Driving Your Car Rental in Whitianga

Using a car rental in Whitianga allows you the freedom to do your own thing and explore the Coromandel Peninsula at your own pace. If you’re new to New Zealand, make sure driving your car rental in Whitianga is safe and enjoyable with our driving tips.

Driving in Whitianga and Coromandel can be very pleasant. The scenery is varied and every bend in the road brings new delights of bush, mountains and sea. This can be very distracting for the touring driver, so take extra care on the roads and pull over somewhere safe if you want to enjoy the view.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for what seems a short trip on the map, as it is often deceptively longer, with roads winding through mountains and coastal plains. Not all roads on the Peninsula are sealed so special care is needed when driving on loose stone surfaces. These roads are usually only one lane wide, so travel slowly, keeping well left on corners. Some of the most rewarding sights and experiences are along these roads so don’t be deterred – just be careful and travel slowly.

Keep a good eye on your rear mirror and pull over to let faster local motorists and commuters pass you. That way you won’t feel pressured by other traffic and you can make the most of the sights you came to see.

Driving in Whitianga – The Basics

  • Drive on the LEFT hand side of the road
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle passengers
  • Urban speed limits are 50kph (around 30mph) with a few areas designated 70kph
  • Open country speed limits are generally 100kph (about 60mph)
  • Drivers must carry a current New Zealand, international or internationally approved driving licence

Traffic Law Enforcement in New Zealand

The NZ police enforce driving laws throughout the country, although city councils can issue parking notices. The police make extensive use of unmarked patrol cars, and speed cameras operate on open roads – both static, and from unmarked vehicles parked at the roadside. The fine can be as much as $600 and New Zealand Rent A Car will also charge you a processing fee. Blood alcohol limits are set at 80mg/100ml, although having any alcohol in your blood after an accident may affect the insurance cover on your rental vehicle – so it is advisable not to drink at all if you are driving.

Rental Car Certification in New Zealand

Any car used on a New Zealand road needs a warrant of fitness and registration. Getting a warrant of fitness requires a six-monthly mechanical inspection, and the annual registration ensures every vehicle has third party injury insurance cover. Car rental vehicles in New Zealand are subject to a more stringent safety inspection, called a certificate of fitness. Documentation for both of these requirements is affixed to the windscreen on all New Zealand Rent A Car rental vehicles.

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 Coromandel has to offer with your car rental from New Zealand Rent A Car Whitianga.

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