Driving Your Car Rental in Picton

Picton is a popular destination for a short break or for access to the Queen Charlotte Sounds, with 600 people arriving on Picton ferry sailings at least 4 times daily. It is also popular as a starting point for longer breaks away and travel around the South Island. Using a car rental in Picton allows you the freedom to do your own thing and explore the region at your own pace.

If you’re new to New Zealand, make sure driving your car rental in Picton is safe and enjoyable with our driving tips.

Driving in Picton – The Basics

  • Drive on the LEFT hand side of the road
  • Safety belts are required for all vehicle occupants
  • Hands free mobile (cell) phones are illegal when driving
  • Urban speed limits are 50kph (about 30mph) with a few areas designated 70kph
  • Country speed limits are generally 100kph (around 60mph)
  • Drivers must carry a current New Zealand, international or internationally approved driving licence
  • Give way to your right, even if you are turning left

Please take the time and read the ‘Driving Safely in New Zealand’ brochure provided with your car rental. This will help you if you’re unsure of or unfamiliar with any of our road signs or road rules. You can also check out the online Road Code to read more about driving in New Zealand.

Remember if you are driving long distance to take regular breaks, to stretch and to refresh yourself. Distances may seem shorter on maps, but our winding country roads and hills can take longer to navigate than you think. One-way bridges are common in the South Island and can present a serious hazard to the uninitiated. If you’re heading off the beaten track into very rural areas you may also encounter unsealed gravel roads and farm animals and vehicles on the road, so take extra care in open country.

Now you can enjoy all that the Queen Charlotte and Marlborough Sounds have to offer with your car rental from New Zealand Rent A Car Picton.

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