For many New Zealanders, the daily commute isn’t just a ride, it’s a ritual. Whether it’s the morning rush along Auckland’s motorways or the winding suburban routes of Wellington and Christchurch, the drive to work sets the tone for millions of Kiwi mornings. And according to a new global study from Autotrader, New Zealanders are spending more time behind the wheel than most of the world’s commuters, and feeling the impact of every minute of it.
Autotrader surveyed drivers across 17 countries to uncover how long people spend travelling to and from work each year, how they feel about their commute, and what makes the drive either peaceful or painful. The findings show that Kiwis lose 8 days, 16 hours, and 34 minutes a year commuting, a figure that’s more than 10 hours higher than the global average of 8 days, 5 hours, and 53 minutes. That extra chunk of time is no small thing, it’s an EXTRA entire workday swallowed up by traffic lights, bottlenecks, and the monotony of the everyday drive.
Globally, South Africa tops the chart for the longest commute, with India and Ireland also clocking in huge annual drive times. But New Zealand’s result is notable: despite smaller cities and lighter populations, our commuting hours still outrank the international median. Blame growing congestion, sprawling suburbs, or a road network that struggles under peak load, whichever the reason, Kiwis are spending more time than most behind the wheel.
What frustrates Kiwi drivers the most?
Autotrader reports that traffic congestion is the No. 1 frustration globally, with 84% of drivers naming it their biggest grievance. While the study doesn’t break out New Zealand’s congestion figure individually, it’s clear that Kiwi drivers are far from immune to the gridlock blues. Add to that the second-most common annoyance, bad driver behaviour, cited by 70% of commuters worldwide, and it’s no surprise that many road journeys feel more draining than energising.
Yet there’s a surprising upside for New Zealand: our cars are among the most reliable in the world. The study found that 66% of Kiwi commuters reported no car issues in the past year that disrupted their journey, one of the highest reliability rates alongside the Netherlands and the USA. That means when frustration strikes, it’s less likely to be caused by the car and more likely by what’s happening around it.
Are Kiwis making the most of their time on the road?
Globally, 65% of commuters wish they felt more productive on their commute, and 30% say the daily drive leaves them feeling drained. Productivity expert Emily Austen argues that productivity on the move doesn’t require “working”, instead, she says that listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks (something 82% of drivers already do) is productive in its own right because it protects mood and reduces decision fatigue.
While New Zealand’s productivity rating isn’t listed individually, countries like South Africa and India show extremely high levels of perceived productivity while commuting, 94% and 93% respectively. With Kiwi drivers already embracing audio-driven commutes, there’s every reason to believe New Zealanders, too, are turning road time into “me time.”
The bottom line?
Kiwis are spending more time commuting than much of the world, and while the frustrations are real, many are already making the most of the drive. Whether it’s switching on a favourite playlist, settling into a good podcast, or enjoying a rare moment of quiet, Autotrader’s research shows the commute can be more than just a slog. It can be a chance to reset, refocus, and reclaim a little part of the day, even if we’d all prefer to reclaim a few of those lost hours too.
