New Zealand | Transfercar Blog

Black sand and burnt feet: Navigating the West Coast beaches of New Zealand

New Zealand is a country of contrasts. From the rolling hills of the North to the majestic, snow capped peaks of the South, it truly is a place of epic variations. Where the East is home to smooth waves and white sand, the West is united by jet black coastlines and turbulent waters loved by surfers worldwide. Both are as beautiful as the other, and can leave you breathless with wonder or lifeless if care is not taken.

Welcome to the Wild West…….. Continue reading Black sand and burnt feet: Navigating the West Coast beaches of New Zealand

Crossing the Cook Strait, New Zealand by ferry: Travel times, booking, prices & other interesting information

Travelling between the North and South Islands of New Zealand means crossing the Cook Strait. The only way to do this with a vehicle is by taking a ferry with either the Interislander or Bluebridge which both arrive and depart from Picton and Wellington.

The Cook Strait crossing (Raukawa Moana in Māori) is the connection between the Tasman Sea on the West, the South Pacific Ocean on the East and the North and South Islands of Aotearoa.

Considered one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular ferry crossings in the world, crossing the Cook Strait is a top to-do on many travellers bucket list. As with many stunning vistas though, the Cook Strait is also considered one of the most dangerous and unpredictable pieces of aquatic paradise around. Continue reading Crossing the Cook Strait, New Zealand by ferry: Travel times, booking, prices & other interesting information

The dos and don’ts of travelling abroad: Backpacking in New Zealand

So you’ve decided to travel to New Zealand for a backpacking experience of a lifetime? Great!

New Zealand really is the adventure capital of the world. It’s a popular place among backpackers and those with round the world tickets, as tourism in New Zealand really caters to the budget and backpacker minded.

NZ loves international travellers, so here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your trip:

Personal:

Smile! Kiwis are generally a friendly bunch and appreciate good manners and a great attitude.
Help support the locals: Buy local products.
Take a range of clothing. New Zealand is renowned for its temperature change and really can have four seasons in one day. Oh…and if you plan on visiting in summer, take sandals for the West Coast beaches (black sand will burn your feet), and loads of sun block!
Take an eco-bottle or reusable water bottle. The water is safe to drink so you can refill your bottle rather than adding to the overload of plastic in the environment.
Don’t litter! Take your rubbish with you or use the bins provided. Oh…and please recycle!
Look for non smoking signs. Many public places in New Zealand are now smoke free zones. Continue reading The dos and don’ts of travelling abroad: Backpacking in New Zealand

Kiwi Karma: Sleeping for Charity

Donating to charity is now as easy as having a good nights sleep in some of the best and affordable accommodation in New Zealand!

For each night’s accommodation you book, Kiwi Karma passes on a donation to a charity of your choice. There’s no extra cost to you. All you pay for is a good night’s sleep at some of New Zealand’s best hotels and motels.

So if you’ve managed to find yourself a great relocation deal in New Zealand and now need somewhere to sleep, why not check out Kiwi Karma and earn a few personal brownie points along the way 🙂

Transfercar.co.nz

Travel like a local: How social holiday booking websites could save AND make you money

By Tara Evans | This is Money

Want to save big on your holidays, or perhaps you are just fed up with the same old boring break ideas? A new breed of social travel websites could be for you.

They give you the chance to benefit from a local’s in-the-know tips and nab some great deals, such as a New York apartment for £65 a night

Tara Evans finds out how social travel could save you money on a holiday and how you could turn a profit from renting out your own room.

Reposted by Transfercar: New Zealand and Australia’s home of free rental cars

Southern Lakes Region: New Zealand’s little slice of heaven

The Southern Lakes is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in New Zealand. From soaring, snow capped mountains to a ruggedly wild coastline, golden hill country to crystal clear alpine lakes; even the most seasoned travellers would be hard pressed to ignore its exquisite beauty, with its little towns and townships, nestled in the south-west corner of the South Island. Continue reading Southern Lakes Region: New Zealand’s little slice of heaven