For all you guys who have done a Kiwi adventure before, what is the best way to get around NZ? Did you all hire cars? IF so, did any of you team up with someone to share costs?
Rich MumHi,
I did my own Kiwi Adventure a couple of months back. Definately hire a car! It’s the only way to get around, especially if you are hunting property.
Just be careful as NZ driving conditions are much more challenging than here in Australia. Also, when going down steep hills keep an eye on the speedo or you might find yourself doing in excess of 140km/h, as I had discovered several times [biggrin]
Regards,
OziHi rich mum
before you come to NZ have it clearly worked out the areas you want to visit, and maybe even some appointments with agents. Do a lot of research about where you can find the deals and then start planning. Allow a lot of time to travel, as driving in NZ is a lot more tiring than in OZ. Hireing a car is the only way to go.
and enjoy the besautiful scenery, i’d say call in and have a cuppa but i’m off with the family to the State for 8 weeks for a well earned holiday.
regards westan
We find cash positive deals showing 15-25% Returns in the USA email me at [email protected] to join our database
Thanks guys for the advice and thanks for th offer od a cuppa westan – maybe another time!
Rich MumHi Richmum
I’ve been driving up and down the north island and all over parts of the south for a year or more now, and I can only agree with Westan – get a hire car.
I add one more thought – get a decent hire car with at least a 1.8 litre engine and the ability to handle the hills.
I have driven 1.6l pulsars, subarus, corollas, and when i swapped to 1.8l astras or corollas, my enjoyment of driving increased, fatigue decreased as the car is easier to drive as it isn’t working at 100% capacity all the time.
another thought – get on google and find a couple of sites that tell you how long it takes to drive between towns – here in OZ 100ks on open road is about 1 hour as we know, in NZ 100Ks could be 90-100 minutes depending on whether road is through lots of small towns or hilly – and they are much more windy roads too!!!
Have fun planning your trip!!CastleDreamer
NZ Investor
http://www.nzpropertytogo.comgo thoughts castledreamer
another tip get the street directories from Kiwipathfinder, they have a few book.
1. is a NZ travellers road atlas – essential
2.North Island has every city/town excluding Auckland and wellington
3. South Island has every city/town excluding Christchurch.
These are also esential to have they will also be good for when you come back to OZ, if agents ring you with any deals you can see where in the town these homes are.
Use your map as a study tool, write on them things like no buy areas etc.regards westan
We find cash positive deals showing 15-25% Returns in the USA email me at [email protected] to join our database
Hi Rich Mum
I’m planning my own Kiwi Adventure around September.Teaming up to share costs might be worthwhile?
I like South Island Dunedin/Invercargill, tho flexible.
Would 2-3 weeks be good?
Totally inspired by Steves seminar and ready to go!
Also thanks to Westan Castledreamer & others for generous advice.Juiles
JG
Our pleasure to help out with any thoughts that might be useful!!
CastleDreamer
NZ Investor
http://www.nzpropertytogo.comHi Richmum,
Just another thought, if you are happening to travel in the North Island, I’ve found that the one of the cheapest car hire places is A2B Car Hire. I saved over $200 by hiring with them.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Fluffy
And I thought I should add that all their cars are 2nd hand, thats why they are so much cheaper but if you don’t have to drive a flash car then this may be for you!
Cheers
Fluffyif going in June be aware the british lions are toruing with 15-20 000 poms saw an article that to date there are 1650 camper vans rented for a three week period, whichmust be nearly the whole rental fleet in NZ
when the going gets weird the weird turn pro
Hi guys,
I’m one week into a 3 months kiwi adventure buying IP’s and I’ve chosen to go for the camper van option. I’m telling you, it’s far better than renting a car and staying at overnight accom. Far less to think about and always a good view to wake upto in the morning. Every 2-3 days you’ll need to stay at a camp ground to charge the battery and use the 240v power to charge your own appliances (laptop etc) but the rates for powered sites are $5-$20 depending on where you are. All up it’s working out cheaper for me than last time I came over and rented a car. The van I’m using is from Kea, they’re very cheap but still really good quality, I’m paying NZD$40/day, unlimited km’s and comes with everything you could possibly need.
Cheers, Leigh
P.S – Yes, pretty much all of the vans over the Lions Tour are booked, it took me a long time of ringing around to make my booking!
“In NZ buying properties, email me if you would like one and I’ll put you on my mailing list!”Hi Leigh,
You are only 1 week into your 3 months adventure. Give it some more time. I think in a few weeks time you will realise how boring it is living in a shoe box
Personally I think being confined in a campervan from morning to night will do my head in. At least with normal accomodation, you can socialise with others tourists and sleep a little more comfortably I think. Just my opinion.Ozi
Hi
I’m with OZI on the campervan idea. It would be a big strain for me to be confined in the van.
Re planning the trip. Definitely make appointments with everyone that you want to see.
Give agents specific criteria or you will be wasting your time being shown properties that are not for you.
It would probably be better for you to use the time to pick out some particular areas or streets that you want to buy property in.
Good Luck
Personally I think being confined in a campervan from morning to night will do my head in. At least with normal accomodation, you can socialise with others tourists and sleep a little more comfortably I think. Just my opinion.
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