NZ - Guided Tour or Self-drive
NZ - Guided Tour or Self-drive
NZ - Guided Tour or Self-drive
A frequent question asked on New Zealand travel forums is whether people should take an organised tour or hire a vehicle and explore the country on their own. While there are pros and cons to both, here are some things to consider in making your decision:
1. How confident a driver are you?
New Zealanders drive on the left (with the steering wheel on the right), so if you choose self-drive over a guided tour, you will need to get accustomed to it. This may seem obvious, but in a country of roundabouts, one-lane bridges and no-turn-on-red rules, it's important to be informed and vigilant. The roading system in New Zealand is very good; main roads are sealed and have little traffic; however, New Zealand's dramatic scenery both surrounds and shapes the roads. Roads typically have only one lane in each direction and are winding, requiring a driver's full attention. There are reports every year of tourists who head out on the wrong side of a deserted road only to find themselves soon faced with an oncoming vehicle. Think left' needs to be your morning mantra. Also know that as the vigilant driver, you will need to take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue (and to enjoy some of the scenery that has been passing you by).
2. How much time do you have?
If you have lots of time to amble about the country, self-drive is a great way to explore. However, if you only have one to three weeks to see New Zealand', guided tours can make the most efficient use of your vacation time. Though New Zealand is a small country, driving times between destinations can be very deceptive. Even if distances on a map appear short, mountainous and winding topography can slow your trip, particularly if compounded by unpredictable weather. Rather than a relaxing trip, a self-drive holiday under these circumstances can become a tiring and stressful effort to get from A to B in your timeframe.
Alternatively, on an organised tour, you can enjoy the view while someone else does the roadwork. Typically, tour companies know their routes intimately, have professional drivers who are driving fit', with the stamina for challenging conditions, and have designed itineraries that hit New Zealand's highlights in a set timeframe, while breaking up the journey with interesting scenic stops that written travel guides may not reveal.
3. How engaged in the culture do you want to be?
A self-drive vacation allows you to travel the country in relative obscurity, giving you the opportunity to blend in and engage with the locals, if you're so disposed. If you want to know about the places you're seeing, you'll need to rely on the passive education of guidebooks to enhance your experience. New Zealand guided tours can offer interesting commentary on the culture and scenery; however, be aware that large group tours can make you feel removed from the culture itself due to the sheer volume of your party. Small group tours or individual, custom tours can provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to travel discreetly while also offering an engaging and informed experience, with your guide acting like a friend making cultural introductions.
4. How much work do you want to do while on vacation? Self-drive is a good choice if you are happy to do your own research, pore over trip planners and maps, and handle logistics and problem-solving on your own. The pay-off for full control is full freedom; the downside is the need to work' on your holiday. If you are travelling with a companion, there is the added challenge of ascertaining what your relative roles are. New Zealand guided tours are great if you prefer to put your research into choosing the right tour company and are happy to release yourself into the hands of experts so you can immerse yourself in the joy of a New Zealand vacation.
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