Can I drive in New Zealand with an American driver's license?

Question

I will be visiting in NZ for 6 weeks. Will I need an international driver's license to be able to drive? If so, how do I go about getting one?

Answer 1

you can drive anywhere with an american driver's license.

Answer 2

As long as your US drivers license is in English, it is acceptable here in New Zealand for up to one year from the date of entry. If you intend to hire a car or campervan while here, then the hire company will often require that you have held the license for at least a year prior to arriving here. Have a wonderful holiday here but please take care if you have not previously experienced driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. :-)

Answer 3

Technically, you need international driver's license, but in most cases police is OK with your US license, as long as you stay a short time there. 6 weeks is short time :)

To get intern. licence, I think you can go to the Drivers Branch in your town and get one.

Answer 4

I think you should get an international driver's licence.

Answer 5

There's been lots of these questions lately...

yes, you can use your American's drivers license in NZ, as long as it is a full license. You can drive on your country's drivers license for up to a year, so that means people visiting don't need to have the hassle of getting an international license.

However... I would suggest you have a wee look at the NZ road code before you get going, there's a few things that are different here (apart from the obvious, that we drive on the left hand side of the road!)

I think that its important to read this:

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/oversea...

And a more general overview of nz driving:

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/oversea...

Answer 6

You don't need another driver's license if you're just visiting.

Answer 7

Of course you can. As long as it's traveling, it's fine.