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Driving Restrictions in New Zealand

When you hire a car in New Zealand, there are a few areas where you may not be permitted to take your rental vehicle. These policies may be different based on which company you are renting from. You should check the terms and conditions of your booking to double check which areas are restricted.

Commonly, car rental companies do not permit travel to the following areas:

Skipper's Canyon, Queenstown
Ninety Mile Beach, Northland
Tasman Valley Road, Mt Cook
Any roads north of Colville on the Coromandel Peninsula

Driving in the snow

You will need to check the car rental company's specific terms and conditions, but in some cases renters are not permitted to take their vehicle past the snow line unless they have purchased additional cover. If you drive into these restricted areas without purchasing any additional cover you will be liable to pay any damage costs incurred. For some winter road trip ideas, see our article here.

For example:

When you are driving in New Zealand

You must stay on sealed roads when you are travelling in New Zealand. If you take your car on any restricted surfaces than you will be liable to pay any damage fees incurred. If you're planning on travelling past the snow line, make sure you have checked the car rental company's policy to see if you need to purchase any additional cover.