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Published: February 13th 2019
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If you’re hungry for the open road, freedom and adventure, New Zealand is definitely your perfect road trip destination. It’s small enough for a comfy drive across the islands, but rich in amazing sites, landscapes and settlements. It has everything from beaches, gentle hills and alpine terrain to picturesque towns and urban centers. So, if you’re planning a nice Kiwi road trip, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Weather is capricious
New Zealand is blessed with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. On average, the north of the country is usually warmer, while the south can get pretty cold, especially in the winter (temperatures often reach below 0 °C). But, what concerns you as a road tripper is the fact that New Zealand weather can be very unpredictable and capricious. This means you can experience all four seasons in one day, which is something to keep in mind when driving. So, pack some blankets and warm clothing and make sure to fill your car with snacks and water if you get forced to make an unplanned stop.
Don’t dismiss camping
Camping is one of the favorite Kiwi pastimes, so don’t hesitate to
hit the brakes and have a small camping rest during your trip. There are plenty of affordable or free
camping sites along your way (both powered and non-powered with accommodation and without). Most of these camps are located on a lake or beach, so you’ll have a beautiful stay, catch some sleep and be fresh to continue your adventure. However, if you’re just pitching a tent, make sure to have plenty of warm clothing, some blankets or warm sleeping bags, because the weather can change any second.
Rent a good vehicle
New Zealand has amazing roads and most landmarks are quite accessible even without a 4x4. However, if you’re planning a long road trip from Auckland all the way down to Queenstown, you’ll have a serious 1,500-kilometer drive in front of you. So, in order to have a safe, comfortable and affordable trip, opt for a good rental vehicle. Luckily, you can always
find a cheap car rental agency with everything from small hatchbacks to compact cars, SUVs and off-road 4WDs. A model with a spacious trunk is always a great idea. Also, don’t forget to check out your agency’s special deals before you make your reservations. Oftentimes you can get a pretty amazing
offer, especially if you’re renting a vehicle for a longer period of time.
Explore, explore, explore
A huge portion of New Zealand’s fun and beauty lies in exploration, getting lost and finding hidden gems. The main reason why you should get a good car is that you can get off the beaten path! If you see a fun road, don’t hesitate to take it. Oftentimes you’ll end up at an amazing remote beach or see a few sea lions basking in the sun. New Zealand is so very remote and sparsely populated that you can really wing your road trip, be free and spontaneous as long as you’re
driving safely. New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road, so if you’re not used to that, you should start your road trip easily and safely.
Have a spa day
If you don’t want to end your New Zealand road trip with a stiff neck and back, throw in
a relaxing spa daysomewhere in your itinerary. Both North and South Island have a pretty good spa offering, so make sure to have at least one pampering day. For instance, you must not miss Rotorua, a city built on volcanic hot pools. If you’re not passing by Rotorua, there are plenty of other wellness destinations like Hanmer Springs near Christchurch, Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown or Chuan Spa in Auckland. After a few days spent in a car, you’ll love a good spa day. It’s a perfect reason to stop along the way or a great way to end your New Zealand adventure.
Whichever route you choose to take and no matter how long or short your road trip is, expect to fall head over heels for New Zealand. Many people who step on this magical island just keep on coming back, so don’t be surprised if you start planning your next Kiwi road trips even before you finish your first one!
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