subject: Itinerary from Christchurch for a Car Rental in New Zealand [print this page] Itinerary from Christchurch for a Car Rental in New Zealand
New Zealand is an island nation in the South Pacific which is divided into two main islands the North Island and the South Island. The scenery varies from majestic snow capped peaks to safe swimming beaches and everything in between. A car rental in New Zealand is a great way to see the beautiful scenery of this friendly country. If you arrive at Christchurch International Airport, you can collect your rental car and then see some of the sights of the city near the airport, including the International Antarctic Centre and Orana Wildlife Park.
From Christchurch, which is about half way along the South Island's eastern coast, you have several choices for your car rental in New Zealand. If you have already visited the panoramic West Coast on a previous visit, you may wish to travel north up the eastern side of the South Island, stopping off at Kaikoura to do a bit of whale watching. Alternatively, you could travel south from Christchurch, taking in Timaru and Dunedin. Some people continue south to visit the southern tip of New Zealand at Invercargill and further on to Stewart Island. You can travel south west across the island from Christchurch to the exquisite tourist havens of Tekapo and Queenstown. If you enjoy the splendours of nature, you will probably want to spend more time travelling around the area to take in Te Anau and Milford Sound.
If you haven't seen the South Island's West Coast, it's really a must see. Travelling up the West Coast, you will marvel at Franz Josef Glacier before travelling on to historic Greymouth and further up to picturesque Nelson and Picton. At Picton, you will be able to take your car hire across to the North Island of New Zealand and the nation's capital city of Wellington. There is plenty to occupy your time in Wellington before you head up the gorgeous western coast to Kapiti and inland to Palmerston North. Many people then travel towards the eastern coast to visit the art deco capital of New Zealand, the coastal city of Napier. This area of New Zealand, like many others, features wineries and plenty of wonderful fresh produce.
From Napier, you can travel in your car hire in New Zealand north to the adventures awaiting you in Taupo and the cultural hub of Rotorua. Continue on through Hamilton towards New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, where you can climb the Sky Tower, bungy jump from the Harbour Bridge or engage in numerous other exciting activities. If you have time to travel further north, you won't regret a visit to the sunny and historic Bay of Islands for some of the best fishing you'll ever enjoy. Any road trip through New Zealand means you'll probably be missing out on some marvellous stops in out of the way places. But don't worry. You can always come back for another road trip next time!
