Local councils can save lives and improve New Zealanders' health with less focus on cars and a greater emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport, researchers say.
Wellington has the highest level of sustainable travel of the main centres with 35 per cent.
A study led by Otago University in Wellington set out to quantify what would happen if other cities had the same rate, and found there would be significant health and carbon gains.
In Auckland - which has the highest level of multiple car ownership with 55 per cent - there would be an estimated 57 fewer premature deaths each year.
As well, carbon emissions from light vehicles would be 20 per cent lower.