Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Members of overseas automobile associations should bring their membership cards −
many of these bodies have reciprocal agreements with the AA.
DRIVING LICENCES
International visitors to NZ can use their home country's driving licence − if your licence isn't
in English, it's a good idea to carry a certified translation with you. Alternatively, use an Inter-
national Driving Permit (IDP), which will usually be issued on the spot (valid for 12 months)
by your home country's automobile association.
FUEL
Fuel (petrol, aka gasoline) is available from service stations across NZ. LPG (gas) is not al-
ways stocked by rural suppliers; if you're on gas, it's safer to have dual-fuel capability. Aside
from remote locations like Milford Sound and Mt Cook, petrol prices don't vary too much from
place to place (very democratic): per-litre costs at the time of research were around $2.20.
It's good to remember that outside of main towns it can be a long way between service sta-
tions. Don't run out of fuel!
CAMPERVAN HIRE
Check your rear-view mirror on any far-flung NZ road and you'll probably see a shiny white
campervan (aka mobile home, motor home, RV) packed with liberated travellers, mountain
bikes and portable barbecues cruising along behind you.
Most towns of any size have a holiday park or camping ground with powered sites for
around $35 per night. There are also 250-plus vehicle-accessible
Department of Conserva-
check the website.
You can hire campervans from dozens of companies, prices varying with season, vehicle
size and length of rental.
A small van for two people typically has a mini-kitchen and foldout dining table, the latter
transforming into a double bed when dinner is done and dusted. Larger 'superior' two-berth
vans include shower and toilet. Four- to six-berth campervans are the size of trucks (and
similarly sluggish) and, besides the extra space, usually contain a toilet and shower.
Over summer, rates offered by the main rental firms for two-/four-/six-berth vans start at
around $160/260/300 per day, dropping to as low as $45/60/90 per day in winter.
Major operators include the following:
Apollo
( 0800 113 131, 09-889 2976;
www.apollocamper.co.nz
)
Britz
( 0800 831 900, 09-255 3910;
www.britz.co.nz
)
Kea
( 0800 520 052, 09-448 8800;
www.keacampers.com
)
