Rules for Driving in Queenstown

Make sure you check out the rules and stay safe driving in Queenstown.

 
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New Zealand Car Hire Partners

Stay safe and on the right side of the law in Queenstown with our useful guide to the "dos and don'ts" of Queenstown car hire.

Mostly, driving in Queenstown is the same as Britain; be careful in Queenstown, and obey the law.

Speed Limits in Queenstown

On motorways around Queenstown, speed limits are 100kph. In Queenstown itself, speed limits are 50kph. Speed limits in Queenstown are posted along the side of all roads. In Queenstown if you break the speed limit, the Queenstown police can fine you on the spot.

Drink Driving in Queenstown

Drink driving is a serious offence in Queenstown, and conviction results in a fine and prison. In Queenstown, you can have some alcohol before driving in Queenstown, but you shouldn't drink before driving. If you crash in Queenstown whilst under the influence, your insurance won't be valid.

Quick guide to driving your Queenstown hire car

  • In Queenstown, drive on the left, and overtake on the right. In Queenstown, "undertaking" is a traffic offence, and is punished with a fine.
  • In Queenstown you must always wear a seat belt while driving in Queenstown.
  • Always keep some change in the car for toll roads in Queenstown.
  • Speed limits and distances on signs in Queenstown are in km, and petrol is sold in litres at all Queenstown fuel stations.
  • Always signal left when leaving a roundabout in Queenstown
  • Be aware that the road can change without warning in Queenstown from tarmac to shingle surface.
  • In Queenstown you cannot overtake when there is a yellow line in the road.

    • Queenstown Driving Restrictions for New Zealand

    When renting a car in Queenstown, you cannot take it onto the North - South Island Ferry.

    Guide