Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) recently teamed up with New Zealand Police to create videos for Chinese tourists promoting safe driving in the district.

The videos, which are in Mandarin, are being promoted to tourists ahead of Chinese New Year, via rental car companies, Chinese-language media outlets in New Zealand, and other agencies.

One video focuses on open road driving tips, such as pulling over if cars build up behind you and not passing on yellow lines. 

The other video explains what different road signs mean.

Road policing Constable Kiriana Flannery, who is based in Wānaka and features in one of the videos, is usually at the sharp end of accidents, getting called out to serious crashes across the district.

She said it was great to collaborate with QLDC on a prevention project. 

“We want visitors to understand the risks and challenges of driving in our district before they get behind the wheel.” 

The idea for the videos came from Chinese-Kiwi resident and QLDC staff member Xinghao Chen. 

She said she saw a gap for further education and understanding about driving in New Zealand for Chinese visitors. 

Xinghao features in the videos, which were filmed in Arrowtown and on the Crown Range, alongside local police.

QLDC one network technician (transportation) Sarah Thomson said there is a need for more education for all tourists. 

“We have some of the most scenic roads in the world and we want our visitors to enjoy themselves – we just want them to do so safely, and we hope these videos will help,” she said.

PHOTO: QLDC