1. Left-hand driving: You can get used to it quickly, and even if you violate it, because everyone can see each other, it generally does not cause consequences. Of course, affecting others will be despised and scolded. 2. GIVE WAY and STOP: Most important! Must be strictly enforced! At intersections with GIVE WAY and STOP signs, you must stop and look carefully before entering the main road. Vehicles on the main road (including roundabouts) will absolutely not slow down to let vehicles from the side road enter. 3. Speed limit: If you cannot see the speed limit outside the city or when there is no speed limit, follow the maximum of 100, otherwise follow the speed limit. 4. Curves have suggested speeds, as stated in the driving promotional video for newcomers to New Zealand: 'If you feel uneasy when you see the speed limit, you can slow down.' 5. Speeding: In the North Island, you can drive at the speed limit +10 (on holidays +5), and there are few slow vehicles on the road. The maximum speed for vehicles with trailers may be 80, but everyone can silently follow along... 6. Overtaking: Very few people overtake on most ordinary roads. Highways have sections with overtaking lanes, which are uphill, and vehicles with good power will overtake at this time. (The gentle GL made me give up the idea of using the overtaking lane). There will be signs on the highway indicating the distance to the next overtaking lane, so there is no need to rush to overtake. 7. Windshield wipers and turn signals: Opposite to the right-hand driving position, this is what I am least accustomed to. Every time the windshield wipers resolutely swing in front of my eyes when turning, I can feel the concerned and disdainful looks from the surroundings... And, even if you turn on the turn signal, you may not be able to stop the windshield wipers immediately... 8. Crossing lines: From observation, all the lines here can be crossed, but no one drives on the lines for a long time. 9. Parking: Most parking in the North Island is free. I only parked in a paid parking lot twice, and it was quite expensive. 10. Haven't paid any tolls ?
New Zealand Q&A
I rented a Mercedes-Benz E-Class for my trip. Before picking up the car, I didn't know if it was an E200 or E220, petrol or diesel. But I did my homework beforehand, and if it was an E220, then it would be the diesel version. It turned out to be an E200, and I was a bit disappointed, as the horsepower would be lower, but there was nothing I could do about it. I checked the car and found that the latch in the bottom of the trunk was broken, causing the luggage cover inside to not close properly. I told the staff at the pick-up location that this needed to be fixed, or else I would request a different car. They said that there was only this E200 available at the moment, and asked if I would accept a different model. I said that I was used to driving a Mercedes-Benz and didn't consider other options. They quickly brought over an E220d and asked if I wanted it. Do I even need to answer that ?
Germany Q&A