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What is different about driving in New Zealand?

Learn about the key differences when driving in New Zealand and access resources to help you drive safely.

Driving in New Zealand may be quite different from driving in your home country. Before you drive, it's important to understand New Zealand's road rules and driving conditions.

Driving in New Zealand:

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) provides a free Driving in New Zealand guide that you can download in multiple languages, including:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • French
  • German
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Traditional Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Thai
  • Arabic
What is different about New Zealand roads?

Some of the key differences include:

  • Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Outside major cities, most roads have one lane in each direction.
  • There are relatively few motorways.
  • Roads are often narrower, steeper, and more winding than you may be used to.
  • Not all railway level crossings have automatic warning lights or barrier arms.
Learn more:

The official New Zealand tourism website also includes a New Zealand Police – Tips for Driving in New Zealand video and other useful information to help you stay safe while driving in New Zealand.