New Zealand
Is it hard to drive in New Zealand?
Short answer
Not if you plan for it. You drive on the left, give way to traffic from your right at roundabouts, and watch for one-lane bridges. The open-road limit is usually 100 km/h, but winding roads mean many drives average much slower, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
Last checked October 28, 2026By Brett Gould2 sources ↓
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Tell us your dates →Driving on the left
- The driver sits on the right; the turn signal is usually on the right of the steering wheel, so expect to switch on the wipers once or twice.
- Turning left is the short, easy turn; turning right crosses traffic.
- First hour: pick up outside rush hour and drive somewhere quiet before the motorway.
Give way rules
- At roundabouts, give way to all traffic coming from your right.
- When you turn, give way to traffic going straight. If you're turning right and an oncoming car is turning left into the same road, you give way.
- Pedestrian crossings (zebra stripes): stop for anyone on or stepping onto the crossing.
One-lane bridges
- Many rural bridges carry one lane for both directions.
- Red-ringed round sign: you give way to oncoming traffic.
- Blue rectangular sign with a large white arrow: you have priority, but slow down and be ready to stop.
Speeds
- 100 km/h is the usual open-road limit; some expressways are 110 km/h. Towns are usually 50 km/h. Speed limits near schools can be lower at set times.
- 100 km/h is about 62 mph. Your rental's speedometer reads km/h.
- Speed cameras are common, and fines for a rental car are sent to the rental company, which passes them on with an admin fee.
Why drives take longer than you think
- Most highways are one lane each way, with passing lanes every so often.
- Mountain and coast roads are narrow and winding; many routes average well under the posted limit.
- Pull over to let faster cars pass when it's safe; locals appreciate it.
- Rule of thumb for planning: the times in our road-trip table already include this; don't plan more than 4-5 hours of driving in a day if you want to stop and see things.
Gravel roads, snow and ice
- Some scenic roads are unsealed (gravel). Slow down, keep left on blind corners, and check your rental terms: certain gravel roads and beaches are usually excluded.
- Alpine passes can get snow and ice from late autumn to spring. Carry chains when the signs or your route call for them, and check road conditions before you go (NZTA's journey planner).
Alcohol, phones and seat belts
- Drivers under 20 must have zero alcohol. For drivers 20 and over, the legal limit is lower than in most US states; the simple rule is don't drink and drive.
- No handheld phone use while driving, including at traffic lights.
- Seat belts for everyone, front and back; children need an approved child restraint (ask for one when you book).
Tolls
New Zealand has very few toll roads: one north of Auckland and two near Tauranga. There are no booths: you pay online within a few days, or the rental company bills you with an admin fee. Ask at pickup how tolls work on your rental.
Fuel
Pumps sell 91 (regular unleaded), 95 or 98 (premium), and diesel. Check the label inside the fuel flap. Many rural stations are far apart, so fill up before long stretches on the West Coast and in the far south.
Related questions
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Quick answers
Is driving in New Zealand hard for Americans?
The left side takes an hour or two to feel normal. What surprises most visitors is how slow the roads are: winding, one lane each way, with one-lane bridges.
What does a red circle on a one-lane bridge sign mean?
You give way to oncoming traffic. A blue sign with a white arrow means you have priority.
What's the speed limit in New Zealand?
Usually 100 km/h on the open road, 50 km/h in towns, with some expressways at 110 km/h. Always follow the signs.
Can I turn left on a red light?
No. Wait for green (or a green arrow).
What happens if I get a speeding ticket in a rental car?
The rental company receives it, pays or passes it on, and usually charges you an admin fee.
Sources
1NZ Transport Agency Waka KotahiOverseas licenses (Factsheet 72), road rules, tolls, road user charges.nzta.govt.nz · checked Oct 28, 2026
2Rental company termsCover, deductible, gravel roads, ferries and one-way fees, as shown on each booking.rental terms
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