Driving in NZ
First things first. In New Zealand we drive on the LEFT.
We have an ever-improving network of motorways and state highways and beautifully scenic back roads. The speed limit in urban areas is 50km per hour and the open road limit is 100km per hour. There are some variations so look for the signs!
Other drivers are usually pretty considerate but don’t make any assumptions and err on the side of caution. Drive to the conditions.
For road user info and the NZ road code, check out this link to Waka Kotahi | NZ Transport Agency.
WOF, Registration & Licencing
Warrant of Fitness or WOF is the equivalent of MOT. Checked every 6 or 12 months depending on the age of your car, the aim is to keep it safe and roadworthy. In NZ it’s illegal to drive your car if it doesn’t meet the safety requirements or if the current WOF label is not displayed.
VTNZ specialises in carrying out inspections and renewing WOFs although they don’t do any of the work that might be required from time to time, eg replacing brake bulbs or tyres. Most motor vehicle service centres will do both. Get recommendations from your new work colleagues.
When you buy a car it needs to be registered in your name. It’s a one-off fee that adds your details to the Motor Vehicle Register.
As the registered owner it’s up to you to make sure your vehicle is licenced for the road (this is not the same as a Driver’s licence). It must have a current WOF and you can buy vehicle licences online or at the nearest Post Office. They are valid for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Vehicle Insurance
We recommend insuring your vehicle, be it a motorbike or car, ideally for full cover. At the very least, third party insurance covers your legal liability if you damage someone else’s property or accidentally injure someone when you’re driving your car or another vehicle.
There are insurance providers that cover everything (eg home and contents, life, health) and others that specialise in vehicle insurance. As a starting point, check out the NZ Automobile Association, AMI, or State Insurance.
If you ride a motorbike, Kiwibike offers competitive rates on insurance cover.
Keep in mind that most banks also offer insurance and can do ‘bundle deals’ if you are looking at taking out a home loan.
Drivers Licence
You can drive on an overseas licence for 18 months before you need to convert it to a New Zealand one. The process to convert your licence depends on which country your licence is from.
Buying a Vehicle
Local car sales yards abound in most towns and all cities. You can speak to the sales people, take cars for a test drive and get advice on the car that best suits your needs.
Trade Me is an excellent source for used cars and lists vehicles being sold privately as well as by licensed car dealers. Turners Cars are in most main centres and have regular auctions where you can bid in person or online.
Pre-purchase checks are a great idea to make sure your prospective wheels aren’t a lemon.
Try VTNZ or the AA if there’s a car you have your eye on and want to get it checked.
It also pays to check that there is no money owing by the vendor/previous owner. You can do that through the Personal Property Securities Register.
Leasing a Vehicle
If your time in NZ is limited to 12 months, for example, you might think about leasing a car. Here’s a helpful resource with the pros and cons and if you decide it’s the best option for your circumstances, you could start here.
Public Transport
In Auckland, the AT HOP card will get you on ferries, trains and buses. Buy one online, in person, or from a vending machine at the airport or ferry building.
Metlink manages public transport in the greater Wellington area.
Metro manages public transport in the greater Christchurch area.
Use your Bee Card for bus services in Dunedin and bus and ferry services in Queenstown.
All regions have a similar service which combines whatever public transport options are available.
Scooter rentals are popular, with Lime or Beam the most common.
Biking
Kiwis love to bike, and New Zealand is a fantastic place to cycle, be it an urban commute, mountain trail or road ride.
A good place to start for your bike and accessories is Evo Cycles or My Ride and there are plenty of bike hire places wherever you’re escaping at the weekend.
The National Cycle Network is well developed, and the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand are spread throughout the country.
Airlines
The main airlines offering domestic flights in New Zealand are Air NZ, JetStar and Air Chathams, with a number of regional carriers. Here’s a full list of Airports in New Zealand.
Ferry Services
You can’t be an island nation without a ferry service. The Interislander passenger and car ferry company operates between the North and South Islands and takes about 3 hours. Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, do some dolphin spotting, have a bite to eat and relax.
Northland Ferries operates the tourist and car ferry service in the Bay of Islands.
Commuter services run regularly across the sparkling waters of Auckland’s Waitemata harbour. Fullers is the main carrier operating between the CBD and Devonport, and Waiheke Island. There are tourist services to other islands for those weekend adventures.
Sealink runs the car ferry service between Pine Harbour and Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. Metlink runs the Wellington Harbour ferries including the commuter ferry between the CBD and Days Bay in Eastbourne.
Toll Roads
There are three Toll roads in greater Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. If these are areas you travel often, go online to set up an account, or if you’re passing through on holiday, you can pay as you go at participating BP, Caltex or Z service stations, or pay online within 5 days of each trip. Note there is a fine if you forget!
Parking
In most city centres you pay to park your car. Enter your Licence plate number into the parking meters and pay by card or coins or download the ParkMate app to make it easier.
