Ride Safe In New Zealand

Ride Safe

It pays to read the ‘Ride Safe’ guide before getting on your motorcycle rental.  For a start, a full and valid motorbike licence for your country of residence is required. If the licence is not in English, an International Driver’s Permit is also required, or an accurate translation.

Additional Safety Tips

• In case of an emergency contact the Police, Fire or Ambulance by dialing 111.
• Remember, it’s easy to underestimate New Zealand driving times. Therefore, you should take plenty of breaks and give yourself additional travel time to rest and stretch your legs. Ride safe with the travel distance calculator.
• Keep your eye on the weather conditions before each journey so you can drive to the conditions. As explained above, allow for extra New Zealand driving times where needed.
• Furthermore, you can check out the new Driving in New Zealand guide from the NZ Transport Agency in 11 different languages.

Important:

Keep Left

We drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Stop at the STOP signs

Keep to the speed limit and always stop at STOP signs

Observe recommended speeds

Always slow down to observe recommended speeds around bends and check for oncoming traffic on one-lane bridges.

Drive to the conditions

You’ll need to reduce your speed if it’s raining, icy, snowing, windy or if you’re in a roadworks area. Ask your accommodation provider if in doubt.

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Use passing lanes to overtake

Overtake other vehicles only when it’s safe to do so. Use passing lanes whenever possible, and never cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line.

Stay well-rested

Plan to drive for only 1 – 2 hours at a time, and take regular breaks during your journey to stretch your legs.

Estimate your driving times

Driving in New Zealand can often take longer than expected due to our winding roads. For this reason, use the Driving Time and Distance Calculator or GPS to estimate driving times while planning your journey.

Do not drink and drive

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.

Don’t use your mobile phone

It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in New Zealand. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over at a rest area or in a safe place.