Driving Tips.
Tips for driving in New Zealand

Do not under estimate driving times on New Zealand roads. For the most part distances between towns and cities may seem short when viewed on a map, but New Zealand roads often include hilly and winding terrain, which will slow down your journey.

Your Personal Safety

"winding, undulating travel over hills and through mountainous regions"

What cannot be overstated is the many kilometres of winding, undulating travel over hills and through mountainous regions as you skirt around lakes, mountains and hills at low speeds.

We do not recommend or encourage drivers to exceed 9 hours behind the wheel in any one day.

Driver Fatigue (tiredness) is a major cause of accidents and injury on New Zealand roads.

We do not wish to add your journey to those statistics. For this reason journeys that exceed 9 hours drive time are not included in our Drive Times and Distances or in our guides.

The following tips will also add to your safety and travel enjoyment;

• Share the driving whenever you can; It will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
• Take regular breaks; every hour or at any time when you feel tired or sleepy.
• Always use your indicators at least three seconds before turning.
• Have plenty of sleep before a long drive.
• Buckle up before turning the ignition
• Do not drink when driving.
• Drive with care.

In Case of an Accident

Under New Zealand law all Road Accidents involving personal injury must be reported within 24 hours.

This can be done by reporting to the nearest Police Station within that time or in an emergency situation telephone 111 and ask for Police Assistance, if other services are needed tell the operator you speak too.

If you are involved in an accident stop and make sure no one is hurt, do not admit liability.

Obtain the name, address and insurance company of all parties and the registration numbers of all vehicles involved. Notify your hire agent and or insurance company as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.

Your Valuables
Passport, Credit Cards, Cash, Cameras etc.

• Please do not ever leave valuables on display in your vehicle.

For the most part New Zealander's are warm friendly and welcoming people, but we also have criminals and opportunistic thieves among us.

It is always preferable to keep all money orders, cash or travellers cheques, your passport and important travel documents with you at all times.

• Always lock your vehicle before leaving it unattended for any length of time.
• Never leave valuables on display in your vehicle.

Should you fall victim to theft, report the matter at the nearest Police Station, or in an emergency phone 111 and ask for the Police.