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Give way rules are changing in New Zealand

Vi — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:05 +0000

There are road rule changes if you are planning trip to New Zealand this year. You probably heard about right-hand rule in New Zealand. From 5am on 25 March 2012 this rule will be obsolete. The new rule will be in force: vehicles turning left will then have right of way over those turning right. This applies at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.

On NZ Transport Agency website you can find details of new rules, illustrations and explanations. Hopefully it will reduce confusion for tourists travelling in NZ and it will be less accidents on roads of New Zealand.

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One road rule you must to know when you are driving in New Zealand

Vi — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:01:15 +0000

If you are planning go to New Zealand you probably will rent camper van or car to travel around this amazing country. Of course you know they drive on left side of road. It could feel a little bit weird if you are from “right side” country, but you shouldn’t worry too much about that. You’ll adjust to this in no time. In your car will be sign “Keep left” as reminder in case you’ll forget it by looking to scenery. In most tourist places you’ll find signs on the road with arrows which side to drive. So no worries. But there is one road rule you won’t find in any other country. It is so-called right-hand rule. It requires that cars turning left must wait to give way to those vehicles turning in front of them from the right. There are plans to change this rule. Although about these plans was already written some time ago, but rule still in force, so keep in mind it and obey it.

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Is it safe to travel in New Zealand?

Vi — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:01:29 +0000

Most people are considering New Zealand as safe destination and I agree with them. Never had problems walking in the cities at late night. It is more dangerous to drive during dark time because of cattle. There are 40 millions sheep in New Zealand, so no surprise that some of cattle you can meet in the middle of the road, especially in more remote parts of country. But it is probably not big difference from other countries then common sense caution should be considered on the road. Difference is other tourists who didn’t use to drive on left side of the road. It is beautiful country and so many drivers are forgetting about looking to the road. So be careful on hidden turns in mountains as some cars can suddenly turn to your side of road, or even yourself can do so. Keep left!
Although biggest dangers I faced in New Zealand are not cattle or other drivers, but thieves. It seems people after awhile starting feel like there is no danger in New Zealand and relaxing too much. I gave a lift to German guy who was robbed in the hostel, met couple whose campervan was robbed and heard a lot of similar stories. Don’t allow your holidays to be ruined and don’t leave any valuables visible in the car/campervan. When going for longer walk/hike/tramp take your documents with you. If you loose money, you can ask your relatives or friends for money transfer, but to get new travel documents/passport can be very long process.
So be careful and enjoy your holidays in New Zealand.

Share your thoughts if you know any other tips.

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