Most tourists coming to New Zealand for period longer than a couple of weeks probably will drive a car or campervan there. And if from the first glance it seems easy and relaxed to drive in such a low-populated country, there are some things that driver should consider.

1. The most important thing – Drive on the LEFT side of the road! I know it sounds silly but if you are used to driving on the right side, and suddenly you need to switch direction and drive on the left side – there is a big chance that you may forget this fact and try to return to the right side just in the middle of driving. During your first week of driving constantly remind yourself that you need to drive on the left side, and before each turn THINK how you should perform it. I am not just saying it, everything written here comes from my experience. It is easy to forget on which side of the road you should drive when driving on lonely narrow road for hundreds of kilometers.

2. New Zealand has many narrow winding roads with many crests and dips with surprising speed limit of 100 kph. Though lately they started to lower the speed limit, there are still many such places. Be smart, and don’t try to reach this speed limit, especially if you drive this specific road for the first time.

3. Some local New Zealanders, especially on four wheel drives, tend to drive in the middle of narrow roads rather than on one side of them. Be aware of it, and be prepared to slow down or even stop after each sharp curve.

4. When driving for the first time on a difficult-to-drive road, there are big chances that you will drive slower than most of the locals. Don’t try to catch up with them and let a vehicle pass you at the first opportunity you have. You don’t want it to drive too close to you from behind anyway.

5. During the rain roads become MUCH MORE SLIPPERY. Be very aware of this fact. Take turns much slower than you would on dry roads. It is especially dangerous when driving in the first rain after a dry period.

6. If approaching a sharp curve on a narrow road, use horn to signal the possible approaching vehicles from the other side. It helps to eliminate the element of surprise. And, of course, slow down as much as practical.

7. When driving on unsealed roads, and there are many such roads in rural New Zealand, don’t drive at speeds higher than 60 km/h. The vehicle is much less stable on such roads and has bad grip with the road surface.

8. Driving in New Zealand you’ll pass across myriad of incredible landscapes, and you’ll be tempted to gaze at them indefinitely. Don’t do it while driving! There are many road pockets and rest stops for you to take a break from driving and enjoy the view. Keep your concentration on the road. Try not to stop on the roadside, and do it only when absolutely necessary.

9. It is better to drive with headlights on at any time. It increases the visibility of your vehicle to approaching vehicles, and draws the attention of other drivers to your vehicle. If others are more aware of your vehicle, there are much less chances of an accident.

10. When buying or renting a car ALWAYS CHECK the CONDITION of TIRES. Bad tires can kill you. When renting a car, insist on changing a tires if they look bad. It is also a good idea to check air pressure in wheels at least once a week.

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