I N T R O D U C T I O N
N E W Z E A L A N D D R I V I N G H O L I D A Y S New Zealand is the perfect destination to tour by car . Its roads are well formed and un-cluttered, its tourist infrastructure world class, and New Zealanders take riously their commitment to protecting, as well as making accessible, the beauty
of their natural envi-ronment. As committed globetrotters themlves, kiwis combine pride in their homeland with empathy for fellow travellers and this is refl ected in the warm welcome visitors often comment upon, even found in far-fl ung corners of the country. However, like their feathery namesakes, kiwis are known to shun the limelight and many a world-class experience is tucked away behind an unassuming exterior far off the beaten track. A lf-drive tour al-lows you the freedom to create your own unique and memorable holiday, and local knowl-edge is the key that unlocks a world of hidden delights.
This book is the result of a happy collaboration between a New Zealand travel writer/pho-tographer, an overas family friend, and Apex Car Rentals, New Zealand’s largest inde-pendently owned car hire company. A few months ago, two emails landed in my inbox at the same time. One was a commission from Apex Car Rentals to write this book, and the other was from Bob, befriended by my family on one of their globetrotting expeditions. He knew I was a travel writer specialising in driving excursions and holidays in New Zealand, and as he was planning a trip, he decided to look me up for some advice on where to go and what to e. As a great believer in rendipity I took a leap and invited Bob to join me on what we later dubbed “The Great New Zealand Road (and Food) (and Wine) (and Fishing) Trip”. We enjoyed a leisurely journey with Apex Car Rentals exploring the countr金泰亨身高
y from Cape Reinga to Bluff. We took our time to enjoy the highlights and kept a record of our experi-ences. To this end, we spent an utterly wonderful eight weeks sampling regional food and wine; meeting local characters; marvelling at the distinctive natural environment of this unique corner of the planet; perusing muums, galleries and craft boutiques; subjecting ourlves to various crazy adventures; and absorbing local culture. Having spent three decades exploring every corner of the unique islands I call home, it was an absolute delight for me to take on the role of guide, and to share my passion for New Zealand with a fi rst-timer as enthusiastic as Bob. He was enchanted with everything, fell in love with the ever-changing panorama of delights that unfolded before us, and his spirits (and appetite) never fl agged.
The end result, is a true “insider’s guide” to New Zealand. The itineraries enable visitors to e the country at a pace that leaves time to savour the moment, with breakout options highlighting day trips of special interest. You could also lect from different itineraries to create your own pathway through this fascinating land. Whether you choo the beaten track or the road less travelled, I am sure you will come to agree, that the islands that some four million people call home, are a very special place indeed.
NEW ZEALAND
D R I V I N G H O L I D A Y S
INTRODUCTION
New Zealand is an archipelago comprising some 700 islands and offers many dramatically contrasting scenic routes for the intrepid traveller to explore. The majority of touring routes are found on the North and South Islands. Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest isle, has a land mass of approximately 1746 kilometres square but remains relatively isolated with few roads and only some 200 permanent residents, most of whom live in the small town of Oban.
The North Island
Adventure beckons throughout New Zealand’s North Island, and unique scenery awaits. In subtropical Northland proud forests of majestic kauri trees, some thousands of years old, share space with remnants of its gumdigging past. Gnarled pohutukawa cling to windswept cliffs over golden beaches, and green rolling hills of farmland span across the island from coast to coast. Although the North Island’s land mass is smaller than that of the South Island, it boasts a longer coastline with hundreds of deep tranquil harbours, estuaries and inlets with sheltered, sandy bays providing safe anchorage for boats.Thermal activity abounds: there’s Rotorua, a hotbed of fi ery fury
with its boiling mud pools, geyrs, springs and spas; White Island, an active volcano in the Bay of Plenty; and volcanic Auckland who 50 or so ‘hills’ are also the result of volcanic activity. Hot springs are dot-ted throughout the North Island and one of the country’s most unique experiences is to dig your own warm spa in the sand at Te Puia Springs in Kawhia, or at the Coromanel’s aptly named Hot Water Beach.
At the heart of the North Island lie the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, itlf a huge volcanic crater fed by the mountains of the Central Plateau. The formidable mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu - are encircled by dry, dert like plains that contrast dramatically with the surrounding fertile farmlands. To the west a bulbous coastline horshoes around Mt Taranaki, while to the east lies the l-dom-explored East Cape. Hidden beneath hills beside the Wellington Harbour, also formed by volcanic eruption and now fi lled with a, the capital city of Wellington is the departure point to the magnifi cent South Island.The South Island
The South Island, an awe-inspiring panorama of majestic snowy mountains, dripping rain-forest, silent fi ords and sounds, ancient glaciers, wide open plains, and blue lakes and rivers, is home to only one quarter of NZ’s population. It’s a place of grandeur and solitude, where visitors can truly bec
ome at one with nature. In parts you can drive for hours before meeting another soul.
At its northern tip, the regions of Marlborough and Tasman enjoy New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, while the Marlborough Sounds, a ries of beautiful drowned a valleys, is a boaties’ paradi of numerous inlets, islands, peninsulas, and deep sandy coves, many of which cannot be reached by road.
The West Coast offers a wealth of contrasting scenery: in the north clusters of nikau palms sprout from glistening white sands, while to the south den forests of beech cascade down to meet the a. The rugged coastline features unique rock formations, deep fi ords, and den rainforests, as well as the icy tongues of Franz Jof and Fox Glaciers poking from the snowcapped Southern Alps.
The mountains, a spine of jagged mountains running the length of the South Island, were formed by a collision of tectonic plates, which, in a bid to outdo each other, force the mountains heavenwards by some 10mm per year. As it is, the Southern Alps ri to heights of over 3000 metres in places, with Aoraki (Mt Cook), New Zealand’s highest mountain, dominating the range at 3,754 metres.
The small picturesque towns of Wanaka, Te Anau and Queenstown nestle amongst the alps beside s
himmering lakes and provide a ba for adventure and outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, jetboating and bungy jumping – just to name a few.
To the east genteel towns bask amid farming plains beneath the Southern Alps and pro-vide a home to most of the South Island’s inhabitants. The largest of the is the city of Christchurch, well known for its beautiful gardens t beside the clear waters of the Avon River, and an excellent starting point for any scenic tour of New Zealand.
TOURING
NEW ZEALAND
Moeraki Boulders - Deerace Publishing
4 Peaks - Central South Island Tourism
N E W Z E A L A N D D R I V I N G H O L I D A Y S
Christchurch to Christchurch FOUR DAY SPRINGS DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Kaikoura Day two – Kaikoura to Blenheim
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Day three – Blenheim to Hanmer Springs Day four – Hanmer Springs to Christchurch FOUR DAY WESTERN LOOP DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Day two – Hanmer Springs to Westport Day three – Westport to Greymouth Day four – Greymouth to Christchurch FOUR DAY MT COOK DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Timaru Day two – Timaru to Oamaru Day three – Oamaru to Mt Cook Day four – Mt Cook to Christchurch SEVEN DAY NORTHERN DRIVE Day one – Christchurch to Kaikoura Day two – Kaikoura to Blenheim Day three – Blenheim to Nelson Day four – Nelson to Collingwood Day fi ve – Collingwood to Murchison Day six – Murchison to Greymouth
Day ven – Greymouth to Christchurch SEVEN DAY WESTERN DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Day two – Hanmer Springs to Greymouth Day three – Greymouth to Franz Jof Day four – Franz Jof to Wanaka Day fi ve – Wanaka to Queenstown Day six – Queenstown to Mt Cook Day ven – Mt Cook to Christchurch SEVEN DAY SOUTHERN DRIVE Day one – Christchurch to Timaru Day two – Timaru to Oamaru
Day three – Oamaru to Dunedin Day four – Dunedin to Alexandra Day fi ve – Alexandra to Queensto
wn Day six – Queenstown to Mt Cook Day ven – Mt Cook to Christchurch FOURTEEN DAY SOUTH ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS Day one – Christchurch to Kaikoura Day two – Kaikoura to Blenheim Day three – Blenheim to Nelson Day four – Nelson to Murchison Day fi ve – Murchison to Greymouth Day six – Greymouth to Franz Jof Day ven – Franz Jof to Wanaka Day eight – Wanaka to Alexandra Day nine – Alexandra to Queenstown Day ten – Queenstown to Te Anau Day eleven – Te Anau to Riverton Day twelve – Riverton to Dunedin Day thirteen – Dunedin to Oamaru
Day fourteen – Oamaru to Christchurch Christchurch to Picton FOUR DAY SPRINGS DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Day two – Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura Day three – Kaikoura to Blenheim Day four – Blenheim to Picton FOUR DAY WESTERN DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Greymouth Day two – Greymouth to Westport Day three – Westport to Nelson Day four – Nelson to Picton
SEVEN DAY WESTERN DRIVE
Day one – Christchurch to Kaikoura Day two – Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs Day three – Hanmer Springs to Greymouth Day four – Greymouth to Westport Day fi ve – Westport to Murchison
Day six – Murchison to Nelson
Day ven – Nelson to Picton
SEVEN DAY NORTHERN DRIVE关于孕妇
Day one – Christchurch to Greymouth Day two – Greymouth to Westport Day three – Westport to Murchison
Day four – Murchison to Hanmer Springs Day fi ve – Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura Day six – Kaikoura to Blenheim Day ven – Blenheim to Picton SEVEN DAY SOUTHERN DRIVE Day one – Christchurch to Timaru Day two – Timaru to Mt Cook Day three – Mt Cook to Wanaka Day four – Wanaka to Franz Jof Day fi ve – Franz Jof to Greymouth Day six – Greymouth to Murchison Day ven – Murchison to Picton
FOURTEEN DAY SOUTH ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS Day one – Christchurch to Oamaru Day two – Oamaru to Mt Cook Day three – Mt Cook to Alexandra Day four – Alexandra to Dunedin Day fi ve – Dunedin to Riverton Day six – Riverton to Te Anau
Day ven – Te Anau to Queenstown Day eight – Queenstown to Wanaka Day nine – Wanaka to Fra
nz Jof Day ten – Franz Jof to Greymouth Day eleven – Greymouth to Murchison Day twelve – Murchison to Kaikoura Day thirteen – Kaikoura to Nelson Day fourteen – Nelson to Picton Picton to Picton
FOUR DAY NORTHERN DRIVE Day one – Picton to Nelson Day two – Nelson to Murchison
Day three – Murchison to Golden Bay Day four – Golden Bay to Picton
北石窟S O U T H I S L A N D I T I N E R A R I E S
海藻提取物
SOUTH ISLAND ITINERARIES
Touring Map - Terralink International
Nugget Point - Venture Southland Tourism
A C C O M M O D A T I O N A D V I C E & H I R I N G A C A R
N E W Z E A L A N D D R I V I N G H O L I D A Y S
NEW ZEALAND
D R I V I N G H O L I D A Y S
HIRING A CAR
Choosing accommodation in New Zealand can prent a conundrum especially when you are not familiar with the terms ud to describe what is available. To assist we have provided a brief outline below.If you are holidaying in New Zealand dur-ing the height of summer, from December through to February, we strongly recom-mend that you pre-book your accommo-dation at least two weeks in advance. Campgrounds and Holiday Parks
Campgrounds and holiday parks provide facilities for campers and tho travelling in motorhomes. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. The majority provide additional features which may include a TV room, games room, a children’s play-ground and dump stations. Most are in scenic and convenient locations and some also offer cabins and tourist fl ats.Cabins
This basic, but affordable accommodation is available at many campgrounds and holiday parks. In their simplest form they consist of a bed in a room and guests are required to make u of the campground’s communal facilities. You may u your own sleeping bags or hire linen if required.
Tourist Flats
Tourist Flats are also usually located in campgrounds and holiday parks. They provide a step up from cabins and come with their own bathroom and toilet facili-ties. Linen is also provided.
Backpackers and Hostels Backpacker accommodation provides a mixture of shared accommodation from dormitory rooms through to double and
twin rooms. Most backpackers and hostels also have a limited number of single rooms. Some provide linen, or it is available for hire. The bathroom, toilet, living room, dining room and kitchen facilities are shared.Motel and Apartments Motels are also commonly known as mo-tor lodges or motor inns and suit both independent and group travellers. The majority offer fully equipped lf-cater-ing facilities with kitchens and bath-rooms and are conveniently located for tho travelling by car. Parking is usually provided right outside your door. Some motel units are able to accommodate up to six people, although most cater for two adults or a family of four. Accommodation options at the top end of this category are frequently referred to as Apartments.
Hotels
Hotels range from larger central city ho-tels which provide full conference and rec-reation facilities to smaller family owned and operated boutique hotels. Most offer at least one licend bar and restaur
ant with facilities to charge-back to your room. Breakfast is eaten in the restau-rant, or ordered through room rvice. Bed and Breakfast (B&B)B&Bs offer homely accommodation with lots of personal care and attention. It’s the perfect choice for tho who wish to discover more about the kiwi lifestyle. Rooms are usually provided in your host’s own home and come with an en suite or private bathroom facilities. Some have their own parate entrance so you may come and go as you plea.
Self Contained Bed and Breakfast幼儿园安全教育教案
This type of accommodation offers greater fl exibility and freedom yet allows guests to mingle with hosts, or not, as they wish. All come with their own pri-vate bathroom or en suite and most offer a fully equipped kitchenette.
Self Contained Cottages This type of accommodation can be found at B&Bs or on private proper-ties or farms. Most offer fully equipped lf-catering facilities with kitchens and bathrooms. Breakfast is usually provided on request.
Farmstays and Homestays This type of accommodation provides a unique opportunity to experience a slice of life in New Zealand’s rural towns and on isolated high country stations. Although guests ha拜大年
ve their own rooms, usually with an en suite or private bathroom, they share home cooked meals with their hosts and have the opportunity to take part in sheep shearing, lambing, milking cows, working dogs and moving stock, or harvesting pro-duce – whatever is happening on the farm at the time.
Boutique Accommodation
Boutique accommodations are tho which provide veral unique features or have a special ambience and warmth. They may be houd in a historical build-ing, offer outstanding views, or be supe-rior and memorable in other ways. Bou-tique accommodation can include B&Bs, lf contained B&Bs, lodges and lf con-tained cottages.Lodges
Lodges tend to provide accommodation at the highest end of the market and are exclusive establishments with the fi nest facilities, locations, activities and stand-ard of rvice to be found in New Zealand. Rooms of the highest standard come with en suite bathrooms. Dinner, which is usu-ally included in the tariff, is rved with other guests.
ACCOMMODATION ADVICE
A Message From Our Sponsor
Hiring a car in New Zealand provides the freedom and fl exibility to travel where you want, when you want, and to discover all the interesting and out of the way places off the beaten tourist track - the New Zealand that I write about in this book - the New Zealand that some travellers never get to e.
When it comes to choosing a car to hire in New Zealand most multinational ve-hicle rental companies are reprented, however Apex Car Rentals, a friendly but substantial 100 % NZ owned and operated company, is undoubtedly New Zealand’s preferred local provider .
Apex staff have an in-depth knowledge of New Zealand and are committed to provid-ing outstanding customer rvice every step of the way. From the moment you arrive in NZ or step into any of Apex’s eleven conven-iently located branches, the Apex team is on hand to ensure that the transition into a rental car is streamlined and hassle-free. The Apex fl eet includes a full line-up of new and late model dans, hatchbacks, four wheel drive wagons, and multi-purpo vehicles. Apex also offers a range of older (three- to ven-year-old) vehicles, ideal for tho travellers on a budget. All vehicles provide exceptional value for money and come with a wide range of complimentary accessories, maps and benefi ts.
With Apex there are no hidden costs and quoted rates include GST (NZ goods and rvices tax) and
unlimited kilometre rates. For tho travelling with children, child and booster ats are complimentary, while tho travelling during the winter months are offered ski/snow board racks and snow chains for no additional charge.
Apex rates also include 24-hour Automobile Association roadside assistance cover for your peace of mind, full insurance (with a low insurance excess of $750 that may be re-duced to $0 for an additional $8 per day), and one-way hires at no additional charge. Apex has branches in both Wellington and Picton and offers a complimentary vehicle exchange rvice to avoid the cost of transporting its rental cars across the Cook Strait.
Furthermore when you hire a car from Apex Car Rentals, there are no extra fees associ-ated with additional drivers, nior drivers, and no pre-payments, deposits or bonds. Nor will you fi nd booking fees, airport fees, recovery fees or pickup and drop-off fees in the fi ne print; in fact Apex pick-up and drop-offs are complimentary, and this includes
a transfer rvice to your accommodation,
the railway or bus station, or airport – what-ever suits your requirements!
To hire an Apex rental car you must be over 21 years of age and hold an overas drivers licen that is written in English, or hold an international drivers licen.
Economy Class
Apex Economy Class is an ideal choice for up to four budget-conscious people travelling together when luggage space is not a prime consideration. Economy class features a fl eet of four-door dans (1500cc Toyota Corollas or similar). They are equipped with automatic or manual transmission, air con-ditioning, power steering and stereo/radio castte and cost $NZ49 per day.
T ouring Car Class
Apex Touring Car Class is ideal for a family or up to fi ve people holidaying on a budget. Touring class features a fl eet of four door dans with larger luggage and cabin space (1800-2000cc Nissan Bluebirds or similar). They are equipped with automatic trans-mission, air conditioning, power steering, airbags, and stereo/radio castte and cost $NZ59 per day.
Super Sedan Class
Apex Super Sedan Class features a fl eet of new and late model 1800cc Toyota Corolla dans with
automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, airbags, and stereo/radio CD player . This is Apex’s most popular class and is an ideal choice for cou-ples or medium-sized family groups requir-ing extra comfort and space. Super Sedan Class vehicles cost $NZ69 per day.Super T ouring Class
Apex Super Touring Class features a fl eet of new and late model 2400cc Toyota Camry -dans with automatic transmission, air condi-tioning, power steering, airbags, and stereo/radio CD player . It is the premium choice for groups of up to fi ve people travelling together that require a vehicle with generous luggage space and good engine capacity. Super Tour-ing Class vehicles cost $NZ79 per day.4WD Super Wagon Class Apex 4WD Super Wagon Class features a fl eet of new and late model 2000cc four wheel drive Subaru Legacy wagon with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, twin airbags, and stereo/radio CD player . It is the premium choice for medium to large groups or travellers
who intend to ski, fi sh, camp, or play golf
and therefore need plenty of luggage room and possibly roof racks. 4WD Super Wagon class vehicles cost $NZ89 per day.
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MPV Class
Larger family groups, or smaller groups re-quiring plenty of luggage capacity will enjoy Apex MPV Class. This fl eet features eight-ater 2400cc Toyota Previa MPVs (multi purpo vehicles) with automatic transmis-sion, dual control air conditioning, power steering, twin airbags, and stereo/radio castte. MPV Class vehicles cost $NZ109 per day.
Freephone Contact Details
With the widespread availability of interna-tional toll-free dialing and the internet it is now feasible to arrange your rental car requirements directly with Apex before you leave home. To contact Apex Central Res-ervations simply dial any of the freecall numbers listed below. Alternatively, if you prefer to u the internet you will fi nd Apex Car Rentals at All bookings made online are confi rmed on an Instant Confi rmation basis and additional discounts are offered for off-peak and ex-tended duration hires.
From within NZ dial 0800 93 95 97From Australia dial 0011-800-7001-8001From USA/Canada dial 011-800-7001-8001From UK/Ireland dial 00-800-7001-8001From elwhere dial +64 3 379 6897
Horriding on Piha Beach - D. Blaber Lake Brunner - Deerace Publishing
T A K E T H E S C E N I C R O U T E W I T H A P E X
N E W Z E A L A N D D R I V I N G H O L I D A Y S
