Road Rules New Zealand
Europcar is one of the New Zealand's most popular car rental companies, and has
over 140 locations in our car rental network including major airports and
cities throughout Asia Pacific.
To make your rental experience as easy and safe as possible, Europcar provides
key information that will help you when driving in New Zealand.
Please click the headings below to view information on each of these topics.
If you have a question that is not covered in the topics below please email
us at info@europcar.co.nz.
Driving
Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
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Travelling Times
The maximum speed limit for the open road in New Zealand is 100 kilometres/hour
(62 miles/hour). Drivers generally travel slightly under the speed limit.
Please note that average speeds are lower and it takes longer to travel
distances in New Zealand than might be expected. This is due to the hilly and
mountainous nature of our countryside.
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Rural Driving
Many roads have gravel verges. Be mindful to keep clear of the verge,
especially on corners. Some isolated roads are unsealed and use gravel as the
surface. In these cases, drive slowly. Note that there are some roads which
are not suitable for rental cars. We will advise you of these at the time of
pick up.
During winter and early spring, some roads in the South Island and central North
Island may be closed because of snow and ice. There will usually be an
alternative route for you to take.
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Seat Belts
It is compulsory in New Zealand that the driver and all passengers wear their
seatbelts. This is an important safety requirement.
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