New Zealand is a car-dependent country in most places outside central Auckland and Wellington. Here's everything you need to know about driving.

Using Your Overseas Driver Licence

You can drive on your valid overseas licence for up to 12 months from your date of arrival in NZ.
If your licence is not in English, you must carry an official English translation (NZTA-approved).
After 12 months, you must hold a New Zealand driver licence to drive legally.
Licence holders from Australia, UK, Canada (except Quebec), and certain European countries can convert directly without taking a practical test.
Holders of licences from other countries (US, India, China, etc.) must pass both a theory test and a practical driving test.

Converting Your Overseas Licence

Visit a NZTA (NZ Transport Agency) driver licensing agent with your passport, visa, overseas licence, translation (if needed), and proof of address.
If you're from a "conversion country" (UK, Australia, Canada, etc.), you'll get a NZ licence on the spot after an eye test and paying the fee.
If you're from a non-conversion country, you sit a theory test ($45.70) and then a practical driving test ($59.20). You'll get a learner licence after passing the theory test, then a restricted licence, and finally a full licence after passing the practical test.
Total cost: $50–$200 depending on the conversion path.

Trade Me Motors: The largest online marketplace for used cars.
Facebook Marketplace: Popular for private sales, often cheaper than dealers.
Turners Car Auctions: Auctions and fixed-price cars, good for budget options.
Dealers: More expensive but offer warranties and Consumer Guarantees Act protection.
Typical prices: NZD $3,000–$8,000 for a reliable used Japanese car (Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki).
Before buying: Check the car's history on CarJam or NZTA (finance owing, stolen, previous damage).
Get a pre-purchase inspection from the AA or a mechanic.

Vehicle Registration (Rego): All vehicles must be registered to drive on public roads. Costs NZD $300–$500/year. You can check the rego expiry online at nzta.govt.nz.
Warrant of Fitness (WoF): Required for most cars (except those under 2000 kg that are under 3 years old). A WoF checks your car is safe and roadworthy. Costs NZD $60–$80 every 6 months (cars over 6 years old) or every 12 months (cars 3–6 years old).
Certified Heavy Vehicle Inspection: For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes — different rules apply.

Drive on the left: This is the single most important rule. Take extra care at intersections and roundabouts.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on some expressways (e.g., Waikato Expressway, Tauranga Eastern Link).
Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants. Child restraints required for children under 7.
Mobile phones: You cannot use a hand-held phone while driving (including stopped at traffic lights). Bluetooth hands-free is allowed.
Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC for drivers over 20 (0.08% blood alcohol limit for over 20s). Zero tolerance for under 20s.
Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles already on the roundabout (approach from your right).
Mobile speed cameras: Common. Points and fines apply.

Third-party only: NZD $200–$500/year
Third-party, fire and theft: NZD $300–$600/year
Comprehensive: NZD $600–$1,500/year
Major insurers: AA Insurance, State, AMI, Tower, NAC, Trade Me Insurance
If you bring a car from overseas, you'll need it inspected and registered with NZTA first.

Winter tyres (snow chains) are required in alpine areas (e.g., Desert Road, passes in the South Island).
Many South Island roads are narrow, winding, and unsealed (gravel). Drive cautiously.
Always carry a spare tyre, basic tools, warm clothing, and water if driving in remote areas.
In the South Island, check road conditions on the NZTA website or app before travelling.