The Funny Road Signs in New Zealand Always Make Me Laugh

If you are driving in New Zealand for the first time, you are guaranteed a laugh. Some of the funny road signs are hilarious. I have been driving around the country and taking photos of my favorites.

I have been living in New Zealand for nearly eight years now and I still occasionally turn a corner and burst into laughter at one of the funny road signs. Generally, I think of Kiwi English as being clear and concise, naming things exactly what they are - North Island, South Island. The funny road signs are often a different story. Possibly the intent was simplicity but it got lost somewhere in translation.

This Funny Sign is Clearly Written - Could It Actually Mean What It Says?

This one left me speechless. So, where exactly are we supposed to drive and what if they are off by a bit when they are practicing with that live fire. This sign is on the motorway which runs down the center of New Zealand's North Island - the only direct route from Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, to Wellington, the nation's capital.

Here's Another Vague Road Sign

Clearly a Warning Sign, but What Should You Avoid?

What Does P20 Mean?

What Do You Think This Funny Road Sign Means?

What Will You Do When You See This Sign?

Why Did the Penguin Cross the Road?

Honestly, I believed this when I wrote it, so image my surprise in Oct 2010 when we were driving along the west coast of the South Island. It is a magnificent part of the country. We were near Munro Beach, home to the endangerd Fiordland Crested Penguins Well, there it was, on the side of the road, and actual penguin sign. So, my apologies for publishing incorrect information.

Imagine My Surprise When I Saw This:

I Saw This Funny Sign as I Was Sailing Under the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Selling a Home - How Long Was Your Open House?

In New Zealand, they are generally 30 - 45 minutes

Yes, you are reading this sign correctly, Open Homes in New Zealand last only 30 - 45 minutes. Visiting open homes requires planning and scheduling, especially if you are not sure of the exact area in which you want to live. Blink and you missed it. The good news is that they are generally very well marked, with arrows like this one at every turn leading from the main road. Of course there are not that many roads.

But no worries, the land agents are happy to take you through for a private viewing.

I Live on Whangaparaoa Peninsula

Looks Like I Should Be Heading South

I Think I Can! I Think I Can!

Doesn't this Sign Remind you of the Little Engine that Could?

This New Zealand street sign reminds me of the child's story about The Little Engine that Could. Seems rather obvious that one would look at a railroad crossing, but I guess the sign errs on the side of caution.

My Apologies to the People of This Beautiful Town, but I Laughed at the Name When I Saw This Funny Sign

(although not pronouced exactly as it looks when I am laughing.)

At This Beach, They Had to Post a Sign to Explain All the Other Signs

a classic funny sign

What The . . .

(The electic cable car was nearby, I think this was a warning)

No Collection of New Zealand Road Signs Would be Complete Without an Iconic Kiwi Bird

(sorry, I shot a bit off center, sign is the normal diamond shape