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There is a very informative web site with lots of links for all your travel
options in NZ. This is www.enzed.com/intrav.html
If you choose to drive yourself. Here are a few tips.
Driving in New Zealand
In the main you will you will find driving through New Zealand a pleasure. The
scenery is superb and the people friendly and courteous. New Zealand's roads are
uncongested and of good quality, although sometimes narrow and winding. The
majority of main roads are sealed, but back country roads are sometimes
unsealed.
Road Rules
We drive on the left hand side of the road. Maximum speed limits in towns and
cities is 50 km/h (30 mph) and on the open road 100 km/h (62 mph), unless signs
indicate alternative speeds. Speed cameras operate throughout New Zealand and
they start imposing fines if you are caught going over 10km/h above the posted
limit. On two-lane roads you should keep to the left unless overtaking another
vehicle. You cannot turn on a red stop light (although it is amazing how often
locals ignore this law...)
New Zealand operates an unusual right-of-way law at intersections. Essentially,
if you are turning left at any intersection you must give way to traffic coming
from the opposite direction that wants to turn into the same road as yourself.
Strict drink-driving laws apply, with random breath testing carried out at any
time. All insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit
(currently 0.8 gm alcohol per litre of blood, very roughly equivalent to two
cans of beer or two glasses of wine).
Seat belts must be worn by all occupants (including those in the rear seats of
the vehicle) at all times. All children under five years of age must use an
infant or child car seat - by law.
Fuel Prices
Petrol in New Zealand comes in 'super' and 'regular' unleaded grades and costs
between NZ$1.20 and NZ$1.35 per litre (about US$3.00/US gallon), and diesel
around NZ$0.75 per litre. Petrol stations are plentiful, but trading hours vary.
Most will accept major international credit cards.
Driving License/Minimum Driver's Age
All drivers must hold a current non-probationary drivers license (with an
English translation shown on the license) from their home country or an
international drivers permit.
All drivers must have held a non-probationary license in their country of
residence for a minimum of three years.
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