Tips for rental cars and road trips in NZ!
New Zealand was my first experience renting a car where residents (and visitors -some of whom don’t know what they are doing!) drive on the left side of the road. Here’s what I learned:
- It takes some getting used to. We booked a car on day 3 for two reasons. We wanted to be well-rested and we didn’t want our first experience with the car to be in the city. I recommend renting a car and driving straight out of town, ideally on a highway, before attempting any “crazy” maneuvers like rotaries or narrow one-way roads.
- Bring sticky notes or create your own that have arrows and say STAY LEFT on the wheel, windshield and shift area. This may seem silly but the most accidents happen when you’re not in the left-lane mindset, i.e. when you’re pulling out of a parking spot or onto the main road. Sticky notes will help remind you before you go too far.
- My friend and I had a little mantra when either of us would take the wheel: “Ok so I’m putting the car in drive and pulling to the left and staying to the left..” By the end of the trip, we had created a jingle that could be used at the rental car places.
- Occasionally you’ll come across a sign with a straight black arrow and an upside down red arrow. Whoever has the larger black arrow has the right of way. This is especially important if you’re going over a bridge or narrow section.
- There are a lot of roundabouts but everyone seems to behave so don’t let them scare you. Just make sure to drive counter clockwise and look to the right when it’s your turn.
- The turn indicator lever is on the right. Otherwise you’ll hit the windshield wiper. Wipers on a clear day are the sign of a tourist.
- No cell phone use while you are driving. You probably won’t have service anyways.
- Cyclists have the same rights as drivers. Make sure if you’re passing them, you have enough room.
- SHEEP! This is what we would unintentionally shout because we were so excited to see them on the South Island (not many on the North Island!) Don’t get too distracted by the sheep or pretty views..there are usually several turnouts and you can easily pull in to snap a photo rather than dangerously trying to do so while driving.
- Get to the rental agency when it first opens in the morning so you don’t have to wait in line and you’re guaranteed to get a car that’s ready to go.
- Book early! There weren’t many options when I booked two months before our trip. I’m sure this applies more so to high season but better safe than sorry.
- There is a caveat to this…if you HAVEN’T booked a car there is a very cheap option. Check out Transfer Car. Because so many people drop off cars at different locations, sometimes companies won’t charge you to drive them back. You would have to be flexible in terms of direction and amount of time/ how many stops you go. That being said, it could save you some serious moola.
The car companies we used:
- Avis in downtown Auckland at 17-19 Nelson Street. I would highly recommend! They were so nice and patient with us, despite asking lots of questions.
- Apex in Queenstown City. Again, very good and efficient service. We specifically wanted cars we could pick up in the city and then drive and drop off at our last airport location and it worked out perfectly.
