[ndheah]

We are going to be heading to New Zealand shortly, or so we hope, just need to come up with a little bit more money, and the good ole USA plans on giving us Americans about $1000.00 for the summer :-) (Yahoo)

My first question is about driving, I have a license in USA, my understanding is that I can drive in New Zealand with no problems.

Second question, do you recommend renting a vehicle, stick to the bus, or go the cab route when we visit?

Third, for our first visit where would you recommend we go? Wellington? Auckland, where? What do you think would be the most beneficial to us, to ensure that we get the most out of our vacation. I've picked up various (like 4) vacation books for New Zealand, and am doing a lot of research on my own, but would like your opinions as well.

:nice1

[IanW99]

We are going to be heading to New Zealand shortly, or so we hope, just need to come up with a little bit more money, and the good ole USA plans on giving us Americans about $1000.00 for the summer :-) (Yahoo)

My first question is about driving, I have a license in USA, my understanding is that I can drive in New Zealand with no problems.

Second question, do you recommend renting a vehicle, stick to the bus, or go the cab route when we visit?

Third, for our first visit where would you recommend we go? Wellington? Auckland, where? What do you think would be the most beneficial to us, to ensure that we get the most out of our vacation. I've picked up various (like 4) vacation books for New Zealand, and am doing a lot of research on my own, but would like your opinions as well.

:nice1

First question, yes you will be able to drive on your US license.

Second question, would definitely recommend renting a vehicle, there are some buses if you would prefer not to drive but definitely not recommend cabs (too expensive).

Third question, it would depend on what you want to see or get out of your visit really and what you are interested in. As jobs are more likely in Wellington and Auckland they would be worth visiting just so you can get a feel for them.

You could try doing a search on this forum for places to see as there have been many recommendations previously.

Ian

[BkyMonster]

Hi there.
I think you can get an international drivers license/permit from AAA. It should cost about $15?

Also, AirNZ is having a special on tickets bought before 28 feb on travel commencing April through May. :)

There are some good threads about where to rent a car. EZY rental comes to mind, but I don't have experience with any of them.
No recommendations on where to visit, but as Ian said, some discussions on that lately.

[vixxann]

you could also consider hiring a small campervan - you'll get car and accomodation together and freedom to go where ever you please! No booking in generally needed and plenty of excellent sites throughout NZ.

have a look at..
http://www.fetchcampervanhirenewzealand.co.nz/index.php
for some examples

:)

[JandM]

We hired a Spaceship when we were over there last year. Can recommend.

http://www.spaceships.tv/new-zealand-campervan-hire/

And if you go to the pictures page, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are ours, with M's comments.:)

[ndheah]

Thanks for everything, will definatly look at your links. Looks like we'll go through w/ the rental.

I think you can get an international drivers license/permit from AAA. It should cost about $15?
My understanding was that since I have a US driver license, I need not apply for any other permits?

[JandM]

Here's a bit from an NZ site specifically for US immigrants http://newzealandnow.info/us/?minisite=move which says plainly you're all right on your US licence for 12 months.

Will I need a car in New Zealand?
Many of our major cities have good public transportation systems that mean you do not have the necessity of a car to get around. Families find that having a car does allow them to easily travel the countryside, exploring the mountains, lakes and coastlines of New Zealand.

We drive on the right hand side of the road, which means American cars are generally not suitable - or allowed - on the road here. Ask if the cost of shipping a car to New Zealand is justified. Once you settle in New Zealand you will need to learn the rules of the road and consider getting a driver's license if you are a driver. (Note: You can legally drive here for up to 12 months on a US driver's license, or an international driving license.)

[ndheah]

Here's a bit from an NZ site specifically for US immigrants http://newzealandnow.info/us/?minisite=move which says plainly you're all right on your US licence for 12 months.

Thanks a million, that re-enforced my original thoughts.