One of the best – and most common – ways for tourists to explore and enjoy New Zealand is by hiring a car or a campervan. As we travelled around these gorgeous islands for over two months, we actually bought a car and sold it again at the end (something I really ought to write a blog about…)
Our converted Toyota Galaxy was actually the first car I’ve ever owned! And all before I even had a driving license.
Now don’t worry – I didn’t drive the thing. Much. But I did worry a bit about not knowing the rules of the road and getting into trouble. Of course, much of the time, there are few other vehicles on the roads – blissful.
Mr TravelEachDay – our designated driver – had less concerns, but recently there has been a spate of accidents caused by tourists. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and police are cracking down on visiting drivers that don’t know the road rules. In some cases, the hire contract with the rental car company has been cancelled as a result, leaving the holidaymaker without a car.
Stuck in Wanaka with no way of leaving? Oh, dear.
But seriously, if you’re heading there on a driving holiday, why not get yourself prepared first?
A simple way to help tourists to New Zealand reduce their risk of accidents is the NZTA’s free tourist driving quiz. It contains a selection of official questions and is recommended by large rental vehicle agencies such as Hertz, Maui and Britz.
Around 8,000 overseas visitors and over 30,000 locals use www.drivingtests.co.nz each month to read up on their theory. And if anything else, it’s a good way to kill time in the airport!
Have fun and enjoy the open road safely!