If you are travelling to New Zealand for the ultimate driving holiday, Apex has the right vehicle for you at the best price.
Apex offers a wide selection of rental vehicles including; small economy hatchbacks that are perfect for around town or short trips, mid-size and full size hatchbacks and sedans, station wagons, larger SUV’s and 4WD’s, and 8 seater & 12 seater people movers that will be perfect for your New Zealand driving holiday.
Apex has rental locations at Auckland International Airport, Wellington International Airport, Christchurch International Airport, and Queenstown International Airport to service all international arrivals. We also operate car rental locations at Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, Nelson City, Picton Downtown, Picton Ferry Terminal, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch City, Greymouth Railway Station, Invercargill Airport, Queenstown City, and Tauranga Airport.
Experience car hire the Kiwi way and let Apex Car Rentals get you on the road to discovery, with a friendly smile and local knowledge and tips to help you make the most of your journey.
Travel Tips for your New Zealand Driving Holiday
New Zealand is a great destination for a driving holiday, with beautiful scenery and so much to see and do. The roads are in good condition and well maintained, but you will encounter a lot of bends and hills on your journey, so it can take a lot longer to drive short distances due to the terrain.
Plan your trip carefully and allow more time to get to your next destination. Drive carefully and make sure to take plenty of breaks along the way.
The following tips are specific for New Zealand Driving Holidays:
Rest Before Driving
After landing in New Zealand, we recommend you stay overnight in your city of entry. That will ensure you are feeling fresh and ready for the drive ahead. Jet lag makes it very dangerous to drive.
Keep Left
We drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand, so stay left unless overtaking a slower vehicle.
Stay Alert
Drivers must stay alert and be aware of the road ahead and the surrounding areas. If you feel tired, pull over in a safe spot and rest. Passengers also need to be alert and help keep the driver focused on the road.
Roundabouts
When approaching a roundabout you must give way to vehicles on your right. You must stay in the same lane when entering and exiting the roundabout.
Road Rules
Always follow the road rules. Pay particular attention to; speed limits, give way & stop signs, indicating lane changes and turns, pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, and traffic lights.
Never drink alcohol and drive!
Following Distances
Under normal conditions, the two-second rule is an easy way to make sure you have allowed enough following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, no matter what speed you're travelling at.
To check if you are travelling two seconds behind the vehicle in front:
- watch the vehicle in front of you pass a landmark – such as a sign, tree or power pole – at the side of the road
- as it passes the landmark, start counting 'one thousand and one, one thousand and two
- if you pass the landmark before you finish saying those eight words, you are following too closely - slow down, pick another landmark and repeat the words to make sure you have increased your following distance.
In bad weather, when the road is slippery or wet, you need to increase your following distance to four seconds, because it will take you longer to stop.
Driving Speed
Driving slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. Keep to the speed limits and go with the flow of traffic. If you are driving too slow and see a build-up of vehicles behind you, pull over at the first safe opportunity and let the cars past.
For further information, please visit our Safe Driving in New Zealand page and be sure to watch the Drive Safe videos.