Frequently Asked Questions
Faq category view

Driving in New Zealand

What sort of driving license do I need to drive in New Zealand?

You can drive in New Zealand if you have a current and valid overseas license or driver permit written in English, or accompanied by an accurate translation.

UK residents - with the UK phasing out the 2 Part Paper license and moving to a plastic card license please note the following:

  • If you only need the plastic card to drive in the UK, then that's all you need in NZ too i.e. you don’t need to bring your paper license.
  • If your license stipulates that you need both, then you will indeed need to bring both.
  • If you only have paper license (i.e. no card), then the rental car companies in NZ will accept your paper license

 

What is the minimum age to drive a rental vehicle in New Zealand?

The usual minimum age to rent or drive a rental vehicle in New Zealand is 25. In some cases, we have a special arrangement with rental car companies that may allow drivers from 21 years old. They must hold a current full license (not a provisional or learner's license). You may also need an English translation for an overseas license so please confirm before you travel.
If you have any questions about your ability to drive in New Zealand then check-in with our team of travel specialists. We will help where we can or point you in the right direction of reliable information.

What does fuel cost in New Zealand and how much should I budget for my tour?

Petrol in New Zealand costs around NZ$2.60 per litre (around NZ$10 per US Gallon). The tours listed on our sites and any itineraries we create for you will give you an indication of the fuel cost for your tour based on the specific car selected.

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

In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road - the opposite to Europe, USA, Canada etc. If you have not driven on the left hand side before there are a variety of helpful videos to prepare you and your consultant can advise. The best advice though is to take it easy at first and have your passenger as a co-driver to remind and help you become accustomed to driving this way.

What are road conditions like in New Zealand?

New Zealand roads are generally very well maintained and very well signposted. Finding your way outside of large cities is very straightforward and our directions and maps assist you everywhere.

There are very few motorways or large carriageways in New Zealand with most roads being just 2 lane highways. This does mean that getting from A to B takes a little longer than you might be used to (work on an average of 80kph/50mph) but of course the fantastic scenery makes it worthwhile.

What is the speed limit in New Zealand?

Open road speed limits in New Zealand are 100kph and it will be clearly signposted where this limit applies. In urban areas the limit is usually 50kph and again this will be clearly signposted.

Speed cameras are common around New Zealand and can be either mounted at specific locations or within mobile camera units and within police cars. If you speed there is a pretty good chance you will be caught.

Is my disability permit for parking from home valid in New Zealand?

Mobility parking permits from overseas are not recognised in all regions of New Zealand. So it's best to get a local one for when you are here. Mobility Parking New Zealand offers all the information you need on their website and your consultant can assist in making the application.

How Do I Apply For a Disability Parking Permit?

Applying for a vehicle disability permit in New Zealand is simple. All you need to do is complete a short form and along with a copy of your current permit send the information to the CCS Disability action office here in New Zealand. There is a small fee.

Even better - when you book your tour with us we can get the forms and help you arrange this. Allow at least 4 weeks though to make sure its in place before you arrive into New Zealand.

Other categories of frequently asked questions:

Pure Journeys Travel Blogs
Detailed information from our experts

We have helped hundreds of travellers make travel dreams come true over the last 15 years. Pure Journeys connects international travellers with the very best of Australia and New Zealand. If you aren't familiar with what's on offer here then you can read our blogs for inspiration and travel ideas.
Then once you've done your research get in touch with your wishlist and we will customise an itinerary just for you!

Menu blog
Melbourne Laneways, Victoria
Top 10 Things To Do In Melbourne City
Uluru Northern Territory Australia
How long do you need for an Australian Holiday?
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Best day trips in Sydney
Great Ocean Road
Best tips to travelling the Great Ocean Road
Top 5 places to visit in Queensland
Kangaroo island
All you need to know when travelling Australia
Snorkeller at the Great Barrier Reef
How to visit the Great Barrier Reef
The 3 Best Sydney Beaches
Uluru Northern Territory Australia
Ideas on how to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock)
What to do in Sydney
The best vineyards on Waiheke Island
Blanket Bay Lodge
Best Luxury Lodges, South Island, New Zealand
Auckland View
Auckland's Best Day Trips
Sydney's best luxury Hotels
Cheers at sunset
Top 5 Craft Beer Spots in Queenstown
Coromandel Cathedral Cove
48 hours in the Coromandel
Driving with kids on your New Zealand road trip
Coins falling out of jar
Money, Money, Money
Doubtful Sound
Don’t be doubtful, visit Doubtful!
Interislander Ferry travelling the Cook Strait
Ferries and travel between the North and South Islands
Get your culture fix at these Wellington galleries and museums
Tasman Glacier Lake, Mt Cook
Discover the icy secrets of Mt Cook National Park's glaciers and ice bergs
Walking amongst the fern
Discover the best hikes in Central Otago
Sydney or Melbourne?
Sydney or Melbourne?
A Guide to New Zealand Passports & Visas Requirements Visitors
View over the mountains lakes
Off the beaten track: Best places in New Zealand
Gisborne
Scenic drives in New Zealand: The East Cape Road
Fox Glacier
We compare: Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier
Mt Cook
9 ‘must see’ attractions in New Zealand’s South Island
That Wanaka Tree
Scenic drives in New Zealand: Franz Josef to Wanaka
Couple in Hawea
A kiwi romance: the best places to visit on your New Zealand honeymoon
Milford Track
Follow in the footsteps of Pete & his dragon through New Zealand
Milford Sound
We compare: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound?
View of Mt Cook
The top 5 South Island Itineraries
Top tips for long haul flights
Long Haul Flight Essentials: Fly to New Zealand & Arrive Ready to Enjoy Your Trip
Roll Packing
Taking a trip to New Zealand? Here’s eight top tips to help you pack.
Wine tasting
Our Pick: Top five New Zealand wineries
Road to Te Anau
Travelling to New Zealand? Here is why you should do a self-drive tour
Hobbiton
Discover: Five of the best Lord or the Rings locations
Wine Barrels in cellar
New Zealand Cuisine: A unique fresh food culture
Cape Reinga
Spotlight on: The Winterless North
Autumn leaves in Wanaka
7 Reasons Planning an Autumn Trip to New Zealand is a Great Idea
Wai O Tapu
New Zealand Tours | Dont Do Queenstown?
Lady Bowen Falls
New Zealand by Waterfalls: Five must-see aqua attractions
Wine and Cheese at Vineyard
Language
2 of the best free activities in Christchurch
Living Village Maori Hangi
Food and drink you have to try in New Zealand
Storm
Always Take The Weather With You
Milford Sound
Family-friendly Fiordland
Mt Cook
On The Road
The Milky Way over Lake Tekapo
Wonder at the universe in Lake Tekapo
Waiheke Island
Indulge in sumptuous wines on Waiheke Island
Want to see Dunedin’s bird life?
Stretch your legs: The best walks on the North Island
Wairakei golf course
Play golf on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful courses
Nevis Bungy Jump
Top 3 places in New Zealand to go bungy jumping
Bluff your way through oyster tasting in Invercargill
Hikers on the Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro National Park is a hiker’s dreamland
Hobbiton
Hobbiton Movie Set; Where Real-Life Meets Real-Hobbits
Clients enjoying a Tamaki Maori Tour
New Zealand’s Best Culture Holidays