Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate toll roads, free routes, payments, and special lane rules.
Toll Road
- How to identify a toll road
The signs will say when a toll road begins, when you have crossed a toll point, when a toll road ends.
Prior to joining a toll road, green road signs will indicate if there is a toll road ahead. Toll roads are signed by large blue signs will orange writing. The sign will include the toll road logo.
- How to find the free route
If you wish to avoid toll roads all together, there are free routes avalible. To find the free route, please pay attention to blue or green road signs.
- How to pay for tolls
Tolls are payable for ten days after using a toll road. They are payable online at NZTA’s website: tollingonline.nzta.govt.nz/#/purchasetrips/prerequisites.
At the bottom of the page, please tick the box regarding whether you are authorised to make payment. If you are renting the vehicle, you are authorised.
Once you click continue, you will then need to enter the vehicle registration. Please ensure that you have entered the correct vehicle registration.
If a toll has been incurred, it will take you to a pay titled ‘There are tolls for the vehicle.’ It will show currently pending tolls with the relevant toll road and the date the toll was incurred.
Before paying, please ensure the tolls you are paying for occurred during your rental period. NZTA will not refund payment for tolls outside your rental period.
After clicking continue, the website will ask if you want to pay for future tolls. If you plan on using a toll road again, you are welcome to pay for future tolls.
However, please be advised that any future tolls not used during your rental period will not be refunded by NZTA and will be used the next time the vehicle uses a toll road.
Additionally, if paying for future tolls, please ensure you are paying for the correct toll road. NZTA is unlikely to transfer payment for a different toll road.
If you do not wish to pay for future tolls, please click ‘I don’t need to buy other tolls’ at
the top of the page. You will then be able to pay either via online payment or internet banking.Before completing payment, please double check all the details are correct, including the vehicle registration, date and time of the toll and relevant toll road.
Once payment has been completed, please save a copy of your receipt. - What to do if there are no tolls on the website
If NZTA does not show any tolls on the website, it may mean that the toll has not been loaded onto the website yet.
If you attempt to pay for a toll while on a toll road or right after using a toll road, the toll will most likely not be avalible to pay yet.
If you pay for future tolls while on a toll road or right after using a toll road, NZTA will not put your payment towards the incurred toll.
If the toll does not appear on the website, please check the website later in the day or the day after.
If a toll does not appear, it may be possible that the vehicle has future tolls avalible. If you wish to check, please email NZTA at TollRoadOperations@nzta.govt.nz.
Special Lanes
There are different kinds of special lanes around New Zealand, and they can be used at various times.
- T2 / T3 Lanes
T2 Lanes can be used when two or more people are in the vehicle. T3 Lanes can be used when three or more people are in the vehicle.
The sign on the left-hand side of the road will show what time of day and what days of the week the lane is avalible for use.
- Bus Lanes
Bus Lanes will be marked with the words ‘BUS LANE’ on the road. The sign on the left-hand side of the road will show what time of day and what days of the week the bus lane is in use OR that the bus lane is constant and not available to drive in. If you are unsure, it is best to stay out of the lane to avoid a fine.
If operating times are not specified by a sign on the left-hand side, the lane is in constant use and is not avalible to drive in.
- When can you use a special lane?
A T2 / T3 Lane can be used during the stated hours and days on the sign.
A bus lane can be used outside when the bus lane is not in use OR to make a left-hand turn onto a side street.
You must only use a bus or transit lane for the minimum length necessary and no more that 50 metres (164 feet).
