The Cars

TIPS FOR VISITORS WHO INTEND TO DRIVE IN NEW ZEALAND

Most tourists enjoy seeing New Zealand by planning a good old fashioned road trip, often starting from the top of one Island and working their way to the other end. There is a lot to see by car and the journey is much more comfortable than a bus tour.

So to enjoy the beautiful scenery New Zealand has to off the easy way visit a reputable rental agent to hire an affordable and reliable vehicle. Rental Cars New Zealand are especially helpful with well trained staff who can provide you knowledgeable advice about traveling or visiting New Zealand.

Image Credit: www.rentalcarnz.com

Before you go though, there are a few things you should know about driving in New Zealand. Read on to get a good idea of what to expect…

ROAD RULES

Road rules are not the same throughout the world and New Zealand does have some laws that are not used in any other country, therefore it is important to be aware of these rules before driving.

You can drive legally as long as you have a valid license form your home country. If your license is not in English, it needs to be accompanied by an official translation.

Always stick to the left of the road and never cross the centre line while taking corners.

The law for turning traffic is as follows. When two vehicles are turning the driver tuning across traffic will always have the right of way.

Always stop at a red light and slow down for amber.

DRIVING BETWEEN THE ISLANDS

Of course it is impossible to drive between the islands due to the watery nature of The Cook Straight, but you can still get your vehicle to the other side unharmed.

If you wish to take your vehicle with you the Interislander ferry will do so at a cost although it can be more economical to look at car hire once you reach the other Island.

TRAVELLING IN BAD CONDITIONS

The New Zealand forecast can change with in a split-second and we are known for our sometimes unpredictable weather patterns. Be wary of bad weather no matter where you are traveling, especially if camping.

Before you go, be sure to check the weather report and road reports for closures due to flooding or snow. In the winter, there are roads (such as the road between Te Anau and Milford) that require you to carry snow chains to travel on them. If this is the case, the rule was put into place for good reason–do not ignore it. It’s also a good idea to carry chains if you plan on travelling through the Southern Alps in the cold months.

For off-roading and extra safety, check out the range of 4WD’s for hire.

VISITING THE CITY

Traveling around New Zealand cities can be stressful with the amount of people and cars. There are great public transport facilities should you decide to return the vehicle during your stay in the city.

If you aren’t accustomed to roundabouts, these might seem daunting when you are driving around a town. Just remember to give way to anyone coming from your right.

Parking in the larger cities can be tricky. If you are looking at car rentals Auckland, you should ensure that there is parking available at your destination (this may not be the case at an inner city hostel).

There are also a lot of cyclists in New Zealand cities… Watch out for bikes!

Experience all the beauty of New Zealand with a vehicle from Rental Cars New Zealand. Hire the freedom to enjoy the country the way that you want to.