Safe Driving in New Zealand
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Staying Secure on New Zealand's Roadways
Cross Country is a specialist in providing short- and long-term rentals for business. With a range of vehicles, from small compact cars to SUVs, utilities, buses and trucks, our fleet, along with our extended network of locations, makes your travel easy!
Navigating New Zealand Roads Safely
New Zealand is long (1600km approx.) and narrow (400km approx). Whilst it is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful country, our driving conditions may vary from what you are used to.
New Zealand does not have a lot of long, straight roads and we have relatively few motorways. Most roads are single-lane in each direction, without barriers in the middle. Many are narrow, hilly and have sharp or unexpected turns. You may also encounter loose gravel roads and livestock.
When planning your trip, allow enough time to have a break every two hours - drivers need to be alert. Click here for an online Travel Time and Distances calculator - it will also show a map of your route (we suggest you treat the estimated driving time as the minimum driving time). You can also check on Traffic and Road Closures on the NZTA website.
Weather Condition
Weather conditions can change quickly in New Zealand. Check the weather forecast/s along your route before leaving, especially if you will be driving in late autumn or winter (May, June, July, August), when it may also be advisable to carry snow chains in some areas. Snow chains are available at select Cross Country branches - please talk with our local team about your requirements and availability.
Overview of New Zealand climate: NIWA | New Zealand Weather Forecasts: MetService | Weather Warnings: MetService
Driver License Requirement
To drive any of Cross Country hire vehicles, the driver/s must hold a full ‘Class 1’ drivers licence. An International Driver’s Permit is required by law in New Zealand if the Licence is not in English.
If the driver is intending to be rewarded or paid for driving, they also need a 'P' Passenger Endorsement and a 'PSL' Passenger Service Licence. Click here for NZ Transport Agency Drivers Licence information.
It is extremely important to understand New Zealand Road Rules, Speed Limits, Traffic Signs and Signals. See the official New Zealand Road Code (New Zealand Transport Authority website).
You can also download the NZTA ‘Booklet for Overseas Drivers’ (PDF); in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, or Arabic.
Below are the main Speed Limit Signs you will see in New Zealand. NB: If you are driving and not feeling confident enough to drive to the speed limit, find a safe place to pull over and let following traffic pass.
- Maximum speed limit for urban areas is 50km/h
- Maximum speed on the open road is 100km/h
- Limited Speed Zone (LSZ): you must drive 50km/h in adverse conditions, otherwise the 100km/h limit applies
- Open Road: The maximum speed is 100km/h but drive to the conditions
Signs and Signals
Green light
Go, but give way (yield) to straight-through traffic if you are turning.
Yellow light
Stop unless you are too close to the lights to do so safely.
Red Light
You must stop – you cannot go straight ahead or turn.
Red light + Green arrow
You may turn in the direction of the arrow, but not go straight ahead.
Yellow arrow + Yellow light
Whether you are intending to turn or go straight ahead, stop if you can do so safely.
Green light + Red arrow
You cannot turn, but may go straight ahead.
Some helpful resources to ensure you stay safe while driving in New Zealand
While driving around New Zealand is a great way to get around, there are a few things that are different to the rest of the world when it comes to driving.
Check out the New Zealand Transport Authority website for a full breakdown of the most useful information for those unfamiliar with driving in New Zealand. NZTA offers this information in most common languages.
Snap has also pulled together some quick tips for your below:
Quick Tips
1) Keep left
2) Give way at intersections
In general, if you’re turning, give ways to all vehicles going straight.
3) No left turn at a red light.
4) The driver must not use a hand-held mobile phone or operate the GPS while driving.
5) Travel times
NZ has some hilly, tight, and winding roads, therefore distances can be deceptive. Plan your journey, take your time, and do not rush.
Do not drive when tired. Take breaks and enjoy the journey.
6) Sharing the road with cyclists
Cyclists have the same rights as drivers. Slow down and pass safely and carefully.
7) Alcohol and drugs
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8) Driving speeds
The open road speed limit is 100 km/hr. Generally, the road speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/hr. Sometimes poor conditions or winding roads will require you to go slower.
9) All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times
10) Driver licensing requirements
A current and valid driver's licence and an English translation, if applicable, must be held at all times when
you are driving.
11) Overtaking
Do not overtake or cross a solid yellow line on your side
12) One-lane bridges
Follow the arrows on the signs. They indicate who has right of way.
13) Winter driving poses wet or icy conditions. Slow down and avoid breaking suddenly. Chains may be required in icy or snowy conditions.
14) Be cautious of farm animals on rural roads. Slow down, do not sound your horn and let the animals pass.
15) On unsealed (gravel) roads slow down and corner carefully. Be cautious of dust limiting visibility.
16) Rail Crossings
Slow down when approaching, follow the signs/lights, and cross only when indicated/safe to do so.
Visit NZTA's website for more tips and general information to ensure your travel is safe and enjoyable for you and others on the road.
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