[peebles16]

So we are heading up to Wanganui soon to see some old friends and I (as ever) have a couple of questions :yes

We're flying into Wellington and need to hire a car at the airport - anyone got any recommendations or are they all much the same? Secondly think it's about 2.5 hour drive to Wanganui is that about right? Also anywhere good to stop on the way as am sure we will with the 2 kids!!

Thanks in advance :)
Karenx

[thezorbster]

We found Apex car rentals the best value when we hired about a year ago. You can choose a new or a slightly older car. We went for the older car but it was in excellent condition and only about a year old anyway and really reduced the cost of the rental. Their additional costs, eg to reduce the excess down to zero were also much cheaper than some other companies. Sorry can't help on any of the other stuff.

[Red Devil]

I can recommend Omega: www.omegarentalcars.com

We'll be using them for our 3 week 'recce' trip in April... they're reasonably priced and were very quick and helpful at replying to emails (questions and query's re. ferry crossing and child seat, etc.)

Sorry, can't help with your other questions... it's our first visit in April :)

Enjoy your trip :cheers

[Smiler]

So we are heading up to Wanganui soon to see some old friends and I (as ever) have a couple of questions

We're flying into Wellington and need to hire a car at the airport - anyone got any recommendations or are they all much the same? Secondly think it's about 2.5 hour drive to Wanganui is that about right? Also anywhere good to stop on the way as am sure we will with the 2 kids!!

Thanks in advance
Karenx

Hi Karen

We've used Apex before and found them very good. Reasonably cheap and the cars are decent enough. Check they are physically in the airport though, although they were nearby in Miramar.

2.5 hours is about right for the journey, unless it's a friday night. :no

As for stopping, not sure how old your kids are and it depends what you want to do...... There's the Lindale centre, just past Paraparam; a few specialist shops, cheese, gifts, wood turners, nz goods etc and a cafe wth a farmyard (the last time we were there the ducks had babies sooo cute!) http://www.lindale.co.nz It's easy to get to and well sign posted on SH1, literally has it's own exit.

Peka Peka beach is lovely if the kids legs need stretching and there's a nice little garden centre and cafe (Harrisons) as you turn off SH1.

There's Otaki outlet shopping 'village' http://www.wotzon.com/profilepage.html?comp_id=1002704
which is really more of a high street, an easy walk up and down looking in the shop windows, there's a really nice clothes shop there called Turikkan. Just before Otaki is the lovely Brown Sugar cafe, this has a quiet garden courtyard tucked away from the traffic and yummy food.

Up at Sanson there's a nice cafe under new management, was Woodlands Lodge but I'm not sure what it's called now. It's just before you turn off onto SH3, there's a couple of HUGE concrete kiwi's on your left. It's also home to the amazing maze, looks good for kids. http://www.maze.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=1&Itemid=2

There's lots of cafes on the way up (not all good) and Mc D's, Subway and a brill kebab house in Bulls if you need fast food, along with a couple of antique shops. Don't bother with the Mother Goose cafe, slow service and boring food.

After Bulls it's an easy scoot up into Wanganui, where there's loads to do! :laugh

If it's a clear day you'll see Mt Ruapehu on your left and Mt Taranaki infront of you, just after Turakina on SH1.
http://www.wanganui.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=86

HTH :D

[buzztalks]

It's always worth giving Warren a ring at Bargain Rentals. He'll look after you. Ask him for a 2 litre job though, for a longer journey such as yours.

04 4992492

[Lupin]

If it's a clear day you'll see Mt Ruapehu on your left and Mt Taranaki infront of you, just after Turakina on SH1.

You sure about that Smiler? ;)

[Smiler]

You sure about that Smiler? ;)

Please don't tell Mr S I got confuddled.... we'll get into the map reading argument :uhoh

Of course I meant to say on the RIGHT :D thanks Lupin!

[peebles16]

Cheers Smiler for this - knowing my kids (6 & 3) we'll probably stop at least 3 times :D

Karenx

[Smiler]

Cheers Smiler for this - knowing my kids (6 & 3) we'll probably stop at least 3 times :D

Karenx

Ah littlie's ........you'll be fine then, plenty of places to stretch their legs and feed and water them, except for the last bit after Bulls. Although there's a really nice gift shop on SH1 near Marton called Calico and Cushions......;)

I can give you a run down of all the public loos as well....:laugh :o

[peebles16]

Might have to take you up on that one :laugh :D

Cheers
Karenx