101 on Driving Rules?

I'll be visiting to new zealand soon and I was wondering what are the road rules there? I already have my international driver's licence processed. Do I need to know anything else?

I know they drive on the left.That's about it though

I don't know if you have searched the web at all, but I found this site that gives some good info.
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/gettin ... d-home.cfm

Have fun! And remember to drive on the right side of the road when you return to Canada!

Allyssa

I don't know if you have searched the web at all, but I found this site that gives some good info.

Have fun! And remember to drive on the right side of the road when you return to Canada!

Allyssa

I did search the web and the site you gave me helped a lot. But I forgot to mention that I'd be driving a campervan.

I won't worry too much. It's actually very easy to adjust to driving on the left. Within a few days you'll be relatively comfortable, and after a few weeks it'll seem pretty normal.

Here's my tips:

-Learn what the road signs look like so you're not surprised when you see they look different

-Your indicator (turning signal) and wipers are on the opposite side you're used to. It'll take you a couple of day to stop turning on your wipers when you're trying to turn. Just think it's funny and don't get stressed.

-Remember to get in the car on the right side. Nothing says tourist like the driver getting in on the passenger seat!

-Get used to looking at traffic in the opposite order. You'll find that when you're pulling out into traffic you'll probably change the order your head turns to check out the traffic.

-Pay special attention in parking lots. Remember to go in the entrance on the left and to be careful driving around and parking. It's easy to drive on the road and follow traffic, but it's easy to forget in a parking lot.

-Double check about turning on a red light. In QLD you're not allowed to turn left on a red, you have to wait until you're given the signal. Turning left on a red is like making a right hand turn in Canada so it should be allowed. I think I did it for months when I arrived until I noticed that other people weren't doing it.

-Think about investing in a Satallite navigation unit. Or in the very least make sure you can understand the huge maps that are the size of phonebooks (I think they're called Traveldex's) They have those for Sydney and Brisbane, so unlikely to be in smaller areas of New Zealand. If you're driving by yourself it'll take all your concentration at first to be a good driver, so it's helpful if you don't have to worry about navigating too much.

That's all I can think about. Seriously though, don't worry too much. You'll figure it out quicker than you think. I've only been here 7 months and I already find it odd watching american tv when they drive on the right!

Hey JennyChic,
As you are going to be hauling something, I would suggest that you be used to hauling that same kind of something here. Take a few mini trips with a similar sized rig here and you shouldn't have issues. But we have all seen the "city-slicker" (no offence) here towing something for the first time and side swipe a street light or fire hydrant as they try to take a corner to close. This is just common sense, but I thought it worth mentioning!
Have a great trip!

Allyssa

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. We scheduled our trip on the last week of February. The motorhome we hired was a 4 berth van. Can't wait!