Driving in New Zealand as a United Kingdom National
New Zealand offers some of the world's most stunning driving scenery, from fjords to volcanic landscapes. Roads are well-maintained but often narrow and winding. Drive on the left.
Key Things to Know First
New Zealand requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United Kingdom before departure.
How to get an IDPBoth United Kingdom and New Zealand drive on the left. No adjustment needed.
United Kingdom uses mph, but New Zealand uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | New Zealand | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Left-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 16 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 111 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in New Zealand
Speed limits in New Zealand are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in New Zealand
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in New Zealand. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers New Zealand before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in New Zealand
Primary emergency number in New Zealand. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull New Zealand Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in New Zealand.
Read the complete guide