Can I drive in New Zealand with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Recommended. The Government of Canada says: “You can drive in New Zealand with your Canadian driver license for up to 12 months.” “You should carry an international driving permit.” (Government of Canada travel advice for New Zealand, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Government of Canada travel advice for New Zealand: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
You can drive in New Zealand with your Canadian driver license for up to 12 months. If you plan to stay for more than 12 months, you’ll need to get a New Zealand driver licence.
You should carry an international driving permit.
- Road regulations - New Zealand Transport Agency
- Information in case of an accident - New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation
- International Driving Permit
Source: travel.gc.ca: New Zealand, page updated 15 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in New Zealand
Hiring a car in New Zealand? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in New Zealand
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Staying longer or moving there? New Zealand’s rules change for arrivals from 1 November 2026: how long you can drive in New Zealand on an overseas licence
Other licences in New Zealand
| Licence | In New Zealand | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to New Zealand
- British passport: New Zealand entry requirements
- Canadian passport: New Zealand
- Australian passport: New Zealand
- Italian citizens: Nuova Zelanda
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for New Zealand with a Canadian driver's licence?
Recommended. The Government of Canada says: “You can drive in New Zealand with your Canadian driver license for up to 12 months.” “You should carry an international driving permit.” (Government of Canada travel advice for New Zealand, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in New Zealand with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “You can drive in New Zealand with your Canadian driver license for up to 12 months.” “You should carry an international driving permit.”
Which international driving permit do I need for New Zealand?
The Government of Canada advice for New Zealand does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a Canadian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.