What side of the road do we drive on in New Zealand What side of the road do we drive on in New Zealand

  • A. Left

  • B. Right

  •  
    The correct answer is A
     
    Correct. Like the UK, Australia and Japan, New Zealanders drive right-hand drive cars on the left-hand side of the road.
     
 
 
 

Driving on the left

We drive on the left in New Zealand, but the majority of the world drives on the right, so that can cause problems for international tourists and visitors.

General driving

If you haven't driven on the left-hand side before, it will seem strange to you. For one, you will get into the car to drive on the right-hand side as the steering wheel is on the right (we call this 'right-hand drive', although you're actually driving on the left).

The gearstick will almost certainly be on your left (except in some Citroens and column-shift American cars). If you're driving a manual car, coordinating your left foot for the clutch and your left hand to change gear will take some practice.

When you pull away from the kerb, remember that you will have the majority of the car on your left, not your right. People who drive for the first time on the left are often almost running their left wheels off the road because they are used to the steering wheel being on the other side.

The best solution is to look forward and align the bottom right corner of your windscreen with the centre line. 

If you are hiring a car you should request a "keep left" reminder sticker.

Intersections

At intersections it is very easy to forget to look right when turning left. It's also very easy at an intersection to forget you are driving on the left if you are used to driving on the right, and exit the intersection on the wrong side of the road. Many accidents happen in New Zealand every year because of this simple mistake by tourists and visitors.

Roundabouts (turning circles)

Roundabouts or turning circles are driven clockwise, not anti-clockwise. You always end a manoeuvre on a roundabout by signalling left to exit the roundabout. If you are turning right, you'll signal right as you approach, then left to get off; if you are going straight through you don't need to signal as you approach but you do need to signal off.

Be sure that you are double-checking for vehicles approaching from your right before you pull onto the roundabout.

Select language

Suggested for you

    All languages