Why You Can’t Drive in New Zealand’s Remote Islands

Muslims scientists August 04, 2025

 

Why You Can’t Drive in New Zealand’s Remote Islands

New Zealand is globally celebrated for its jaw-dropping landscapes, winding mountain roads, and rich Māori culture. Tourists often envision themselves driving through its serene countryside, taking in views of snow-capped peaks and emerald green valleys. But while New Zealand's main islands—the North Island and the South Island—are well-connected by modern highways, many of its smaller, remote islands are a completely different story. On these lesser-known islands, driving is often impossible, illegal, or simply impractical. But why?

In this article, we explore the fascinating reasons why driving is not a viable option on many of New Zealand’s islands, and what that means for travelers and locals alike.

1. Geography and Size: There’s Just No Room

Many of New Zealand's remote islands are tiny and rugged. For example:

Most of these islands are too small to justify building roads. In many cases, you can walk from one end to the other in less than an hour. Driving would not only be unnecessary but would also destroy the natural landscape that these islands are famous for.

2. Environmental Protection Laws

Many of New Zealand’s smaller islands are strictly protected conservation zones. Ulva Island, for instance, is one of the few predator-free sanctuaries in the world. It’s home to endangered native birds like the South Island saddleback, kaka, and the Stewart Island robin.

Allowing vehicles on such islands would bring:

  • Pollution from emissions

  • The risk of oil leaks and runoff into pristine ecosystems

  • Soil compaction, which damages native plant roots

  • Invasive species, like rats or insects, hidden in vehicles

To maintain the ecological integrity of these regions, Department of Conservation (DOC) policies prohibit vehicles and limit even human visitation to controlled, eco-friendly levels.

3. No Infrastructure: No Roads, No Gas Stations, No Mechanics

Even if you could bring a car to these islands, where would you go with it?

  • There are often no gas stations

  • No mechanics or service centers

  • No road signs or traffic control systems

  • In some cases, no proper roads at all—just dirt trails or footpaths

Take Chatham Islands, located 800 km east of the South Island. It’s one of the few isolated islands where people do drive, but everything—cars, fuel, parts—must be shipped at a high cost. Elsewhere, like the Poor Knights Islands, which are marine reserves, you can’t even set foot on land—let alone drive.

4. Access Limitations: You Can’t Drive There Because You Can’t Get There

You can’t just drive to New Zealand’s remote islands. Most are accessible only by boat, ferry, or small aircraft. There are no bridges connecting them to the mainland.

  • No car ferries go to most of these islands.

  • Some ferries only allow foot traffic.

  • Landing strips are too small or unstable for planes carrying vehicles.

Even if you could load a car onto a private vessel, unloading and operating it legally on the island would be another problem. In many cases, the local councils or DOC own the roads, and using a car without permission is illegal.

5. Minimal Local Population

Many remote islands are uninhabited or have populations of fewer than 100 people. For example:

  • Kapiti Island has no permanent residents.

  • Mokohinau Islands are mainly used for research.

  • Raoul Island is inhabited only by DOC staff for conservation efforts.

These small communities rely on walking, bicycles, quad bikes, or boats to get around. Building roads and maintaining vehicles for such tiny populations is simply not economical.

6. Cultural and Spiritual Respect

For the Māori people, many of these islands hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Certain places are wāhi tapu (sacred), and bringing vehicles or heavy equipment can be seen as disrespectful or harmful to ancestral lands.

For example:

  • Māori guardians may restrict vehicle access to protect the mana (spiritual essence) of a location.

  • Some islands are reserved for ceremonial purposes, and limited access ensures their preservation.

Tourists unaware of these customs might inadvertently commit cultural violations by attempting to drive in restricted zones.

7. Tourism Without the Carbon Footprint

New Zealand prides itself on promoting eco-tourism. Walking tracks, cycling trails, and guided hikes are often the main attractions of island visits. Driving would actually spoil the experience.

On places like Waiheke Island, which does allow vehicles, tourism authorities still encourage visitors to use electric scooters, bikes, or public buses to minimize emissions. Other islands, like Tiritiri Matangi, operate as walking-only experiences to preserve the natural beauty and tranquility.

8. High Cost and Logistics of Vehicle Transport

Let’s say you really want to bring your car to a remote island. Here’s what you’re up against:

  • You’ll need a private charter or barge to transport your vehicle.

  • Costs can be thousands of dollars one-way.

  • You’ll need special permits from local authorities or DOC.

  • Any damage caused by your vehicle (to nature or property) will be your legal responsibility.

For most travelers, it's just not worth it.

Alternatives to Driving: How to Explore New Zealand’s Islands

While driving might be off the table, these islands offer amazing ways to explore:

  • Walking tracks: Many islands have scenic hikes ranging from easy strolls to multi-day treks.

  • Biking: Where allowed, bikes offer a quiet, low-impact way to see the sights.

  • Kayaking: Explore shorelines and hidden coves from the water.

  • Guided tours: Eco-guides often provide transportation and insight into wildlife, culture, and history.

  • Electric shuttles or off-road carts: In rare cases, small eco-vehicles are used for transport within managed zones.

Conclusion: A Different Kind of Journey

The inability to drive on many of New Zealand's islands isn’t a limitation—it’s a gift. It forces you to slow down, take in the sights on foot, and experience these precious places the way nature intended. In an age of noise and hurry, these roadless islands are sanctuaries of peace and preservation.

So while you can’t drive in most of New Zealand’s remote islands, that’s exactly what makes them worth visiting.


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