I am sure you all know that you can drive on your UK/Int'l driving licence for 12 months before you need to get a NZ Licence.
Did you know, however, that the 12 months begins with your FIRST arrival in the country and the clock starts ticking at that point??
Was musing this over with another forum member, and finally found the info on a website:
Source: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/inform...ty/driving.cfmYou can only drive in New Zealand if you have either an overseas licence or an international driving permit which you can use for up to one year from the day you arrive in New Zealand. After 12 months you cannot drive using an international licence - you must convert it to a New Zealand driver's licence. "
The 12 months begins from the FIRST time you arrive in the country. Some people think they can come in and out of New Zealand within the 12 month period and that the one year driving time on an international licence starts again east time - it does not! The clock starts ticking the day you FIRST arrive and expires 12 months later. You must then get a New Zealand licence to continue to drive.
An email (that was received by another forum member) also confirmed:
"I have included the following from the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.
"Overseas licence holders driving in New Zealand are only entitled to drive until the first of the following three situations occur (per Section 88 (2) (c) of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999):
A period of 12 months, beginning on the date the person first arrive in New Zealand, elapses; or
The document that enabled that person to be deemed to hold a New Zealand driver licence under subclause (1) expires, is suspended, or is revoked; or
An order is made disqualifying the person from holding or obtaining a driver licence, either in New Zealand or in the jurisdiction that granted the licence or permit."
Please note if a person has visited NZ prior to 1 May 1999, the 12 month period will start from there first date of return after that. If a person has visited NZ in the past, but did not hold an overseas licence previously, they also can use the 12 month period from their first date of arrival while in possession of an overseas licence. "
So, if you came over in, say May 2000, and you come back now you must get your NZ licence immediately as your ability to drive on your UK/Int'l licence will have run out in May 2001! Likewise, if you come out on a recce now and then return in 6 months time, you have just 6 mths remaining until you need to get a NZ Licence.
I assume I am reading this right? :?