New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, made up of two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island) along with hundreds of smaller islands. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic landscapes (including mountains, fjords, beaches, forests, and volcanoes), and has a rich biodiversity and is home to unique species like the kiwi bird, which is a national symbol. New Zealand is also recognized for its progressive society, environmental consciousness, and vibrant indigenous Māori culture, which is an integral part of its national identity.
Its capital, Wellington, is located at southern tip of the North Island. Often called the “coolest little capital in the world”, it is known for its picturesque harbour and surrounding hills, creative energy and compact urban charm, landmarks like the iconic Beehive building (part of the New Zealand Parliament) and the Te Papa Tongarewa national museum, and being a hub for film and media, including being a base for parts of the production of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
UTC+12 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, and storms.
New Zealand's Freedom Camping Act 2011 regulates where and how tourists can camp in vehicles. Violations can result in fines ranging from $200 to $2,400 (~£88 - £1062), depending on the offence:
Improper disposal of waste is taken seriously in New Zealand:
Failure to pay fines can lead to additional charges, legal action, and travel restrictions.
The official languages of New Zealand are English, Māori and the New Zealand Sign Language.
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side in New Zealand, but expect a mix of narrow, winding roads, often with steep sections. Road conditions may vary widely. The minimum age for a full driver's licence is 18 (which a foreign license is valid for up to 18 months for cars), but the renting age is generally 21 with a licence they hold for at least 12 months. Some rental companies have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories or may apply a "young driver surcharge" for those under 25. You can temporarily import your own vehicle (including motorcycles) for up to 12 months, without New Zealand registration, provided it remains registered abroad and you pay the ACC levy (for accident coverage). Entry certification is required, including a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) for light vehicles, and upon leaving the country, you'll need to cancel registration and may get a partial refund of the ACC levy.
Fatigue is a major risk; plan for short driving days (under four hours), take breaks, and don’t drive when tired. Roads can be unpredictable (icy or snowy in winter), especially in southern or alpine regions. And insurance isn’t compulsory, but strongly recommended. Many visitors opt for full coverage via rental companies or third-party providers.
By default:
Some roads may have different speed limits, where some motorways and expressways have a limit of 110 km/h (~68 mph).
The legal limit is 0.05% for drivers 20 or over, but is 0.00% for under 20s.
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.