subject: Campervan Hire in New Zealand: An Unforgettable Experience [print this page] Campervan Hire in New Zealand: An Unforgettable Experience
New Zealand is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular countries in the world and one of the best ways to explore its diverse landscape of volcanoes, mountains, forests and glaciers is by campervan. Traveling by campervan allows you to travel at your own pace, stop where and when you want to and to really experience this unique country.
It's relatively easy to arrange campervan hire in New Zealand you will need a valid driving license, which allows you to drive for up to a year, and proof of insurance. Driving can take a bit of getting used to, as there are many single lane highways and hilly, winding roads, although there is also a good highway system. Rest areas are frequent and offer a chance to stop and admire the scenery. Don't forget that like the British, they drive on the left!
Although the country is relatively small, it can take longer than you think to travel between places. Many roads are used by huge freight trucks, as well as occasional flocks of wandering sheep or goats there are more sheep than people in New Zealand.
You may also have to watch for snow and ice on the road, particularly on South Island, and the occasional unsealed, or unpaved road. Speed limits and distances are in kilometers, not miles.
There are certain things you should consider when hiring a campervan. You may have to choose between manual and automatic transmission. Vehicles vary in size and can sleep between two and six people; most have basic cooking facilities and a shower or toilet.
Some companies include extras such as insurance, roadside assistance in case of breakdown and no charges for an additional driver. Petrol costs around $2 a liter.
So where should you go in your campervan? Many visitors start their trip in one of the country's big cities. Wellington is the world's southernmost capital and is a modest city of avenues and gardens, with a thriving waterfront area. Christchurch is perhaps the most English city outside the UK; and Auckland, the country's largest city and main gateway is sophisticated and cosmopolitan. There are generally more campervan rental options in Auckland and Christchurch.
But of course, it's the beautiful and unspoiled countryside that most visitors want to see. If some of it looks vaguely familiar, the Lord of the Rings' movies were filmed in New Zealand. If you aren't sure where to go, the country has devised a series of themed drives, with such evocative and inviting names as the Forgotten World Highway and the Alpine Pacific Triangle.
