You can drive in New Zealand if you have a current and valid overseas license or driver permit written in English, or accompanied by an accurate translation.
UK residents - with the UK phasing out the 2 Part Paper license and moving to a plastic card license please note the following: If you only need the plastic card to drive in the UK, then that's all you need in NZ too i.e. you don't need to bring your paper license. If your license stipulates that you need both, then you will indeed need to bring both. If you only have paper license (i.e. no card), then the rental car companies in NZ will accept your paper license

The usual minimum age to rent or drive a rental vehicle in New Zealand is 25. In some cases, we have a special arrangement with rental car companies that may allow drivers from 21 years old. They must hold a current full license (not a provisional or learner's license). You may also need an English translation for an overseas license so please confirm before you travel.
If you have any questions about your ability to drive in New Zealand then check-in with our team of travel specialists. We will help where we can or point you in the right direction of reliable information.

If you utilize a disability permit at home then you can obtain a temporary permit to use as you travel around New Zealand. To do this just let your consultant know and they will help you complete the application. Be sure you allow plenty of time to get this sorted before arriving in NZ.

You can check long range forecasts for weather on the New Zealand Metservice Website.
New Zealand experiences four distinctive seasons, officially these are: Summer: December, January and February Autumn: March, April and May Winter: June, July and August Spring: September, October and November However, the weather can be variable and does not always follow traditional seasonal expectations – summer, for instance, can be both very hot and very cold.

Rainfall is generally consistent throughout the year between 7 and 11 days per month, but some regions (such as the South Island's West Coast and Fiordland) get drier during the winter months. In the North Island snow mainly affects the high Central Plateau around Tongariro National Park where ski fields Whakapapa and Turoa are located. Other peaks such as Mt Egmont / Taranaki and mountain ranges also get snow but not in the way that will affect travel through surrounding regions. You are unlikely to experience snow anywhere but the Central Plateau in the North.
In the South Island almost anywhere can experience snow. The Southern Alps – stretching the length of the island – is entirely covered during winter meaning you’re never too far from a dusting of white. Canterbury, Otago and Southland generally get the most snow and this is why most of the ski resorts are based here.

New Zealand roads are very well maintained and well signposted. Local road maintenance crews are very used to the wintry conditions that some regions can experience and respond quickly to keep roads clear and safe.