Guide for driving in New Zealand some of this information supplied from companies we work with - jmlvillas.com, insurance4carhire.com, Holiday Autos, Essential Travel and Economy Car Hire and other acknowledged sources. It is presented on this site without responsibilty of jml Property Services / insurance4carrental.com and should not be relied on for accuracy.

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Driving in New Zealand

Home of the 2011 Rugby World Cup / winners of 2011 Rugby World Cup - Driving around New Zealand is a great way to see the country. Traffic is generally light, the people are friendly and the scenery is spectacular. Brush up on the main rules of the road with our handy guide and you’ll be all set to enjoy a wonderful holiday.

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Drive on the left overtake on the right.

Speed Limits: Towns and cities is 50 km/h (31 mph) - Open road dual carriageway is 100 km/h (62 mph). On most of New Zealand's main rural roads, the speed limit is 100km/h (62 mph)unless a sign says a lower speed applies. The speed limit is generally 100km/h on motorways.

Speeds and distances on road signs appear in kilometres. Not miles.

Allow more time than you think you need to complete your journey. Although distances may seem relatively small, many roads can be unsealed, narrower than what you’re used to and cover hilly terrain.

Park on the left, as well so that you’re not facing the oncoming traffic on the same side of the road.

Drinking and Driving: Limit is 0.08 More information Here

You must come to a complete stop at a STOP sign. If cars are coming, you must give way to them.

You don’t have to come to a complete stop at a GIVE WAY sign if the coast is clear. But you do have to slow down, check for oncoming traffic and prepare to stop before you proceed.

Special give way rules apply at intersections when one vehicle will cross the path of another, or where two vehicles are waiting on STOP or GIVE WAY signs or where there are no signs. In these cases, if you’re turning, you need to give way to all vehicles that are going straight through the intersection. In all other situations, give way to vehicles that are going straight or are coming from your right.

You can’t turn left on a red light. No exceptions.

If the centre line on your side of the road is yellow and unbroken, you can’t overtake. It’s illegal (and usually dangerous) to do so.

Don’t sound your horn unless you’re warning other drivers of imminent danger.

Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers at all times. And if you’re travelling with a baby or young child, make sure they’re travelling in an approved car or booster seat.

Mobile Phones Drivers must not use a hand-held mobile phone when driving, unless the device is completely hands-free or mounted securely to the vehicle - and touched infrequently and briefly. Writing, reading or sending text messages on a mobile phone while driving is also illegal. Don't risk using one as you can receive a heavy fine and more important cause a serious accident.

The Official New Zealand Road Code

Watch out for animals on the road. Wildlife and farm animals are known to cross roadways throughout the country. If you see them, wait for them to pass. And don’t sound your horn, as it may startle them.

Winter conditions can be harsh, particularly in mountain areas. Your rental company will usually be able to provide snow chains with your vehicle. Do ask for them if necessary and make sure you know how to use them.

Travel Tips from holiday autos: New Zealand consists of two main islands appropriately named the North Island and the South Island. The climate in the North is subtropical whereas in the South it is temperate.

Both islands are mainly mountainous yet offer a vast diversity of spectacularly beautiful landscapes from deep alpine lakes, dense subtropical forest, sweeping coast-lines and endless grassy plains. The North Island is well known for its steamy volcanoes and geysers and the South Island for its fjords and glaciers.

New Zealand is also a playground for adventurous activities including bungy-jumping, sky-diving, jet-boating, canyoning, sport-fishing, skiing and surfing.

The New Zealand Automobile Association - Click on the Image above to enter site

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Information from holiday autos about New Zealand

It’s not all sheep and hobbits in New Zealand. Book car hire New Zealand and explore a land where lizards live to 100. Good news is they drive on the left just like us. An affinity with wetsuits will also help.

Be sure to plan your route before you book cheap car hire in New Zealand as the country's bigger than you think. Make the most of cheap New Zealand car hire today and explore this amazing country at your own pace.

car hire in Auckland - Get your nose ready for a traditional Maori welcome. Public transport here is not the best, so book a hire car and really explore the city. For an Antarctic adventure head to Kelly Tarton’s Antarctic Encounter. It’s underwater. Terrific. Alternatively, head out of town to Rotorua. It smells of poo but it’s geysers are pretty impressive.

car hire in Wellington - It’s windy in Wellington. It’s also New Zealand’s capital so you’ll find a host of things to keep you occupied. Book carhire and see it at your own pace. Take a drive south to the Waitomo caves. Jump in a wetsuit and a rubber ring for a thrill-seeking ride in the dark. Not really your cup of tea? Book cheap car hire New Zealand and save some cash for Te Papa – it’s the museum of all museums. You can even get married there if you like.

car hire in Christchurch - Christchurch. The perfect base to rent a car and head off exploring the South Island. Head across country, jump in a helicopter for a ride to the top of a glacier. For the more adventurous of you, grab a pair of talons and hike it instead. Everyone loves dolphins. With New Zealand car hire head north to Kaikoura, grab your speedos and jump in.

car hire in Queenstown - Queenstown. Extreme sports capital of the world. It’s also the perfect base to book cheap New Zealand car hire and head off exploring. Be prepared to throw yourself out of a plane, off a bridge or down a hill in a giant ball. None of which are advisable to do in your hire car. To get rid of your headache take the car rental south to Milford Sound, it’s really quiet. Pack your camera, the scenery is jaw-dropping.

top driving tips- When turning left at intersections give way to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.

Parking is free on weekends in the city centre in Wellington.

Only parallel park in the direction of traffic flow on your side of the road. Otherwise you’re car may not be there when you return.

Be on the lookout for Kea birds, they can make a tasty meal out of your car tyres.

Book car hire in New Zealand - here

Capital: Wellington

Telephone Country Code: +64

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Further Information:

NZ Transport Agency Official government website. Contains the full New Zealand Road Code (road rules) as well as information designed especially for tourists.

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Travel to New Zealand If you told a perfect stranger that you were going to New Zealand, odds are they'd say: "Wow, it's so beautiful there", without thinking too much about it. True story. It's such a stunning place, even people who can't point to it on the map know that it's beautiful. Then again, anyone who has seen the Lord Of The Rings trilogy (which constitutes at least 90% of the westernised population) knows that New Zealand is the otherworldly, spectacular backdrop for the movies based on JRR Tolkien's magical novels.

It's ironic that a place so magnificent and serene is the result of exploding landmasses and ruptured tectonic plates - the city of Auckland is built on the spine of retired volcanoes. But what remains today is a country of vast lookout points and scenery that makes your eyes water. For travellers with an interest in the natural world, it is an unmissable destination - there are few equals.

For such a visually superior destination, the country is very grounded - Kiwis have no airs and graces about the pretty Garden Of Eden they call home. In fact, the locals are far more likely to get upset if you insult the All Blacks than having a go at the landscape. Jokes aside though, you will have fun in New Zealand, whether you are there to cycle every hill or just cruise around the coast with your family. The people are extremely friendly, fun and open. The local wine and cuisine is world class, and you'll be far from disappointed by the nightlife - especially in the bigger cities.

Key Info

Capital: Wellington

Currency: New Zealand Dollar - NZ$ Currency Conversion Here

Language: English, Maori, NZ Sign Language

Distance between London and Wellington: 18805 km

The word 'New Zealand' makes us think of:

•The All Blacks - their super-human, terrifying national rugby team, made up of fallen angels and super humans performing the insanely scary 'Haka'

•Uber nerd sensations, Flight Of The Conchordes

•The Lord Of The Rings being filmed in and around its beautiful mountain ranges and landscapes

•Maori tattoos

Must Sees On The North Island

Wellington: Wellington has a massive reputation for a number of very good reasons. Visually, it's a remarkable place that strikes an elegant balance between that unmistakable 'New Zealand-ish' beauty and international urban chic. One of the best ways to appreciate the lay of the land is to ride the cable cars from the harbour, high up into the hills, where you'll have a view of the bay.

Auckland: Auckland is often referred to as 'the City Of Sails' - all the luxury yachts and boats set against the the illuminated skyline create an impressive image that gives away the source of its nickname. It's also quite fitting, because the city is know to be on of the most cosmopolitan cities in New Zealand, having a rich blend of cultures sharing the volcanic base that everything stands one. (Yip, you did not misread that - Auckland is literally built on dormant volcanoes!) But since the first Maori settlers arrived on Auckland's shore in the 1800's, there has been one culture on top of another adding to its population. The result is a very fun and lively place.

Must Sees On The South Island

Queenstown: Queenstown has all the fixings of a resort located in the most remote and untouched corner of the world, with the activities and perks of a big city. As a place to start, Queenstown is an amazing platform to see some of the South Island's most famous sites - see below. At the same time, you've got the night life too boot, plus a wide range of adventure sports to choose from all year round. While the North has Wellington and Auckland, the South is a little bit more rugged and moody.

The Fiordland National Park And Milford Sound: The Fiordland National Park is one of the Holy Lands for hikers. You'd have to travel to different worlds to see places more majestic. Geoff Barnes from the Destination Fiordland puts the area's beauty into his words for us.

Lake Wanaka: Lake Wanaka is the perfect balance of outdoor entertainment and luxury. The pristine lakes and rivers are situated at the foot of Mount Aspring National Park, where the Alpine trails are waiting to be walked, run, ridden and explored. It's a 24/7 photo opportunity. By day or night, pouring rain or clear skies, the natural elements play with one another to paint pictures that make tourists go bananas.

To View the essential travel guide Click Here

See also....

AA launches ‘AA Thrifty’ - a new partnership with Thrifty Car Rental - New Zealand Automobile Association - October 2011

Rugby World Cup Brings in Record Spending in the Car Rental Sector - October 2011

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Finally, Don’t forget your car hire excess insurance and buy it before you set off

Don’t get stuck with paying high excess charges if your hire car gets stolen or damaged. Protect yourself before you head to New Zealand with insurance4carrental car hire insurance