NZ Car Rental – New Zealand Holiday Tips

Getting to New Zealand

Rock climbing, Auckland quarry

Rock climbing, Auckland quarry

Holiday Destination
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.

Comparable in size and / or shape to Great Britain, Colorado and Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 3.8 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrillseekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year-round holiday destination.


	Whakapapa ski area, Mount Ruapehu

Getting Here
New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia, a non-stop overnight flight from the United States, and around 10 hours flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, like Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Time Differences
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day. It is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand has daylight saving, when clocks are put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.

Road Information


	Plastic hay bales

International Driving Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Recent law changes mean all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their licence or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years or older.

Make sure your overseas driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

Road Safety
If you prefer to drive yourself, please note the following important points:

In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road
When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
When the traffic light is red, you must stop.
There is no left turn rule as in North America
The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h).
In built up areas the speed limit is 50km/h.
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

Check out the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website for details on the New Zealand Road Code, as well as cycle safety and other general motoring information.

Check out the great range of NZ car rental vehicles available from USave or contact us for further information about NZ car rental.

"Excellent affordable NZ car rental and great Kiwi service from USave Car Rentals in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch."

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