{"id":1339,"date":"2014-06-08T23:02:40","date_gmt":"2014-06-08T10:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/?page_id=1339"},"modified":"2019-02-06T00:31:49","modified_gmt":"2019-02-05T11:31:49","slug":"tourist-and-visitor-advice-driving-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/tourist-and-visitor-advice-driving-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"Tourist and visitor advice: Driving in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1340\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/land-cruiser-on-beach.jpg\" alt=\"land-cruiser-on-beach\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/land-cruiser-on-beach.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/land-cruiser-on-beach-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/land-cruiser-on-beach-595x399.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What you need to know as a tourist to help prevent road accidents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>New Zealand has AWESOME roads, but they\u2019re dangerous, too<\/li>\n<li>2% of NZ\u2019s road fatalities are caused by tourists<\/li>\n<li>Do your bit by learning the Road Code \u2013 we\u2019ll show you what you need<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The correct side of the road: left<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1342 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/left-right-direction-arrows.jpg\" alt=\"left-right-direction-arrows\" width=\"600\" height=\"265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/left-right-direction-arrows.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/left-right-direction-arrows-300x132.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/left-right-direction-arrows-595x262.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ask a New Zealander and they\u2019ll say we drive on the \u2018lift\u2019<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s just like the UK, Australia and Japan<\/li>\n<li>Take extra care pulling out of junctions<\/li>\n<li>Look for arrows on the road<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Sheep and cows&#8230;lots of them<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1344\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/sheep-right-150x150.png\" alt=\"sheep-right\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/sheep-right-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/sheep-right-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/sheep-right.png 530w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1343\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/cows-150x150.png\" alt=\"cows\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/cows-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/cows-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/cows.png 508w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We\u2019re famous for it<\/li>\n<li>In some places, livestock will be on the road<\/li>\n<li>Take care and follow farmers\u2019 directions<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t sound your horn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Some roads are a beach to drive on<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-762\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/beach-road.jpg\" alt=\"beach-road\" width=\"600\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/beach-road.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/beach-road-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/beach-road-595x357.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There are some public roads along beaches<\/li>\n<li>Check your rental car agreement to see if you\u2019re allowed to drive there<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t get caught by the tide!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Keep your licence with you<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>You must carry your licence at all times while you are driving<\/li>\n<li>You might need an International Driving Permit \u2013 check on the New Zealand Transport Agency\u2019s website at nzta.govt.nz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Giving way at intersections<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-1225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/give-way-sign-300x148.jpg\" alt=\"give way sign\" width=\"138\" height=\"68\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/give-way-sign-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/give-way-sign.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px\" \/>In general, if you are turning, give way to all vehicles that aren\u2019t turning<\/li>\n<li>Give way to your right on roundabouts and drive clockwise around them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Speed limits past school buses<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-57\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/20kph-sign-150x150.png\" alt=\"20kph-sign\" width=\"57\" height=\"57\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/20kph-sign-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/20kph-sign.png 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 57px) 100vw, 57px\" \/>If a school bus is stopped and picking up or setting down passengers, the limit past it is 20kph<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t get caught out \u2013 your car could be impounded<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The weather can change quickly<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1347 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/storm.jpg\" alt=\"storm\" width=\"600\" height=\"255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/storm.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/storm-300x127.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/storm-595x252.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Intense storms can cause flash floods<\/li>\n<li>Rural roads can suffer washouts and landslips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Red means stop<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1220 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/red-arrow-traffic-lights.jpg\" alt=\"red arrow traffic lights\" width=\"550\" height=\"362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/red-arrow-traffic-lights.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/red-arrow-traffic-lights-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019re not allowed to turn at an intersection unless you have a green light<\/li>\n<li>There\u2019s no free turn on a red light<\/li>\n<li>When turning, give way to pedestrians<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Dial a line for a fine<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1348\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/smartphone-integration.jpg\" alt=\"smartphone-integration\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/smartphone-integration.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/smartphone-integration-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It\u2019s illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving \u2013 there are fines<\/li>\n<li>You can use a hands-free phone kit to make or receive calls<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s illegal at all times to read or write text (SMS) messages while driving<\/li>\n<li>Try hiring a car with a Bluetooth or USB smartphone connection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What are the speed limits?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-86\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/New_Zealand_RG-2_100_kmh.svg_.png\" alt=\"New_Zealand_RG-2_(100_kmh).svg\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/New_Zealand_RG-1_50_kmh.svg_.png\" alt=\"New_Zealand_RG-1_(50_kmh).svg\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/New_Zealand_RG-2.1.svg_.png\" alt=\"New_Zealand_RG-2.1.svg\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Generally 100kph (62mph) on rural roads and motorways<\/li>\n<li>Generally 50kph (31mph) in towns and cities<\/li>\n<li>100kph applies, but the road will be challenging \u2013 use appropriate speeds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Belt up<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1350 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/seatbelt-warning-holden-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"seatbelt-warning-holden\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\">Everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt<\/li>\n<li>Children up to the age of 7 must be in an approved child seat<\/li>\n<li>Motorbike riders must wear a helmet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Getting boozed or high?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1351\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/taxi-alert.jpg\" alt=\"taxi-alert\" width=\"600\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/taxi-alert.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/taxi-alert-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/taxi-alert-595x263.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There are strict fines in NZ for drink driving and driving under the influence of drugs<\/li>\n<li>Take care on wine tours \u2013 it\u2019s best not to drink (or do drugs) if you are driving<\/li>\n<li>Alcohol limits are 50mg\/100ml for drivers aged 20 and over; there&#8217;s a zero tolerance for drivers under 20.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Overtaking and lane discipline<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>NZ has a lot of narrow rural roads and not many motorways<\/li>\n<li>A yellow line on your side of the centre line means you must not overtake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Parking<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-1353\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/parking-60-minutes.jpg\" alt=\"parking-60-minutes\" width=\"161\" height=\"76\">Clearways and dashed yellow lines mean no parking<\/li>\n<li>Blue P signs show you where you can park and for how long<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>One-lane bridges<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-1354\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/one-lane-bridge-row.gif\" alt=\"one-lane-bridge-row\" width=\"93\" height=\"200\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-1355\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/one-lane-bridge-giveway-1.gif\" alt=\"one-lane-bridge-giveway-1\" width=\"101\" height=\"222\">Back in the day, New Zealand couldn\u2019t afford to build two-lane bridges over all the rural streams and rivers. We still can\u2019t<\/li>\n<li>You have priority if you see the sign on the right<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Railways with no gates or alarms<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Only half of our 1500 rail crossings have barrier arms and\/or alarms\/bells<\/li>\n<li>Always check the track before crossing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>And a bit more&#8230;.<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>There\u2019s more you should know to be safe on New Zealand\u2019s roads<\/li>\n<li>The quickest way to learn is with our&nbsp;<b>free<\/b>&nbsp;tourist Road Code quizzes&nbsp;as recommended by Tourism NZ, the Tourism Industry Association of NZ and many car rental companies &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/roadcode\/tourist\/\">click here to try it out<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What you need to know as a tourist to help prevent road accidents New Zealand has AWESOME roads, but they\u2019re dangerous, too 2% of NZ\u2019s road fatalities are caused by tourists Do your bit by learning the Road Code \u2013<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/tourist-and-visitor-advice-driving-in-new-zealand\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1339","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1339","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1339"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1339\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14811,"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1339\/revisions\/14811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}