Transport and maps
How to find your way around Lincoln, Christchurch and New Zealand.
Use Google maps to find your way around Lincoln, Christchurch and New Zealand. There are also paper maps available in post shops and bookshops.
Lincoln street map
A Lincoln village street map and information on townships and community assets is available on the Selwyn District Council website:
Street maps – Selwyn District Council
Online campus map
The Lincoln University digital campus map details all buildings and facilities and shows accommodation locations.
Public transport and shuttles
Learn about the best ways of travelling to Lincoln University, whether you decide to cycle, use public transport or drive.
Public transport
Bus transport goes directly to and from campus (catch the number 80). For payment use a Metrocard which can be topped up online. Metrocards are available at most agents across Christchurch. In Lincoln, the nearest location is the Lincoln Library & Service Centre at 22 Gerald Street.
If you're under 25, you'll automatically receive the discounted fare upon presenting valid ID.
- Information about Metrocards – MetroInfo
- Where to get a Metrocard – MetroInfo
- Bus routes and timetables – MetroInfo
Airport shuttle
NZ Look Shuttles operate between Christchurch and Selwyn, where Lincoln is located. They offer professional and friendly services. Costs and online bookings are available on their website.
Taxis and Uber
These are both available in Christchurch. Taxis can be expensive so Uber is best for travelling around town. Uber is limited in Lincoln township so be careful not to rely on it for important appointments.
Buying a car
It is recommended you buy a car from a licensed motor vehicle dealer because this provides added protection should there be problems with the car soon after purchasing it.
If you do choose to buy a car privately, before purchasing it you need to check whether there is any money still owing on the vehicle from a previous owner. If money is owed on the car, the company with the registered security may legally repossess (take away) your car.
For a small cost you can check this at: Get a Vehicle report – Motorweb website
It is important that when you purchase a car, it has a current Warrant of Fitness and Vehicle Registration. These must be kept current at all times. It is also important that you obtain insurance for the vehicle as soon as you purchase it. Once you know which vehicle you are buying, it is best to have the vehicle insured before you collect it from the motor vehicle dealer or previous owner. A minimum of third-party insurance is crucial for your own protection. Third party insurance protects you from the cost of any damage you may do to anyone else’s vehicle or property but does not cover the repairs to your vehicle.
If you wish to have your vehicle covered for insurance as well, you will need to take out full cover for your car. Some well-known insurance companies in New Zealand are:
- AMI Insurance
- NZI Insurance
- State Insurance
- AA Insurance
Please note Studentsafe insurance does not include vehicle insurance. A separate policy covering your car will need to be arranged with another insurance company.
Driving in New Zealand
To drive in New Zealand you must get an International Driver’s Licence.
International Drivers Licences and Permits – NewZealand.com website
Your international licence is valid for one year from arriving in New Zealand. After one year you will need to get a New Zealand drivers’ licence.
Driver licences – New Zealand Transport Agency
It is important that you know the New Zealand Road rules before driving in New Zealand. These road rules can be found in the Road Code which is available at most bookshops, or you can use the Drive website or download Drive Go from your app store.
Penalties for driving offences in New Zealand are severe, so make sure you are familiar with the road rules in the Road Code.
Speed
The speed limit is the maximum legal speed that you can travel at on a road in perfect conditions. Look out for speed limit signs with a red border - keep to this speed until you see anything different.
Make sure you read speed signs in the areas you are driving. As a safe driver, you’ll have to look out for changes in traffic, road and weather conditions, and reduce your speed accordingly.
Speed: Driving safely within speed limits — New Zealand Transport Agency
Alcohol
it is illegal for drivers under 20 to drink any alcohol before driving. For those over 20, driving with excess breath or blood alcohol is illegal.
Alcohol and drug affected driving — New Zealand Transport Agency
Safety belts
All passengers must always wear a safety belt, whether seated in the front or back of a vehicle. There are instant fines for not wearing safety belts. Any child under seven must be in an approved child restraint.
Seatbelts and child restraints — New Zealand Transport Agency
Hand-held mobile phones
Drivers must not use a hand-held mobile phone unless the device is completely hands-free or mounted securely to the vehicle and touched infrequently and briefly. Writing, reading or sending text messages while driving is illegal. If you pull over to use your mobile phone, you must do so in a safe and legal place. Stopping to do this on the motorway is illegal and dangerous.
Using mobile phones while driving — New Zealand Transport Agency