AA Local Transport Survey 2025 results

Nearly all AA Members had driven in their local district in the past 4 weeks (97%). 6 out of 10 (60%) had taken at least one trip as a passenger. Nearly half were disappointed with most aspects of car travel.

• Only 1 in 4 Members (26%) are satisfied with the condition of local roads, such as potholes. Road condition is one of the most widespread concerns, with 54% expressing frustration. This trend is especially pronounced in regions like Northland (76% dissatisfied), Taranaki (69%), and the Wairarapa (67%). This was often due to potholes, uneven surfaces, and perceived neglect of maintenance.
• Other drivers’ behaviour also drew consistent criticism, with only 1 in 5 Members (21%) being satisfied, and over half (51%) of Members dissatisfied. Whanganui leads this concern with 57% dissatisfaction, followed closely by South Canterbury (55%) and Auckland (54%). Members frequently cited aggressive driving, poor rule-following, and lack of courtesy as key issues.
• When it comes to road design for safe car trips, 2 out of 5 Members (41%) are satisfied, and 30% of Members are dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction is notably high in the Wairarapa (48%) and Northland (38%).
• Road design for safety of other users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, also receives mixed reviews. Nationally, 34% were satisfied, but dissatisfaction sits at 37%, with particularly high concern in Northland (47%), Wellington (39%), and Nelson (43%). This suggests that inclusive design is still falling short in many areas.
• Finally, parking shows a split picture. While 41% of Members are satisfied nationally, 35% are dissatisfied, especially in Auckland (43%) and Wellington (45%), where availability and cost are likely contributing factors.

6 out of 10 (60%)  of AA Members had taken at least one trip walking on local footpaths or public tracks in the past 4 weeks . Together with being a car passenger, this was the second-highest used travel mode. 

• 6 out of 10 (61%) of Members are satisfied with how well walking routes are designed to reach destinations efficiently. Satisfaction is highest in South Canterbury (71%), Whanganui (70%), and Hawke's Bay (69%).
• Enjoyment of walking locally is relatively high nationally, with 7 out of 10 being satisfied or very satisfied (65%). Top scores were in Marlborough (73%), North Otago (73%), and Nelson (70%).
• 6 out of 10 (60%) Members are satisfied with how well roads are designed for pedestrian safety. The highest satisfaction is in Hawke's Bay (69%), Otago (66%), and Marlborough (67%). Dissatisfaction is higher in Northland (21%) and North Otago (21%), suggesting regional safety concerns.
• Only 1 out of 4 Members (24%) are satisfied with shared space safety, while 40% are dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction is highest in Auckland (51%), Nelson (46%), and Wellington (45%).

“The limited street lighting is a danger. There is plenty of room on the road for cyclists and scooters so the enforcement of NOT riding on footpaths is needed, especially as the population is quite elderly.” -AA Member, Bay of Plenty

“I do a lot of walking around Kapiti—up to 10k a day—and the state of pavements and vehicles parking on them can make walking difficult or unpleasant. The pavements are very difficult in places for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.” -AA Member, Wellington

1 in 7 (15%) of AA Members biked locally in the past 4 weeks. Members are generally positive about cycling, especially where infrastructure is well-designed. 

• Enjoyment of travel is high among cyclists, with 69% satisfied nationally, and even higher in regions with better infrastructure like Marlborough, Otago, and South Canterbury.
• Satisfaction with cycle lane condition is relatively high, with 6 out of 10 (58%) enjoying their cycling trips. Top scores were in Otago, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury.
• However, satisfaction drops to 49% when asked about cycle lane design to reach destinations safely, suggesting that layout and connectivity matter as much as surface quality.
• Satisfaction with safe road design for cycling is lower still at 43%, with high dissatisfaction in Northland (55%) and Auckland (44%), where cyclists may feel less protected.
• Cycle facilities like bike parking are rated positively by 43%, but again vary widely by region.

“As a cyclist I feel more cycle lanes would encourage people to use their bikes instead of the car, I hear too often 'I am so scared of cars.' One needs to be very brave in NZ to cycle!” -AA Member, Auckland

“Many cycle lanes just end for no reason at all, others are so complicated with different paint, bollards, barriers, business signboards, trees and business driveways.” -AA Member, Bay of Plenty

New and improved roads, bridges or tunnels made the most positive difference to AA Members' quality of life. However, most Members (61%) reported no improvements that had increased their quality of life in the past year.

• 6 out of 10 (61%) Members say they don’t feel any recent local infrastructure changes have improved their daily life. North Otago was the most likely to report no improvements (71%), and Marlborough had the highest amount experiencing improvements, at 46% of its Members.
• For the 39% of Members who reported improvements that increased their quality of life, they were most often due to better roads or bridges (16%), with the highest rates in both Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa (22% each). Nelson Members experienced the least improvements here (9%).
• Improved footpaths or tracks was next at (9%), particularly in Marlborough (12%).
• New and improved cycling infrastructure (both 8%) also received relatively high ratings, with 12% of both Canterbury and Nelson Members reporting improvements in quality of life for both aspects.