Destinations / New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Drive on a valid English licence or carry an IDP/translation if it is in another language.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What New Zealand expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 111 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h open roads (110 on some expressways) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 16. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in NZD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Right of way | Give way rules at intersections are strict. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Many rural roads are narrow and winding. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; zero under 20. |
On the road in New Zealand
At the pump
Fuel is self-service and sold by the litre, with petrol grades 91, 95 and 98 plus diesel; you must use at least the octane your car requires, and cards are accepted everywhere.
After a crash
Call 111 for injuries; you must stop and exchange details, and report to police within 60 hours (immediately if anyone is hurt) - driving on without authority can void your rental insurance.
Sources: newzealand.com · nzta.govt.nz · police.govt.nz · aa.co.nz
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in New Zealand?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Drive on a valid English licence or carry an IDP/translation if it is in another language.
Which translation format is used for New Zealand?
New Zealand uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in New Zealand ask for a translation?
An accurate English translation or IDP is expected for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for New Zealand?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.