All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your journey Down Under starts here.
The best way to discover New Zealand like a local is by car. It gives you the flexibility to drive the best scenic routes, visit national parks, alpine lakes and all at your own relaxed pace.
What size car would you like to travel with?
A large SUV offers greater power and luxurious comfort. More space and with a higher driving position, enjoy improved visibility of the road. And, of course, better views. An ideal car for the scenic drives of New Zealand.
We work closely with the best rental companies. Full insurance. No gravel road restrictions. And well-equipped cars. We know the best scenic routes that you otherwise wouldn’t normally find. Let us design your ideal holiday.
Take it slow. Drive less and see more. You don’t need to drive for long periods to see spectacular changes. Walk to a viewpoint. Swim at the beach. Or picnic by a river. We recommend a relaxed travel pace. No rushing or hopping from highlight to highlight. Go where the locals go.
Our hire cars include insurance with $0 excess as standard. Please note: there are other insurance limitations to consider.
Tourism can be great for the environment, and, with us, you make a positive difference
Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative and offset what's left
Sustainability in action
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"Built on colonial bridle paths and formed in the late 19th century, the Forgotten World Highway is remote and mysterious to the extreme."
Bart, Travel specialist
Good to know
Petrol stations can be found nationwide and fuel prices do differ at different stations. The average petrol cost per litre is around NZD$2.30. If you are filling up at a BP, why not try a delicious pie. Local favourites are the mince and cheese or butter chicken pie.
Good to know
Driving laws in New Zealand are different from most other parts of the world. The speed limit in New Zealand is generally 50 km/hr in residential areas and 100 km/hr on motorways and open roads.
Useful facts
Petrol stations in New Zealand
Petrol stations can be found nationwide and fuel prices do differ at different stations. The average petrol cost per litre is around NZD$2.30. If you are filling up at a BP, why not try a delicious pie. Local favourites are the mince and cheese or butter chicken pie.
How do I pay for toll roads in New Zealand?
There are three toll roads: north of Auckland on State Highway 1, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road also near Tauranga. You can pay the toll charge at the beginning of the toll road or online, within five days of driving on the toll road. You will need the car registration number to do this.
Renting a car DownUnder
What do I need to rent a car?
- A MasterCard, Visa card or American Express in the driver's name.
- An international drivers licence.
- A national drivers licence.
What do I need to take into account when renting a car?
- A deposit will be held on your credit card for each rental car.
- You will sign a rental agreement when you collect the car. By doing so, you agree to the terms and conditions of the car company. Please read these in advance. You will find the terms and conditions in your travel documents.
Parks in New Zealand
With so much nature, it shouldn’t be surprising that New Zealand has many green and spacious parks to enjoy. The perfect place to stop and take a break. Some parks offer picnic tables, free barbecues, toilet amenities, shaded and undercovered areas. And more. Savour a picnic. Fire up the barbecue. Take a short nature walk. Spot wildlife including a large assortment of birds. And more.
Ferry Crossing
Do you need to cross over to the other side? Travel on a ferry across the waters between the North and South Island. A journey that is renowned for being one of the best ferry rides in the world. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, it is truly one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences.
The Interislander is the ferry service between Picton and Wellington. It is a 92-kilometre crossing and takes approximately three hours. The Interislander sails through the Marlborough Sounds and crosses the Cook Strait. There is a restaurant onboard and you can make use of WiFi.
New Zealand’s road rules
It is recommended to follow all speed limits and road rules whilst driving through New Zealand. Here are a few simple rules. And remember all signage/ distances is based on kilometres.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand.
- The driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.
- It is not allowed to hold your mobile phone whilst driving.
- It is illegal to pass other cars where there is a yellow line. The yellow line indicates that it's too dangerous to overtake. You will see this instead of the white line that usually marks the middle of the road.
Discover more about travelling with your partner
All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your journey Down Under starts here.
Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey