NZ Car Rental – New Zealand Holiday Tips

Getting to New Zealand

NZ Car Rental Holiday Tips - Rock Climbing, Auckland Quarry

Rock climbing, Auckland quarry


	Whakapapa ski area, Mount Ruapehu

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. Flights from the UK take approximately 30 hours with a short stop in the US or Asia.

Passports and Visas

All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after their intended departure. A Visa is not required for most visitors travelling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3 months. You should check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest information.

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.

Climate

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is December to February whilst winter is June to August. The average summer temperature is 22° Celsius (72° Fahrenheit), and the average winter temperature is 9° Celsius (48° Fahrenheit).

Banking and Business Hours

Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and are closed on public holidays. Many stores in major cities are open on Saturday and Sunday and those catering largely to visitors are open every day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services tax. This is usually included in the price, although some hotels and restaurants quote prices excluding GST.

NZ Car Rental – Driving 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)

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.

New Zealand Road Safety
If you're planning on driving an NZ car rental, 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
In built up areas the speed limit is 50km/h (approx 30m/h)
The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h)
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

More New Zealand holiday driving tips from USave.

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.

Take a look at our great range of New Zealand hire vehicles or contact us for further information about New Zealand hire cars.

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

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