New Zealand Transport

New Zealand Transport - The backbone of New Zealand's road system is a network of highways, known as State Highways, which join cities and towns, running throughout both the North and South islands. Before driving in New Zealand, or purchasing a vehicle, you need to make sure you are licenced to drive in New Zealand.

If you hold a current overseas licence or international driving permit, you may drive on New Zealand's roads for a maximum period of 12 months from the date you arrived in the country.

A Class 1 car licence is required to drive a light vehicle for personal use in New Zealand. Separate licence classes are required to carry fare paying customers, drive a heavy vehicle, operate heavy machinery or forklift or to be an official driving instructor.

The premise for buying a car in New Zealand is much the same as in any other country. Purchasing a new vehicle can be a costly business as there is a premium for new cars. However, many people tend to purchase second hand vehicles due to the great bargains to be had (New Zealand imports a lot of Japanese second hand vehicles).

There are strict laws in place to ensure any imported vehicle meets New Zealand Land Transport safety rules. No vehicle can be driven on the road without a current Warrant of Fitness.

If you decide you want to bring your car to New Zealand with you, you should first find out whether it meets the legal and safety requirements for vehicles imported into New Zealand. Most left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles have to be converted to right-hand drive (RHD) before they can be driven on New Zealand roads.

It is not mandatory for a driver to have insurance. However, it is advisable, even if it is only a third party policy.

Some vehicles are subject to road user charges.

All light vehicles in New Zealand are required to undergo a periodic safety inspection. This includes most cars, vans, utility vehicles, 4WD's, mopeds and motorcycles.

There are four national passenger rail trains in New Zealand: the Overlander between Auckland and Wellington, the Capital Connection between Wellington and Palmerston North, the TranzCoastal between Picton and Christchurch, and the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth.

Suburban rail services are available in Wellington and Auckland only. All of New Zealand's major cities offer a public bus transport system. The services are mostly reliable and relatively cheap, at $1-1.50 per sector.

New Zealand's North and South Islands can be reached by sea using the Interislander Ferry service.

There are six international airports in New Zealand - Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown - and about 32 domestic airports. The national carrier is Air New Zealand which operates both domestically and internationally.

For more information you can Purchase a guide to New Zealand Transport.