Driving Your Car Rental in Greymouth

Driving your car rental around Greymouth and the West Coast is generally not too challenging, because the roads are good, the traffic volumes are generally light and the locals are courteous and considerate. If you’re new to New Zealand, make sure driving your car rental in Greymouth is safe and enjoyable with our safe driving tips.

There are a few aspects of our roads that are unique to the Greymouth district and could catch the rental car driver unawares. One-lane bridges are common and can be something of a hazard. In New Zealand each one-lane bridge has a sign indicating which traffic has right of way, but even if you have right of way, it pays to approach the bridge cautiously! Two of the one-way bridges in the Greymouth district, the Arahura and the Taramakau, are actually shared with the local railway line! These bridges are unique and are New Zealand tourist attractions in themselves.

The famous “Coast Road” between Greymouth and Westport (passing Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks) provides a scenic drive that equals any in the world. However it is a route that follows a rugged coastline, with many tight corners and large drops over the edge of the road. It is a trip not to be missed in your rental car, but also one with which you must drive very carefully, as you’ll be sharing the road with many others touring in rental cars, tourist coaches, bicycles and campervans. Also using the road are heavy transport vehicles such as coal trucks and milk tankers. Be aware that late in the day, though the sunset may be beautiful, it can also be a hazard if the sun gets in your eyes unexpectedly!

Driving in New Zealand – The Basics

  • Drive on the LEFT hand side of the road and give way to the right
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle passengers
  • Urban speed limits are 50kph (around 30mph) with some areas designated 70kph
  • Open country speed limits are generally 100kph (about 60mph)
  • If you are turning left at an intersection, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are turning 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 West Coast region has to offer with your car rental from New Zealand Rent A Car Greymouth.

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