Driving in New Zealand

It's like the '80s again but without the bad hair dos, Wham and leg warmers.

A report today in the Sydney Morning Herald says flights to New Zealand haven't been this cheap in 20 years. Fares between Sydney and Auckland have dropped below $250 including fees and surcharges.

How good is that!

With the GEC (Global Economic Crisis - must be serious if it's now an acronym), it's no surprise that many Aussies are holidaying closer to home.

New Zealand is renowned for it's natural beauty with mountain ranges, glaciers and green countryside. There is lots to see and do, both in summer and in winter. Check out Tourism New Zealand's website for a jam packed events calendar for 2009.
Perfect for a driving holiday, New Zealand covers 266,200 sq km and is slightly larger than Great Britain. With a population of 4 million people, Aussie city dwellers will probably find it much quieter than here. With scenic driving routes a plenty and less traffic than other holiday destinations, New Zealand is a great self drive destination.

Suggested Driving Itineraries
3 Days

Even on a short break, a rental car will give you the chance to get outside the city and explore the famous Kiwi countryside. A drive from Wellington to Nelson and back (559km) is a good introduction to what New Zealand has to offer - mountains, wineries, art, culture and adventure.

5 Days

Drive from Wellington to Queenstown and discover glaciers, rainforests and wild beaches. You can visit the famous Franx Josef and Fox glaciers enroute and even climb them if you're game enough!

11 Days

Queenstown to Auckland is a 2652 km drive and will give you the chance to see the best of the South and North Islands. Stop off along the way at Mount Cook for some outdoor activities, Christchurch for entertainment and along the east cost for some R 'n' R.

DriveAway Holidays offer car rental in New Zealand from $46 per day.