Car Hire New Zealand

New Zealand's Road Network: New Zealand's road and highway network is comprehensive in both the North and South Islands to make your New Zealand road adventure as hassle-free as possible. New Zealand's roads are very scenic and pleasant and when compared to international standards, the country's traffic is low.

Local Time:New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Language: English is the most common language spoken in New Zealand but due to the country's multicultural society you will most likely hear various other languages spoken by residents, including Maori which is also an official language of New Zealand.

Speed Limits: Speed limits are measured accoring to kilometres/per/hour in New Zealand. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas.

Rules of the Roads: The Majority of New Zealands's road rules are the same in all all cities.

Drivers must always keep to the left hand side of the road.

Steering wheels are located on the right hand side of the car.

Drivers must give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.

Drivers must always carry a copy of their driver's license in English when driving.

Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants. It is illegal to travel without a seatbelt on. Drivers must keep to the designated speed limits. All roads are signposted.

You can legally drive in New Zealand if you have either a current driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand

>Driving Requirements:The minimum driving age in New Zealand is 15 yrs old.

Petrol: In New Zealand, petrol comes in the form of super (lead-replacement fuel), unleaded, premium unleaded, diesel grades and sold by the litre and prices vary in different locations.

Petrol Stations: There is a reasonable distribution of petrol stations throughout New Zealand.

Emergency Telephone Numbers: Police: 111 Ambulance: 111 Fire: 111

Rotorua: Located at the heart of Maoridom and 290m above sea-level on a volcanic plateau, Rotorua is famous as being "Nature's Spa of the South Pacific". The region of Rotorua is located atop an active thermal area, drifts of steam are emitted from cracks in the pavement, crevices, gardens and pathways and to the south and northeast of the city lie dormant towering volcanoes and breathtaking crater lakes.

Queenstown: Located on the South island of New Zealand, Queenstown is the home of the bungee and repeatedly referred to as the 'Adventure Capital of the World'. Queenstown is situated in the Southern Lakes region which is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth and the setting for the Lord of the Ring series.

Wellington: As the picturesque capital of New Zealand, Wellington stands at the southern tip of North Island and in the geographical centre of the country. The city overlooks Cook Strait and on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of the snowcapped Kaikoura Ranges. Wellington is an outdoors delight, renowned for its green rolling hillsides, rugged coastline and magnificent harbour.

Auckland: Whether you are dreaming of an outback adventure, a romantic getaway or world-class food and wine, Auckland is a great escape regardless of your preference. The city's veins are coloured by the distinct Polynesian culture than runs through it and to add over 100 beautiful beaches, 3 harbours, 2 mountain ranges, 48 volcano cones and more than 50 islands; Auckland is a travellers delight.

New Zealand is separated into two distinct climactic zones, the North Island is classified as subtropical whereas the South Island is classified as temperate. The country's warmest period is during the summer months of December, January and February and the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30 degrees Celsius. The coldest period is during the winter months of June, July and August when the maximum temperature ranges between 10-15 degrees Celsius.