If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, you are probably looking to rent a car. Before you do, there are a few things to remember to ensure you don’t end up with a massive bill at the end of your holiday, and you rent the right car.
Understand Your Insurance
Before you start looking into car rental NZ, you first need to understand your insurance. One of the mistakes many tourists make, no matter where they are going, is not fully understanding what their insurance does and doesn’t cover.
This can be a massive mistake, as a simple ding or, even worse, an accident, can cost you far more than if you had the right insurance to begin with.
Fuel Policies
Another important thing to look into is the fuel policies of the rental company you are using. While you will be responsible for fueling the car while it is in your possession, some rental agencies add additional requirements.
The most common is that they require the car to be returned with a full tank of fuel, or at the very least, a tank filled to a certain level. It is best to not return the car with an empty or near-empty tank.
Car Inspections
Before you leave the lot, take the time to inspect the vehicle. While most companies are clearly not trying to scam you when it comes to claiming for damages, if something isn’t noticed, there is a chance you could be held accountable for the damages.
Because of this, it is best to inspect the car before you drive off, and take photos and notes of any existing damage. Additionally, do the same before returning the car, so that you have proof of the condition of the car when you return it.
Driving Distances
When planning your road trips, one thing to always keep in mind is that New Zealand may appear small, but the distances between cities are often far bigger than you think. A trip you think might take a few hours, can often be a half or full-day journey.
Stick to the Designated Roads
While it is always tempting to take a back road or a dirt track when exploring, this could be a big mistake. As mentioned, many parts of the country are fairly rural, and it is easy to get lost if you don’t stick to the main roads.
When combined with a potential loss of phone signal, and therefore no GPS, you could easily get lost or stuck for hours.
Refuel Whenever Possible
Another mistake many tourists make is underestimating how easy it is to reach a fuel station, especially when travelling in rural areas and more remote parts of the country. Therefore, it is best to refuel whenever possible rather than wait for the next station.
This is also important if you are going to more isolated areas, which could be hours away from the nearest city. A road trip will be instantly ruined if you run out of fuel and have to wait ages for help.
Speed Limits
Another important thing to remember is that New Zealand authorities take speed limits very seriously. While this is fairly standard around the world, many people still choose to push the limits, even going just slightly faster than the limit. In short, this can easily lead to a hefty fine that you definitely don’t want while on holiday.
Book Early During Peak Season
During the Summer, New Zealand explodes with tourists, and getting your hands on a rental car can be difficult, and if you do, the prices are typically far higher than normal. Because of this, it is best to book a car as early as possible.
Ferry Crossings
Travelling between the North and South Islands by ferry is done with a car. However, there are some things to remember before doing this. First off, check your insurance and make sure you are covered for any potential damage.
Secondly, be sure to check with the rental company. Some don’t allow their cars to be taken on the ferry due to liability, and you could face large fines from the rental company if you take the car on the ferry when they have made it clear you can’t.
Campervans Have Different Rules
Finally, if you are planning on renting a campervan and doing some camping while on your road trip, there are different rules. “Freedom camping” regulations vary from area to area and city to city, and once again, you could face a fine for breaking these regulations.
Instead, take the time to research where freedom camping is allowed, and plan your trips around these locations. Getting a fine is almost as bad as being told to move your vehicle at 2 am by a frustrated policeman.
In conclusion, these are a few of the most important tips to remember when renting a car in New Zealand. While nothing is too difficult to abide by, don’t forget any, as the last thing you want is to be presented with a big bill at the end of your unforgettable holiday.
