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| Image Source: Tripadvisor.com |
The ability to plan and modify your itinerary before you leave or as you go along is probably the biggest single benefit. If the weather changes, change your plans. If you enjoy a stop and want to stay another day, you can. Travel to some out of the way places.
Maybe you are interested in surfing. Maybe bird watching...both varieties, maybe you are attending an event like our International rowing champs or our 2011 World cup Rugby or maybe you are following a cycle race or a rally. Either way, when you stop everything's right there. Make a cup of tea, have a snack or a snooze. Unpack once and stock up with food as you go. At local prices not tourist prices.
The first thing to think about is the size of vehicle. Frankly New Zealands roads are not the same as those in Europe or America. While we have good motorways, most of the time you will be on 2 lane roads...one lane each way. So a giant motorhome will be a challenge. You will need skill and alertness. A good suggestion is to get the smallest van you think you can fit into.
Campervans are usually commercial vans using the original van body, kitted out with camping gear. They often have "pop up" roofs and can be fully self contained with a toilet and tanks to collect "grey" water.
Motorhomes are usually a lot bigger with custom built bodies built to a high standard for the purpose. They are almost all self contained. If a vehicle is certified as "self contained" in New Zealand you will have access to a lot more campsites. The standard of these varies from. Fully equipped, with kitchens, recreation areas like pools and lounges, drop stations for waste, power and phone connections and small grocery shops on site. To the absolute basic, where you will find water and possibly a long drop toilet (Hole in the ground). So make sure you know the standard of the campsite you will be visiting.
Can you legally drive the vehicle? Usually Campervans are a light commercial vehicle that can be driven on a car license.
Motorhomes may require you to have a heavy vehicle license. Check with the hirer to make sure you are legal before you leave. Its a good idea to go through the list with them, so there are no surprises.
If you are not the only driver make sure you put all the potential drivers on the insurance policy when hiring the vehicle.
Check also for windscreen insurance cover in case of breakage and be sure you know what excess is payable under the policy. So you can make sure you have funds available if disaster strikes.
In New Zealand, we drive on the left hand side of the road. The same as England, Singapore, Japan and Australia. Not the right hand side like America and Europe. Prepare yourself if you need to.
Keep your luggage to a minimum. Clearly space will be a factor. Luggage that "collapses" when empty can be a good idea. Hard cases can be a real pain as storage in a van is tight. Check with the hirer if you can leave "hard luggage" in storage when travelling in your van. This means more room to "live". Really important if you are travelling with children.
Be aware of the different fuels your vehicle may take. Generally you will have a choice of high Octane, regular fuel and diesel. Most large vehicles will take diesel. If so be aware that you must pay "road user charges" on diesel fuel. This will usually be charged separately by the hirer on your return. Plan for this. Be very careful that you use the right fuel when_ filling up. Some of the pumps at our stations can be confusing.
Plan your trip well. Sounds obvious, but be aware that New Zealand is made up of 2 main islands. They are long and narrow.
We have International airports at either end. So if you intend landing at one and flying out at the other ther will be relocation fees. You will also have to travel between the islands by car ferry. You need to book this and allow for the cost.
The North Island has the most population, has many of the events and has a wide range of scenic attractions including beautiful beaches and thermal resorts.
The South Island has a lower population but magnificent, mountainous scenery and "untouched" landscapes and forests. Your choice will depend on your budget and your interest. Taking off and landing in the Northern airport at Auckland will give you an excellent holiday. But you will miss our mountains and fiords.
Enjoy your stay. You will find us very welcoming.
