• 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.

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Driving in New Zealand

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Buying a car

Buying a used car in New Zealand can be a cost-effective transport option if you’re planning on visiting for a few months or more.

When buying a car with the purpose of selling it at the end of your visit, don’t pay more than you are willing to lose – you may not end up selling it for much. Because of the mass import of Japanese-made cars, you should be able to pick up a reasonable set of wheels for between $1000 and $3000. The risk that you take when you buy a used car in New Zealand is that you won’t know its history, so it’s important to take some time to inspect it properly and check out the paperwork.

There are a variety of ways to buy a used car in New Zealand.

  • Trade Me is New Zealand’s online auction marketplace and has a large selection of used cars.
  • Car Fairs are held in main cities. Auckland’s Ellerslie Car Fair is the largest in the country.
  • Turners car auctions
  • Newspaper classifieds
  • Car dealerships

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    Required paperwork:

    Warrant of Fitness (WOF)

    Check that the car has a current Warrant of Fitness (WOF). This means that the car has been checked and is deemed fit and safe to drive on the roads.

    WOF tests have to be conducted on old cars every six months. The date of the next WOF is displayed on a sticker on the windscreen of every car in New Zealand. Check that this sticker is still valid when you are looking at buying a car.

    You can buy the car ‘as is where is’, but under this option you’ll need to drive the car directly from where you buy it to a garage or inspection station to get a warrant. It is likely you will need to pay for repairs to get the car up to warrant standard.

    Registration

    This is a road tax and is displayed on the windscreen of the car. A car’s registration can be renewed at any post office or online.

    Before you buy

    Insist on having a full professional inspection before buying any used car. Most garages perform these inspections, or you can book a vehicle inspection with the Automobile Association (AA). Afterwards, both you and the seller will receive a report detailing any repairs that are needed.

    It is also recommended that you get a car history check before you buy a vehicle. This will tell you if the vehicle has:

  • An inconsistent odometer
  • Been reported stolen
  • Any money owing

    • Car history checks can be bought instantly online at motorweb.

     

    After you buy:

    Both the buyer and seller are required to notify the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) immediately after a vehicle is bought and sold. This is a straightforward and simple process you can do online here.

    Insurance:

    It is not compulsory in New Zealand to have car insurance. However, it is recommended that you get third party insurance at least so if you cause an accident, you are covered for any damage you cause to other cars.

    Car Hire:

    Rental car companies in New Zealand offer a wide range of vehicles available to suit any budget. You’ll find all the big names available as well as a number of local operators. Generally, the longer you hire the rental car, the cheaper the daily rate. There are depots in the main cities as well as in most of the regional airports throughout the country. One way hire is easy to organise but may include “one way fees”. Check this with the rental company before committing to a car rental agreement. Make sure your travel insurance covers rental car hire.

    Driver licence

    You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current driver’s licence.  If the licence is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation.

    You can also legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have an International Driving Permit that is issued in English or translated into English, provided that you also carry the current driver licence that the permit is based on.

    In New Zealand all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.

    A translation of your overseas licence or permit can be issued by:

  • A translator approved by the NZ Transport Agency
  • A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate; or
  • The authority that issued your overseas licence (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation).

    • It is important to note that if you are caught driving without an acceptable English translation or an IDP, you may be prosecuted for driving unlicensed or for driving without an appropriate licence. You will be liable for an infringement fee of NZ$400, or up to NZ$1,000 if you are convicted in court.

    The police also have the power to forbid an unlicensed driver to drive until they have an appropriate licence. If you continue to drive after being forbidden, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for 28 days, at the vehicle owner’s expense. You may also risk not being covered by your insurance in the event of a crash.

    Keeping Safe:

    If you’re from overseas, New Zealand roads are probably different to what you’re used to. Distances may seem short on paper, but our roads can be narrower than you’re used to, cover hilly terrain, and vary from motorways to unsealed gravel roads.

    For a safe and enjoyable driving experience while on vacation, make sure you’re familiar with the important New Zealand road rules below.:

  • Stay on or below the legal speed limits indicated on road signs. The maximum speed on any open road is 100km/h. The maximum speed in urban areas is 50km/h. Adjust your speed as conditions demand.
  • When traffic lights are red you must stop. When traffic lights are amber you must stop unless you are so close to the intersection it is unsafe to do so.
  • Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats.
  • Do not drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand.
  • Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).
  • Driving while using a hand-held cellphone is illegal in New Zealand.
  • It is illegal to pass other cars where there is yellow line instead of a white line marking the middle of the road. The yellow line indicates that it’s too dangerous to overtake.

    • Please click here for more information relating to New Zealand Road Rules.

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