Go New Zealand Tours

Driving in New Zealand is different to driving in other countries. What do you need to know before getting behind the wheel?

Hiring a car is a popular way to explore New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. However, even if you’re used to driving in other places, you need to be aware of things like weather extremes, narrow roads and different road rules before you begin your journey. With gorgeous, ever-changing scenery and so many amazing things to see along the way, you’ll want to stop often – and self-drive will let you do just that.

Take a look at these itineraries for the North Island, South Island, and all of New Zealand. Choose trips to suit your interests and how much time you have.or.

Home to 10 of New Zealand’s 14 national parks, the South Island is known for its jaw-dropping alpine scenery, icy glaciers and fun wildlife experiences.

New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world.

Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier.

Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Embark on a collection of road trips throughout New Zealand. 

Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find ideas here to help you plan your trip.

Discover something new on a weekend trip. Or, spend time exploring most of the country’s highlights in two weeks. To explore more of the regions and get off the beaten track, you could easily spend three weeks or more exploring.

Journey through a maze of alpine lakes and glittering mountains on this South Island road trip.

The highlights is Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand before heading north through stunning National Parks to explore glacier country.

Fulfill your trip of a lifetime, where you will experience culture, nature and spectacular landscapes. Discover historical Dunedin, stroll

Queenstown’s famous pubs, bars and restaurants.

If you’re looking for deserted, sandy beaches, untamed nature and rugged beauty, there is nowhere better than the Catlins. Don’t miss the cascading Purakaunui Falls, sweeping Tautuku Bay, or the lighthouse perched atop Nugget Point, an iconic landform on the Otago Coast and Stargazed at Lake Tekapo.

Embark on a winter holiday of a lifetime where you’ll experience spectacular landscapes and scenery, uncrowded slopes for beginners to heli-skiing for the more adventurous, all within easy reach of world-class ski resorts and exciting off-mountain activities.

Hit the road, stray from well-worn paths and experience the real New Zealand Luxury.

Your North Island itinerary can take in volcanoes, Hobbiton movie sets, bubbling mud pools and shooting geysers, lazing on idyllic islands and exploring exciting metropolises. 

In New Zealand all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. 

It is important to note that if you are caught driving without an acceptable English translation or an IDP, you may be prosecuted for driving unlicensed or for driving without an appropriate licence.

You will be liable for an infringement fee of NZ$400, or up to NZ$1,000 if you are convicted in court.

The police have the power to forbid an unlicensed driver to drive until they have an appropriate licence. If you continue to drive after being forbidden, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for 28 days, at the vehicle owner’s expense. You may also risk not being covered by your insurance in the event of a crash.