Top 5 tourist attractions in Auckland
Posted: Saturday, 9 February 2013
These are my top 5 things to do in Auckland.
1) Sky Tower
This 328 Meter tower has an observation platform as well as for its telecommunications operations. This structure was constructed in 1994. Check out the view from the top.
2) Auckland Zoo
Check out the Auckland Zoo, located not far from the central business district in Auckland. Why not take yourselves and your family there. A day at the zoo is always an enjoyable one with the kids.
3) Auckland Harbour Bridge
The Auckland Harbour Bridge joins St Marys bay and Northcote. The bridge climb is a great thing to do in Auckland. The only bridge climb in the whole of New Zealand. Take the one and a half hour tour and if you are feeling really brave, check out the Bungy jumping!
4) Rainbows end
Check out New Zealand’s largest theme park, located in Auckland! The park is open every day of the year except Christmas day.
5) Waiheke Island
It may not be in Auckland itself, but if you have time to get yourself to Waiheke Island then it is worth the trip. Located about 18 kilometers from Auckland, just a 35 minute cruise away. There is much to do and not do here, including relaxing on beautiful beaches, checking out vineyards and olive groves.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Balloons over Waikato Festival
Posted: Sunday, 13 January 2013
Every April the Balloons over Waikato Festival brings 130,000 spectators and balloonists from not only within New Zealand but from around the world to the region. The festival is on the north island of New Zealand in Hamilton. The event runs over five days in April. The first day begins with the balloons flying out of the Innes common. Up to 30 balloons fly into the sky. There are other events during the five days including a festival with live music and a fireworks display.
Waikato is a farming region in the center of the dairy industry. The Waikato river flows right through the region and is the longest river in New Zealand. Hamilton is located on the edge of the river. The region of Waikato is known for its spectacular landscapes resulting in it becoming a film set for the Lord of the Rings movie series. Hire a car on your holiday and take yourself to the Shire in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The region also has many other attractions and activities including subterranean caverns located south of Hamilton.
Getting there
Rent a car from Auckland and in just over an hour you will reach the Hamilton and Waikato region.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
New Zealand Car Rental Tips – Choosing a Vehicle
Posted: Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Don’t just automatically book the cheapest rental car, the last thing you want to be doing is touring this great country stuffed into a little box with the whole family and all the gear.
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage and gear or with a group of people you are better hiring a large sedan, station wagon or a SUV as there will be heaps of room for both you and your luggage. These models tend to cost more than little hatch backs but having space is priceless.
If you are traveling to the snow you will probably want a 4 wheel drive vehicle with space in the back for the skis and snowboards or roof racks.
Remember, if you cannot drive a manual vehicle make sure you hire a car that is automatic.
Whether you are looking for an Auckland rental car or a hire car in Wellington Rent Me A Car can help you save by comparing all the large companies deals online in the one place.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Snowboarding in New Zealand
Posted: Tuesday, 25 September 2012
New Zealand is one of the best skiing/snowboarding destinations in the world with over 10 different resorts on offer and very competitive pricing there is no reason why you shouldn’t take your next now holiday to New Zealand.
New Zealand’s snow fields are snowboard friendly with many have large rail parks, terrain parks and half pipes. What more could you want?
New Zealand’s snow fields are located both in the North and South Islands, with a few conveniently located only a few hours from major cities such as Mt. Hutt which is a 1.5 hour drive from Canterbury and a large choice of fields are located a short drive from Queenstown.
If you are driving to the snow from Queenstown, book a cheap hire car in Queenstown with us before you leave
Written by: Jeremy Storer
New Zealand’s snow fields
Posted: Wednesday, 4 January 2012
New Zealand is home to some of the worlds best snow fields which is great if you happen to live in New Zealand or a few hours away in Australia. There are 5 different snow areas to choose from all with great snow and reasonable lift prices. These areas include
- Ruapehu
- Canterbury
- Mackenzie
- Wanaka
- Queenstown
There are hundreds of different runs to choose from ranging from beginner easy areas right up to the most extreme of areas. Also are many snow parks that feature rails, boxes and table top jumps for those skiers and snowboarders that like to push it a little harder than the rest.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Glenfield
Posted: Wednesday, 21 December 2011
The suburb of Glenfield is located on the north shore in metropolitan Auckland. It is located just minutes from the city centre and is north of the Waitemata Harbour. The population of Glenfield is 4554. Glenfield is an ideal location to stay whilst visiting Auckland due to its location minutes from the central city area as well as local shops, furniture stores, aquatic and sports centre. Previously this area has been known as a suburb of the working-class; however more recently the area has attracted more first home buyers and young families.
Whilst staying in Glenfield why not visit the Auckland Museum. This museum contains the earth’s largest Polynesian collection, packed with various artefacts and items related to Polynesian culture. One of the most impressive being a Maori Canoe which is 150 year old carved from a single Totara tree, measuring 30 metres long. Twice daily the museum also has Maori dance performances which are well worth a viewing. As well as the impressive collection of Polynesian culture the museum also has an exhibit of the natural history of New Zealand.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Gisborne New Zealand
Posted: Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Gisborne (Māori: Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa) is located on the eastern side of the New Zealand’s north island, on the north end of Poverty Bay. The city is known as the “City of Rivers” due to the fact that three rivers converge in the centre of the city. To get a wonderful view of the city, rent a car and head to the summit of Kaiti Hill which is located at the other end of the bay. The city also has the advantage of nearby white sand beaches as well as surf beaches.
Rent a car and head on a day trip to Tolaga Bay, a picturesque 45 minute drive out of Gisborne. Take the pacific coast highway and make sure to take note of the breathtaking coastal scenery on your way to the bay. Once you arrive, check out the longest wharf in New Zealand, measuring an impressive 660 metres. Also head to the Cooks Cove walkway which provides stunning views of the countryside. Find the natural rock archway known as Tupaea’s Cavern which connects Cooks Cove to the bay. This archway was where Captain Cook stayed to repair the ‘Endeavour’ for six days.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Holidaying in Dunedin
Posted: Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Dunedin (Maori: Otepoti) is located on the south island of New Zealand and is the major city in the Otago Region. Dunedin lies on the central-eastern coast of Otago, surrounding the head of Otago Harbour. The harbour and hills that surround Dunedin are the remnants of an extinct volcano.
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, rent a car and drive east to Matamata and visit Hobbiton, the village that was created for the blockbuster film. For a different underground experience, drive south to the Waitomo Caves (wai meaning water and tomo meaning hole into the ground in Maori) where the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glow worms will take your breath away. Above ground there are cafes and walks as well as horse treks and agricultural shows plus the beautiful Marokopa Falls and natural limestone Mangapohue bridge.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island
Posted: Monday, 31 October 2011
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand’s South Island. It is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. The dramatic landscape of high peaks, hanging valleys and clear water is gentle, quiet and stunningly beautiful. Rent a car and head out of town to the hills and trails for spectacular views.
Queenstown is known for being the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Skiing, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking, skateboarding, tramping and fly fishing are all strong promotional themes.Queenstown is a major centre for snow sports in New Zealand, with people from all over the country and many parts of the world traveling to ski at the four main mountain skifields (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone). Cross country skiing is also available.
Locally, Queenstown has a reputation as one of New Zealand’s wine and cuisine centres. Queenstown lies close to the centre of a small wine producing region, reputed to be the world’s southernmost. Pinot noir produced in this area fetches premium prices.
Queenstown and the surrounding area contains many locations used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy as well as the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Written by: Jeremy Storer
Hamilton New Zealand
Posted: Monday, 24 October 2011
Hamilton (Maori: Kirikiriroa) is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately 130 km south of Auckland. Waikato has lush pasture where the fertile soils and reliable rainfall have made this the centre of the dairy industry. It’s a place of proud history where the Maori Land Wars were fought. To hear about the Maori storeis, visit the many monuments and museums. Hamilton is full of spectacular parks, gardens and river walks. The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river and flows straight through the city. Take a river boat trip or go kayaking. Other activities which are high on the to-do-list in Hamilton include a hot air balloon ride, visit to Hamilton Zoo, Waikato museum, Hamilton gardens and shopping.
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, rent a car and drive east to Matamata and visit Hobbiton, the village that was created for the blockbuster film. For a different underground experience, drive south to the Waitomo Caves (wai meaning water and tomo meaning hole into the ground in Maori) where the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glow worms will take your breath away. Above ground there are cafes and walks as well as horse treks and agricultural shows plus the beautiful Marokopa Falls and natural limestone Mangapohue bridge.
Written by: Jeremy Storer