Is it easy to drive in South Island New Zealand?

The roads are often narrow and hilly with twists and turns so may take longer to drive than you expect. Our time and distance calculator can help you plan your itinerary. Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are two-way with one lane in each direction and no barriers in-between.



People Also Ask

You absolutely do not need a 4×4 or 4WD in New Zealand. The roads where most visitors go are either tar-sealed or well-maintained gravel roads that are suitable for 2WD vehicles.

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How long does it take to drive the length of New Zealand? In theory you could drive the North Island from tip to toe in around 14 hours and the South Island in around 12 non-stop.

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Getting a rental car in New Zealand is simple. You must be at least 21 and have a valid credit card, just like most everywhere else. Generally, if you're a licensed driver in another country, you won't need to provide anything other than your valid home drivers' license or International Driving Permit (IDP).

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Who can drive on New Zealand roads. You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if: you have a current and valid overseas licence or driver permit, and. you haven't been given a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand, and.

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Driving is one of the best ways to see New Zealand New Zealand's stunning scenery makes for remarkable road trips and traveling by car is convenient and flexible, especially for visiting attractions away from main arterial routes. Many of the best-known national parks are remote, so you'll need a car to explore them.

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For a 10-day trip, we recommend visiting up to four or five different destinations. Our 10-day itinerary locations are some of the most popular: Auckland the City of Sails, Wellington the cultural, art and food capital, and Queenstown the home of world-class adrenaline activities.

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The best time to visit the South Island of New Zealand is December to February if you're looking to experience outdoor fun in optimum summer weather. The average daily temperature ranges from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, but bear in mind that the farther south you venture, the cooler lows you may face.

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The best time to visit the South Island of New Zealand is December to February if you're looking to experience outdoor fun in optimum summer weather. The average daily temperature ranges from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, but bear in mind that the farther south you venture, the cooler lows you may face.

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