Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Arrives in NZ: What It Means for Kiwi Tesla Owners

What’s New for Tesla Owners in New Zealand?

Tesla has officially activated its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in New Zealand — one of the first right-hand-drive markets globally to do so.

This is an advanced driver-assist package for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with the latest HW4 hardware. Existing owners can receive the update over-the-air if their car is eligible.

How It Works & What You Can Expect

• Functions include lane changes, negotiating intersections and roundabouts, entering and exiting highways.
• Your car keeps a safe distance, slows or stops for traffic lights, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
• Important: “Supervised” means you must remain fully attentive, ready to take over at any time. The driver retains responsibility.
• Safety monitoring is built in: cabin camera checks your attention; ignoring warnings may suspend the feature temporarily.

Cost, Eligibility & Roll-out in NZ

• The upfront purchase option costs NZ$11,400  for eligible vehicles.
• A subscription model will also be available for NZ$159 per month.
• Right now, rollout is limited to HW4-equipped Model 3 & Y cars, but Tesla intends to support more vehicles as the software is refined.

What It Means for Tesla Owners & Accessories

With FSD (Supervised) now live, many Tesla owners will be driving more continuously, especially on highways and busy routes. That makes comfort, safety and interior protection gear even more important.

At Tessories.nz, we’ve seen strong interest in accessories like all-weather floor mats, dashboard and screen protectors, and interior organisers—items that protect your car from wear during heavier use. Pairing driving-assist tech with smart accessories makes for a better overall experience.

How to Prepare Your Tesla

• Check your Tesla’s software version and whether the HW4 hardware is installed. If unsure, contact Tesla support.
• Ensure good visibility for cameras — clean windscreen, no obstruction from stickers or dirt.
• Fit accessories that reduce glare or protect screens (e.g. screen protectors, sun shades), keep interior tidy to avoid objects hitting sensors.
• Stay informed about updates; as software matures, features may expand or refine.

Tesla’s step into truly “hands-free, but eyes-on” driving marks a major milestone for Kiwi owners. Whether you’re commuting from Wellington to Palmerston North or cruising around Auckland, FSD (Supervised) promises to make your drive safer and more comfortable—with the right preparation and accessories.