Contrary to popular belief, New Zealand is in actuality a very vast country and it has a lot to offer tourists and travelers in the form of adventure holidays. A number of stunning natural wonders such as fjords, geysers, active volcanoes, spectacular mountains etc are also found here. The natural wonders of New Zealand are scattered across the two main islands the country comprises of, The North Island and The South Island. Traveling around New Zealand can get quite expensive once you factor in the costs of living accommodations, transport, local activities, sustenance etc. Smart traveling and practical decision making at every turn is therefore mandatory.



Renting a car for a cross-country whirl across the land is possibly the best way to do it right. Taxi rides will cost you a pretty penny in the urban areas and other public transport such as trains and buses even more so. In addition to which they take the convenient route over the scenic route. Summertime is the busiest and most expensive season in New Zealand and rates of accommodation skyrocket so if you choose to rent a vehicle and drive across the country you can avail of some of the many beautiful camping spots across it. Be cautious of horses on the road, though, kiwis love to ride from place to place. The speed limit varies with it being a 100 kilometers per hour on highways and open roads and half that in the urban areas.

Car rental agencies nationwide only rent out cars to adults aged 21 and over. Occasionally agencies require you to have a valid New Zealand license or an international driver's license before they rent a vehicle to you. Some agencies will rent you a car if your country's license is valid in New Zealand. Almost all international driving permits are acceptable for you to be able to drive in and around New Zealand. Some international licenses valid in New Zealand are Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and UK.

Contacting the Automobile Association of New Zealand for information and guidance on receiving a permanent and valid New Zealand license in case you wish to reside here on a long term basis is advisable. You must be 15years of age or over to apply for receiving a valid license in New Zealand.

Many websites (via google) will provide you with details and help you book a car if you want to work ahead of time.

Taking into account that the entire country is 103,738 square meters in area the cost of petrol will come to quite a lot. In addition to which we must factor in the cost of being ferried across water bodies and tollgates, too. The cost of petrol is assumed to be about $1.50 and will give you a mileage of about eight kilometers. Depending on the time of year and the amount of time you wish to use the car the rent would total about thirty to fifty dollars per day.

If you are very lucky though you might be given a car for free if the agency needs it relocated. They do give you a limited amount of time to use it and a location to bring it into but apart from that and the cost of petrol you might have it for free!