Use Seat Belts: As per Kiwi law, all the people who are travelling in the car, even the ones seated in the back seats must make use of seat belts; and if children are along, use of child restraints is compulsory.
Keep Left: In New Zealand, all cars approach their destinations by driving on the left, which means that the center line of the road always remains on the right side of the driver.
Speed Limits: While driving on Kiwi roads, one shall keep a strict check on the speed. Though in case of open roads and city/town roads, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/hr and 50 km/hr respectively, yet exceptions do occur. Therefore keep an eye on the signs on your left to keep track of the maximum permitted speed.
Avoid Mobile Phones: A driver is advised not to use mobile in any way while driving on the Kiwi roads. However, it is permissible, if and only if one is using a hands-free kit which ensures that there will be no need to manipulate the mobile with hands while driving.
Overtaking: Overtake a vehicle only if it is safe and in case there is a yellow line instead of a white at the center of the road to your right- it means overtaking is prohibited as it is too dangerous!
Drive as Per the Conditions: You should slow down and drive more carefully if the driving conditions are not favorable i.e. if it is raining or snowing etc.
Don’t mix drinking and driving: Driving is strictly prohibited in case you are under the influence of alcohol or a drug. It is a big offense in NZ and if caught the penalties would be really severe.
Plan Well: Since road trips in NZ could prove really long because of the winding roads, it is always advisable that one should better calculate the duration of your traveling using a GPS.
Go for an automatic car: While choosing for a car rental it is better to choose a car which has an automatic transmission. The fact that in NZ one has to change the gear with their left hands might seem uncomfortable, moreover, this can be a big problem especially when one has to self navigate on NZ’s winding roads. Therefore it is better to opt for an automatic car.
Don’t Panic: Thought it is unlikely that one can get lost while driving in NZ, yet if such a case arises, don’t panic- take a deep breath, leave the premises of your car and ask someone for directions.