With the New Zealand dollar hitting record highs against the Australian dollar, now is the perfect time for Kiwis to head across the Tasman and get to grips with the vast, weird and wonderful country to the west. Of course, we at Airport Rentals firmly believe that the best way to do that is with a hire car, so you can travel to the beat of your own drum, stop where you want and visit anything that takes your fancy. You can even change your itinerary at the drop of a hat. So pack up your favourite All Blacks jersey and get across the ditch while the dollar is strong!
From Auckland Airport you can fly direct to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Cairns. Here are just a few of the possibilities for your car hire holiday.
Go North
From Brisbane’s busy international airport, a land of sunshine awaits. Queensland is a massive state with plenty going for it, from the parched Outback to the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef to the theme parks of the Gold Coast.
Head up the coastline from Brisbane to see Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and a string of laid-back beach towns. Some favourite spots are the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and the ecologically significant Daintree Rainforest. The Reef is accessible from anywhere along the northern Queensland coast. Inland, vast cattle stations and friendly small towns await the intrepid explorer.
A car hire will get you set for Sydney
You will require a car just to get around Sydney itself! The city spreads far and wide, incorporating the harbour, Penrith, Manly and Bondi, while always offering plenty of things to do and see. Visit the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, shop in Darling Harbour, hit the beach on one of the many stretches of sand, take in a museum or set your own quirky agenda.
Outside of the city there is a road trip for anyone. Love cars? Make a pilgrimage to the track at Bathurst. Like nature? The city is surrounded by national parks, including the stunning Blue Mountains. If you brought your jandals in anticipation of some beach action, travel along the coastlines to the north or south - why not book a one-way rental and swim at every one between Sydney and Melbourne?
Tasmania travels, the open highway
Getting to Hobart will require a second, domestic flight, but it’s well worth it. Pick up a car hire at the airport and explore the city and amazing island of Tasmania. Hobart is a destination on the rise, with a fascinating history to uncover and a great brewing scene.
Beyond the city lies the wilderness that makes up the south-west corner of the state. You will find spectacular bush walks, diverse landscapes, interesting wildlife and plenty more. Access is via the Gordon River Road - a great drive. Over on the other side of the island is Freycinet National Park and the stunning Wineglass Bay, a picture-perfect curve of white sand. To the north lies the Tamar Valley wine region and a number of towns along the Bass Strait coast.
Be sure to check out Launceston too, which is one of Tasmania's major settlements.
Be sure to check out Launceston too, which is one of Tasmania's major settlements.
Wild West
To fly to Perth is a bit of an undertaking, but it is the gateway to a beautiful part of the country - Western Australia. This isolated state is all about vast spaces, spectacular nature, long beaches and incredible sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Sound like you? Take the long flight into Perth and pick up a car rental while the exchange rate is in your favour.
One of our favourite summer road trips from Perth is a drive south towards Albany, Esperance and the Rainbow Coast area. Highlights include Elephant Cove with its pachyderm-shaped rocks, the Valley of the Giants with a treetop pathway and Greens Pool in William Bay National Park. Alternatively, make tracks inland to experience the incredible Golden Outback of Western Australia.
Any part of Oz is within reach with such a strong Kiwi dollar - these are just some of our suggestions! Airport Rentals can find you a rental car in almost any airport or city across the country, so start planning today.
