’s it like driving in New Zealand, especially if you’ve never driven on that side of the road before? In this post, I’ll  delve into some important things  you need to know about driving in New Zealand from my own personal experience. So buckle up and let's hit the road!

Getting Behind the Wheel

Before you embark on your New Zealand road trip, there are a few essentials to take care of. Make sure you have a valid driver's license (either from your home country or an international driving permit) and familiarize yourself with New Zealand's road rules. Remember, they drive on the left side of the road there! Another thing that people don’t realize is that on many of the vehicles in New Zealand, the windshield wiper control and the turn signal indicator are switched. One of the local’s I ran into said, “you can always tell a tourist because they turn on their windshield wipers instead of their turn signal.” 

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Whether you opt for a compact car, a spacious campervan, or a rugged 4WD, choosing the right vehicle can make or break your road trip experience. In my experience, due to the narrow roads, small parking spaces, and having to navigate some cities, a smaller/compact car is going to be your best bet. There are lots of parking garages in the bigger cities, and finding parking can be daunting. Be prepared to pay for parking almost anywhere you go in the cities. If you have to parallel park, then a smaller/compact vehicle is going to serve you better. Also, if you’re driving on the left side of the road for the first time, the narrow roads on both islands can sometimes be a little intimidating, especially with mountains on one side and oncoming traffic on the other. This is another reason I opt for a small vehicle. 

Navigating the Roads

New Zealand's roads offer a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal highways to mountain passes. While the scenery is stunning, some roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. This is not a country where you’re going to want to be speeding. When you’re driving in New Zealand, you’ll often find that most drivers are going under the speed limit or right at the speed limit (which is in Kilometers Per Hour). There is also lots of construction in New Zealand, so many times you’ll need to slow down to 35 KPH, and will probably be greeted by a line of traffic, as the road will narrow to one lane. You'll often find temporary traffic lights in construction zones to facilitate traffic in both directions. Another thing that is “fun” about driving in New Zealand is the animals! Many times you’ll encounter sheep wandering the roads, like I did coming back from Hobbiton. You just have to stop the vehicle and wait for the farmer to herd them back to where they’re going. Which is why you don’t always trust google maps in New Zealand, with the traffic, construction, animals, and winding roads, it’s important to add extra time to your route for the unforeseen delays. 

Tips and Tricks

While driving in New Zealand is a fantastic way to explore the country, it's essential to prioritize safety at all times. Be mindful of changing weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas, and make sure to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. In fact there are a number of public safety signs in New Zealand that will remind you to take a rest or slow down. You’re in New Zealand, so why not stop and enjoy the amazing scenery?

Right of Way

Another thing that people should be aware of while driving in NZ, especially on the south island, is the use of one lane bridges and who has the right of way. If you see a black or white arrow in your direction of travel and a red arrow in the opposite direction, it means you have the right of way across the bridge and the oncoming traffic should yield to you. Obviously the reverse is true, if you see a smaller red arrow in your direction of travel. Some of the bridges are large and have small turnouts built in and if you find yourself crossing one of those bridges and oncoming traffic is coming your way one of you can make your way to those little cut outs. 

Holding up traffic

It is illegal in New Zealand to hold up traffic, but obviously you can’t just get over anywhere. Along many of the roads in New Zealand, you’ll see areas to pull over and allow traffic to pass. In these situations, signal that you’re pulling over, slow down and pull into the turnout. Usually, most drivers will signal their appreciation by giving a couple toots of their horn, to say thank you (it’s not like America). Also, you’re going to want to take lots of pictures, and NZ has done a great job of telling you where there are great places to pull over and do that. They’re marked with a camera and even give you which side of the road the spots are on and how far away they are. Use those to the best of your ability to take photos, unless you have that amazing once in a lifetime shot, then I suggest you find a safe place with a turnout to pull over. 

Embarking on a road trip through New Zealand is an experience like no other. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, friendly locals, and endless opportunities for adventure, it's no wonder that driving enthusiasts flock to this corner of the world. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Happy travels!

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