Tips for Road trip in New Zealand in 2012 ?

Driving 1. The tourism routes in New Zealand have high standards, and the main roads are closed roads. All roads, including rural areas, have road signs. Remember to drive on the left! 2. Differences in driving habits in New Zealand compared to other places. 3. You can visit the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website to check the differences in driving habits in New Zealand compared to other places. 4. International driving permits and licenses. 5. You can legally drive in New Zealand with your country's driving license or an international driving permit, valid for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you must convert to a New Zealand driving license, and this regulation applies every time you enter New Zealand. 6. In New Zealand, all drivers, including tourists from other countries, must carry their driving license or permit while driving. You can only drive the type of vehicle listed on your home country's driving license. You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in New Zealand. 7. Please ensure your driving license is valid. If your license is not in English, please carry an English translation or obtain an international driving permit. Please contact the local automobile association for information about English translations of licenses and international driving permits. Translations of overseas licenses or permits can be issued by the following organizations: 1. Translation service agencies in New Zealand, 2. Senior diplomatic missions, consulates, or embassies, 3. Authorities that issue overseas documents (an international driving permit can be considered as a translation). Please note that if you are caught driving without a valid English translation or international driving permit, you may be prosecuted for driving without a license, and if convicted, you will face a fine ranging from NZD 400 to NZD 1,000. Additionally, local police have the authority to prohibit unlicensed drivers from continuing to drive until they obtain a valid driving license. If you continue to drive after being prohibited, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for 28 days, and the costs incurred will be borne by the vehicle owner. If an accident occurs under such circumstances, the driver's vehicle insurance may be deemed invalid. Driving Safety Guidelines Updated on March 25, 2012: Please pay special attention to traffic safety at intersections. From March 25, the give-way rules at intersections in New Zealand have changed to the internationally recognized rules for yielding to oncoming vehicles. The new road rule now requires all vehicles turning right to yield to vehicles turning left from the opposite direction. This rule applies at intersections where two vehicles face each other, regardless of whether there are road signs or traffic lights present at intersections, T-intersections, and lanes. This may be a common practice for you, but drivers in New Zealand may need some time to adjust to the new rules, so you should pay special attention to traffic safety at intersections. For more information, please visit the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website. Please read the driving safety guidelines carefully so that you can enjoy your self-driving tour in New Zealand to the fullest. Road Traffic Rules 1. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. 2. The speed limit in suburban areas is 100 km/h, and 50 km/h in urban areas. There are multi-lane roads or highways near major cities, and most roads are two-lane. Road signs use international standard signs, and all distances are measured in kilometers (km). 3. All passengers in the front and back seats must wear seat belts. When children under five years old ride in cars or vans, they must sit in certified child safety seats. Ensure adequate sleep before long-distance driving. Take regular breaks, generally every two hours, and if you feel drowsy, take a break immediately. 4. It is strictly prohibited to drink and drive in New Zealand. Drunk driving is subject to severe penalties. Bicycles and Motorcycles 1. Bicycle and motorcycle riders must wear helmets. 2. When riding a bicycle at night, you must turn on front and rear lights. 3. When riding a motorcycle, you must turn on the front light. 4. Bicycles are prohibited from entering highways. For comprehensive information about driving in New Zealand, including road traffic rules or vehicle safety knowledge, please visit the Land Transport Safety Authority website. Road safety is one of the easiest and most leisurely ways for travelers wishing to experience the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. New Zealand's roads are picturesque, and the traffic volume is far below international standards. Although New Zealand is relatively small, driving to other cities or scenic spots can still take a long time. Even if the distance is short, the undulating and winding terrain and narrow secondary roads may extend your driving time. If you are used to driving in urban areas, you should be especially careful when driving on suburban roads. New Zealand has an excellent highway system, but extreme weather, hilly terrain, and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to remain vigilant at all times. Never drive when you feel tired, especially after long flights. Please pay attention to the following road safety information: 1. Drive on the left. 2. All road distances are measured in kilometers. 3. When the traffic signal turns red, you must stop. New Zealand does not have the no left turn rule implemented in North America. 4. When the traffic signal turns yellow, you must stop unless you are too close to the intersection that stopping would pose a danger. 5. The speed limit in suburban areas is typically 100 km/h (about 60 mph). The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h. Local police will strictly enforce speed limits. 6. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, and children must sit in child safety seats, regardless of whether they are in the front or back seats. 7. When driving long distances, you should take regular breaks to stay alert. 8. Driving after consuming alcohol and drugs is considered a criminal act in New Zealand, and local police will conduct strict checks, and offenders will face severe penalties. For more information about roads in New Zealand, please visit the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website. For the latest information about roads in the South Island, you can also call the toll-free number 0800 44 44 49. Another focus of self-service tourism in New Zealand is cars and transportation. In this sparsely populated country, cars are a necessary means of transportation. Ninety-nine percent of adults can drive, and each family has an average of one to three cars, with reasonable car prices. New Zealand roads are wide, and the traffic facilities are advanced, making driving here very safe. In New Zealand, driving is on the left, and obtaining a New Zealand driving license is necessary. (International driving permit holders are valid for one year from the date of arrival in New Zealand). You must be at least fifteen years old to obtain a license. New Zealand places great importance on traffic safety, and all adults and children over two years old must wear seat belts (both front and back seats). Children under two years old must have the required seats when riding in a vehicle. If a traffic accident occurs, anyone involved in the accident must stop to check for injuries; otherwise, it is illegal. If there are no injuries but there is vehicle damage, you may not need to notify the police. Do not sign or assume any responsibility and do not immediately pay or claim compensation, but should immediately record both parties' names, addresses, license plates, scene conditions, exchange insurance information, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible, letting the insurance company handle all matters. However, it is wise to have the police investigate the scene and record it. You can also report to the police within forty-eight hours. If there are injuries, you should call the police promptly and provide aid to the injured. If you cannot notify the police in time, you must report within twenty-four hours, or it will be considered a serious violation. People questioned by the police have the right not to make a formal statement before consulting with a lawyer. In the event of an accident, most New Zealanders will handle matters with a calm attitude, based on reasonable and legal principles, and immoral behaviors such as cursing, physical attacks, retaliation, or fabricating evidence are extremely rare. New Zealand has three main highways in Auckland, two in Wellington, two in Christchurch, and one in Dunedin. In addition, some extended sections are often referred to as highways because speed limit signs display a maximum of 100 kilometers. Highway 1 is the main route connecting the North and South Islands. Compared to New Zealand's land area, the population is relatively small. Therefore, its public transportation system is not as developed as in some overseas countries and does not experience the phenomenon of hundreds of thousands of people traveling north and south every day. New Zealand has three international airports, located in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Air New Zealand and Ansett New Zealand compete with other companies for air markets from these three international airports to domestic major cities and provincial airports. New Zealand's maritime transportation is very developed, with thirteen major ports and numerous small ports. More than 90% of the total value and about 99% of the total volume of all exports from New Zealand are conducted through maritime transport. New Zealand's railways are operated by a private company, and the railway lines almost connect every city and town in the country. There are three types of routes available for passengers: high-speed routes, commuter lines, and tourist routes.

You need to drive on the left, it may take some time to get used to, otherwise you will be fined.