Car Rental New Zealand
Car Rental New Zealand
The common age to rent a car is 25, but check with the agencies first. Certain vehicle classes require a higher age minimum at certain agencies.
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to a year with a valid driver's license from your home country or with an International Driving Permit. You can only drive the types of vehicles covered by your overseas driver licence or international driving permit. Some major companies may screen high risk drivers.
You will most likely require a major credit card to complete the transaction. Check beforehand to see which credit cards are accepted. The Goods and Services Tax of 12.5% is added to daily hire prices.
General Information About New Zealand
Region: Pacific Ocean
Population: 3,763,000 October 2002
Capital: Wellington
Climate: Temperate with sharp regional contrasts
Languages: English (official), Maori
Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
National Holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840)
Major Cities: Auckland, Christchurch, Manukau
Life N Travel Holiday Hotel & Resort Guide
Campervan Rentals New Zealand : NZ Roadtrip, the motorhome, campervan rental hire specialists providing the easiest travel site on the web for renting a motorhome, campervan or rental car in New Zealand.
HolidayCity Auckland Hotels and Accommodation
Reservation for Auckland hotels, accommodation and apartments at discounted rates.
Some Driving Laws
Drive on the left side of the road.
Everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt. The fine for not wearing a safety belt or allowing a person under the age of 15 to travel unrestrained is $150 for each belt not worn.
The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is no more than 80 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood. If you are under 20 years old, you shouldn’t drink any alcohol before you drive. Your limit is 30 milligrams for every 100 millilitres. Penalties for drinking driving include imprisonment, loss of licence, disqualifications, fines. The best thing to do? Don't drink and drive.
Be aware of the fixed speed cameras on motorways. Driving up to 50 km/h over the speed limit can result in fines ranging from $30 to $630. Exceeding 50 km/h will result in a 28 day licence suspension.
Road Conditions As Stated By The U.S Bureau Of Consular Affairs
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Driving Tips In New Zealand
Use caution when driving in rural areas. You might encounter stray animals. Especially watch out for the 45 million sheep and 10 million cattle (New Zealand's human population is just under 4 million). Slow down when you see New Zealand's livelihood. Keep an eye out for loose stones, ice and single-laned bridges. Even though you might be entranced by the scenic view, never drive and look at the same time, and don't stop at corners!
Speed Limits
| Open Roads |
100 km/h |
| Urban Areas |
50 km/h |
A limited speed zone (LSZ) means you must drive 50km/h in adverse conditions. Otherwise, the 100km/h limit applies.
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