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Where to Find a Rental Car in New Zealand
For many Americans, as well as a lot of other travelers around the world, a trip to New Zealand is the trip of a lifetime. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s geographic isolation has made it a perfect setting to film Hollywood blockbusters that require exotic locations, and the variety of geography and climate, as well as the flora and fauna, make it fascinating for visitors of all types.
One of the best ways to see New Zealand is to rent a car. However, since you’ve never been there, how do you know how to find the best deal and situation? This article will give you some tips on finding a rental car in New Zealand.
Most of the big, international rental car conglomerates operate in New Zealand. That means companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz all have multiple offices in-country. This is a benefit in two ways: one, you can make reservations on those companies’ websites, or by calling them from your home country before you leave. Two, thanks to the free-market economy, competition helps keep prices low.
You will find rental car offices for those companies in most cities in New Zealand. Hertz, for example, has offices in 28 of the biggest cities. And if you know New Zealand, you’ll know there aren’t even 28 “big” cities to begin with.
There are also local companies that will rent you a car. Some of these include Ace Tourist Rentals (Auckland freephone: 0800 502 277), Pegasus Rentals (Auckland 09 358 5757), and Trusty Car Rentals (Christchurch 03 366 6329). Another one, Maui Tours (Auckland freephone: 0800 651 080), specializes in renting recreational vehicles (known as “caravans” in New Zealand).
Often, the smaller companies will be more willing to work with a traveler on price breaks. Rental cars that are sitting idle in the parking lot are not making anyone any money, but the bigger companies can absorb that idleness better than the smaller companies can, giving them less incentive to make a deal.
Some of the local companies will also offer additional deals. Maui Tours, for example, which has offices in Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch and Queenstown on the South Island, will give you free passage on the Interislander ferry (from Wellington to Picton) with rentals of 10 days or more. You can also find deals on one-way rentals that may include one ferry crossing, as well as transportation to and from the airport.
Renting a car in New Zealand over a longer term, such as a full month, will give you better price breaks than weekly, and especially daily, rentals. That goes for recreational vehicles as well.
And what the heck, as long as you’re taking the “trip of a lifetime” to New Zealand, you may as well stay a month and enjoy it!
Tags: auckland, car rental, car rentals, new zealand, north island, queenstown, rental cars, south island, tours, travel, trip to new zealand, wellingtonRelated posts
All The World Wants To Travel To New Zealand
Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand big time onto the world’s cinema screens with epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to visit.
In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information each year, even beating out firm favorites such as Hong Kong and London.
New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South about the size of Colorado. With a population of around 4 million and English as the main language, you can expect a warm welcome and a fantastic vacation experience. There is also strong, vibrant Maori culture reflected in the easy going attitude of the people and pride in their heritage.
From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is a bearable 12 hours. Close to the Australian continent, New Zealand shares the Australian love for sport and having a good time.
Think Hawaii meets Switzerland.
Where else can you find so many different types of scenery and breathtaking landscapes in one country! From towering mountain peaks and glaciers to volcanoes and bubbling mud springs. And then there’s the surprise. It’s so very English too. The lush green fields and rolling hills reminiscent of the English countryside and village life never seem that far away.
Major highlights and attractions.
The Bay of Islands on the North Island.
An absolute must-see on your trip. A magnificent natural treasure for anyone who enjoys getting out on the water. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of island nooks and inlets. If you have always wanted to swim with dolphins, do it here. Many operators in the region offer excellent trips to spectacular Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island.
The townships of this historical bay are alive with memories of the area’s colorful past. Take time out to see the well-preserved relics both Maori and European, in romantic Russell, Paihia, Waitangi or Kerikeri.
Rotorua. What’s bubbling you?
Known for its amazing geothermal earth forces, this fascinating region offers you more than natural beauty, it’s also a very spiritual place. “Manaakitanga” is a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. It’s a local challenge to offer visitors the best experience possible.
Voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City three times, Rotorua’s gardens, cobbled streets and diverse mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture, give the city a significant point of difference. Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Incidentally, Rotarua’s Hell’s Gate Reserve was where the “Black Gate of Morodor” was filmed for The Lord of The Rings Trilogy.
Let off some steam. Steam escapes from crevices in the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers shoot for the sky.
Spa therapy. A good wrap. 160 years after the first Europeans arrived to ‘spa’ in Rotorua, today’s visitors are still enjoying the therapeutic properties of the geothermal resources. Mineral pools, mud wraps and massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for more.
The thrill of chilling out in Glacier Country.
Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers so accessible. On the West Coast of The South Island, remnants of the ice age cascade from the vast snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors, almost 1,000 feet above sea level.
You can enjoy guided excursions exploring stunning ice formations. Or take off on a scenic flight and land amidst New Zealand’s highest peaks overlooking the glaciers. The two most famous villages are Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, good bases from which to plan your days exploring the glaciers.
Milford Sound. Your eighth wonder of the world?
Legendary writer Rudyard Kipling was a well traveled man. He called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world.”
Still down South, Milford Sound lies at the heart of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage area. Cruising the clear, still waters of the Fiord you’ll encounter magnificent sights, such as the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls.
With the highest rainfall in New Zealand (think feet not inches!) so expect rain when you visit. However, when it pours, the water falls that appear all around are simply amazing.
Keep a lookout for wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seals often seen in their natural habitat. Go on a scenic cruise and gasp at the moody majesty of the Fiord in your Milford Sound Red Boat. Another worthwhile attraction is the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory Option. Descend 30 feet below the surface and marvel at spectacular marine life, with anemones, sponges, fish and rare red and black coral in their natural habitat.
Discover Middle Earth.
According to Oscar winner Peter Jackson, New Zealand was the only landscape on the planet that could have provided the sensational locations for Tolkien’s Middle Earth. You can set off on your voyage of discovery and visit the key areas featured in the films such as The Southern Alps and Queenstown. Make sure you stop at Matamata, near Hamilton (a couple of hours drive south of Auckland) and marvel at how the landscape was transformed into the peaceful hobbit village of Hobbiton.
Auckland. The largest city.
Wellington is actually the capital, but Auckland is where many visitors first set foot in New Zealand.
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands, that’s Auckland.
It’s located on the North Island and called the City of Sails. Know why? It has more boats per capita than any other city in the world. Almost entirely surrounded by water and covered with volcanic hills, the city boasts a superb harbor and a population of 1.3 million people. Add a background rhythm of Polynesian culture, a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping – and you’ll want to stay.
Auckland has a pleasant subtropical climate with mild winters (June, July and August) and warm, humid summers (December, January and February). Remember the seasons down here are reversed, so plan your vacation accordingly.
Accommodation to suit every taste.
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10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand
New Zealand is a small country of approximately 4 million people. It is made up of 2 main islands, the North Island, which contains the majority of the population and the South Island, which abounds with lush scenery. This is the ideal country for a holiday.
There are a multitude of airlines (approximately 45) that fly in to New Zealand these days. Most of them fly in to Auckland which is located towards the top of the North Island and is considered to be the gateway of the country. Auckland is by far the biggest city in New Zealand and has that big city feeling. Approximately one third of the whole population of New Zealand lives in the greater Auckland area. If you enjoy shopping, beaches or sailing, you could spend your whole time in Auckland, but although it is a beautiful city, there are many other special areas within New Zealand. There is an amazing diversity of scenery from beautiful beaches, ancient rain forests, stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and thermal activity to name just some of what you will see.
- The people in New Zealand speak English which is a help if you are traveling from a western country. Generally speaking the people are also very friendly and will ensure your stay is very enjoyable. New Zealanders are very proud of their country and enjoy sharing the beauty and benefits of their country with others.
- The exchange rate is favorable if you are coming over from Australia, UK, Europe and USA or almost any Western country. The shopping is very good particularly in the main areas such as Auckland, Wellington, (the capital of New Zealand situated at the bottom of the North Island) Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. New Zealand has some very talented and established fashion designers as well as some promising up and coming young designers.
- Apart from Auckland which can be quite congested both with people and traffic, you will find that New Zealand is relatively quiet. If you choose to hire a car, the quiet roads will probably be appealing as it can be rather daunting driving in an unfamiliar country on very busy roads. Note that cars drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. Just be sure to check out the road rules. They have a very peculiar give way rule which could prove to be a dangerous trap for the unwary.
- One of the best reasons to visit New Zealand is because of the stunning scenery. Although the country is small, there is an incredible diversity to the scenery. There are some beautiful as well as rugged beaches, some amazing and almost prehistoric geo-thermal areas around Rotorua, stunning mountains, rain forests, great fishing in the many lakes and rivers, the most famous lake being Lake Taupo as well as the natural beauty of some of the towns and cities.
- If skiing is your passion, there are a multitude of choices on both the North and South Island for the beginner through to the advanced skier. One of the nice things about a skiing holiday in New Zealand, particularly in the Queenstown area (located in the South Island) is the stunning views you have whilst skiing. There is a wide variety of accommodation options available close to skiing areas.
This is Part one of a two part article. Look out for Part 2 which is coming soon.
Tags: accommodation, auckland, holiday, new zealand, north island, queenstown, skiing, south island, travel, visit new zealand, wellingtonRelated posts