New Zealand is often described as one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Not only is the landscape breathtakingly beautiful and diverse, but the people are some of the most welcoming and friendly you’ll ever meet.
It’s no wonder that more than 3 million tourists visit this this incredible country each year. But what’s the best way to get around: car or campervan?
New Zealand By Car
Driving in New Zealand is easy. The roads are well-maintained and road signs are clear and in abundance. However, you can expect some narrow and meandering roads, most notably in the North Island, but if you drive with caution (as you would at home), you’ll be just fine.
The cities of Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch all have sophisticated motorway systems that enable you to easily enter and exit – and compared with the UK, they have a relatively low level of congestion. Perfect for when you don’t have much time and want to see everything this gem of a country has to offer.
The driving speed limit is generally the same as in the UK and you also drive on the left, making the driving experience easier.
As you’re travelling round, you’ll see a few New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA) and Visitor Information Centres dotted around. They’re both useful places to visit to obtain maps and for advice on where to go next.
It’s advisable to book your car online for the best rates. Go to Travel Supermarket and select the type of car that’ll offer you comfort on your long journeys. You’ll be spending many hours a day in the vehicle so choose wisely. Your ‘Economy’ cars start at £60 per week and your mid-range SUV type start at £150 for a week.
As you’re likely to be travelling to both the South and North Islands, you can pick the car up in one Island and drop it off in the other – so no hassle of returning it to its original destination. Travelling between Auckland and Christchurch is the usual path.
A huge advantage to renting a car that enables you to see this amazing country, is the possibility of all the lovely different hotels / lodgings you can stay in each night making for some great experiences… and having clean bed sheets and showers! But most of all, you get a huge amount of freedom to go wherever you want to…
New Zealand By Campervan
Campervan travelling is a favourite way to see the see the country, with more than 100,000 on the road each year. With different types, sizes and levels of luxury from a campervan, it certainly is not the domain of the young twenty-something backpacker any more.
As with renting a car, you’ll travel through the well-preserved roads and in and out of cities through the easy motorway systems in place. You’ll also benefit from driving on the left and obeying the same road and motorway speed limit as the UK and you can pick up on one Island and drop off at the other.
A major difference with renting a car is that the campervan is your home for however long you’re travelling for. Just make sure you get on well with the person/people you’re travelling with as you’ll be living in close proximity with them for the duration of your travel!
As with car rental, you’re free as bird (almost) to go where you want to go, but be aware, you’re unable to park up for the night just anywhere in New Zealand. If you park on private property or in places with signs that say camping is prohibited, or if you dispose of waste carelessly, you could be landed with a big fine under the Freedom Camping Act.
To legally freedom camp (camping wherever you like), you could hire a certified self-contained campervan, but then you will have to deal with disposal of waste.
Contrary to popular belief, you will have to journey plan, even staying in a self-contained campervan.
Most campervan travellers tend to park up in a holiday park or campground which charges small fees to use their facilities. At least you’ll have the use of a shower, which is something that you’ll miss in the campervan (unless you go self-contained).
Meal-wise, as you’ll have your own kitchenette in the campervan, you’re able to make meals at your convenience. Similarly, if you’d like a meal at a restaurant, just park up (at a legally appropriate area, of course).
As with car hire, try to book online before you go. Sky Scanner is a good place to start. Expect to pay around £150 per week for an average camper van.
Conclusion
In summary, both are great ways to see the beauty of this amazing country, mainly due to the ease of driving on the well-kept and sophisticated road structures.
Campervans are generally more expensive than hiring a car, although the cost of hotels each night could significantly bump up the cost of car hire travel experience.
Who and how many you travel with will make your decision much easier. If you’re travelling with more than four people, it is advisable to rent either a large car or a campervan. If you’re travelling with people you don’t feel comfortable with sharing a confined space for a few weeks, rent a car.
Similarly, if you like your creature comforts and just generally like to live in a home from home, a car and hotel combo would be preferable to a campervan.
However, if you just want to concentrate on taking in the beautiful scenery and are happy to have are everything in one place and are looking for a more authentic travel experience, camper vans are the way to go.
