Travel Guides

New Zealand

Car rentals New Zealand

A mixture of rolling hills, rugged mountains, steep fiords and beautiful lakes make this a rewarding holiday destination. Over 13 million people visit New Zealand each year to experience the natural beauty and culture of the country, many of which hail from the US. Americans will find it is worth the long journey that can be taken directly from Los Angeles.

Travelers’ favorites

Auckland is the largest metropolitan city and the main port of entry for most American visitors. It has some great attractions, making it a city worth spending some time in. These include the impressive Sky Tower, the Auckland Zoo and the Otara Flea Market. With a car rental, visitors can take a short ferry ride to the stunning Waihek Island, stopping in at the beautiful surfing beach of Piha along the way.

On the South Island visitors will find the sunny costal city of Nelson that houses some stunning historic architecture and fantastic wineries. Also a favorite is the costal town of Kaikoura that is famous for its excellent seafood and whale watching. Further south located at the foot of Mount Cook are the magnificient Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

Best time to visit

From December to April, New Zealand sees its summer season and this is an ideal time to visit. The winter is a great time for visiting the mountains, although many Americans prefer to avoid this time of year, as it is summer in the US. In general, the North Island has a more sub-tropical climate while the South Island’s climate is more temperate.

Driving in New Zealand

Americans should be aware that in New Zealand they drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. But with practice and patience, you will find that car hire is an excellent way to explore the stunning countryside. Roads are in great condition and unless you are driving within the cities there will be little traffic. An international driver’s license is not necessary but drivers should be aware of road hazards such as ice, snow and logging trucks.