Driving Your Car Rental in Wellington

Using a car rental in Wellington allows you the freedom to do your own thing and explore the whole region at your own pace. We want to you be safe and really enjoy your car rental in Wellington, so if you’re new to driving in New Zealand, check out our driving tips.

Rules of the Road

We drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road, so if you’re used to driving on the right, take special care at intersections. And remember on country roads, to keep to the left when that rare car appears from the opposite direction. The speed limit in built up areas is 50kph (around 30mph), with a few areas designated 70kph (around 43mph). The open road speed limit is 100kph (around 60mph) and driving any faster than this will result in costly fines.

Do watch your speed in your car rental around Wellington as there are speed cameras, both static and from unmarked vans or cars that will be parked at the roadside.

New Zealand has a unique ‘right of way’ rule, in favour of the car turning right across the traffic. This means you will need to slow and ‘give way’ if you are turning left and if a vehicle wants to turn into the same road from the other direction.

Driving in Wellington City

Just like any other city, Wellington can be busy during peak times. Peak times are between 7.30-9.00am and 4.30-6.00pm. You need to take care during these times as the roads can be extremely busy with both motorists and pedestrians. There are a few one way streets to be wary of, however these are well sign posted and are there to ease traffic congestion. Parking in the city streets is at a premium, however there are many car parking buildings available conveniently placed within the central city.

Rental Car Certification in Wellington

Your car rental in Wellington will have been issued with a Certificate of Fitness and Registration. This has required a rigorous six-monthly mechanical inspection, and the annual registration ensures every vehicle has third party injury insurance cover. Documentation for both of these requirements is affixed to the windscreen.

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 region has to offer with your car rental from New Zealand Rent A Car Wellington.

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