Is driving in New Zealand difficult?
Is driving in New Zealand difficult?
There is only one route which connects one town to another, so navigating and driving in New Zealand is not difficult. There also aren't that many cars on the road, so you can drive at your own comfortable speed.
Is food expensive in New Zealand?
The prices at normal restaurants vary tremendously, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $8 and $15 for breakfast and between $20 and $40 for dinner per person. … All prices are in New Zealand dollars.
Should you rent a car in New Zealand?
If you want to see the rest of New Zealand at your own pace and on your own time, I highly recommend renting a car. Most remote and gorgeous parts of New Zealand are not on the routes of buses or trains that run between cities and some areas are not even covered by such intercity transport.
What is the best month to go to New Zealand?
The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. That's roughly one week's travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country.
Is it safe to drive at night NZ?
It's illegal to drive at night without properly functioning front and rear lights, so make routine checks to ensure your lights are all working as they should. If you find that a bulb needs changing, get it done as soon as possible to avoid being stopped by the police, or becoming a danger on our roads.
Is New Zealand expensive?
The majority of expats will head to New Zealand's main cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Auckland being significantly more expensive. Buying a home in New Zealand can take as little as three to four weeks. … On average a two bedroom apartment in the city will cost around $350–$500 per week.
What is the best time of year to visit New Zealand?
What time of year is best to visit New Zealand? In short, you'll have the best chance of comfortable weather and fewer crowds in early spring (September – October) and in autumn (March – May).
Do I need vaccinations for New Zealand?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for New Zealand. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for New Zealand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Are New Zealand roads dangerous?
New Zealand's roads are unique. They are varied, scenic and often enjoyable to drive, but they can also be dangerous and unforgiving, with hidden hazards. … In 2016, 327 people died on our roads. This cost New Zealanders $4.05bn.
How many days do you need in Queenstown NZ?
We recommend a minimum of 2 days in Queenstown to get a taste of what this charming town has to offer. However, if you've got plenty of time up your sleeve, you could comfortably spend 5 days in Queenstown to get a feel for the region.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are: A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months), or. A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months).
Can you drive between New Zealand islands?
Most trips start on the North Island, because it is the most accessible island from outside New Zealand. … This means that you could fly to the South Island and spend some time there, then drive to Picton, catch a ferry to Wellington, and then continue driving on the North Island.
Does New Zealand drive on the left or right?
We drive on the left hand side of the road and our vehicles seat the driver on the right. Always drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. If you're used to driving on the right hand side of the road, this can be a challenge to remember especially when pulling out into traffic.
How much does it cost to rent a car in New Zealand?
Car rental daily cost: From NZ$9/day (see conditions above) to NZ$150/day for people movers (8-seaters) in the high season.
Which is better New Zealand North or South Island?
New Zealand's South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has gorgeous coastline, but it is best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland. … Generally, the North Island is warmer, as its northernmost regions are subtropical.
How expensive is a trip to New Zealand?
$2000, $3000, and $2500, respectively, for the flights. $3000 for car rental. $3360 for accommodation. $940 for food.
How long does it take to drive through New Zealand?
Although New Zealand is small, it isn't quite so tiny as ten minutes here and twenty minutes there. There are long, winding roads, mountain chains, river systems, large lakes and thick forests; non-stop is not an option in Aotearoa, as you'll soon discover.
Do I need an international drivers Licence for New Zealand?
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). … In New Zealand all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving.
Is there a bridge between North and South New Zealand?
Cook Strait (Māori: Te Moana-o-Raukawa) is a strait that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It connects the Tasman Sea on the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean on the southeast, and runs next to the capital city, Wellington.
Is alcohol expensive in New Zealand?
Bar owners of New Zealand – why are drinks so damned expensive? Because NZ tax law does not differentiate between alcohol sold in liquor stores and alcohol sold in bars. Excise tax on beer works out to around 42 cents per standard drink, and for spirits it is aroun 61 cents per standard drink.
Do you need car insurance in New Zealand?
Insurance. It is not compulsory in New Zealand to have car insurance. However, it is recommended that you get third party insurance at least so if you cause an accident, you are covered for any damage you cause to other cars.
What is the speed limit in New Zealand?
The default maximum speed limit on the open road in New Zealand is 100 km/h (62 mph). The Land Transport (Setting of Speed Limits) Rule 2017, which came into force on 24 August 2017, added a provision to set speed limits of 110 km/h (68 mph) on selected motorways and expressways.
Are the road rules in New Zealand the same as Australia?
New Zealand's road rules are very similar to those in Australia. In addition to driving on the left-hand side of the road and giving way to all oncoming traffic from the right, you must adhere to the speed limit at all times and not drive under the influence of alcohol.
What side of the car is the steering wheel in New Zealand?
One of the most important thing for visitors to New Zealand to remember is that we drive on the left side of the road. And of course that means if you are hiring a vehicle to drive here, the steering wheel will be on the right hand side of the car, not the left, which you may be used to.
Is New Zealand worth visiting in winter?
Winter can be one of the best times to visit New Zealand if you avoid the winter school holidays in July, because ski slopes tend to become very busy then. Images of snow-capped and snow-covered mountains in New Zealand have become all too familiar and the hallmark of especially the South Island of New Zealand.
Do you need to book accommodation in advance in New Zealand?
Time of year. New Zealand's peak holiday season runs from November through to March, coinciding with summer. … If you are visiting during these months it's best to book any coastal accommodation, including holiday parks, ahead of time, as these are popular holiday spots with locals.
What is the legal age to drive in New Zealand?
New Zealand has increased its minimum driving age from 15 to 16 in an effort to make its roads safer. The country has one of the lowest driving ages in the developed world, the legacy of an agriculture-driven economy in which teenagers are expected to be able to operate farm vehicles from a young age.
How long does it take to drive from Wellington to Auckland?
Start in Wellington. Drive for about 2 hours, then stop in Palmerston North and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 2 hours then stop at Tongariro Alpine Crossing and stay for 1 hour.