Are your clients comfortable driving in New Zealand? Roads are well-maintained but they are not the multi-lane highways that your clients might be used to in their home country. If your clients would prefer not to drive, there are many other good transport options, including hop-on, hop-off bus transport. Combining transport and accommodation, campers are a convenient option, but if your clients would prefer something smaller, there are also car/camper hybrid options that stow camping amenities into compact minivan-type vehicles. If your clients are hoping to freedom camp (outside designated camping areas), regulations require that their camper must be fitted with a toilet, shower and grey water storage facilities.
Self-drive
Driving in New Zealand is a popular option that allows travellers to get off the main highways and into the small towns and wilderness areas that make New Zealand unique.
Vehicle Hire
Campervans are a popular option that takes care of your clients’ accommodation needs as well as transport.
Visitors renting a car may find motel accommodation to be a good option – car parking is usually included in the price.
Rental offices are usually located at airports, ferry terminals and city depots. Cars are a good-value option, but campers are also popular. Equipped with beds, cooking facilities and sometimes a bathroom, they allow your clients to save on accommodation costs by staying in camping grounds. Motorcycles are also available for hire, but your clients should make sure they’re prepared for changeable weather. Minimum hire ages vary from 21 to 25, and drivers must hold a driver’s licence (in English) or an International Driving Permit. Some companies let hirers pick up a new car on the other side of Cook Strait.
For campers, try Kiwi Campers, which offers high-quality campers at affordable prices (some with shower and toilet), or Happy Campers which specialises in low-cost campers for FIT travellers. Tui Campers has late-model campers fitted out with all the amenities. Other camper hire companies are: Kea, Britz, Maui and United Campervans.
A number of companies specialise in car/van hybrids that pack camper features into compact vans – a good option for budget-conscious travellers. Escape has vehicles customised with street-style artwork. Also try Spaceships, Wicked Campers, Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals, Backpacker Sleeper Vans and Jucy Car Rentals.
Travellers seeking to rent a car will find a range of international operators. Hertz has late-model vehicles in more than 40 New Zealand locations. Other firms include Avis New Zealand, Britz, Europcar, Thrifty and Budget. Also try Quality Car Rentals, Options Rentals, Explore More and Maugers Rentals, a minibus specialist.
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand has an excellent network of well-maintained roads that are the perfect setting for a road trip, but there are some things that your clients should be aware of.
Traffic in New Zealand drives on the left-hand side, and the speed limit is generally 50 kph [30 mph] in urban areas and 100 kph [60 mph] on the open road. Drivers should not be tempted to speed – police patrol the highways and speed cameras are used. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times, and motorcyclists must wear helmets. New Zealand has one unusual road rule (which will be phased out in 2012). When turning, drivers must give way to all vehicles that are going straight ahead. If both vehicles are turning, give way to vehicles approaching from your right. Drivers must parallel park with their vehicle facing in the direction of traffic flow on their side of the road. There are strict laws against drinking and driving in New Zealand – and the best advice is simply don’t do it! Read the Visitors and New Residents section on the New Zealand Transport Agency website before hitting the road.
The North and South Islands of New Zealand are separated by Cook Strait and there are ferry services for passengers and cars. Book ferry journeys in advance, particularly during holidays. Main highways are well-maintained, but they are not multi-lane roadways. Drivers must take extreme care in overtaking or wait until they reach a passing lane. On single-lane bridges, signs indicate which side has right of way. Although New Zealand is a small country, distances are longer than they may appear.
Traffic in New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road.
The speed limit is usually 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas and 100 kph (60 mph) on the open road – although high-volume urban pedestrian areas may have a lower speed limit such as 30 kph. Advise clients that it is unwise to speed because police patrol highways and speed cameras are used even in the most remote areas.
Visitors hiring a car must provide their home country licence. If the licence is in another language, an English translation or International Driver’s Permit is required.
Seat belts must be worn at all times by the driver and all of the vehicle passengers.
Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear safety helmets at all times.
There are strict laws against drinking and driving and the best advice is simply don’t drink and drive – catch a taxi instead.
Visitors should read the Visitors and New Residents section on the New Zealand Transport Agency website before driving in New Zealand.
Keeping Left
Your clients must remember that traffic in New Zealand travels on the left-hand side. The driver should always be sitting nearest the middle of the road.
Bookings
Vehicle bookings are advised for travel during the summertime high season, during winter in ski regions and over holiday weekends. Inter-island ferry travel should also be prebooked for travellers with cars.
Points to Note When Planning Driving Itineraries
Getting Between Islands The North and South Islands are separated by a body of water called Cook Strait. There is no bridge, but there are several ferry services for passengers and cars. Some car rental companies allow hirers the option of leaving their rental vehicle on one island and picking up a new vehicle on the other island, which may save in ferry fares. Always book ferry journeys well in advance, particularly during New Zealand public and school holidays, as they can fill up.
Deceptive Distances Although New Zealand is a relatively small country, distances are longer than they appear on a map. Visitors cannot, for instance, travel by road between Queenstown and Auckland in a day. Because roads may be steep or winding, driving requires careful concentration. When planning itineraries, allow time for your clients to take regular breaks – a perfect excuse for them to stop and admire the scenery!
Highways & By-Ways Highways between main centres are sealed and well-maintained, but they are not multi-lane roadways. Drivers must take great care in overtaking or wait until they reach a passing lane. On single-lane bridges, signs indicate which side has right of way – a red arrow in the direction of travel means this vehicle must give way to oncoming traffic.
Maps When your clients arrive, they should head to the local i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for local maps or try Wises maps online. www.wises.co.nz
Road Conditions Many New Zealand roads traverse remote and rugged landscapes. In some areas, snow or ice may force road closures during winter. The New Zealand Transport Agency has information on current highway conditions. www.nzta.govt.nz
Public Transport
If your clients would prefer not to drive, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Even those renting a vehicle may like to take time out from driving now and again.
For travellers visiting New Zealand’s main centres and most popular destinations, a wide variety of options is available, from daily air services to scheduled rail and bus services. Destinations off the beaten track may have fewer transport options, but they will usually have bus or shuttle services (although they may not operate daily). New Zealand’s passenger rail service does not visit all regions, but the services on offer are incredibly scenic and worth considering for part of the journey. Some operators have travel passes that offer discounts on multiple trips.
Bus, Rail & Ferry
Convenient and economical, bus travel is a good option for travelling between New Zealand’s towns and cities.
Bus and coach services depart daily from main centres. The biggest operator, InterCity, services over 600 destinations. Buses are modern and air-conditioned, and overnight ‘Starlighter’ services are available. Keep an eye on their website for specials. Newmans Coach Lines is the deluxe travel and sightseeing arm of InterCity, servicing destinations all over New Zealand. Naked Bus offers budget long-distance bus fares. Special deals start from NZ$1 (plus $1 booking fee).
New Zealand’s rail network is not comprehensive, but there are some excellent scenic rail journeys. Tranz Scenic operates a network of rail journeys in the South and North Islands.
Ferry services operate between the North and South Island, and to other places. Advance bookings are essential if you’re travelling at peak times. Interislander operates up to eleven services for vehicles and passengers across the Cook Strait each day. Food courts and movie theatres on board. Bluebridge is a slightly smaller operator with up to four return sailings across the Cook Strait each day. Bluebridge offers free big-screen movies on its services and vehicles and passengers catered for.
Air Travel
Travelling from one destination to another by air may be a good way of allowing your clients to experience more of New Zealand in a shorter timeframe.
Daily air services connect New Zealand’s larger centres and many visitors travel from one end of the country to the other by road and then return to the gateway by air. Visit www.webjet.co.nz for the cheapest fares. But remember that budget flights require flexibility and you’ll pay extra for any services. If you want a full service airline, book with the national carrier, Air New Zealand. They service the most destinations. Head to www.grabaseat.co.nz to pick up fares on sale. Jetstar offers cheap flights between main destinations. Economy service with snacks available for purchase.
A – Z Reference
Avis New Zealand
www.avis.co.nz
Budget Rent a Car
www.budget.co.nz
Europcar NZ
www.europcar.co.nz
Explore More
www.exploremore.co.nz
GO Rentals
www.gorentals.co.nz
Hertz Car Rental
www.hertz.co.nz
Kiwi Direct Car Rentals
www.rentalcarhire.co.nz
Maugers Rentals
www.maugers.com
Nationwide Rental Cars
www.nationwiderentalcars.co.nz
Options Rentals
www.optionsrentals.co.nz
Overland 4WD Rentals
www.overland.co.nz
Quality Car Rentals
www.qualityrental.co.nz
Thrifty Car Rental
www.thrifty.co.nz
Abuzzy Motorhomes and Campervans
www.abuzzy.co.nz
Adventure Vans
www.adventurevans.co.nz
Alpha Campervans
www.alphacampervans.co.nz
Apollo Motorhome Holidays
www.apollocamper.co.nz
Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals
www.backpackercampervans.co.nz
Britz Campervan Rentals
www.britz.co.nz
Easygo Campers
www.easygocampers.co.nz
Escape Rentals
www.escaperentals.co.nz
Explore More
www.exploremore.co.nz
Happy Campers
www.happycampers.co.nz
Kea Campers
www.keacampers.com
Kiwi Campers
www.kiwicampers.co.nz
Maui Rentals
www.maui.co.nz
Spaceships
www.spaceshipsrentals.co.nz
Tui Campers
www.tuicampers.co.nz
United Campervans
www.unitedcampervans.co.nz
New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals & Tours
www.nzbike.com
Paradise Motorcycle Tours NZ
www.paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz
South Pacific Motorcycle Tours & Rentals
www.motorbiketours.co.nz
New Zealand’s scenic rail journeys
Train tracks traversing volcanic plateaus and plains of braided rivers, tunnels cutting through towering mountains, and 19th Century viaducts leading across landscapes inaccessible by road – welcome aboard New Zealand’s trains!
New Zealand’s scenic rail journeys feature highly amongst the world’s best rail trips. Imagine sitting back in an open-air carriage or a purpose-built observation carriage and listening to the soft clattering of the train, taking in the magnificent views New Zealand is world-renowned for – steep mountains on one side and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean on the other. Rail journeys won’t only be beautifully romantic and relaxing for your clients, but they also showcase areas of the country which simply aren’t visible by road.
Though not expansive, the New Zealand railway system Tranz Scenic covers some of the most stunning New Zealand scenery. There are two Tranz Scenic journeys on the South Island and one on the North Island. The TranzAlpine traverses the South Island from east to west in four and a half hours, encountering an engineering highlight; the 73-metre Staircase Viaduct. The TranzCoastal service takes travellers from Picton past Kaikoura to Christchurch in just over five hours. This trip carries its passengers through 22 tunnels and across 175 bridges! However, this service is currently suspended due to lower demand after the Christchurch earthquake in February. The TranzCoastal will resume on 15 August 2011. The Overlander connects the North Island’s main cities, cosmopolitan Auckland and capital Wellington, with a magnificent twelve-hour ride through the heart of the North Island. At the famous Raurimu Spiral trains encounter an amazing feat of railway engineering, climbing 132 metres in under seven kilometres! To make the most of a rail holiday, advise your clients to purchase a Scenic Rail Pass so they can get on and off as they please.
Apart from its major rail trips, there are plenty of other options for discovering New Zealand rail history. The Taieri Gorge Railway takes passengers from Dunedin into Central Otago’s narrow and exhilarating Taieri Gorge through tunnels and across viaducts dating back to 1879! And New Zealand even has its own narrow-gauge mountain railway, the Driving Creek Railway in The Coromandel. Rail enthusiasts will also find vintage steam locomotive and tram rides in rail museums or at heritage festivals throughout the country.
Whether on an old steam locomotive or aboard the modern Tranz Scenic trains – make sure your clients sample New Zealand’s great train journeys!
