Getting Around Hutt City and District

A good map is necessary to help you find your way around the city and district. Maps can be purchased from bookshops and petrol stations, but are available free on http://www.wises.co.nz/ or from i-Site, http://www.huttvalleynz.com/

Public Transport

A bus service operates throughout the Wellington Region, for more information go to http://www.metlink.org.nz or phone 0800 801 700.  For the train service that connects Hutt Valley with Wellington City visit www.tranzmetro.co.nz or call 0800 801 700. Taxis can be ordered by phone. See  Taxis.

Driving

Before driving around the city

• You must have a licence. You can use your international driver's licence for up to one year.
• You need to know the road rules. The rules are explained in the Road Code. Libraries have copies of the Road Code or you can buy one at most booksellers or from the Automobile Association (AA) - see below.
• An overview of the road rules is available in a Land Transport New Zealand brochure called New Resident Drivers. The brochure is available from LTNZ website  http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/overview-nz-road-rules.html It is available in the following languages:Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Fijian, Samoan,Malay and Hindi. You can also get it by phoning LTNZ on Free Phone 0800 822 422 or pick it up from driving licensing agents. 
  Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt and babies must be in car seats. Car seats are available for hire from Plunket, www.plunket.org.nz  or phone the Hutt Valley branch on (04) 566 9004. 
  Car insurance is a wise precaution. You can insure your vehicle comprehensively, or pay less for a limited policy against fire and theft and damage you might do to other cars. See  Insurance Companies and Offices.

 

Getting a driver's licence

• You can drive using a current overseas licence or an international driving permit for a maximum of one year after you arrive. You must then convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand driver’s licence.
• You will have to pass a theory test and, depending on the country you have come from, pass a practical driving test as well. The factsheet with information regarding which countries have to have a practical as well as theory test is available on  http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/56.html. These are also available from AA centres.
• The Land Transport New Zealand and its driver licensing agents can supply you with an application form for an overseas licence conversion.
• In New Zealand you must carry your driver's licence or permit at all times when you are driving.
• Drivers who are new to this country, people learning to drive and people wanting to gain a new licence class need to refer to the ROAD CODE. You can buy a copy at book stores or read one at your public library.
• For more information visit www.ltsa.govt.nz or phone 0800 822 422.

The Automobile Association (AA) offers driver and vehicle licensing, roadside service (in case your car breaks down), travel information and insurance. It is located at 29 Waterloo Road, Lower Hutt. Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8.30am-5pm except Tuesday 9am-5pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.aa.co.nz

Vehicle Testing New Zealand offers vehicle inspections, driver licensing, warrant of fitness. For a full list of services and your nearest station go to www.vtnz.co.nz

Vehicle inspection New Zealand offers vehicle certification, warrant of fitness, certificate of fitness, motor registration and re-licensing. For the nearest service visit www.vinz.co.nz

Buying a car

View official information on vehicle ownership and advice on most aspects of owning a vehicle on http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/ Be very careful when buying a car on hire purchase. Before doing so, get advice from http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/consumerinfo/motorvehicles/buying-vehicles/buying-mv-on-credit.html
There are a number of car dealerships in Hutt City. See  Car & Truck Dealers. Trade me www.trademe.co.nz also has a large variety of vehicles for sale. When purchasing a vehicle please ensure it is registered and warranted. It is always recommended to have an AA check done before purchasing any vehicle. You can also buy or sell a used car through Turners Car Auctions www.turners.co.nz . They are based at 120 Hutt Park Road, Seaview, Lower Hutt.

Consumer Affairs offers advice on your rights as a consumer. There is a section on motor vehicles on the web site www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

Parking in Hutt City

There is paid parking available throughout the central city. Charges vary, with the more expensive car parks in the most central locations. For further information on parking charges and parking laws in Hutt City Council Customer Service Centres, ph: 570 6666.
To be safe, when parking at any park or tourist area, remember to lock your car and do not leave valuables in the car.