Relaxing Journeys are New Zealand’s leading self drive touring specialists with over 60 itineraries covering the breadth of the country.
Table of Contents
New Zealand Roads
Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand’s landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards. Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest.
Even when distances are short, hilly, or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey. If you’re used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads.
New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant. Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight.
International Driving Licences and Permit
To rent a car in New Zealand you must have a valid full national driving licence which has been held for at least one year. Make sure your driver’s licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you must bring a current International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation as well as your original driving licence. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.
Recent law changes mean 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. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.
Road Rules & General Information
- In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road;
- All road distances are measured in kilometres;
- When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right. On March 25, 2012, New Zealand’s Give Way rule changed to align with international give way to the left rules. While this may be normal for you, New Zealand drivers may take some time to get used to the change and you should take extra care at intersections;
- When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America;
- The speed limit on the open road is 100kph (approx. 60mph). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h;
- Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats. All children under the age of seven must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint when travelling in cars or vans;
- Make sure that you have plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks – one every two hours and when you feel sleepy;
- Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand – drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
Drive Safe & Other Resources
Even if you have driven in other countries, it’s important to understand our rules for driving in New Zealand before you get behind the wheel. Further Drive Safe information can be found at drivesafe.org.nz.
- Take a tourist/visitor test to learn about New Zealand’s road rules
- Download the TravelSafeNZ app to stay updated with local conditions
Driving Distances - North Island
The following chart gives you an approximate indication of distances between the main destinations in the North Island of New Zealand.
| From | To | Distance (Km) | Distance (Mi) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Napier | 422 | 262 | 6hr 35min |
| Auckland | Paihia | 240 | 149 | 4hr 15min |
| Auckland | Rotorua | 233 | 145 | 3hr 35min |
| Auckland | Waitomo | 200 | 124 | 3hr 10min |
| Auckland | Wellington | 658 | 409 | 9hr 15min |
| Napier | Auckland | 422 | 262 | 6hr 35min |
| Napier | Paihia | 661 | 411 | 9hr 50min |
| Napier | Rotorua | 224 | 139 | 3hr 50min |
| Napier | Waitomo | 306 | 190 | 5hr 05min |
| Napier | Wellington | 323 | 201 | 4hr 50min |
| Rotorua | Auckland | 233 | 145 | 3hr 35 min |
| Rotorua | Napier | 224 | 139 | 3hr 50min |
| Rotorua | Paihia | 475 | 295 | 7hr 50min |
| Rotorua | Waitomo | 166 | 103 | 2hr 45min |
| Rotorua | Wellington | 460 | 286 | 6hr 30min |
| Waitomo | Auckland | 200 | 124 | 3hr 10min |
| Waitomo | Napier | 306 | 190 | 5hr 05min |
| Waitomo | Paihia | 439 | 273 | 7hr 25min |
| Waitomo | Rotorua | 166 | 103 | 2hr 45min |
| Waitomo | Wellington | 473 | 294 | 6hr 30min |
| Wellington | Auckland | 658 | 409 | 9hr 15min |
| Wellington | Napier | 323 | 201 | 4hr 50min |
| Wellington | Paihia | 898 | 558 | 13hr 30min |
| Wellington | Rotorua | 460 | 286 | 6hr 30min |
| Wellington | Waitomo | 473 | 294 | 7hr 10min |
Driving Distances - South Island
The following chart gives you an approximate indication of distances between the main destinations in the South Island of New Zealand.
| From | To | Distance (Km) | Distance (Mi) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | Milford Sound | 772 | 480 | 10hr 40min |
| Christchurch | Mt Cook | 331 | 206 | 4hr 55min |
| Christchurch | Nelson | 423 | 263 | 6hr 15min |
| Christchurch | Picton | 336 | 209 | 5hr |
| Christchurch | Queenstown | 486 | 302 | 7hr 15min |
| Nelson | Christchurch | 423 | 263 | 6hr 15min |
| Nelson | Milford Sound | 1146 | 712 | 18hr 35min |
| Nelson | Mt Cook | 775 | 469 | 10hr 30min |
| Nelson | Picton | 109 | 68 | 2hr 10min |
| Nelson | Queenstown | 693 | 431 | 12hr 45min |
| Mt Cook | Christchurch | 331 | 206 | 4hr 55min |
| Mt Cook | Milford Sound | 550 | 342 | 8hr 55min |
| Mt Cook | Nelson | 755 | 469 | 10hr 30min |
| Mt Cook | Picton | 666 | 414 | 9hr 45min |
| Mt Cook | Queenstown | 262 | 163 | 3hr 50min |
| Picton | Christchurch | 336 | 209 | 5hr |
| Picton | Milford Sound | 1109 | 689 | 18hr 25min |
| Picton | Mt Cook | 666 | 414 | 9hr 45min |
| Picton | Nelson | 109 | 68 | 2hr 10min |
| Picton | Queenstown | 822 | 511 | 13hr 20min |
| Queenstown | Christchurch | 486 | 302 | 7hr 15min |
| Queenstown | Milford Sound | 291 | 181 | 5hr 05min |
| Queenstown | Mt Cook | 262 | 163 | 3hr 50min |
| Queenstown | Nelson | 693 | 431 | 12hr 45min |
| Queenstown | Picton | 822 | 511 | 13hr 20min |
Please note highways were used to calculate distances between major towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a self-drive journey in New Zealand often brings up a few common questions. Here are some helpful answers to guide you as you start shaping your trip.
Travel distances in New Zealand can sometimes take longer than they appear on a map. Roads are often winding, and the scenery along the way naturally encourages you to slow down and stop more often.
Because of this, even relatively short distances can take more time than expected. Allowing extra time in your itinerary helps keep the journey relaxed and enjoyable, rather than feeling rushed between destinations.
Driving distances in New Zealand are influenced by more than just kilometres. Many roads follow the natural landscape, with curves, hills and coastal routes that require slower speeds.
There’s also the experience itself to consider — from scenic viewpoints to small towns and photo stops, it’s common to pause more often than planned. Taking this into account helps create a more enjoyable and realistic travel pace.
Most travellers find that shorter driving days allow for a far more enjoyable experience. Rather than focusing on covering large distances, it’s often better to plan manageable travel times with opportunities to explore along the way.
A well-paced itinerary ensures you have time to enjoy each destination without feeling like you’re constantly on the road.
Driving in New Zealand is suitable for most visitors. Roads are generally well maintained, and traffic outside of major cities is often light.
It’s important to remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, so taking a little time to adjust is key. With sensible planning and comfortable driving distances, most travellers find it an enjoyable and rewarding way to explore the country.
Roads in New Zealand vary from modern highways near cities to more rural and scenic routes in remote areas. Many roads are two-lane and can be winding, particularly in coastal or alpine regions.
While road distances may look short on a map, these conditions mean journeys often take longer. Allowing for this ensures a smoother and more relaxed travel experience.
Yes, many travellers explore both islands in a single trip. The Interislander ferry connects the North and South Islands, making it easy to include a variety of regions in one itinerary.
With careful planning, it’s possible to experience both islands at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
Having a general plan for your driving distances can make a big difference to how your trip feels. Factoring in realistic travel times helps avoid overly long days and ensures there’s time to enjoy each destination.
At the same time, leaving some flexibility in your plans allows for spontaneous stops and unexpected highlights along the way.
A self-drive holiday is one of the most popular ways to explore New Zealand. It offers the freedom to travel at your own pace, discover lesser-known places and stop whenever something catches your interest.
With the right planning, it allows you to experience both the highlights and the hidden gems that make New Zealand unique.
A self-drive holiday is one of the most popular ways to explore New Zealand. It offers the freedom to travel at your own pace, discover lesser-known places and stop whenever something catches your interest.
With the right planning, it allows you to experience both the highlights and the hidden gems that make New Zealand unique.
Planning a self-drive holiday in New Zealand involves more than just choosing destinations — it’s about creating a journey that feels balanced and enjoyable from start to finish.
Relaxing Journeys designs personalised itineraries that take travel distances, road conditions and scenic routes into account. Our team focuses on creating well-paced journeys that allow you to explore comfortably, with time to enjoy each destination along the way.