South Island New Zealand is the perfect region to explore in a rental car. The terrain, wilderness and natural surroundings are simply perfect for tourists to get a taste of true NZ life. Rent a car from Hertz and get started on your New Zealand exploration!
Fly into NZ and pick up your rental car at Christchurch Airport and head out to explore the city. There are various destinations sprinkled throughout the city, providing much entertainment and excitement for tourists. From museums to galleries to shopping districts, rest assured that a meander through Christchurch in your rental car will allow you to discover all the sights and sounds on your own time schedule and budget. That way, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Those big on nature can take their rental car out from Christchurch and head down Highway 1, 79, and finally 8 to Tekapo. You’ll reach the quaint town of Tekapo, perched on the southern tip of its namesake lake. Hailed as one of the best places to star gaze in the Southern Hemisphere, Tekapo is the first international Dark Sky Reserve in the region, and checking the schedule for the new moon will allow visitors the opportunity to gape at the Milky Way in all its splendor. Visitors can also drive their rental car to New Zealand’s South Island Mount John Observatory a short distance away from Tekapo village to get a vantage point of the starry sky.
If you’re visiting the region round mid November, don’t forget to check out the Lupin flowers. A once a year only event, this phenomenon will require you to take your rental car along the shoreline of New Zealand’s Lake Tekapo, where you’ll find the entire roadside and fields turned into a sea of pink and purple. Literally a fairy tale meadow, this otherworldly scene is not to be missed.
Take advantage of your rental car and explore South Island’s national parks. Head over to Mount Cook National Park, which should be a highlight of your trip. The route hugs the shoreline of the crystalline Lake Pukaki and has been hailed as one of the most beautiful drives in the South. Best appreciated by cruising along the lakeside, hop into your rental car and cruise along this scenic part of New Zealand.
Queenstown is not to be missed on this trip by rental car through New Zealand’s South Island. Also known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown offers bungee jumps and skydiving like no other. Tourists can also take their rental car on a leisure drive around Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, to enjoy the pristine surrounding scenery around them. Drive up to the old Glenorchy wharf in your rental car for some of the most awesome views of Queenstown. Take Paradise Road to get to this placethere, and don’t get too distracted by the amazing Queenstown views you’ll get from your rental car!
South Island New Zealand is teeming with wonderful natural beauty and vibrant city life. An eclectic mix, it’s no wonder that this region of New Zealand is so popular among tourists and will make the perfect vacation destination.
