Driving in New Zealand: everything you need to know

Do you want to experience the freedom of the open road as New Zealand’s captivating scenery unfolds before your eyes?

A self-drive tour in New Zealand gives you the chance to explore the country’s enchanting landscapes and breath-taking views at your own pace.

Fancy being the driver on your next big adventure? We’ve gathered the most important things you should know about driving in New Zealand.

The benefits of experiencing New Zealand on your own

Travelling independently through New Zealand on one of our self-drive tours allows you the freedom to make spontaneous stops along your planned route, discovering places you might have otherwise passed by.

As the driver, you’ll enjoy even greater freedom to take detours and explore along your journey.

Look forward to experiencing New Zealand’s country roads, guiding you through a tapestry of diverse landscapes – from sweeping beaches and crystal-clear lakes to snow-capped mountains and volcanic craters.

Frequently asked questions about driving in New Zealand

Driving in a new country for the first time can feel overwhelming – which is exactly why we’ve put together the essential information you need before getting behind the wheel in New Zealand.

Is it safe to drive in New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand is a safe country to travel around independently.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the local rules, stick to the speed limits, and keep an eye on the weather conditions, as these can change rapidly.

Can you drive in New Zealand with a British driving licence?

Yes, you can drive in New Zealand with your British (English) driving licence. If your licence is in a language other than English, you must carry an international driving permit (in English) in addition to your original licence.

To drive in New Zealand, you’ll need to bring an international driving permit (in English) so the authorities have a certified translation of your licence.

Please note: Your international driving permit does not replace your driving licence, so you’ll still need to have your original licence with you.

Which side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, you will drive on the left-hand side of the road, just as you do at home. So on that front, you’ll have no trouble feeling right at home behind the wheel.

How old do you have to be to drive in New Zealand?

To hire a car in New Zealand, you must be at least 21 years old. There is no maximum age limit for hiring a car in the country.

What are the roads like in New Zealand?

Roads in New Zealand are generally very well maintained. They are usually single carriageways and clearly signposted.

On long stretches, the roads are often narrower, steeper, and more winding, so you’ll need to pay a little extra attention when driving these routes.

All in all, you shouldn’t encounter any major challenges when driving in the country.

You can keep up to date with current road and safety conditions here.

What is the speed limit in New Zealand?

As a general rule, the speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h, and 100 km/h outside of urban areas.

There may be exceptions, so you should always pay close attention to local signage. You can view the different types of road signs in New Zealand here.

How do you get from the South Island to the North Island (or vice versa) by car?

If you’re travelling between the South Island and North Island by car, you can take the ferry between Wellington (north) and Picton (south). The crossing takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Do I need a GPS?

Possibly. Navigating when travelling independently in a foreign country can be tricky, so a GPS device is often very helpful. With a GPS in the car, you’ll not only get help finding your way, but you’ll also be able to easily locate petrol stations, restaurants, and more.

Please note, GPS is not included in our car hire in New Zealand. However, if your mobile plan includes roaming in New Zealand, or if you purchase an eSIM or a New Zealand SIM card upon arrival, you can use navigation services such as Google Maps without any issues during your tour.

You can download maps and routes to your satnav in advance, making it easy to find your way—even in areas with limited coverage.

Are there any other rules I should be aware of?

If there is a solid yellow line on the road, overtaking is illegal. This is often due to poor visibility or because the road is particularly winding. If the yellow line is not solid on your side, overtaking is permitted as long as you have at least 100 metres of clear visibility throughout the manoeuvre.

In New Zealand, you may come across roads and bridges that are single-lane, meaning vehicles from both directions must share the same lane. In these cases, it’s clearly signposted which direction must give way. If there’s a sign with a red arrow pointing forward, you must yield to oncoming traffic. Always give way to vehicles that are already crossing.

Where can I refuel my car in New Zealand?

Petrol stations are generally easy to find along motorways as well as near and within towns and cities.

If you’re driving through more remote areas, you may find that petrol stations are few and far between. Should your route take you into the wilderness, we recommend filling up your tank in advance and bringing along some snacks and drinks.

If you need help locating a petrol station, you’ll find apps such as Google Maps particularly handy, as they display the nearest stations to your current location.

Are there animals on the roads?

Encountering wild animals while driving in New Zealand is not uncommon.

The animals you’re most likely to see are sheep and cattle, though if you’re driving along the coast or in the far south, you might occasionally come across other creatures like seals or even penguins.

In New Zealand, animals always have the right of way on the roads. Slow down and pass carefully—without using your horn or flashing your lights—if you meet animals while driving.

When is the best time to go driving in New Zealand?

The ideal time for a self-drive tour in New Zealand is between November and April, when the days are longer, temperatures are milder, and the roads are rarely affected by snow or ice.

However, there are plenty of advantages to touring in the spring and autumn months. You’ll find fewer cars on the roads, and the landscape transforms—bursting into life with fresh greenery in spring or glowing with rich colours in autumn. Plus, the traffic tends to be much easier to handle.

During the winter months (June–August), roads—particularly in the alpine areas—can be slippery, with an increased risk of frost, ice, and snow. For this reason, we do not offer self-drive tours in New Zealand during these months.

Why choose TourCompass?

When you book a self-drive tour with TourCompass, you enjoy the very best of both worlds.

You travel independently, with the freedom to pause and explore spontaneously along your planned route—while also enjoying the extra peace of mind that comes when travelling with us. Throughout your journey, both our team and our local partners are on hand around the clock via our 24-hour emergency hotline, should you need any assistance.

This way, you can feel reassured and well supported every step of the way on your New Zealand adventure.

Fancy driving in New Zealand?

New Zealand is tailor-made for adventure behind the wheel – and with TourCompass as your tour operator, you’ll never be on your own.

Are you ready to hit New Zealand’s scenic roads, with only your windscreen separating you from some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes?

Our experienced travel specialists are on hand to help you discover your dream tour to New Zealand.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller