Planning a trip to New Zealand and wondering about car rentals? Youre not alone! New Zealand offers stunning scenery, vibrant cities, and diverse adventures, all best experienced with a rental car․ But if youre not used to driving a manual transmission, renting an automatic car is the way to go․ This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of renting an automatic car in New Zealand․
Availability and Demand
While automatic cars are readily available in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, they are often in high demand․ Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season (December-February and June-August)․ The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing an automatic car․
Rental Companies and Options
New Zealand has a variety of car rental companies, both international and local․ Popular options include⁚
- Avis
- Budget
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Jucy
When choosing a company, consider factors like⁚
- Price⁚ Compare rates between companies and consider additional fees like insurance and airport surcharges․
- Fleet⁚ Ensure the company has a good selection of automatic cars to meet your needs․
- Customer service⁚ Read reviews and check for customer service ratings․
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for renting an automatic car in New Zealand⁚
- Confirm automatic transmission⁚ When booking, explicitly confirm that youre requesting an automatic car․
- Check for GPS⁚ Consider adding GPS navigation to your rental, especially if you plan on driving in unfamiliar areas․
- Insurance⁚ Familiarize yourself with the rental companys insurance policies and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary․
- Driving on the left⁚ Remember that New Zealand drives on the left side of the road․ Take your time, be cautious, and familiarize yourself with road rules before driving․
Renting an automatic car in New Zealand can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free․ By following these tips, you can find the perfect car and enjoy your journey through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand․
Driving in New Zealand⁚ Things to Keep in Mind
New Zealands roads are generally well-maintained, but there are some things to keep in mind when driving⁚
- Speed Limits⁚ Speed limits vary, so pay attention to signs․ Urban areas typically have a 50 km/h limit, while rural areas can range from 80 km/h to 100 km/h․
- Roundabouts⁚ New Zealand has many roundabouts․ Remember to give way to traffic already in the roundabout․
- Wildlife⁚ Be alert for wildlife, particularly deer, sheep, and birds, especially at dawn and dusk․
- Weather⁚ The weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas․ Be prepared for rain, fog, and snow․
- Road Conditions⁚ Some roads, particularly in mountainous areas, can be narrow and winding․ Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings․
Enjoying the Ride
With an automatic car at your disposal, you can fully focus on enjoying the scenery and the journey itself․ New Zealand offers a variety of driving experiences, from scenic coastal routes to challenging mountain passes․
Here are some popular driving routes to consider⁚
- The Pacific Coast Highway⁚ A stunning route that winds along the North Islands east coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, and coastal towns․
- The Southern Scenic Route⁚ A scenic drive through the South Island, showcasing rugged mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes․
- The Milford Road⁚ A breathtaking route through Fiordland National Park, offering breathtaking views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes․
No matter where you drive in New Zealand, remember to enjoy the journey and take in the stunning scenery․ With an automatic car, you can relax and savor the experience․