When you first start driving in New Zealand, there are some important things to take into account.
- Know the road code
To drive in New Zealand a person must be at least 15 years old and have a valid driving licence. Obtaining a driving licence means being familiar with the road rules. The road rules are contained in a publication called ‘The Road Code’. You must carry your licence with you at all times. - Rules peculiar to New Zealand
New Zealand has some unique road rules and conditions which need to be appreciated by road users. For example, you must give way to all traffic crossing or approaching from your right. - Drive left
In New Zealand vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. That means that steering wheels are on the right-hand side of vehicles.
- Wear a seatbelt
By law drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times, including those in the back seats. Children under the age of five must be in car seats that fit their size and weight. - Don’t drink and drive
Drinking excess alcohol and then driving a car is illegal in New Zealand, and is treated very seriously by the Police and the community. - Roadworthy and registered
Every vehicle on the road in New Zealand must be registered and licensed with Land Transport New Zealand, and have a Warrant of Fitness which determines that the vehicle is road worthy. - Check your speed
The speed limits in built-up areas in cities, including Wellington, range from 30km to 50 km per hour while on other more open roads it can range from 80km to 100km per hour.
- New Zealand Road Code website
- New Resident Drivers - Land Transport NZ website
- Driving in New Zealand - Land Transport NZ website
- Car Seats - Plunket website
- Automobile Association website
Driving in Wellington
Local, state highway and motorway roads form the road network in and around Wellington. On average it takes between 15 to 20 minutes to reach the inner city from the suburbs and no more than 45 minutes from the city to Upper Hutt or Kapiti.
However, city traffic can be heavy especially at peak times along the motorways. Some of our hillier suburbs may also present a challenge to those who have only driven on wide, flat roads.
Driving Licence
To drive legally in New Zealand, you need to be over age 15 and have a driving licence. This must be either a valid New Zealand driving licence, an international driving permit, or an overseas licence. You must carry it whenever you drive.
If you have a driving licence from your home country, or an international driving permit, it is valid for 12 months in New Zealand. After that, you will need to apply for a New Zealand driving licence.
Forms to apply for an overseas licence conversion are available from several agencies, including Land Transport New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. To convert your foreign driving licence to a New Zealand one, you must learn the New Zealand road code. You will have to pass a theory test and, depending on the country you are from, pass a practical driving test as well. You can find out more from Land Transport New Zealand’s website.
- Foreign licences for new residents - Land Transport NZ website
- Driver licensing agents - Land Transport NZ website
Parking in Wellington
There is an abundance of on-street parking and parking buildings in all of the main centres in the Wellington region. In Wellington city the Council is trying to encourage greater use of public transport and less use of cars. For most parts of the inner city, parking costs $4 per hour. Parking is free on weekends in the central city.
