Driving in New Zealand is easy and inexpensive. Although Auckland is one of the busiest areas, in terms of traffic, it is still relatively quiet by European standards. 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 AA (website: www.aa.co.nz) provides information on road conditions (tel: 0900 33222) and general information (tel: 0800 500 222) and has a reciprocal agreement with the British AA, whereby visiting drivers can get maps free of charge.

Emergency breakdown service: The AA (tel: 0800 500 222 or *222 if calling from a mobile).

Routes to the city: SH1 north runs parallel to the east coast of North Island to Warkworth and then on to Bay of Islands, Northland Forest Park and Cape Reinga. SH1 south heads toward Hamilton and Wellington, which links with SH5 to Rotorua, SH29 to Taurangia, SH2 to Gisbourne, SH3 to New Plymouth (via the west coast and linking with Raglan or Waitomo), SH5 to Napier and SH4 to Wanganui.

Approximate driving times to Auckland: From Rotorua - 2 hours 30 minutes; Bay of Islands - 3 hours; Wellington - 8 to 9 hours.

Coach services: Auckland has good coach links with other major New Zealand towns and cities, as well as the more popular tourist areas. Coaches operate from the Sky City Coach Terminal, 102 Hobson Street (tel: (09) 913 6100), where there are basic facilities, such as left luggage, a cafe and toilets. Coaches also operate from the Northliner Travel Centre, 172 Quay Street (tel: (09) 307 5873), opposite the ferry terminal.

The biggest coach service provider throughout New Zealand is InterCity (tel: (09) 623 1503; website: www.intercitycoach.co.nz), in conjunction with its partner, Newmans (tel: (09) 623 1504; website: www.newmanscoach.co.nz). Apart from these two major bus companies, there are smaller operators and shuttle bus companies, all of which provide an alternative way of getting beyond the city limits. Go Kiwi Shuttles (tel: (07) 866 0336 or 0800 446 549; website: www.go-kiwi.co.nz) runs to the Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua, while Northliner Express (tel: (09) 307 5873; website: www.northliner.co.nz) travels to the Bay of Islands. Smaller operators, as well as the Airbus Express, stop outside the Scenic Tours and Travel Office at 172 Quay Street, opposite the Downtown Ferry Terminal.