Driving in New Zealand with Australian licence

So! You’ve found our site and are planning a trip to New Zealand!

We’re so happy to have you here. We've got great rates for our Aussie mates, and we’d love to be the ones to welcome you across the ditch! (Putting all All Blacks v Wallabies, Silver Fern v Diamonds etc. rivalry aside…)

Get ready to enjoy stunning landscapes and friendly culture across the Tasman.

Special deals for Australian visitors

We’ve got a special offer for drivers visiting from Australia. 

Enter the promo code ‘aussie’ (lower case, no spaces) in the code box when you book to receive a 5% discount on your reservation. 

You can get some of the best prices possible by reserving a car early, choosing off-peak periods. Check out our relocation specials, key tag bonus discounts and accommodation deals to save even more!

Easy booking – or get a free, no obligation quote

If you’re still making travel plans and not ready to commit, you’ll see the option in our booking process to email yourself a quote.  You can exit at any time – you'll only be committed after you've entered your credit card information. 

Do you need a New Zealand licence to hire a car? 

Luckily, Australians don’t need a New Zealand driver licence to drive on New Zealand roads. Simply present your Australian driver’s licence, and you can pick up the keys to your Omega rental vehicle and drive away. 

Whether you're visiting for the first time or back to visit loved ones, you’ll find a great reliable vehicle at Omega to suit your needs. You can also enjoy unlimited kilometres, free 24/7 roadside assistance, and no hidden fees. There’s never been a better time to hop across the ditch to little old NZ.  

What types of vehicles does Omega have?

At Omega, we have a fleet of late-model, quality vehicles that suit any budget and preference. Choose from our range of economy, compact, intermediate, premium, luxury, minivan, SUV and 4WD options. All our rentals are well-maintained, clean, and comfortable.

What types of vehicles does Omega have?

At Omega, we have a fleet of late-model, quality vehicles that suit any budget and preference. Choose from our range of economy, compact, intermediate, premium, luxury, minivan, SUV and 4WD options. All our rentals are well-maintained, clean, and comfortable.

So dig out your jandals, the team at Omega look forward to welcoming you...

Driving in New Zealand

No doubt you have plenty of destinations included in your itinerary already! Here are a few more of our favourite things to consider:

High Flying Sightseeing in Rotorua  - this adventure through the tree tops in Rotorua is fast becoming one of Rotorua's top family attractions.  Read more >

A Scenic Flight over Milford Sound - Air Milford offer visitors the chance to experience the thrill of flying over Fiordland while exploring some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.  Read more >

Exploring the Coromandel by Kayak - with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours Read more >

Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning in Queenstown What better way to take in Queenstown’s views than by floating 6,000ft above! Read more >

You'll find lots more things to see and do in New Zealand and advice from other visitors on our blog. 

Driving with an overseas licence

Don’t hold a New Zealand driver licence? You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you carry a current overseas driver licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months, you must convert to a New Zealand driver licence. 

In New Zealand, drivers, including visitors from other countries, must always carry a current driver’s licence or permit when driving. You can only drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to hire a car and drive in New Zealand is 21 years.

If you hold a valid overseas licence, but it is not in English, you must bring an English translation or obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Contact your local automobile club for further details about securing an accurate translation or a driver permit.

If you hold an Australian provisional drivers licence, you can drive vehicles of equivalent classes to those listed on the provisional licence. However, most New Zealand rental car companies require a full drivers licence.

Road Rules

• We drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand. 
• All occupants in the vehicle must wear seat belts. All children under seven must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint.
• Drivers give way to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right. 
• The speed limit is 100 km/h on the open road and 50 km/h in urban areas.
• Do not drink alcohol before driving. Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced.

Drive Safely in New Zealand

Fortunately for Australians, New Zealand uses the same green and white destination road signs, making navigating the roads reasonably straightforward.

Take good care of yourself, so you can concentrate on the road. Don’t keep driving on your road trip if you are feeling tired, especially after a long flight. We recommend you book a hotel room for your first night and collect your Omega rental car the following morning. 

Although New Zealand is a relatively small country, driving between cities can take longer than expected due to some windy roads.

We know there’s plenty of gorgeous scenery – so stop once in a while, get down your car, and take time to enjoy the views with plenty of breaks! Keep an eye out for the ever-changing weather. Focus on the road, and you'll have a safe and memorable drive in New Zealand. 

Book now for your New Zealand trip

Ready to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? Book a vehicle with Omega Rental Cars today. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Milford Sound or travelling through the rolling hills of the North Island, Omega will get you on the road with confidence. Your dream New Zealand adventure awaits — don’t forget your driver licence!