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6 Reasons Why Car Hire Is a Good Way to Explore New Zealand’s Hidden Gems

The highly acclaimed American actor Wes Bentley once described New Zealand as follows: ‘Everywhere you turn in New Zealand, there’s something exciting to do. It’s the gem of the world. It’s so far away from the madness, and so you get that element. It was just stunning’.

Indeed, it says much about Aotearoa as a tourist destination that many of its so-called hidden gems would be blockbuster attractions in most other countries around the world.

However, given that the country is split across two islands, if you want to visit the more off-the-beaten-path destinations in New Zealand, the best way to do it is via a car. More specifically through a rental agreement that allows you to pick a vehicle up in one location and drop it off at another.

Thankfully, if you are looking for car hire relocation deals New Zealand has plenty of them, which will allow you to explore more of the country than you otherwise might.

In this post, we’ll outline why you should take advantage of them.

Key Takeaways

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1. Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace

View of the water and mountains in Queenstown, New zealand

The main appeal of hiring a car in New Zealand is the freedom it grants you. It does not matter if you want to linger at Mount Cook for a little while or take an impromptu detour down a dirt road off the Pohangina Valley; having your own vehicle puts you firmly in control of your travel experience. 

The country’s outstanding natural beauty lends itself to soaking in the moment. So, having a hire car at your disposal means you’re not tied to the strict schedule that public transport and tour groups often operate on.

2. Access to Remote Locations

Roys Peak, New Zealand

Many of New Zealand’s hidden gems, including Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula and Kerosene Creek in Rotorua, are often tucked away in remote areas, which are hard to get to without a vehicle.

Some of the country’s most stunning beaches, hiking trails, and scenic routes can only be accessed by car. Therefore, renting a vehicle allows you to visit some of the remote off-the-tourist-trail places that make the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ such an amazing place to visit.

3. You Can Do a Road Trip!

Road-tripping is one of the quintessential travel experiences you can enjoy in New Zealand. It doesn’t matter if you want to do a day trip from Auckland or a longer trip from the North Island to the South, the country’s highways are some of the most scenic in the world. 

This means you can wind through mountains, across breathtaking plains, and along dramatic coastlines as your wanderlust desires. You can also visit small towns that none of your friends would have ever heard of and check out landmarks and attractions that you won’t find in many tourist brochures. 

4. Helps You Get Your Adventure On

New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the world, with everything from bungee jumping and jet boating to zip lining and heli-skiing being among the high-octane activities you can do thereHowever, hiring a car can be the difference between only doing one or two of them and doing a whole bunch more, which, if you are an adrenaline junkie, should be right up your street.

Without a car, reaching these adventure hubs can be difficult, especially if you’re short on time, which is why hiring a vehicle will enable you to fit more experiences into your itinerary and, therefore, make the most of your time in the country.

5. Comfort and Convenience

New Zealand’s buses and trains are reliable, but unfortunately, they don’t provide anywhere near the same level of comfort and convenience as you will enjoy when you hire a vehicle.

The great thing about a rental car is that you can carry all your luggage, food and any equipment you need to take with you, such as a surfboard or bicycle. You can also set the air conditioning to your preferred temperature, play any music you want, and sing at the top of your voice! 

Additionally, travelling by car also means you can stop whenever you need to stretch your legs or go to the toilet, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at a small-town café or snap a photo of a beautiful landscape that takes your fancy. All of these aspects will contribute to you enjoying a much better travel experience overall.

5. Comfort and Convenience

New Zealand’s buses and trains are reliable, but unfortunately, they don’t provide anywhere near the same level of comfort and convenience as you will enjoy when you hire a vehicle.

The great thing about a rental car is that you can carry all your luggage, food and any equipment you need to take with you, such as a surfboard or bicycle. You can also set the air conditioning to your preferred temperature, play any music you want, and sing at the top of your voice! 

Additionally, travelling by car also means you can stop whenever you need to stretch your legs or go to the toilet, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at a small-town café or snap a photo of a beautiful landscape that takes your fancy. All of these aspects will contribute to you enjoying a much better travel experience overall.

6. It is More Cost-Effective for Families or Groups

auckland

If you are travelling as a family or a group of friends, hiring a car can be a much more cost-effective way to travel around New Zealand, especially if you manage to secure a one-way relocation deal. These types of deals are typically much cheaper for you all as a whole than the combined prices of flights or trains.

For this reason, you may well find that splitting the cost of a rental vehicle, petrol, and any parking you might need to do will work out cheaper overall than purchasing individual plan or rail tickets.

Final Word

In conclusion, New Zealand is a land of stunning landscapes, adventure, and unique experiences that are just waiting to be explored. From the breathtaking coastlines and vibrant cities to secluded beaches and hidden forests, every corner of Aotearoa offers something special.