Drive SMART: Your Guide to New Zealand Roads
Driving in New Zealand When You’re Used to Driving on the Right or from Another Country
If you’ve spent your whole life driving on the right-hand side or in a different country, hitting New Zealand’s roads and driving on the left can feel a bit daunting. To help you feel more confident and comfortable, we’ve gathered some practical tips to get you started.
1. Study the Road Rules Beforehand
Driving rules in New Zealand may differ from those in your country, so it’s important to learn them before you drive. Knowing what to do in different situations will give you confidence and take one worry off your mind when adapting to driving on the New Zealand roads.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has an excellent website with answers to almost all your driving questions. Check out their Road Code for information on road signs, giving way rules, speed limits, and much more. They also offer a free booklet for foreign drivers in 11 languages.
2. Try to Rent Automatic Vehicle
To make driving easier, consider renting an automatic car or camper-van so you don’t have to worry about changing gears with the stick on the left. It might be a bit more expensive, but it’s hassle-free!
3. Avoid Starting Your Journey in busy traffic area.
Driving in busy traffic is stressful even in your home country. Now imagine doing it on other country for the first time, in an unfamiliar vehicle!
If you’ve spent your whole life driving on the right-hand side or in a different country, hitting New Zealand’s roads and driving on the left can feel a bit daunting. To help you feel more confident and comfortable,check the NZTA website for helpful information on how to drive on the left in New Zealand
4. Always Look Right First
When exiting a parking spot or a side road, always check to your right first—that’s where oncoming traffic will be. If you find this hard to remember, look both ways a couple of times until you’re sure the road is clear.
5. Keep Left on Multi-Lane Roads
It’s easier to stay oriented by keeping to the left at all times—unless you’re overtaking. This is especially helpful when driving in unfamiliar areas, as most exits are on the left, making it easier to stay on track.
Please refer to this useful links to drive SMART.