International tourists who have touched down in Queenstown now have a new option to get familiar with New Zealand roads, even before they get behind the wheel.
A virtual reality (VR) driver training programme has been installed at the tourist town’s airport as part of a trial that could eventually be rolled out in other locations.
At first glance, an area next to the rental car companies looks like a gamer’s lounge, but instead it is an introduction to New Zealand’s roads through an interactive learning tool.
The tech, known as Co-DriVR, has been developed by Dunedin-based company Gfactor, with the goal to educate and reduce accidents.
Founder Rhys Gardner said: “People are actually quite happy to take the time out and take eight or 10 minutes to understand [the road rules] before they get on the road. That’s quite encouraging.”
When 1News visited, passengers would come through the terminal to the rental car area and want to try the VR to get familar.
One US passenger, Bridget, from Chicago, said: “I’ve been kind of stressed about driving … I’m really nervous I’m gonna turn the wrong way.”
“I feel a lot better after doing [the VR],” she said.
The programme gives users options to pick when put in scenarios — which lane to enter at a roundabout, whether to pass on a blind corner, and when to pull over if driving too slow.
The technology was first tested in 2018, but it was a very different concept that required a large driving simulator with a steering wheel and pedals.
But six year later, the product has developed significantly with a focus on problem areas for international drivers on the country’s roads and with VR headsets.
Co-DriVR has also had some government funding and support from CODE, the Centre of Digital Excellence.
Now the product has reached the hands and eyes of foreign tourists with the goal of collecting data about how it could be rolled out in the future.
Queenstown Airport supports the idea.
“Safety is a number one priority for airports,” spokesperson Sara Irvine told 1News.
“We think it’s a really important opportunity and responsibility that we have to make sure that the entire journey is as safe as possible.”
While the VR programme in Queenstown is a trial for one week, there is hope the rental car companies will come on board and include it as part of the hire process permanently.
Rental Vehicle Association chief executive Ben McFadgen said: “We’ve had feedback already from operators on the ground in Queenstown saying it’s a fantastic tool for ensuring that customers really do understand New Zealand road rules.”
But it’s not just international visitors that may be targeted in the future, but Kiwi drivers too.
“I believe that this isn’t just for international tourists but it could also help New Zealanders and Kiwis when they’re renting vehicles in New Zealand really get to grips with New Zealand road rules and understand the speeds and so on.”
