Car rental in Whangarei

Driving in Whangarei

Car Class Recommendations

With a combination of city and countryside to explore, intermediate cars would be your best choice. These offer enough space and comfort for a pleasant drive, while still being easy to manoeuvre and park.

Traffic Rules

Unlike the UK, in New Zealand, people drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts must be used by all passengers, and using your phone while driving is not permitted.

Speed Limits

Pay close attention to speed limit signs. In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h, and on open roads or motorways, it's usually 100 km/h.

Parking

Car parks in Whangarei central are payable Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Free parking is available in certain areas. Look out for signs indicating any time limits or restrictions.

Attractions and Routes

From Whangarei, there are countless places to explore. Just a short drive outside the city, there's the Whangarei Falls, a 26m high waterfall surrounded by lush forest. Or head south to the Waipu Caves - a network of underground limestone caves.

Money Matters

The currency of New Zealand is the NZ dollar. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the city with ATMs available for cash withdrawals.

Weather

With a sub-tropical climate, the weather in Whangarei is relatively warm. However, remember that the seasons are the opposite to those in the UK, so summer is from December to February, while winter is from June to August.

Special Events

Visiting Whangarei during the summer? Don't miss out on the Whangarei Fritter Festival - an annual event featuring great food, wine, and live music. If you come in July, you can join in on the Matariki Festival, a Maori New Year celebration filled with cultural performances and street markets.