• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

      Tooltip

Winter driving

The following winter driving tips will help you prepare for and drive to the conditions when driving on icy, wet or snowbound roads.

 

What do I need to consider?

  • Be prepared for safe winter driving by planning your journey.
  • Check traffic and travel updates on journey planner(external link) before you leave, or phone 0800 44 44 49.
  • Think about where you’re going and what route you should take – choose safety over convenience.
  • Consider if you really need to travel, especially if the weather is poor.
  • Always check the weather forecast.

If the weather is bad and your travel can’t be put off, allow extra time for your journey. Plan to drive in the middle of the day or in daylight hours, when visibility is better and ice and snow are less likely to be on the road. Avoid driving at night, when hazards rapidly multiply.

If travelling long distances, make sure you are well rested and plan where to have a break. Share the driving if possible or allow for stops every two hours.

If you’re travelling through alpine and higher altitude highways, dress for the conditions, carry warm clothes and keep a survival kit in your vehicle in case you get stuck. Ensure your car is roadworthy and keep at least half a tank of petrol in your vehicle in case you get diverted onto another route.

Be prepared for snow and carry tyre chains that you know how to use and fit. Here’s a video on how to fit chains (external link)

 

What should I do on the road?

  • Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
  • Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid.
  • Accelerate smoothly and brake gently.
  • Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
  • For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, to avoid skidding or sliding pump the brake pedal in short rapid bursts rather than pressing long and hard.
  • Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. In winter, especially in poor weather, double the two-second rule and leave a safe distance between you and the car you’re following.
  • When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped for increased safety.

Am I safer in a 4WD?

While 4WDs do have better forward traction and provide good grip, your ability to drive in adverse weather, drive to the conditions, and follow the winter driving tips above still apply to all vehicles.

 

What about ice and snow?

  • Take care in shaded areas caused by high banks and tall trees where roads freeze sooner and ice may not thaw during the day.
  • Bridges may also stay slippery for longer than other road surfaces, so slow down when crossing them.
  • Frost is more severe at daybreak, so be prepared for this. While it may not be frosty at 6am, it could be an hour or two later.

 

Watch out for maintenance vehicles

There could be winter maintenance vehicles on the highway helping to keep the road open. If you come across any of these vehicles, stay a safe distance behind them and do not pass unless you’re instructed to.

Our winter maintenance crews constantly update highway conditions as closures occur and conditions change. They have the most up-to-date information and experienced knowledge of their region, so please follow their instructions and advice at all times.

 

Is information available when I’m travelling?

Electronic message signs are available at roadsides across the country, providing up-to-date warnings to drivers on current conditions.

These may warn of road closures, ice, snow or other related information. The messages on these signs are changed remotely and will be blank when there are no restrictions.

Many radio broadcasts will also provide road condition bulletins, so listen to your local station for updates.

 

Anti-icing material spread on roads

Grit and an anti-icing agent called CMA is spread or sprayed on some roads to help travel in icy conditions. This isn’t a guarantee you can drive at normal speeds so please keep your speed down.

If there is grit on the highway, drive on it where possible and not in a wheel track to maximise its effect.

Remember to drive to the conditions. The speed at which ice and snow can occur means that there will be times when grit and CMA have not yet been spread.

 

Always remember

  • Drive to the conditions.
  • Allow greater following distances on frosty and wet days.
  • Be prepared for any delays – dress for the conditions, have warm blankets, bottled water and emergency rations in your vehicle.
  • Obey emergency road closed signs and barriers.
  • Follow the directions of any road patrol or police officer.
  • Avoid towing in icy conditions.
  • Road closures and restrictions are put in place for the safety of road users like you and the staff who work on them. It is against the law to drive on a closed highway. If you choose to ignore closures or restrictions, you do so at your own risk and it voids your insurance.

 

 If things go wrong

  • In the event of an emergency, dial 111.
  • For mechanical breakdowns, contact your breakdown service provider.
  • If you want to report or check current road conditions on the state highway
  •  If you do get stuck, stay with the vehicle and keep everyone warm until help arrives.
  • If you are involved in a crash, tell the police even if no one is injured. This type of information helps us to make improvements to the road where necessary.

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