Driving in New Zealand

Self Drive Minibus Hire

If you want to hire a minibus for a self drive holiday in New Zealand, you have come to the right people, because we are the "minibus hire specialists" - we can provide you with a minibus and trailer (if required) to enable you to travel independently with your group and luggage.

Generally speaking, New Zealand is a very safe country to drive in. This makes self drive minibus hire an excellent option for a group of travellers.

Here are a few hints to help you drive safely on our roads:

What side of the road do I drive on?
Always drive on the left side of the road.

Speed Limits

	The maximum speed limit for urban areas is 50km/h.
	A limited speed zone (LSZ) means you must drive 50km/h in adverse conditions, otherwise the 100km/h limit applies.
	The maximum speed on the open road is 100km/h.
	An Open Road sign indicates a 100km/h speed limit.

Motorways

What are the rules for driving on a motorway?
Keep to the left hand lane unless you are passing and always
indicate at least three seconds before changing lanes.

On a motorway you must not:
Walk or cycle.
Stop your vehicle.
Make a U-turn.

Traffic Signals

Red light
You must stop.
You cannot turn left when there is a red light at an intersection.

Yellow light
Stop unless you are too close to the lights to do so safely.

Green light
Go, but give way (yield) if you are turning.

Green arrow, red light
Here you may turn right, but may not turn left or go straight ahead.

Yellow arrow, yellow light
Whether you are turning or going straight ahead you must stop if you can do so safely.

Red arrow, green light
Here you can not turn right, but may go straight ahead or turn to the left if it is safe.

Intersections

What are the rules at intersections?
Always use your indicators.
Always obey the traffic lights, signs and arrows marked on the roads.

If turning,
Always use your indicators.
Give way (yield) to all traffic not turning.
Remember in NZ Give way (yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from your right.

New Zealand Road Code

View more about the official New Zealand road code .

"You can rely on the New Zealand self drive minibus hire specialists, Maugers."