• 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

Tunnel safety

Tunnels make travel more convenient, however they also present particular challenges and risks because of the confined space and more restricted access and escape routes. That’s why motorists need to pay particular attention to safety when driving through a tunnel.

 

Tips for driving through tunnels

  • Stay alert.
  • Stay in your lane and avoid lane changing.
  • Keep your speed to within the posted limit.
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

If you are involved in an incident in the tunnel:

  • Turn on your radio.
  • Listen and follow instructions given on the radio or over the public address systems or messages displayed on signs.
  • If the tunnel needs to be evacuated, leave your vehicle immediately and go quickly to the exits and places of safety as instructed and wait.

 

What are the main points to remember when travelling in a tunnel in New Zealand?
Good driver behaviour is one of the key contributors to reducing the risk of incidents inside tunnels so the NZ Transport Agency asks all motorists to take particular care when driving through any of the tunnels throughout New Zealand.
When travelling in a tunnel:

  • pay extra attention
  • always follow the speed limit and always obey the Transport Agency Rules – speed limits in tunnels are enforced
  • keep a safe distance from the car in front – keep at least a 2 second gap
  • in tunnels with multiple lanes, avoid changing lanes – this improves safety for everybody in the tunnel
  • follow the directions displayed on any signage and watch out for any changes in the speed limits
  • try not to brake suddenly, especially in peak hour when traffic is heavier. Spread the jam
  • take extra care when merging at a tunnel entry or on exit, move into your exit lane with plenty of time to spare
  • drive appropriately to the weather conditions and take particular care when exiting tunnels when there are high winds or heavy rain.

You are prohibited from travelling in a tunnel if:

  • you are running low on fuel
  • you suspect your vehicle might break down
  • you are carrying a load that is not secure – check you have secured your load before you start your journey – penalties can apply for unsecured loads
  • the tunnel has been closed due to an incident or emergency
  • if the transit of dangerous goods is prohibited or restricted. Further information on dangerous goods is included in the section below
  • your vehicle or load height is above the tunnel height clearance limit – you should check the local height restrictions that apply on your route
  • you are a pedestrian, cyclist or on an e scooter (except in the Mount Victoria Tunnel where a walkway is provided).

 

What should I do when entering a tunnel?
When entering a tunnel:

  • listen for updates or important traffic information on your radio or other traffic information sites
  • turn on your headlights
  • take your sunglasses off (unless prescription glasses are required)
  • obey all traffic signs, traffic signals and pavement markings
  • avoid changing lanes in tunnels with multiple lanes
  • keep to the speed limit or to the traffic flow, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, even if traffic is slow moving. Maintain at least a 2 second gap.

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down or I crash in a tunnel?
If you break down or crash in a tunnel and are unable to safely exit the tunnel with your vehicle, you should:

  • pull over to a safe place to stop on the shoulder area and as far out of the way of traffic as possible
  • switch on your hazard lights, stay calm and wait for an incident response unit or the police to arrive. The operators will be watching you on cameras. Listen out for messages over the public address system from the operators
  • remain in your vehicle or safely wait in front of your vehicle or at a cross passage doorway if they are provided, unless there is a fire or you are told to evacuate the tunnel
  • if you are concerned or feel the operators have not seen you – call for help by using the nearest emergency phone to contact the tunnel’s control room, but take care and pay attention to the live traffic. Some tunnels also display the control number to call from a mobile phone (Waterview call 0800 tunnel).

In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, look for the running man symbols and flashing lights to locate a safe exit point, follow the signs, and follow instructions being given over any public address and radio being broadcast. Your safe exit may be directly out of the tunnel entrance or exit.

 

What should I do if I am caught in traffic while travelling in a tunnel?
Follow these tips if you get caught in traffic while traveling in a tunnel:

  • look for instructions displayed on overhead signs
  • listen for updates or important traffic information on your radio – specific messages may be broadcast over the radio in the tunnel by operators or over the PA
  • close your windows and switch your air-conditioning on to re-circulate air. If you are held waiting for a longer time, turn off your engine and wait for traffic to move again. This reduces the amount of fumes in the tunnel.
  • if you need urgent assistance, pull over to the shoulder and use the nearest emergency phone to contact the tunnel’s control room (watch carefully for traffic while you get out of your vehicle), or call the control room helpline if a local contact number is provided.

 

What should I do if there is a fire in the tunnel I am travelling in?
Fires in tunnels are very dangerous because of the potential smoke effects on other traffic occupants.
In the event of a fire you may be required to leave your vehicle immediately and exit on foot following instructions via the egress routes. The immediate risk to you is smoke from the fire.
The Transport Agency monitors the tunnels and will manage any fire or other events. If you are in a tunnel and see smoke or fire ahead, the tunnel will be closed and evacuated by the operators, using systems such as the fire alarm, and emergency evacuation messages over the public address systems, radio rebroadcast system and the electronic message boards.
If the tunnel is being evacuated then:

  • if your route is clear, immediately drive out of the tunnel away from the incident, do not stop to assist
  • if your route is not clear pull over, turn off your engine but leave your keys in the car
  • leave the tunnel by the nearest and signed route, which may be the tunnel entrance or exit
  • listen for other instructions over the public address system. Wait in a place of safety and await for further instruction from the emergency services.

If your vehicle catches fire:

  • pull over to the left side of the road and stop the car
  • turn off the engine, get out of your car and be careful of passing traffic
  • call for assistance immediately. Call 111 immediately or go to the nearest emergency telephone and call the operators. Do not put yourself at risk
  • the operators will now be aware of the incident on camera and may communicate with you over the public address system. They may evacuate the tunnel and may use the deluge system to put out the fire
  • follow any instructions given, move away from the car and get to a place of safety.

 

Why are speed cameras used in some tunnels?
Speed cameras are operated by the NZ Police.
Speed cameras are installed or used on roads that have a crash history or a potential risk of speed related crashes. The nature of tunnels makes speeding through them higher risk. Speed cameras in tunnels encourage you to drive within the speed limit, which reduces your risk of crashing.
The most common hazard in a tunnel is a vehicle breakdown or crash that may result in serious injury and may also then cause a fire. Speeding reduces your reaction time if one of these hazards appears unexpectedly.
Crashes in tunnels can prove extremely costly in terms of human life, congestion and delays, pollution and repair costs. The enclosed environment of tunnels also complicates the rescue efforts of emergency services.

 

Offences for dangerous goods and over dimension vehicles in tunnels
At Waterview and all Wellington tunnels the transit of dangerous goods is prohibited.
At Lytletton Tunnel and Homer Tunnel the transit of hazardous goods is controlled through permit and only at certain times.
If you are carrying quantities of dangerous goods through Victoria Park or Johnstones Hill Tunnels, generally this requires you to display placards in accordance with the Road Transport Rules as for the open road. It is an offence to carry a placarded load of dangerous goods in a tunnel where there is a placard load prohibited sign.

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