Driving Rental Cars in Auckland

Using rental cars in Auckland and on the North Shore gives you the independence and convenience of exploring the region to your own schedule, helping you to make the most of your precious holiday time. If you’re new to New Zealand, make sure driving your rental car is safe and enjoyable with our driving tips.

Driving within the North Shore is relatively easily, but travelling to and from Auckland City across the Auckland Harbour Bridge can be hampered by severe traffic congestion, especially during peak times. Our convenient North Shore car rentals branch makes travelling around the north of Auckland much easier, avoiding the busy harbour crossings.

Driving in New Zealand – The Basics

  • In New Zealand we drive on the LEFT hand side of the road
  • Urban speed limits are 50kph (around 30mph) with a few areas designated 70kph
  • Rural speed limits are generally 100kph (about 60mph)
  • At intersections, drivers turning left must give way to drivers turning right from the opposite direction
  • When turning at traffic lights, drivers should give way to pedestrians using the crossing
  • Drivers must carry a current New Zealand, international or internationally approved drivers licence. If the licence is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

We also provide a ‘Driving Safely in New Zealand’ brochure with our rental cars so please take a few minutes to read this and familiarise yourself with the basics. The Land Transport Safety Authority has more comprehensive information on road safety and the road rules in New Zealand.

We hope you enjoy all that Auckland, the North Shore and beyond have to offer with your car rental from New Zealand Rent A Car and wish you a safe journey.

Driving rental cars in Auckland is easy with road safety tips from New Zealand Rent A Car.