Driving in New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore the country, but it’s quite different from driving in Australia. Our roads are often narrow, winding, and scenic rather than straight four-lane highways, so it’s important to allow extra time for travel — journeys take longer than they look on the map.
For example, Christchurch to Queenstown is about 480 km and takes around 6 hours, while Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier is 380 km and can take 5 ½ to 6 hoursthrough mountain passes. Christchurch to Dunedin is 360 km and roughly 4 ½ hours of driving.
Take your time, stop for breaks, and enjoy the views — the South Island’s landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Remember, seat belts are compulsory for everyone, texting while driving is illegal, and speed limits are strictly enforced with significant fines for speeding. You can drive here on your Australian or international licence, and as we say in New Zealand: slow down, take in the scenery, and make the journey part of the adventure.
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