Discover New Zealand

If you’re heading to New Zealand, and plan on doing a little exploring while you're there, opting for a car hire should be high on your agenda. Not only is it an awe-inspiring country that lends itself quite spectacularly to exploring at your own pace, there are many benefits to be had when you hire a car with Netflights including that they drive on the same side of the road as us so couldn't be easier!

New Zealand’s two main islands make up a landmass that’s slightly bigger than the United Kingdom’s total area. But while the UK has a population of approximately 65 million, the population of New Zealand is less than five million.

This means that despite being relatively small, New Zealand throws up feelings of vastness and solitude that contradict its size. Envisage driving along straight roads through stunning countryside between mountain ranges and hilly climbs with only the birds and views for company - and you start to get the picture. Having your own set of wheels will allow you to stop when you wish, so stopping to sit by a lake for lunch or seeking out a waterfall hidden behind dense forest can all be done at your own leisure.

Due to the size and layout of the country, navigating between towns or cities is nice and easy, even with the most basic of map skills. Heading north on the North Island will generally point you in the direction of Auckland; which lies in the northwest of the country as it narrows to the Aupouri Peninsula.

At the tip of the peninsula is Cape Reinga, a sacred spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. The journey is approximately 250 miles from Auckland and takes over five hours, but is worth it for the unusual sights and local sandboarding; just make sure you fill up with petrol at the last stop.

The trip from Auckland to Wellington is around 400 miles, and should take around eight hours, from here you can take a ferry to the South Island. From Picton to Christchurch it’s just over 200 miles (or four hours), while Queenstown is 300 miles of mostly beautiful scenery from Christchurch.

Travelling between North and South Island with a car

Whether you're going north to south or south to north you'll save money! As your AVIS car hire will be treated as one booking you can leave your car at the ferry terminal and then collect a brand new, clean car on the other side, what could be easier?

When crossing between islands you don’t need to book your car onto the ferry - saving you money. Simply leave your car at the ferry terminal and pick up a shiny new car on the other side. Checking in for the ferry is easy, it's just like an airport where you check your luggage through to the other side and walk on with your hand luggage. All you need to do is advise us, or AVIS when you are in New Zealand of your ferry crossing date and time.

The above prices are guidelines only and are correct at the time of publishing. Subject to availability. Other travel dates are available, supplements may apply. Please use the search box or call for details. For more information please read our Pricing terms and conditions.