Keep the chains handy, fit your planks to the rack and take off – you never know what you’ll find on a road trip in this winter wonderland!

Wintertime Driving

For a winter road trip a 4WD is your best choice. Always check the weather conditions before heading out and make sure you allow extra time to reach your destination. Some roads may be snowy and distances in New Zealand are longer than they appear on a map. You can’t, for instance, travel by road between ski hubs Queenstown and Mount Ruapehu in a day. On steep roads, use low gears to keep traction and allow time for regular breaks – a perfect excuse for a steaming roadside cuppa! Highways between main centres are sealed and well-maintained, but not multi-lane roadways. Take care in overtaking or wait until you reach a passing lane. If you encounter single-lane bridges, signs indicate which side has right of way. In mountainous areas signs indicate whether you’ll need to fit tyre chains, and the AA runs a 24-hour Road Closure Info Line (0900 33 222).

Rules and Regulations

Traffic in New Zealand drives on the left side; the speed limit is 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas and 100 kph (60 mph) on the open road. Don’t speed – police patrol the highways and speed cameras are used. When hiring a car you have to provide your licence in English or an International Driver’s Permit. Seat belts must be worn at all times, and motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets. There are strict laws on drinking and driving – so simply, don’t! Brush up on rules and regulations (http://nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/driving-nz.html) before hitting the roads.

Getting it Right

New Zealand has one unusual road rule (which will actually be phased out in 2012). Here are the basics: if you’re turning, give way to all vehicles that are going straight ahead. If both vehicles are turning, give way to vehicles approaching or crossing from your right. In New Zealand, you must parallel park with your vehicle facing in the direction of traffic flow on your side of the road – otherwise you might end up with a ticket.

Driving Safely in Winter

There’s one main rule for wintertime driving: slow down! Roads may be icy and so you have to take extra care. It’s also a good idea to switch your lights on and keep your tank full at all times. Check the weather on www.metservice.com before heading out and don’t attempt a trip in bad weather conditions. Finally, make sure you always carry some blankets and drinks (preferably hot) to keep you warm and hydrated.

How to fit Tyre Chains

Lay your chains out flat, removing all tangles. The sharp hooks must face down. Next, find the C-hook and bow-lever on one end (on the other end you need an equal number of free links on both sides). Drive the tyre over the top of the chains – the bow-lever side should be on the outside of your tyre. Leave about one foot of chain off the tyre, and hook the C-hook on the inside of the tyre through the link on the other end. Insert the bow-lever on the outside through the chain link and pull back to tighten the chains. Finally, pull the lever past the link, insert into the link and release. Check the chains for a tight fit and take off.