Some years ago we planned to visit beautiful New Zealand. We knew we could not do the holiday justice in a short holiday stay so we planned to start our adventures in the North
Island. The following year we renewed our adventure in the South Island. Both holidays were of two weeks duration.
We work hard for that extra bit of holiday money and generally want to spend the cash wisely. Having said that we most want to enjoy the time so try not to cut corners too excessively.
Every person has a different take on this so all we would say is plan to suit your individual wishes.
I like most saw the commercials for motor homes and started to look down this track. I had been told that fuel prices were high so this was in the back of my mind. [ at the tie around
$2 a litre ]. We were a travelling couple so I looked at a medium size motor home. Prices ranged from $150 upwards. We preferred a shower toilet to be independent. I worked on then paying
$30 $50 a night for a site depending on location. Quickly my daily cost was around $200 plus fuel. I then looked a basic 2 berth van without facilities. Even these were around
$130. [Note they do impose a diesel tax .]
Okay, lets take a different tack. Lets explore a Toyota Corolla Sedan and booking cabin accommodation at caravan parks. With insurance the car hire was around $65 a day. Most cabins we found were around $85 - $120 a night. Straight away we were in front financially and at the end of the day had a place to stretch out and relax in. Private facilities, kitchen, lounge and TV.
Other than when on their Motorways, driving was so much more a pleasure on their sometimes very narrow and tight back roads. Fuel economy was also at a premium.
Everyday was a postcard landscape. Absolutely beautiful country and friendly social locals. Shop assistants were very keen to hear where travellers had come from and were very happy
to engage. This we took as a refreshing change.
We covered many kilometres travelling to all parts of both islands. Which was the best part ? All area have a special magic. Queenstown has action packed adventures for all ages.
The south island holds magnificent natural beauty.
We took time to mix with the locals and ask questions of their beautiful country. Many times we were pointed to locations that were not always on the tourist map.
You must place New Zealand on your bucket list. We will return some day.
We did the South Island in a budget priced 2 berth camper for 3 weeks which we enjoyed setting the seed to hire a camper again to return and look around the North Island for another 3 weeks which did not fail us with the beautiful scenery.
I must add we worked in zip Auckland and Rotorua for 12 months back in 1971/72, we alway dreamed of going back, we needed to wait till the nest was empty.
A great country to tour and explore. Thank you for rekindling the memories. Enjoy. Ralph
Yes, NZ looks and sounds a great place for sure. I don't think I will ever get there as I can't fly for very long at all and don't like the idea of going on a boat as icebergs hitting ships and big waves going over the top of them is not my idea of fun either. Maybe a tunnel will get me there.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
We went to NZ in early 2014 and from our perspective totally agree with your assessment re accommodation and vehicle hire and the reasons for a Corolla/Camry instead of a motorhome.
We thought it was a lovely country to visit and will go back again, maybe do the North island and then a separate trip back to the South Island as well.
Yes, NZ looks and sounds a great place for sure. I don't think I will ever get there as I can't fly for very long at all and don't like the idea of going on a boat as icebergs hitting ships and big waves going over the top of them is not my idea of fun either. Maybe a tunnel will get me there.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Your a real worry, I can tell you that for free.
Come on Dougwe, just jump on a plane, bugger the budget, blow a few dollars on tour around NZ.
Then live at Green Lake until the bank account looks good again.
Were thinking about a trip to New Zealand in the future sometime ,my take on what Iam reading here is that to hire a self contained motor home is very a expensive option ,car hire and motels are a much cheaper option ?..
