Getting around: overseas licences, road rules, buying a car, WoF, rego and buses

When you buy a used car in New Zealand, the most important question is who you buy from. If you buy from a dealer, you are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and other laws. If something goes wrong, the dealer must fix, replace or refund. If you cannot agree, you can go to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal. If you buy from a private seller, you have almost none of these protections. Before you buy, always check for money owing and whether the car is stolen, and have it inspected. After the sale, both the buyer and the seller must tell NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) about the change of ownership as soon as possible. Do this within 7 days if you can.

When you first arrive in New Zealand, you can drive on your overseas licence, but only for a limited time. If you want to keep driving, you need to convert it to a New Zealand licence. Important: from 1 November 2026, new arrivals can drive a car on an overseas licence for 12 months instead of 18 months. Licences from some countries need a theory test and a practical driving test to convert. Check whether your country is one of them.

In New Zealand you drive on the left. The give way rules may be different from the rules in your home country. You can be fined for holding a phone while driving, for not wearing a seatbelt, and if a child is not in a child seat. Speeding, using a phone while driving and drink driving can also give you demerit points as well as a fine. If you get 100 points or more within 2 years, your licence is suspended for 3 months. You usually need to pay a fine (infringement notice) within 28 days, or dispute it in writing before the final due date. From 1 October 2026, two new rules apply: leave at least 1.5 metres when passing, and give way to buses.

Each region in New Zealand runs its own public transport, so each city uses a different transport card. Auckland uses AT HOP. Wellington uses Snapper (Metlink). Christchurch is moving to Motu Move, the new national system. Many other regions use Bee Card. Children, students and Community Services Card holders can get discounts. SuperGold Card holders (65 and over) travel free at off-peak times. For most discounts, you need to load the concession onto a transport card. If you just tap your bank card, you usually pay the adult fare.

To drive on New Zealand roads, your vehicle needs a valid rego and a valid WoF. Rego is the vehicle licence, the label on your windscreen, and you pay to renew it regularly. A WoF (warrant of fitness) is a regular safety check. Diesel, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles also need RUC (road user charges). Important: from 1 November 2026, WoF frequency changes a lot. Many light vehicles aged 4–14 years will need a WoF only every 2 years.