Get around the city

• Street maps
• Buses
• Taxis
• Driving

• Google - www.maps.google.co.nz
• Wises - www.wises.co.nz
• AA - http://maps.aa.co.nz

Borrow street directories from Christchurch City Libraries

Buses operate throughout the city. For information about bus routes, timetables and fares:
• Visit www.metroinfo.co.nz or
• Phone (03) 366 8855 .

The Central Station is located between 46 – 50 Lichfield Street.

• ordered by phone or booked online. Look in the Yellow Pages under taxis.
• hailed at taxi stands.
  

The New Zealand Transport Agency (www.nzta.govt.nz) NZTA is a great resource for finding information on driving in New Zealand. Free phone 0800 822 422 .

Before driving around the city:

• You must have a drivers licence. You can use your international drivers licence for a maximum of one year. After one year you must get a New Zealand licence.
• You need to know the road rules. The rules are explained in a book called the Road Code. You can:
  - Access it online on the NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) website;
  - Borrow it from Christchurch City Libraries;
  - Buy it from most book shops.
• An overview of the road rules is available in NZTA's brochure called New Resident Drivers. It is available in several languages. Phone NZTA on free phone 0800 699 000 for a copy.
• An overview for migrants and visitors about what is different about driving in New Zealand is also available in several languages.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt. Children under 148 cms tall must be properly restrained by an approved car restraint. The NZTA child restraint factsheet outlines all the rules about child safety restraints.
• It is a good idea to get car insurance - look in the Yellow Pages under Insurance Companies.
  

Getting a drivers licence:

• You must get a New Zealand drivers licence after one year. The NZTA website is the official site which tells you what to do and where to go to get a licence.
• You will have to pass a theory test and possibly a practical driving test. You need to understand the New Zealand Road Code to prepare for the test. The Road Code is available at Libraries.
• In New Zealand you must carry your drivers licence or permit at all times when you are driving. If your overseas licence is not in English, NZTA suggests you carry an official translation with you.

Buying a car

• The NZTA website (keyword: vehicle) gives all official information on owning and driving a car in New Zealand.
• Be very careful if you buy a car on ‘hire purchase’. Seek advice. See Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ for more information.

Authorising Unit: Community Support

Last reviewed: Sunday, December 18, 2011

Next review: Monday, June 18, 2012

Keywords: migrant guide