Planning on driving to the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa? Not used to driving in New Zealand? Driving in New Zealand can be very different to driving at home.
For instance... we drive on the left-hand side of the road here; some of our roads are narrow, windy and have loose gravel; and it’s not unusual to see sheep or cattle on roads in rural areas. It’s also very easy to underestimate driving times in New Zealand, so give yourself more time than you think you'll need to reach your destination and take plenty of breaks to rest and stretch your legs.
Before any trip you'll need to understand New Zealand's road rules and signs and keep your eye on the weather so you can drive to the conditions.
Top 10 Tips for Driving in New Zealand
About to set off on a road trip to Gibbston Valley? Follow these tips:
- Keep left! We drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand.
- Always wear your seat belt. Everyone in your vehicle must wear a seat belt and children must be secured in an approved child seat. Your rental vehicle company can rent child seats to you if you didn’t bring your own.
- Keep to the speed limit and always stop at STOP signs.
- Always slow down to observe recommended speeds around bends and check for oncoming traffic on one-lane bridges.
- Overtake other vehicles only when it’s safe to do so. Use passing lanes whenever possible and never cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line.
- Stay well-rested. Plan to drive for only 1-2 hours at a time and take regular breaks during your journey to stretch your legs.
- Drive to the conditions. You’ll need to reduce your speed if it’s raining, icy, snowing, windy or if you’re in a roadworks area. Ask your accommodation provider if in doubt.
- Use this Driving Time and Distance Calculator or GPS to estimate driving times while planning your journey. Driving in New Zealand can often take longer than expected due to our winding roads.
- Do not drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.
- It's illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in New Zealand. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over at a rest area or in a safe place.
Find more information on New Zealand road rules and road signs in the New Zealand Road Code.
In case of an emergency while driving in New Zealand, contact the Police, Fire or Ambulance by dialling 111.
