Driving in New Zealand

You'll be pleased to hear that New Zealanders drive on the left, but there are other things to consider before you hit the roads here.

And it is worth noting that you probably will have to drive a fair bit in New Zealand, which does not have the extensive passenger rail system that the UK enjoys. Some regions, such as Christchurch, have excellent bus services with a handy pre-paid travel card similar to the Oyster card in London - but others parts of New Zealand aren't so fortunate. 

• New Zealand Cars - car prices, car terminology, how to buy and register a car, and the cost of petrol in New Zealand.
• Your UK Driving Licence in New Zealand - find out whether you can drive in NZ with your UK driving licence, and how to get a NZ  driving licence.
• The New Zealand Road Code - read about New Zealand traffic conditions, giving way to the right, seat belt and car seat rules, and traffic lights.
• On the Road - a light-hearted look at the pleasures and frustrations of driving in New Zealand.
• Shipping a Car to New Zealand - find out how much it will cost to export your car to New Zealand, and how to go about it. Part of our section on what to bring with you when you emigrate to New Zealand.
• New Zealand Car Insurance - fnd out how to arrange car insurance in NZ, part of our New Zealand Insurance section.

Other Links

• AA NZ Driving Distance Calculator  a fairly conservative guide to driving times for longer journeys in New Zealand.
• Traffic Information Web Cameras - find out how long your commute will really be when the roads are busy (these cameras cover known congestion hot-spots in the major cities.)

Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.