Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Tips For Driving in New Zealand

As with all advice, anyone can dish it but it’s very much up to your digression to follow. But trust someone who’s crashed (aka ‘stuffed’ – in Kiwi) their car and met fellow travelers who’ve shared their stories. We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.


1) Car Insurance

Or at the bare minimal, get roadside assistance or coverage for towing service. Towing can pretty expensive especially when you have to get a truck out to a remote place.
Tip: If you do get stranded somewhere with no cellular reception, best is to ask someone to call for you when they get reception (people are awesome and they will do that) or hitch out.
True case: Paid $250 alone just to tow the car for 45 mins out.

2) Check your rental / bought car before heading off

No brainer. But people can get careless. Check for its general condition – brakes, lights, tyre treads, sufficient oil, radio or music player (important on long drives). Equipment – snow chains (in winter), spare tyre, and tyre tools that work, jumper cables…
True case: Punctured tyre. Had a punctured spare. Another had a punctured tyre but had  the wrong tools and was unable to change the tyre. Changing a flat is so simple, it’s silly to be stuck for those reasons.


3) Good music or buddy to keep you company or awake


4) Respect the road and its conditions

Obviously, drive to the conditions. Slow down when it’s snowing or raining. Rest when you’re tired. Plenty of places to make scenic stops. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
True case: Passed by one too many accidents for loss of control or drunk driving.

5) Make sure you have sufficient gas

Especially on the South Island West Coast. Petrol can get costly or not exist for a few hundred kilometres.
Tip: Grocery receipts or membership cards can go a long way on discounts.

6) Follow the rules

      Drive on the left side of the road. There have been many head on collisions with foreigners who are used to driving on the opposite side. Adhere to the parking timings. Trust me the parking attendants are efficient.



Feel free to add more tips on the comments below!