Car Hire 4 Less offers cheap car hire throughout the New Zealand in association with Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar. Please remember Car Hire 4 Less prices are fully inclusive throughout New Zealand and we also provide comprehensive car hire from all the major airports and downtown offices in and around the New Zealand regions.
New Zealand comprises two main islands and several smaller ones that were formed through volcanic activity. The country is situated 2,000km southeast of Australia and noted for its spectacular mountain scenery and bird-dominated fauna.
New Zealand is a very diverse country, despite its small size and the climate differs dramatically. For example, the western coast of the South Island is regularly battered by storms and freezing weather while Napier in the north-western part of the same island is known for its sunshine.
The South Island offers stunning, ragged coastlines, dense forests and lakes fed by glaciers while the North Island is noted for some excellent swimming beaches, walking tracks and the two largest cities in the country. Notable attractions include the New Zealand National Maritime Museum and the Rainbow Springs Nature Park.
New Zealand is one of the safest places on planet Earth in which to drive a hire car. You may drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit, and you must carry it with you at all times when you are driving.
After 12 months you have to change to a New Zealand licence. This applies to each visit. Driving around in a hire car you'll find New Zealand's tourist routes are of a generally high standard and all the main roads are sealed. All roads, including those in rural locations, are signposted and they drive on the left hand side of the road.
In New Zealand, you can be fined or towed away for parallel parking your hire car on the wrong side of the road. You may only park in the direction of traffic flow on your side of the road (ie on the left side, unless it is a one-way street).
New Zealand is a very beautiful country, and it's a pleasure to take a hire car through it. You'll find that it will probably take longer than you anticipate to travel from one place to another, the roads may be narrower than you are used to, cover hilly terrain and vary from motorways to unsealed gravel roads.
The general speed limit for a hire car in New Zealand is 100 kph and 50 kph in built up areas. Watch out for farm animals and horses on the road, particularly in rural areas. If you see any, slow down and do not sound your horn - it may startle them. You may need to stop and let the animals go past you or move slowly up behind and follow the farmer's instructions.
If you happen to be driving a hire car in New Zealand in winter, look out for slippery surfaces sign in wet or icy conditions - slow down and avoid braking suddenly. Snow and ice can make roads even more hazardous, particularly around mountain passes. Rental vehicle companies will often supply chains if you're likely to be driving in these conditions - make sure you know how to fit them before setting out. Our local representative will be happy to help you out with this.
Written by James Giles.