The best way to discover New Zealand is by road and there are plenty of choices available. But somet

The best way to discover New Zealand is by road and there are plenty of choices available. But sometimes, the real beauty of this country can only be appreciated by air. By Karen Arnold on Jan 24, 2010 Login to post a comment
Road travel offers tourists the chance to explore the places that make New Zealand unique. However, with a population of just 4 million people and a land mass similar to that of Japan, New Zealand's roading network is not too sophisticated compared to many other developed delta airlines cheap fares nations.
Hiring a campervan to tour New Zealand delta airlines cheap fares is a popular option. It offers travellers a mode of transport and their accommodation all in one. Luxury motorhomes are totally self-contained and include sleeping berths, cooking facilities plus a toilet and shower.
At the budget end, there are vans which include limited cooking and sleeping facilities but it is generally illegal for people travelling this way to "freedom camp" - many regions delta airlines cheap fares prohibit people camping in public places where there is no access delta airlines cheap fares to toilet facilities.
Another great way to see New Zealand is to hire a rental car. A range of vehicle types for all budgets are easily available. Self-drive holidays are very popular given the excellent delta airlines cheap fares range of New Zealand accommodation available.
Many popular tourist destinations offer bus day trips to popular attractions delta airlines cheap fares which don't need to be booked in advance. There is also the option of exploring New Zealand by scheduled bus services - several operators offer backpacker travel too.
Train travel in New Zealand is limited in many places but there are some fabulous scenic train trips available. In particular, the Tranz Alpine Express and Taieri Gorge trip are highly recommended as unique ways to experience New Zealand's natural beauty.
Due to New Zealand's lack of decent delta airlines cheap fares roading, cycling in New Zealand - especially on main roads and highways delta airlines cheap fares - can be dangerous. The death of a German cyclist in January 2010 highlighted delta airlines cheap fares the difficulty many touring on bike experience. Be sure to research your cycle route thoroughly - get it right and it's a fantastic way to explore New Zealand.
There are many places in New Zealand delta airlines cheap fares that are best seen by air. Helicopter and fixed-wings flights are popular, for example, round Queenstown. Fiordland is another delta airlines cheap fares area where scenic flights are in demand.
Ferry travel is a necessity in New Zealand for those travelling between the islands by road. There are numerous ferry services (includes vehicles) across Cook Strait each day - it's the body of water that separates the North and South Islands. There is also a catamaran service to Stewart Island while numerous ferry services operate in areas where there are bays dotted with islands.
One of the best things you can do when planning your road travel is to research the route you intend to take. Travelling times in many areas can take longer than anticipated because of the terrain to be covered and the amount delta airlines cheap fares and types of traffic on the roads.
When travelling during the winter especially, keep an eye on the weather forecast and road conditions. If you intend to be in a high-country or alpine area be sure to carry chains. delta airlines cheap fares New Zealand does not apply salt to the roads and rain and snow can quickly turn to ice.
In some places, particularly the road to Milford Sound, delta airlines cheap fares in Fiordland, it is recommended tourists avoid driving and take a bus service instead – the scenery is captivating, the road challenging in the best of weather and in spring, avalanche danger is often high.