New Zealand Road Information
Before you travel to New Zealand, it's essential to be familiar with the local road rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
International Driving Licences and Permits
Visitors can drive legally in New Zealand for up to 12 months with a valid driver’s licence from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). By law, all drivers, including international visitors, must carry their licence or permit at all times while driving. You may only operate vehicles similar to those covered by your home licence. Generally, the minimum age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25. Ensure your driver’s licence is valid and, if it’s not in English, obtain an English translation or an IDP. Check with your local automobile club for details on getting a translation or permit.
Road Safety
If you plan to drive in New Zealand, please be aware of these essential road rules:
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- When turning right, yield to oncoming vehicles turning left at intersections, T-junctions, and driveways without specific signs or signals.
- Obey all traffic lights, stopping completely when the light is red.
- Unlike North America, there is no “right turn on red” rule.
- The maximum speed limit on highways is 100 km/h (approximately 60 mph) and in urban areas, it's 50 km/h.
- Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers at all times.
For further information on the New Zealand Road Code and additional safety guidelines, visit the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website.
Driving Distances
The New Zealand Distance Calculator can help you estimate travel distances. Here is an approximate guide to distances and driving times between key destinations:
| NORTH ISLAND | SOUTH ISLAND | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | Distance (miles/km) | Driving Time (hours) | Destination | Distance (miles/km) | Driving Time (hours) |
| Auckland to Napier | 262/422 | 6:35 | Christchurch to Milford Sound | 480/772 | 10:40 |
| Auckland to Paihia | 149/240 | 4:15 | Christchurch to Mount Cook | 206/331 | 4:55 |
| Auckland to Rotorua | 145/233 | 3:35 | Christchurch to Nelson | 263/423 | 6:15 |
| Auckland to Waitomo | 124/200 | 3:10 | Christchurch to Picton | 209/336 | 5:00 |
| Auckland to Wellington | 409/658 | 9:15 | Christchurch to Queenstown | 302/486 | 7:15 |
| Napier to Auckland | 262/422 | 6:35 | Nelson to Christchurch | 263/423 | 6:15 |
| Napier to Paihia | 411/661 | 9:50 | Nelson to Milford Sound | 712/1146 | 18:35 |
| Napier to Rotorua | 139/224 | 3:50 | Nelson to Mt Cook | 469/775 | 10:30 |
| Napier to Waitomo | 190/306 | 5:05 | Nelson to Picton | 68/109 | 2:10 |
| Napier to Wellington | 201/323 | 4:50 | Nelson to Queenstown | 431/693 | 12:45 |
| Rotorua to Auckland | 145/233 | 3:35 | Mount Cook to Christchurch | 206/331 | 4:55 |
| Rotorua to Napier | 139/224 | 3:50 | Mount Cook to Milford Sound | 342/550 | 8:55 |
| Rotorua to Paihia | 295/475 | 7:50 | Mount Cook to Nelson | 469/755 | 10:30 |
| Rotorua to Waitomo | 103/166 | 2:45 | Mount Cook to Picton | 414/666 | 9:45 |
| Rotorua to Wellington | 286/460 | 6:30 | Mount Cook to Queenstown | 163/262 | 3:50 |
| Waitomo to Auckland | 124/200 | 3:10 | Picton to Christchurch | 209/336 | 5:00 |
| Waitomo to Napier | 190/306 | 5:05 | Picton to Milford Sound | 689/1109 | 18:25 |
| Waitomo to Paihia | 273/439 | 7:25 | Picton to Mt Cook | 414/666 | 9:45 |
| Waitomo to Rotorua | 103/166 | 2:45 | Picton to Nelson | 68/109 | 2:10 |
| Waitomo to Wellington | 294/473 | 7:10 | Picton to Queenstown | 511/822 | 13:20 |
| Wellington to Auckland | 409/658 | 9:15 | Queenstown to Christchurch | 302/486 | 7:15 |
| Wellington to Napier | 201/323 | 4:50 | Queenstown to Milford Sound | 181/291 | 5:05 |
| Wellington to Paihia | 558/898 | 13:30 | Queenstown to Mt Cook | 163/262 | 3:50 |
| Wellington to Rotorua | 286/460 | 6:30 | Queenstown to Nelson | 431/693 | 12:45 |
| Wellington to Waitomo | 294/473 | 7:10 | Queenstown to Picton | 511/822 | 13:20 |
For specific distances and driving estimates, visit the New Zealand Distance Calculator.
| Top |