If you have decided that this year, you want to visit New Zealand, it’s best to do so by road. There are so many amazing things to see and do, that staying in one place is a waste of your time.

You might be wondering why you can’t use public transport to get around, but as there are few buses, it would be too difficult. As New Zealand only has a small population of four million people, it’s easy to see why public transport is limited.

While you can book a tour bus to take you on day trips to some of New Zealand’s most popular locations, the best way to get around is by car. When it comes to exploring, road trips are definitely one of the best ways to see new places, New Zealand included.

To help you plan the ultimate road trip to New Zealand, here are a few useful tips:

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Pick the right vehicle

The most important thing, when it comes to planning a road trip, is choosing the right mode of transport. The type of vehicle you want will depend on various factors; including your budget, group size, and the comfort that you want. The vehicle you choose will also depend on when you are visiting, if you are planning a visit during the winter, a four-by-four is advisable.

If you are planning on camping or sleeping in your vehicle while you travel, it’s probably best to opt for a campervan. Many campervans come with built-in sleeping areas, as well as kitchen facilities.

Opt for a good car hire company

As well as taking the time to choose the type of vehicle that you want, it’s also important to choose a reliable car hire company. Choose a company that has a wide range of vehicles, offers affordable prices, and includes insurance.

Car hire in New Zealand can be expensive, so it’s important that you shop around to find the best price. However, that being said, don’t go for a company that offers super cheap car hire, as the quality of the cars may be low.

Map out your route

Once you have hired your car or camper, the next step is to map out the route for your trip. You will obviously need to start at the location where you are collecting your car from, and can then go onto wherever you like from there.

Invest in a guidebook and do some reading, to get an idea of all the best places to visit. Once you have decided on where you want to stop, work out the best route to see everything. Ideally, what you should do is plan a route that goes in a circle, ending at the location where you need to leave your hire vehicle.

Create a list of campsites on your route

Once you have decided on the route, that you will take, work out where you will be stopping each night and look for campsites near there. It’s better to camp on a campsite than on the side of the road, as you will have access to all the campsite facilities.

New Zealand is an amazing place, it has so many fantastic things to see and do, including some of the world’s most beautiful views. As public transport is limited, the best way to see the country is via car, so planning a road trip is ideal.

Make Time To Stop For Sight Seeing

The beauty of a road trip is that you can take your time, so make sure that you do. One thing to remember is not to plan too much into each day, as sometimes things might take longer than expected.

Although it’s important to stick to your route and use the car hire wisely, don’t forget to make time to stop for sightseeing in little towns or scenic views. You will be able to see more of New Zealand if you pull over every now and then, rather than just looking out the window while driving.

Be Prepared For Emergencies

Unfortunately, emergencies happen, especially when traveling long distances by car. Before setting off on any journey, it’s always wise to make sure that you have an emergency kit in the car. This should include a spare tire, some basic tools, and a first aid kit – just in case you are unfortunate enough to break down.

It’s also important to remember to take out travel insurance when traveling abroad, especially if you are relying on a hire vehicle for your trip. Travel insurance will provide invaluable support in times of need and can often help with expenses incurred due to car breakdowns or accidents.

Follow The Rules Of The Road

Another thing to remember when driving around New Zealand is that there are different rules of the road than those used elsewhere. Before setting off, it’s important to familiarise yourself with these rules as they can vary from place to place.

Ultimately, the best way to see New Zealand is by car or campervan. There are so many wonderful places to visit and explore, but it’s important that you take the time to plan your route, search for good car hire companies, invest in travel insurance and make sure you know the rules of the road. Enjoy your trip!