A tip - be very careful if you choose to drive in NZ. The driving can be akin to a stock car rally!
NZ has a high death toll rate, and a very high crash rate. Seeing cars coming towards you can lose its novelty quickly, and tail gating is common place. Man it can be scary! Cyclists be especially careful, the concept of giving cyclists a little extra space doesn't exist. Don't be alarmed if you see people shaving, reading, drinking coffee, using hand phones or even having their supper with chopsticks, all at over 60kmph!
These are all real examples, and there is worse. Drink driving is common. Despite all that it's a pretty place.
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Really? My experiences of driving in NZ (lots of times) was no worse than driving in the UK or most of Europe. Only thing that you need to watch out for in NZ is that there are a lot of sheep wandering around, even close to main population centres. Oh, and the keas are a real menace if you drive through the mountains. Finally, don't forget that the vowels are all shifted as well. Can be most dangerous of all. I suppose the dreadful driving is likely to happen if insurance is not compulsory - not even third party, and children can drive any size car from the age of 15 with no need for training, and a very tame driving test. Take care!
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