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Queenstown Lakes District Council has partnered with New Zealand Police to produce Mandarin-language road safety videos aimed at international visitors travelling to the district over Chinese New Year.
The short videos, filmed on the Crown Range and in Arrowtown, are designed for social media and focus on safe driving in alpine conditions. They feature local police officers and Queenstown Lakes resident and QLDC staff member Xinghao Chen.
Xinghao says the idea came from recognising a gap in driving education for Chinese visitors unfamiliar with New Zealand road rules and terrain.
“There are significant differences between driving in Queenstown Lakes and China,” he says. “A clear, visual explanation can help visitors better understand those differences before they get on the road.”
One video provides open road driving advice, including pulling over to allow traffic to pass and not overtaking on yellow lines. The second explains common road signs and driving conditions specific to the district.
QLDC One Network Technician (Transportation) Sarah Thomson says the initiative responds to the challenges visitors face when driving in the region.
“For many visitors, they may be driving on the opposite side of the road, in an unfamiliar rental vehicle, and navigating mountain roads for the first time,” Sarah says. “We want people to enjoy our scenic routes safely.”
Road Policing Constable Kiriana Flannery, based in Wānaka, says prevention is key.
“We want visitors to understand the risks and challenges of driving in this district before they get behind the wheel,” she says, encouraging drivers to keep left, understand local road rules and allow extra time for travel.
The videos will be distributed through rental car companies, Chinese-language media outlets and partner agencies ahead of the holiday period.
