1. Car Rental
Self-drive is a great way to explore New Zealand. You’ll have the flexibility to evolve your itinerary as you go along, and the freedom to explore places that are away from the usual tourist trails. Our roads are generally of a very high standard. All main routes are sealed and well signposted; beyond the cities, traffic is light. Car rental companies come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find all the big names, as well as a wide range of local operators. In most cases the longer you hire, the cheaper the daily rate. If you need one-way hire between locations, choose one of the larger companies. You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) - (Note: if your overseas licence or permit isn't in English, you must carry an accurate translation) Commonly, you need to be 21 or older to rent a car in New Zealand.
2. Motorhomes or campervans
A home on the road gives you the freedom to take each day as it comes. Roam the country, finding beautiful and remote places to park and picnic.
Overnight you’ll find it convenient to book a powered site in a holiday park or camping ground. The kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities are handy and many sites have great positions at the edge of a lake or by the beach. Free camping may be possible, but it’s wise to check with the local information centre before you park for the night as each district in New Zealand has different rules around where it is permitted. Campervans are available for pick up from New Zealand's main centres. Some companies will offer flexible pick up and drop off options, allowing you to travel from one point to another instead of a round trip. Daily rental rates vary according to the season and are based on unlimited kilometres per day. Other costs include insurance and a bond that is refundable at the end of your holiday.