Driving Your Car Rental in Christchurch

Using a car rental in Christchurch allows you the freedom to do your own thing and explore Christchurch and the Canterbury region at your own pace, helping you to make the most of your time in the South Island. If you’re new to New Zealand, make sure driving your car rental in Christchurch is safe and enjoyable with our safe driving tips.

The roads in Christchurch are less busy than larger cities like Auckland, but emptier roads are not always safer roads, so take extra care and always look out for other road users.

New Zealand Rent A Car provides a ‘Driving Safely in New Zealand’ brochure with your car rental so please take a few minutes to read through this to familiarise yourself with the basics of driving in NZ.

Driving in Christchurch – The Basics

  • Drive on the LEFT hand side of the road
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle passengers
  • City speed limits are 50kph (around 30mph) with a few areas designated 70kph
  • Open country speed limits are generally 100kph (about 60mph)
  • At intersections, drivers turning left must give way to all traffic crossing or approaching from your right
  • When turning at traffic lights, give way to pedestrians using the crossing
  • You must carry your driver’s licence when driving – either a current New Zealand licence, or a current international or internationally approved licence

The Land Transport Safety Authority has more information on road safety in New Zealand as well as an online Road Code.

Now you can enjoy all that the city of Christchurch has to offer with your car rental from New Zealand Rent A Car. The friendly staff at our Christchurch car rental depot are happy to provide you with a central city map of Christchurch and to answer any questions you may have about sights to see or how to get to where you want to go.

If you want to spend time exploring Christchurch you will find copies of Christchurch & Canterbury official visitor guides, available at our offices. For more information about Christchurch attractions, activities and accommodation, take a look at the official Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism website.

Enjoy a safe car rental in Christchurch with driving safety tips from New Zealand Rent A Car.