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Petrol
Petrol in New Zealand is reasonable cheap by European standards;
around NZ$ 1.10/litre for unleaded petrol. Premium unleaded petrol is
around NZ$1.15/litre. This may vary, based on local competition. New
Zealand is well served with petrol stations, in the last few years many
new stations have been built combined with fast food outlets and grocery
sales.
Valvemaster
Some of our older vehicles, without hardened valve seats, may need a
petrol additive to prevent damage to the engine, this is called
Valvemaster and cost $1.20 per "shot" for 20 litres of petrol.
Motorways
The only Motorways situated in and are around the major cities.
Highways
New Zealand Highways are mainly of a high standard; most main
highways are sealed and offer no difficulty for motorist from other
countries. They are mainly two-lane but some stretches have short
overtaking lanes. Those routes not sealed are generally well graded and
maintained.
Toll Roads
There are currently no toll roads in New Zealand.
Climate
New Zealand enjoys a maritime-temperate climate, characterised by
rapid weather changes, frequent though not excessive rain and a small
range of temperature from winter to summer. Combined with an abundance
of sunshine, these conditions are very favourable for a wide variety of
plants, including the pasture grasses so important to the economy.
Factors which influence the weather are firstly, the position of the
country in the midst of a vast ocean and secondly, the shape and
topography of the country itself. the chain of high mountains extending
the length of New Zealand rises as a barrier to the prevailing westerly
winds, resulting in a high rainfall west of the Main Divide and
distinctly continental climate to the east;
|
Annual
Averages |
Rainfall
in mm |
January
daily max |
July
daily max |
Sunshine
Hours |
| Auckland |
1268 |
23.1°C |
14.1°C |
2140 |
| Tauranga |
1349 |
23.6°C |
14.1°C |
2277 |
| Rotorua |
1491 |
22.8°C |
11.9°C |
1930 |
| Napier |
842 |
23.8°C |
13.4°C |
2245 |
| Wellington |
1271 |
20.0°C |
10.9°C |
2014 |
| Nelson |
986 |
21.9°C |
11.9°C |
2397 |
| Christchurch |
658 |
21.5°C |
10.3°C |
1985 |
| Dunedin |
849 |
19.0°C |
9.9°C |
1931 |
| Queenstown |
805 |
21.7°C |
7.7°C |
1921 |
Road Rules
If you are from another country, it is very important that you take
a little time to learn the local road rules and regulations for your own
and others' safety. The AA can help you with the NZ Road code and most
rules are published in NZ Road maps or Road Atlas available from the
bookshops. Some major rules are:
Keep Left
In New Zealand, traffic travels on the left hand side of the road.
Speed Limits
Drive at a safe speed. New Zealand speed limits are in Kilometres
not miles. In all built up areas you must not exceed 50 km/h
Open road speed limits are 100km/h
Overtaking
Don't overtake in a no passing line area. This is shown by a solid
yellow line on your side of the road. Turn your right indicator at
least three seconds before you start to overtake.
Seat Belts
It is compulsory to wear seat belts in New Zealand.
Road Signs
You must Stop completely at a STOP sign. There are two yellow lines
on the road to help you stop in the right place. At a Give Way sign you
must slow down and be ready to stop if required. There are white lines.
Drink and Drive
Don't.
More
about driving in New Zealand
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