Tips for Road trip in New Zealand in 2012 ?

Driving 1. New Zealand has high standards for tourist routes, 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 and other places 3. You can visit the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website to see the differences in driving habits in New Zealand and other places. 4. International driver's license and permit 5. You can legally drive in New Zealand with your national driver's license or international driver's license permit, valid for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you must switch to a New Zealand driver's license, and this rule must be followed every time you enter New Zealand. 6. In New Zealand, all drivers, including tourists from other countries, must carry a driver's license or permit when driving. You can only drive the type of vehicle listed on your country's driver's license. You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in New Zealand. 7. Please ensure that your driver's license is valid. If your driver's license is not in English, please carry an English translation or obtain an international driver's license. Please contact the local automobile association for information on English translations of driver's licenses and international driver's licenses. Translations of overseas driver's licenses or permits can be issued by the following organizations: 1. Translation service agencies in New Zealand, 2. Diplomatic missions, consulates, or embassies, 3. Authorities that issue overseas documents (an international driver's license may be considered a translation) Please note that if you are caught driving without a valid English translation or international driver's license, you may be prosecuted for driving without a license. If convicted, you may face a fine of $400 to $1000 New Zealand dollars. In addition, local police have the right to prohibit unlicensed drivers from continuing to drive until they obtain a valid driver's 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 owner of the vehicle. If a traffic accident occurs in this situation, the driver's vehicle insurance may be considered invalid. Driving safety precautions Updated on March 25, 2012: Please pay special attention to traffic safety at intersections Starting from March 25th, the right-of-way rules at intersections in New Zealand have been changed to the internationally recognized right-of-way rules. The new rules require all vehicles turning right to give way to vehicles turning left from the opposite direction. This rule applies at crossroads, T-junctions, and lanes, regardless of whether there are signs or traffic lights. This may be common for you, but New Zealand drivers may need some time to adapt 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 precautions carefully to fully enjoy the pleasure of Road trip in New Zealand. Road traffic rules 1. Drive on the left in New Zealand. 2. The speed limit in rural areas is 100 kilometers per hour, and in urban areas it is 50 kilometers per hour. 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. Both front and rear seat occupants must wear seat belts. Children under five years old must sit in certified child safety seats when riding in cars or trucks. Ensure adequate sleep before long drives. Take regular breaks, generally every two hours, and rest immediately if you feel tired. 4. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited in New Zealand. Driving under the influence of alcohol will be severely punished. Bicycles and motorcycles 1. Cyclists and motorcyclists must wear helmets. 2. Front and rear lights must be turned on when riding a bicycle at night. 3. Front lights must be turned on when riding a motorcycle. 4. Bicycles are prohibited from entering highways. For comprehensive information on driving in New Zealand, road traffic rules, or vehicle safety knowledge, please visit the Land Transport Safety Authority website. Road safety For travelers who want to experience the beautiful scenery of New Zealand, Road trip is one of the most relaxing and carefree ways. New Zealand's road scenery is beautiful, and the traffic volume is much lower than international standards. Although New Zealand is relatively small in size, it may still take a long time to drive to other cities or scenic areas. Even if the distance is short, the undulating terrain and narrow secondary roads may lengthen your driving time. If you are used to driving in urban areas, you should be extra careful when driving on rural roads. New Zealand has an excellent highway system, but extreme weather, undulating terrain, and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to remain vigilant. Do not drive when feeling fatigued, especially after a long flight. Please pay attention to the following road safety information: 1. Drive on the left 2. All distances are measured in kilometers. 3. When the traffic signal turns red, you must stop. New Zealand does not have the rule of no left turn as practiced in North America. 4. When the traffic signal turns yellow, you must stop unless it is too close to the intersection and stopping would be dangerous. 5. The speed limit in rural areas is usually 100 kilometers per hour (about 60 miles per hour). The speed limit in urban areas is 50 kilometers per hour. Local police will strictly enforce speed limits. 6. Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, and children must sit in child safety seats, whether in the front or rear seats. 7. Take regular breaks during long drives to stay alert. 8. Driving after consuming alcohol and drugs is considered a criminal offense in New Zealand, and local police will conduct strict checks, and offenders will be severely punished. For more information about New Zealand roads, please visit the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website. For the latest information on South Island roads, you can also call the toll-free number 0800 44 44 49 for inquiries. Another focus of self-guided travel in New Zealand is cars and transportation. In sparsely populated New Zealand, cars are a necessary means of transportation. Ninety-nine percent of adults here can drive, and each family has an average of one to three cars, with reasonable prices. New Zealand roads are wide, and the traffic facilities are advanced, making driving very safe. Driving in New Zealand is on the left, and obtaining a New Zealand driver's license is necessary. (For holders of international driver's licenses, it is valid for one year from the day of arrival in New Zealand). You must be at least 15 years old to obtain a license. New Zealand attaches great importance to traffic safety, and all adults and children over two years old must wear seat belts (both front and rear seats). Children under two years old must have a designated seat when riding in a car. In the event of a traffic accident, anyone involved must stop and check for casualties, otherwise it is illegal. If there are no casualties but the vehicles are damaged, you do not need to notify the police. Do not sign or assume any responsibility, and do not immediately make payments or claims. Instead, record the names, addresses, license plates, and the situation at the scene, exchange insurance information, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Let the insurance company handle everything. However, it is wise to have the police inspect the scene and make a record. You can also report to the police station within 48 hours. If there are casualties, you should report to the police in a timely manner and provide first aid to the injured. If you cannot notify the police in time, you must report the case within 24 hours, otherwise it will be a serious violation. People questioned by the police have the right not to make a formal statement until consulting with a lawyer. In the event of an accident, most New Zealanders handle things calmly and in accordance with reasonable and legal principles. Swearing, physical violence, retaliation, and falsifying evidence are extremely rare. New Zealand's main highways have three in Auckland, two in Wellington, two in Christchurch, and one in Dunedin. In addition, some expanded road sections are often referred to as highways because the speed limit is 100 kilometers. Highway 1 is the main road that runs through the north and south islands. Relative 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 there is no phenomenon of millions 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, along with other companies, compete for the domestic market from these three international airports to major cities and provincial airports. New Zealand's maritime transport is very developed, with thirteen major ports and numerous small ports. More than 90% of New Zealand's total exports and about 99% of the total value are transported by sea. New Zealand's railways are operated by a private company and almost connect every city and town in the country. There are three types of routes for passengers to choose from: express routes, commuter routes, and tourist routes.

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