New Zealand Car Rental

If you’re visiting New Zealand a rental car is one of the best ways to get around. New Zealand is a small country but has the astounding geographic diversity of a major continent squeezed into its small size. For example, within 3- 4 hours drive of Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, are sub-tropical beaches, volcanic mountains with ski fields, boiling mud pools, ancient forests, unspoiled trout fishing rivers and world class golf courses.

Having a rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want.

Driving in New Zealand

For most overseas visitors driving in New Zealand is a breeze because, compared to what they are used to, there is surprisingly little traffic on the roads – especially in the South Island. Whilst New Zealand is about the size of UK its population is only 4 million – UK by comparison has over 60 million.

Another difference is the limited number of motorways and freeways. Roads are generally only 2-laned and frequently windy due to the ever changing landscape. In New Zealand we drive on the left, as in UK. If you’re from America or another country that drives on the right then you might feel apprehensive about having to drive on the “wrong side of the road”. Don’t be – it’s straight-forward and tens of thousands of foreign visitors happily do it every year.

New Zealanders typically show a little less consideration to other drivers than is seen in UK, Australian, and the US where more cars on the road force people to be more considerate. Having said that, don’t be put off – driving in New Zealand is nothing like the harrowing experience of driving in Italy or parts of Asia!

New Zealand Car Rental Firms

New Zealand car rental firms range from the familiar multi-national big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental firms is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they’re the most expensive and often have lots of hidden costs.

At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year’s latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you’ll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets.

What Sort of Driving Licenses are Required in New Zealand?

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver’s license from your home country, or an International Driving Permit.

Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25 and to have held a full license for at least 3 years. Some firms will rent vehicles to younger drivers. For example, A2B Car Rentals rents vehicles to drivers who are 20 or older and hold a full driver’s license. At the manager’s discretion, a holder of a license for less than three years is acceptable but may incur a higher insurance excess.

Make sure your overseas driver’s license is current. If your license is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an International Driving Permit.

In New Zealand it’s a legal requirement that all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their license or permit when driving. Naturally you will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.

What are New Zealand’s Road Rules?

Here’s a brief over-view. You can get more details the NZ Government Land Transport Authority website (www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/)

· In New Zealand, all vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road as in UK.

· When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right

· When the traffic light is red, you must stop

· Speed limits are strictly enforced by police using radar, speed cameras and un-marked patrol cars. Fines for speeding can be expensive

· The speed limit on the open road is 100 km/h (approx 60 mph)

· In built up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h. (approx 30 mph)

· Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

In Summary

If you’re planning to visit New Zealand a rental car is one of the best options, especially for independent travelers who want to experience everything New Zealand has to offer. A rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want to enjoy this wonderful country.

People go on a Fiji vacation for one main reason: to relax. There are thousands of things to do and places to see in Fiji, and trying to make reservations for your Fiji vacation and draw up schedules and travel all over trying to find the best places can become nothing short of exhausting. For those of us who want to truly relax while on a Fiji vacation, here are some tips, hints, and ideas that will ensure your relaxation to the fullest, so dont bother pulling out maps and charts and tour guides!
The absolute best thing to do to relax while enjoying the breathtaking sights on your Fiji vacation is to head towards the rainforests, more specifically, to the waterfalls. The rainforests of Fiji are unique, because there are no harmful insects or animals at these majestic places. So, along with leaving behind your maps and charts and planning gizmos, you can leave your bug spray behind, too. Enjoy completely serene relaxation without swatting and shooing and itching! Colorful birds, such as tiny wild parrots, flit from tree to tree, and the soft sound of the waterfalls will give any meditation technique a run for its money. One of the most famous waterfalls is the Bouma Falls on the island of Taveuni. It was this waterfall that was used in the film Return to the Blue Lagoon. Here there is a natural waterslide, and since Fiji has no harmful insects, crocodiles or leaches, the waters are crystal clear.
Stretching along the pristine beaches of Fijis main island is the Coral Coast, and is one of the largest coral reefs in the world. The beaches here are mesmerizing, and command that you pull up some sand and daydream the day away. There are many resorts along the Coral Coast that cater to tourists who are on a Fiji vacation, and the staffs are eager to please, friendly, and whole heartedly want you to refresh and relax with them. There is everything from shopping to dining to day spas in and around the first class resorts, and the day spas are extremely popular places to lay down and do nothing at all.
Finally, one of the most popular ways to take a break from your vacation, no matter where you are, is to take a cruise. By taking a cruise while on your Fiji vacation, you can not only take in the splendid sights of Fiji, but you can also have dining, entertainment, activities, and day spa services without having to take helicopters, buses, or cars. And, the best part of a cruise is that there is always an empty, comfy lounge chair in the middle of Paradise with your name on it.

Imagine heading off on your dream trip but then not being able to spend money on anything else because the Hotel room is SO expensive! It’s something we’ve all had to face, do I spend more on the hotel room and have less to spend on activities or do I spend less on the hotel room and stay somewhere undesirable? What if there was a way to spend less and still stay well? If you read on you’ll see some great tips that can save you money on your next trip!

Know What You Want

Before you can save money, you need to know what you want from a hotel room. Do you want to have a luxurious place to stretch out and relax, or a cheap, modest room to quickly change clothes before you head out to see the sights? It’s easy to narrow down what you’re looking for by thinking about what kinds of extra’s you need to have. Do you have to have a pool? Do you need internet or a restaurant at the hotel. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down the search so you can find cheap hotel rates.

Beware of Packages

Sometimes you can find cheap hotels by looking for packages that combine two services, such as hotel and your flight, or hotel and care hire. But sometimes, you’ll actually pay a lot more for the convenience of booking and paying for both the airfare and hotel in the same location.

At one package booking agent, you might be persuaded to book a flight from Sydney to the Big Apple (New York City, USA), and a seven night hotel stay at the Pennsylvania (near the Empire State Building), priced at $5,480. However, if you went to Qantas Airlines (Quantas.au.com) and the Hotel Pennsylvania (www.hotelpenn.com) and booked your flight and room separately, you’d pay $4,770. This isn’t always the case, of course, but sometimes packages aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Make sure you check the rates, or you’ll think you’re getting a good deal while the booking site laughs all the way to the bank. The very same hotel stay can be the same price or even more expensive through a “discount” agency than if you booked through the hotel directly.

The moral of the story? Do your research! Make sure you know how much a night at a hotel is alone and then compare with your package rate to ensure you’re getting the savings you deserve.

Good Package Deals

Not all package deals are bad, as long as you know what you’re looking for. For example, your car rental agency may offer a free night at a participating hotel. The deal may be a third night free after a two-night stay, but if you’re planning on staying several days anyway, it’s a good deal.

Online Bookings to the Rescue

Some sites are just worth their weight in gold when trying to book cheap hotel rooms, and here are two that are priceless.

Wotif: (www.Wotif.com) This is a great online site to visit to get cheap hotel rates in Australia and abroad. You can book your cheap hotel room last minute or up to twenty-eight days in advance. Whether your holiday is in Australia, Scotland or Fiji, Wotif can help you book discount hotel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or apartments in thirty-five countries.

One great feature is that you can enter your travel information and compare hotels, apartments, and bed and breakfasts side by side. If you don’t have set travel plans, you can see which dates are cheaper and book accordingly. You can also advance your search by entering in different amenities you’d like, such as pool or a kitchenette.

A sampling of hotels around the world showed that indeed, Wotif provides cheap rates. Want to visit Walt Disney World? The Raddison Resort Orlando, FLA USA is a stone’s throw from this world-renowned family destination. For $100 a night ($185 a night full rate) you get a gorgeous room with two double beds, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, exercise facility and a restaurant on site. The best partkids stay and eat for free as long as they are accompanied by one paying parent.

Want to stay in a Scottish castle for your holiday? The four-star Dalhousie House Castle and Spa in Edinburgh, Scotland offers a luxurious holiday experience that will make you feel like royalty. Standard castle room: $302 ($500 full price) and includes a double occupancy room in this 13th century fortress. For a little more ($350) you could stay in a themed castle room. They both will have their own comforts and bath.

Or perhaps you’d rather experience a decadent South Pacific holiday on Fiji. For $300 ($350 full rate) a night you can stay in the four-star Sonaisali Island Resort. Enjoy a restful holiday on a small island across the lagoon from mainland Fiji, with a health spa, tennis courts and a child minding program that includes sandcastle building. Children stay free of charge.

Smarter Travel: (www.Smartertravel.com) This is an awesome site to review if you want hotel, flight and car hire information. They have a page with links to assorted deals, such as booking a night at the Hilton in NYC and receiving free breakfast or free parking. If you’ve ever tried to park in Manhattan, you’ll realize what a bargain this is!

Plus you can’t beat the advice. In the Hotel section, the editor posts his/her favorite deal links which takes you to a detailed page that outlines the fine print (like having to stay for three nights, one being a weekend night). There are also sponsor deals to choose from.

The great thing about this site is that they aren’t doing the bookingthey link you to the hotel or sponsor in charge of the deal they advertise.

Check with Your Credit Card

This may sound silly, but checking with your credit card could result in cheap hotel rates. Sometimes the major credit card companies will link up with a hotel chain to promote travel and business in a specific area, giving discounts if the consumer uses their credit card.

For example, the Hilton Latin America and Visa have teamed up to give travelers a discounted rate on a stay at the Hilton hotels across Latin America if using a Visa card to pay. You’ll also get a continental breakfast and a generous credit toward food and beverage. Of course, there are conditions and limitations, such as a three-night stay, but if you’re traveling to somewhere as gorgeous as Buenos Aries, you’re going to want to stay for a long holiday.

Check Directly with the Hotel or Hotel Chain

Sometimes you can get a great deal by calling the hotel directly and asking about cheap hotel rooms. If you’re calling a chain, such as the Hilton, call the hotel in the town you’re staying in, as calling the main line will often get you an operator that’s located somewhere else. He/she may not know of the deals that particular hotel branch has to offer.

You can also check online for deals. You’ll find that a lot of different hotel chains will actually be able to beat the discount travel websites on a nightly price if you book direct with them.

In Conclusion

A holiday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg in hotel fares alone. By doing some research, comparing rates and contacting companies you wouldn’t typically think of, you can definitely find a cheap hotel room. Then you can sit back and relax on that well-deserved holiday trip, knowing you didn’t have to pay top dollar.

Apart from experiencing great shopping, great food and exciting entertainment in Australia, a tourist will be lured by the unique Australian attractions. Not many people know about the mind blowing attractions that Australia boasts apart from popular tourist attractions such as Sydney, Melbourne. Some of the most desired Australia tourist attractions include Fraser Island, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Great Barrier Reef, Scenic World, Kakadu National Park, Sydney Opera House, Port Arthur, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Amp Tower Centrepoint, National Gallery of Australia, Gold Coast, Ocean Road etc.

Great Barrier Reef :

One of the most visited tourist spots in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef which is also considered as the most well protected marine site in the whole world. The Reef is positioned close to the northern coast of Queensland and stretches for 2000 kilometers. The Great Barrier Reef with its awe inspiring coral beach islands offers a heavenly experience to the nature lovers. Divers and romantics consider the vibrant and colorful underwater reef to be a great treat for eyes.

Sydney Opera House:

Constructed by the famous Danish architect John Utzon in the twentieth century, Sydney Opera House is another world famous tourist attraction drawing a number of tourists from across the world. UNESCO has inscribed the Sydney Opera House as the World Heritage Building on the June 28 of 2007. People from across the world flock at Australia with the main purpose of catching a glimpse of this artistic monument which is also an Australian icon.

Uluru:

Visiting Uluru, Australia’s famous and iconic rock monolith is an unique experience. It is better known as Ayers Rock and the best thing about this rock is that it changes its colors as the day passes by. Uluru which is 348 meters high, 3.6 kilometers long and 1.9 kilometers wide is the second largest rock in the Universe.

Sydney Harbor Bridge:

Another reason to visit Australia is to take a peek at the world famous structure of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. This Bridge was opened in the year 1932 and since then it continues to be one of the prime attractions of Australia apart from being the connecting factor of the central business district of Sydney and the North shore of the harbor.

Gold Coast:

The most popular Australian tourist destination is the Gold Coast in Queensland. Gold Coast is one of the major reasons what makes Australia a dream tourist destination. Golden beaches under the soothing sun makes it a paradise for honeymooners. The 30 plus kilometers long stretch of golden beach is what attracts the foreign tourists to spend their dream vacation here in Australia.

Ocean Road:

The famous Ocean Road is the famous coastal route leading to the Twelve Apostles of Australia and it continues to be one of the major attractions in Australia. The Great Ocean Road was built in memory of the slain soldiers of World War I. This historic road leads a traveler to the famous Philip Island where one can catch a glimpse of the penguins.

Sydney Opera House:

Constructed by the famous Danish architect John Utzon in the twentieth century, Sydney Opera House is another world famous tourist attraction drawing a number of tourists from across the world. UNESCO has inscribed the Sydney Opera House as the World Heritage Building on the June 28 of 2007. People from across the world flock at Australia with the main purpose of catching a glimpse of this artistic monument which is also an Australian icon.

Uluru:

Visiting Uluru, Australia’s famous and iconic rock monolith is an unique experience. It is better known as Ayers Rock and the best thing about this rock is that it changes its colors as the day passes by. Uluru which is 348 meters high, 3.6 kilometers long and 1.9 kilometers wide is the second largest rock in the Universe.

Sydney Harbor Bridge:

Another reason to visit Australia is to take a peek at the world famous structure of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. This Bridge was opened in the year 1932 and since then it continues to be one of the prime attractions of Australia apart from being the connecting factor of the central business district of Sydney and the North shore of the harbor.

Gold Coast:

The most popular Australian tourist destination is the Gold Coast in Queensland. Gold Coast is one of the major reasons what makes Australia a dream tourist destination. Golden beaches under the soothing sun makes it a paradise for honeymooners. The 30 plus kilometers long stretch of golden beach is what attracts the foreign tourists to spend their dream vacation here in Australia.

Ocean Road:

The famous Ocean Road is the famous coastal route leading to the Twelve Apostles of Australia and it continues to be one of the major attractions in Australia. The Great Ocean Road was built in memory of the slain soldiers of World War I. This historic road leads a traveler to the famous Philip Island where one can catch a glimpse of the penguins.

Why not take a Fiji Vacation Package to Navini Island, it would be an excellent choice for a Fiji honeymoon, and you would have little difficulty putting together a Fiji honeymoon package with any well known travel agent. Many people take a Fiji vacation every year, but the trick is to get the right degree of exclusivity and relaxation, and Navini has all of that.

Navini is one of the smallest island resorts close to Nadi, on that side of Viti Levu, and it is a private resort, where you can expect a casual and thoroughly relaxed time. The closeness to the international airport makes it an obvious choice for the first few days of relaxation after stepping off a long haul flight from say Europe, before beginning a sweep of the South Pacific.

You will be met by Navini Island Resort staff at the airport and within an hour you will be at Navini, and even swimming off the beach. There are no crowds because there are no trippers on this Fiji Vacation Package.

The island is small, you can wander round it in 10 minutes, because Navini is a coral cay and is only ever a few feet above the sea. It isn’t just coral, although of course the beautiful coral sand and the turquoise ocean are an outstanding feature. There are coconut palms, and lots of shade, and masses of tropical flowers.

Navini has only 12 bures including a honeymoon bure, all on the beach and overlooking the coral reef, which makes it the perfect start to your Fiji honeymoon. There are 36 island staff which outnumbers the guests so you will get to know the smiling Fijian staff and appreciate their infectious enthusiasm and laughter, and also appreciate their culture and generous hospitality which is unequalled anywhere.

At Navini Island your time is your own. It may be you decide to go snorkelling on the bright multicoloured reef, visit a local village on a complimentary morning outing, kayak around the island, visit Nadi town on a shopping trip, or perhaps just lie in the shade enjoying the amazing views.

There are other activities but if this is your Fiji Honeymoon, or a Fiji vacation Package to escape the stresses of 21st Century life you may want to do nothing at all. You could of course sail a hobycat, a sailboard, a spyboard or a sea cycle. All these activities cost you nothing. If you feel energetic there is the afternoon volleyball game, or you could read a book from the resort library or perhaps even a massage.

You can of course go scuba diving, para sailing or sports fishing, for which there is a fee albeit a modest one.

As you will realise Navini Island gives you a very laid back exclusive Fiji vacation package and could be a most delightful choice for your Fiji honeymoon.

Apart from accommodation, which is very comfortable if slightly Spartan, food and drink feature highly on any vacation package, and you will not be disappointed.

Navini’s dining room is open air beautifully situated between the tropical gardens and the turquoise sea. The food is a mix between traditional Fijian and innovative cuisine. There are choices at all times, and always beautiful fresh fish and local fruit, everything cooked in the kitchen.

Once a week there is a traditional Fijian night with a ‘lovo’ which is food cooked underground, and then a kava ceremony with Fijian singing by the staff.

You will go to Navini island for your Fijian Vacation Package or that once in a lifetime Fijian Honeymoon, and arrive as a guest and leave feeling you have made many friends.

For more information about Pacific Ocean Hideaways click on http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Pacific-Ocean-Hideways/