Boutique private suite accommodation in Manapouri, Fiordland New Zealand.

driving

. . . .Rules of the Road . | .Give-Way-Rules . | . Roundabouts . | . Sunrise - Sunset

Distance / travel time enter the town or region in the boxes below.

Ferry: Travel between the north and south islands by vehicle, the boat trip takes about 5 hrs. Ferry schedules are weather dependent, poor weather may result in delay or cancellation. Wellington to Picton Ferry

Train: New Zealand train journeys. Tranz Scenic

Driving tips: the first step to driving in New Zealand is choosing your automobile - automatic or manual. If the thought of shifting with your left hand, on top of staying on the correct side of the road may be too much to handle, an automatic would be the obvious choice.

Familiarize yourself with the headlights, windscreen wipers, and any security features on your rental car - so you that you're not caught far away from the rental agency and not know how to operate that feature.

Check for any damage to the vehicle that is not recorded on the rental contract as "previous damage". If there's a scratch that is not listed, the rental agency may assume you are responsible.

Remember to ask the attendant at the rental desk to point you in the right direction - how to get out of the car park, which way to get on the road for your first destination - always a good way to start your holiday.

Insurance: most car rental companies offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). The CDW covers any damage to your vehicle, whether or not it is your fault. There may be a "deductible" for any damage, but there are usually extra coverage options that can lower this fee, sometimes to zero.

Roundabouts: are basically intersections designed to keep the flow of traffic moving at a constant pace. Roundabouts are all one-way, clockwise.

Know BEFORE you get to the Roundabout, which "exit" you need to take. Slow your speed, you may have to stop before entering the Roundabout.

Yield to oncoming traffic, all traffic will be coming from your right. If your turn / exit is closest to your right as you approach the Roundabout, you must travel clockwise all the way around the circle to that exit.

Motorways: the "slow" lane is the outside - the far left lane. This is also the lane where you'll need to make your exits. Exits are very clearly marked and you'll have plenty of warning before your exit approaches.

Gas / Petrol prices are listed in litres so don't let the displayed prices fool you. 4 liters equals 1 gallon/USA.

Beware of driving jet lagged. Try not to immediately get into a rental car at the airport upon arrival. Give yourself a day or two to adjust to the new time zone and to recover from the long tiring flight before you start driving.