Arrival and Getting into Town

Driving Essentials

• New Zealand drives on the left. Road rules are strict, so familiarize yourself in advance with intersection yielding and roundabout regulations.
• You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country along with an officially recognized English translation or an International Driving Permit.
• It’s recommended to purchase comprehensive insurance when picking up your rental car. Mountain roads have plenty of gravel, and the risk of vehicle damage is not low.
• Most gas stations are self-service—you pay at the counter after filling up. Stations in rural areas can be few and far between.

Public Transport

• InterCity Buses: Cover major towns on both the North and South Islands and are a reliable alternative to driving.
• Interisland Ferries: Cross the Cook Strait between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island—about 3.5 hours with stunning scenery.
• Domestic Flights: Air New Zealand and Jetstar connect major cities, making inter-island flights the fastest option.
• City Buses: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch all offer bus cards and real-time tracking apps.

Tips

• During peak season (December–February), car rentals and ferry cabins are in high demand—book several months in advance.
• Take a break every two hours on long drives. Fatigue is a serious risk on mountain roads.
• Some hiking trails require reaching the trailhead first. When public transport isn’t available, drive or join a shuttle tour.