DRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

Visitors find driving in New Zealand a remarkably stress-free experience. Traffic volumes are low and the roads are well maintained. 

What side of the road do New Zealanders drive on?

New Zealanders drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road, and all visitors are urged to do the same. For those used to driving on the right hand side, city driving can appear quite dangerous - especially at intersections, where cars seem to be coming from random directions.
However, most accidents occur on country roads, where the driver simply forgets which side he should be on. For this reason many rental cars have a left-pointing arrow stuck on the dashboard.

City Driving in New Zealand

The speed limit in built up areas is 50kph (around 30mph), with a few areas designated 70kph. Because traffic is relatively light (except for rush hours in Auckland!), not many motorists in New Zealand have learned the advantages of making room for other vehicles where they are not legally obliged to do so.
Lane changing can be more difficult than in other countries, and you may notice a slightly lower level of road courtesy than in other countries. Fortunately, this is not reflected in social situations, where kiwis are genuinely hospitable and welcoming of visitors.

Country Driving in New Zealand

The country's main highways pass mostly through farm land, where the speed limit is generally 100kph (about 60mph). When the road passes through a town, it reduces to 50kph. A plain white circular road sign with a black diagonal line across it indicates that the speed restriction is lifted, and that the 100kph limit applies. 
Roads are generally well signposted, with all highways given a number from one or two digit number. This number is shown on most maps, and on freestanding roadside shields. On the outskirts of most towns, or shortly after major intersections, large green signs display the distances to the next towns.

Traffic Law Enforcement in New Zealand

The NZ police enforce driving laws throughout the country, although city councils can issue parking notices in their patch. The police make extensive use of unmarked patrol cars, and speed cameras operate on open
roads - usually from vans or cars that will be parked on the left hand side of the road with their boot or rear doors open. 
A flash as you approach means you've been sprung, and your rental car company will bill the fine (which can be as much as $600) to your credit card. Blood alcohol limits are set at 80mg/100ml, although having any alcohol in your blood after an accident may affect the insurance cover on your rental vehicle - so check first.

Rental Car Certification in New Zealand

Any car used on a New Zealand road needs a warrant of fitness and registration. Getting a warrant of fitness requires a six-monthly mechanical inspection, and the annual registration ensures every vehicle
has third party injury insurance cover. Rental cars are subject to a more stringent safety inspection, called a certificate of fitness.
Documentation for both of these requirements is affixed to the windscreen. Diesel vehicles are required to pay a road user tax based on the number of kilometres driven. This is purchased in advance in multiples of 1000km, with the closing odometer reading of the previous coupon marked on it. 
Extra road user charge (RUC) coupons are available at post offices and selected service (gas) stations.

The Land Transport Safety Authority has more information on road safety in New Zealand at http://www.ltsa.govt.nz