Travel Info

Speed limits

All New Zealand roads are clearly marked with a speed limit. Generally they are 100km/h (62 mph) on highways and 50km/h (31mph) in urban and residential areas.

Driving on New Zealand roads

All main routes and highways in New Zealand are sealed. You can also drive your rental car on many of New Zealand's unsealed roads. The most important thing is that you must drive on the left side of the road - the same as in the UK and Japan.

Due to mountainous and hilly terrain driving times in New Zealand are generally longer than in other countries. Please refer to our distance/travelling time tables at the bottom of this page.

Seat belts and child safety seats

In New Zealand all passengers in motor vehicles are required to wear seat belts. Children aged four and under must be restrained in a child safety seat. Nationwide has baby seats for one- to two-year olds and booster seats for two- to four-year-olds.

Winter driving - take care

Snow is common in the South Island and in mountainous areas of the North Island from late-June to October each year. Heavy snowfalls (or rainfalls) can close roads so it pays not to plan a rushed itinerary during winter months. Beware of icy roads in the evening and in the morning. Nationwide provides snow chains which are kept in the boot of your vehicle until required. We will show you how to fit chains to your tyres when you collect your vehicle.

Up-to-date road conditions:

www.aaroadwatch.co.nz

AA Roadwatch telephone while in New Zealand: 0900 33 222

Taxes and duties

Retailers are required to collect Goods and Services tax (GST) on all goods and services sold in New Zealand including your car hire. GST is 12.5% of the price and is already included in most shop's prices.

When should I travel?

When you travel is up to you. Ezi-Rent is open year-round. The peak tourist season is from December to March which is summer in New Zealand (average temperature 22 degrees Celsius). Many people travel from June to September which is winter and therefore the ski season (average temperature 10 degrees Celsius). April-May and October-November are also great times to travel as the climate is temperate.

Distance and driving time charts

These charts are helpful when planning your self-drive holiday. The top number is the distance in kilometres between each location and the bottom number is the driving time in hours.minutes based on average driving speed.

 

North Island

South Island