From rugged coastlines, to city streets lined with cafés, to breath-taking views of snow-capped volcanoes, New Zealand has it all. More and more visitors that flock—pardon the sheep reference—to this tiny country in the South Pacific are discovering the rewards and surprising ease of renting a car or camper van to mosey their way through its attraction-packed North and South Islands.
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| Sharing the road with a truck is a common occurence through New Zealand's countryside |
New Zealand, though grand in scenery and adventure, is a relatively small country. In fact, the entire landmass of New Zealand could fit inside the U.S. state of California. And with only 160 kilometers (100 miles) of multilane divided motorways, most of the country is comprised of two lane roads. Even for drivers who fear city streets, tackling major cities like Wellington are a cinch compared to enduring rush-hour traffic in LA or parallel parking in San Francisco.
Without any experience driving in Commonwealth nations, my two friends and I left California for a four-week tour of New Zealand this past June and took on the challenge of mastering the other side of the road. About 2,400 kilometers (1,490 miles) of winding roads, a couple hundred roundabouts (oh, and one tow truck) later, we conquered our behind-the-wheel fears.
The following is a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for traversing New Zealand like any proper Kiwi.
• DO take advantage of a rental car
Renting a car was a terrific way to set our own pace while traveling. We hired two separate rental cars during our trip—one for the North Island and one for the South Island. Transporting a vehicle across the Wellington-Picton ferry is much more expensive. Located in airports, ferry terminals, and throughout most large towns, rental car companies are easy to find and eager to do business with tourists.
In order to rent a car in New Zealand, one must be 21 and hold a valid driver’s license from one’s home country. Yet, my friend Lindsay was just under the mark and they still gave her the keys. Rules were more relaxed than we were accustomed to at home, and the process at the counter was, for the most part, quick and hassle-free.
Many websites negotiate deals through rental car companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz or Thrifty and allow car seekers to search by car, dates needed, or city for pick-up and drop-off. Try www.vroomvroomvroom.co.nz or www.nzrentacar.co.nz.
• DON’T skip out on the insurance.
Better safe than sorry is a good motto here. Our first night with the rental car quickly turned into disaster when a sharp left turn put our tiny lipstick red rental on top of a large pile of rocks in a hostel driveway in Taupo (I won’t mention who was driving).
However, because we spent the extra money on rental car insurance, we avoided monstrous fees and only had to pay off the friendly tow truck guy who came to our rescue, shaking his head at us silly American travelers.
• DO be aware of driving conditions
New Zealand’s temperate climate makes it ideal for traveling year-round. Though rain is common throughout the winter months (June-August), snow is usually not a problem, even on high mountain roads like those through the majestic Arthur’s Pass in the South Island. Pay attention to road signs that warn drivers of road closures or chains requirements.
Also, it is easy to underestimate the length of time it takes to journey through New Zealand. What seems like a three hour drive on the map may actually take four or five, due to windy roads and elevation changes. Plan your trip with plenty of time allotted for these conditions and any surprises along the way.
For free updates on road and traffic conditions, call the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Infoline at: 0800 4HIGHWAYS. But be aware that some rural areas, especially in the South Island, may have limited cell phone coverage. No one wants to end up stranded on a hilly dirt road, asking directions from a man smoking a cigarette and carrying a chainsaw. True story.
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| The long stretch of road through Arthur's Pass National Park affords breathtaking views of the "Southern Alps" |
• DON’T be afraid of round-a-bouts. Or one-way streets…or left turns…
In New Zealand, four-way stops don’t exist. Throughout our entire trip, we maybe saw one or two of these intersections and immediately gasped as our vehicle slowed to a complete stop. Like their English cousins, Kiwis are all about roundabouts to keep traffic flowing and foreigners confused. Just remember, give way to your right. And, if you miss your exit, simply continue rounding the bend.
Here are more basics of driving in New Zealand:
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- No right turns may be made at a red light
- When turning left, give way to oncoming cars turning right
- Pedestrians do not have the right of way, except at crosswalks
- And—no joke—watch out for sheep (and other livestock) crossing the road!
• DO regard the road rules
Sadly, New Zealand’s death toll per capita from road accidents is relatively high compared with countries like the U.S. and Australia. It doesn’t take long to figure this out. Many motorways are lined with clever billboards that warn against speeding or driving while drunk or even tired. In rural areas, drivers tend to take advantage of the speed limit, as evidenced by the flowers and crosses we often spotted on roadsides. Stay alert, take it slow and switch drivers frequently to prevent fatigue.
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| The streets of Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city |
• DON’T forget to lock the car
Although New Zealand has a low crime rate, be careful in secluded parking areas like those in National Parks. A thief must only spot a map and a Crunchie wrapper left on the seat to identify a tourist’s vehicle. Protect against break-ins by locking valuables in the trunk and stashing anything that looks tempting (i.e. iPods, cell phones, backpacks) under the seat before your day hike.
• DO carry a map or two. Or twenty.
Our guidebook may have led us generically across New Zealand, but the area-specific maps that piled up on our dashboard everyday turned out to be more helpful when looking for a certain street with a pub or that tiny trail to a waterfall.
Keep an eye out for Information Centers in each town. They are packed with free maps and valuable advice from the locals on everything from where to eat, shop, rent bikes, go hiking, or spend the night.
• Finally, DON’T let all of the rules and stories scare you away.
With many scenic lookout areas, rest stops, and side-of-the-road attractions, New Zealand is one of those countries that practically begs visitors to pull over, jump out of their cars and go explore. So, keep your shoes on and laced up while traveling. Take the time to stop and truly appreciate your journey along those miles of open highway, stretching endlessly through a timeless, magical landscape.
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