World City Guide

Getting There By Road

Driving in New Zealand is easy, inexpensive and although Auckland is one of the busiest areas, in terms of traffic, by European standards, it is still relatively quiet. Nearly all roads are State Highways, designated by ‘SH’ and a number. Small numbers refer to the major routes between destinations (such as SH1 from Auckland to Wellington) while larger numbers indicate smaller roads linking smaller destinations (such as SH94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound). All other roads, of which there are a few, are known, although not officially, as ‘B’ roads. These are often little more than ribbons of tarmac or, on some occasions, ‘metalled’ roads, where the surface is made of loose chippings.

A valid national driving licence is all that is required for driving in New Zealand, for up to 12 months. The legal driving age is 18 years. Insurance is not mandatory but is recommended. Traffic drives on the left and most roads are quiet. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08% (0.03% for drivers under 20 years). Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on open roads, 50kph (31mph) in urban areas and 20kph (12mph) in the vicinity of schools and stopped school buses. There are ‘Limited Speed Zones’ where the speed limit is often reduced from 100kph (62mph) to 50kph (31mph) in adverse conditions.

The New Zealand Automobile Association (e-mail: aaroadservice@aa.co.nz; website: www.aa.co.nz) provides information on road conditions (tel: (0900) 33222) and general information (tel: (0800) 500 222) and have a reciprocal agreement with the British AA, whereby visiting drivers can get maps for free.

Emergency breakdown service:
NZ AA (0800) 500 222 (or just 222 if calling from a mobile)

Routes to the city: SH1 north runs parallel to the east coast of North Island to Warkworth and then on to Bay of Islands, Northland Forest Park and Cape Reinga. SH1 south heads toward Hamilton and Wellington, which links with SH5 to Rotorua, SH29 to Taurangia, SH2 to Gisbourne, SH3 to New Plymouth (via the west coast and linking with Raglan or Waitomo), SH5 to Napier and SH4 to Wanganui.

Approximate driving times to Auckland: From Rotorua – 2 hours 30 minutes; Bay of Islands – 3 hours; Wellington – 8-9 hours.

Coach services: Auckland has good coach links with other major New Zealand towns and cities, as well as the more popular tourist areas. Coaches operate from the Intercity Coach Terminal, at the Sky City Casino, 102 Hobson Street (tel: (09) 913 6100), where there are basic facilities, such as left-luggage, a café and toilets. Coaches also operate from the Northliner Travel Centre, 172 Quay Street (tel: (09) 307 5873), opposite the ferry terminal. The biggest coach service provider throughout New Zealand is InterCity (tel: (09) 913 6100; e-mail: info@intercitygroup.co.nz; website: www.intercitycoach.co.nz), in conjunction with its partner, Newmans (tel: (09) 913 6200; website: www.newmanscoach.co.nz). Apart from these two major bus companies, there are smaller operators and shuttle bus companies, all of which provide an alternative way of getting beyond the city limits. Go Kiwi Shuttles (tel: (0800) 446 549; e-mail: info@go-kiwi.co.nz; www.go-kiwi.co.nz) run to the Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua, while Gutherys (tel: (0800) 759 999) travel to Hamilton and Northliner Express (tel: (09) 307 5873; e-mail: info@northliner.co.nz; website: www.northliner.co.nz) to the Bay of Islands.