New Zealand is an ideal country to explore in a car. Traffic is not heavy and the scenery is spectacular. Driving in New Zealand is easy, inexpensive and although Wellington 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 (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: The two main roads into the city are SH1 down the Kapiti coast from the north, and SH2 through the Hutt Valley to the east.

Parking can be a problem in Wellington and traffic can be heavy during the week.

Coach services: InterCity Coachline Service (tel: (04) 385 0520 or 0800 468 372; website: www.intercitycoach.co.nz) runs throughout New Zealand. Discounts are available for Youth Hostel members and VIP cardholders. Backpackers also use the Kiwi Experience (tel: (09) 366 9830; website: www.kiwiexperience.com) and the Magic Bus (tel: (09) 358 5600; website: www.magicbus.co.nz) which sell a variety of passes including accommodation in hostels.

Driving time to Wellington: from Auckland - 9 hours, 15 minutes; from Rotorua - 6 hours, 30 minutes; from Napier - 5 hours; from Hamilton - 7 hours, 30 minutes; from Taupo - 5 hours, 10 minutes; from Palmerston North - 2 hours, 10 minutes.