Ways to explore New Zealand on one’s own terms

There is no denying that New Zealand has some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders and landscapes in the entire world. Despite its size, this small island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean attracts thousands of visitors each year. 

With so much to see and only a limited time to do so, you won’t be faulted for wanting to build the perfect holiday itinerary, allowing you to see and do everything you have planned. Thankfully, there are multiple different transport options to choose from, from campervans and trains to car rental NZ vehicles like 4WD and small city runners to ensure you have the ultimate adventure. 

Car rental & travel

If you plan to embark on a road trip across the North or South Islands, but prefer to skip the cost and hassle of campervans and camping, renting a car will likely be your best option. Not only do you have the extended freedom to go where you want, when you want, but you can also better navigate the open roads as well as busy inner-city traffic. 

To hire a car in New Zealand, you must be over the age of 21, although some rental companies may require registered drivers to be 25 or older. International travelers can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if they hold a valid license in their country. However, if your license is not in English, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit or a certified translation. Similar to the UK and other commonwealth countries, New Zealand citizens drive on the left-hand side of the road, which can be an adjustment for drivers from the Americas, Europe, and Asia. 

Before you rent the first car you see, it is crucial to consider the number of people in the car, how much luggage you will have, and the places (and terrain) you will be visiting. New Zealand has numerous breathtaking natural wonders to see, but many of them can only be accessed by 4WD. If you hope to get out into nature for the majority of your visit, it is best to skip small city cars for something more rugged. 

Campervans: Self-contained vs non-self-contained

A self-contained campervan is a vehicle that has all the facilities you will need already onboard. To be considered fully contained, a campervan must have a fixed toilet, a sink connected to a watertight graywater tank, an evacuation hose, a rubbish bin with a lid, a freshwater tank that holds at least 12 litres of water per person for three days, a blackwater tank that can hold the same amount or more of waste for three days, and a self-contained certificate clearly on display. 

If you want more freedom choosing where you camp to see more of what New Zealand has to offer, this type of vehicle will ensure just that. Without it, you will have limited camping options and often need to pay more for campsites or accommodation. 

In comparison, non-self-contained (NSC) campervans are significantly cheaper rentals when you consider the base cost. In most cases, an NSC campervan will be fitted with a bed and basic cooking equipment. However, even if it is fitted with a pull-out toilet, it is not considered to be self-contained as it fails to meet the full requirements. 

Hiring a campervan is highly desirable if you plan to camp while traveling across New Zealand. However, it is important to note that camping around the country has become more and more restricted, with heavier monitoring and fines should you fail to follow the rules. In most instances, designated campsites and national parks are only open to self-contained vehicles because they have little to no additional facilities on-site. 

Bus & coach transport

If you are after the simplicity of a more structured holiday and want a cost-effective alternative to air travel between the islands, travelling by bus or coach may be the ideal solution. There are many different coach companies situated across the country that offer daily scheduled services along main tourist routes and key sightseeing attractions. 

Additionally, in most major cities, you can buy passes that allow for unlimited travel, helping you move between prime destinations effectively and at a fixed price. As an added bonus, opting for bus travel eliminates the need to drive yourself, taking away any stress or anxiety around driving in unfamiliar cities or costly rental prices if you are younger in age.

Alternative transport options

Alongside road travel, New Zealand also offers alternative transport options that give you access to sights and experiences you won’t get from a car. Being an island nation means water taxis and ferries are a vital part of navigating between the two main islands and the small surrounding islands. Regular passenger and car ferries connect the North and South Islands across Cook Strait, while ferry links will take travelers to Stewart Island and other smaller outlying destinations. 

Alternatively, you can travel by train, which gives you a front-row view of spectacular and lush landscapes that you often can’t see from the road. Three main scenic rail journeys cover the North and South Islands, with short rail services connecting regions and suburban trains within Auckland and Wellington. 

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