noel – Page 17 – Transfercar Blog

Eastland: An unforgettable coastal journey

We’ve recently introduced car relocations from Napier to Auckland, giving you 48 hours to explore the hauntingly beautiful East Coast of New Zealand. It is an area that is still very pristine and largely off-the-beaten track, and State Highway 35 is without a doubt one of the most beautiful roads in the country. The Eastland region is also the first region in the world to see the sunrise every day.

We highly recommend that you hop on a cheap bus ride or flight to Napier (search for the best jet card offers as Jetstar is offering flights at just $49 one-way from Auckland) and then drive a free rental car back to Auckland….

Day 1. Napier to Tolaga Bay (268 kms, 3h30)

Pick up your free rental car in the morning and start your drive going South! Yes, that’s the opposite of where you’re supposed to go, but Te Mata Peak is only a 25 minute drive South of Napier, and definitely not to be missed! The bare golden hills of the area are simply breathtaking.

Enjoy a tasty picnic or gourmet pizza in one of the beautiful vineyards nearby, before returning to Napier, and then start your drive towards Gisborne. The road is mostly inland to start with, passing beef and sheep stations, many maori settlements and peaceful villages, but it also passes through spectacular coastal scenery.

142-001

You can have a world class surf at Wainui Beach to break up the journey before continuing on to Whangara, which is the location of a great Kiwi film, Whale Rider.

Another half and hour or so and you will reach Tolaga Bay and its famous historic wharf. The turquoise waters and huge landscape provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. This is also the start of the Cooks cove walkway (2.5 hours) which provides spectacular views of Cooks cove and the hole in the cliff wall, but you may not have time for this.

Day 2. Tolaga Bay to Whakatane via the East Cape (320kms, 4 hours)

On your way to the East Cape, you will first go through Tokomaru Bay which is a stunning white sandy beach with rocky headlands at each end. The area is rich in culture and history. Follow the coastal road to Waima at the eastern end of the bay and you will find the photogenic old wharf, relics of the era when transport on the coast was all by sea.

Te Araroa is another 1h30hrs away. With its long pebble beach and slightly desolated feel, you really feel like you’ve reached the end of the world. In a way, it is…

From here the road follows the ocean, winding past rocky foreshore, driftwood strewn beaches, sandy and rocky bays, and spectacular cliff top ocean views. Don’t forget to also stop at the Pacific Coast Macadamia Farm for good coffee and macadamia products!

Raukokore Church makes an incredibily scenic stop on the way. This Anglican church is a landmark of the East Cape region, which stands isolated close to the shore of Papatea Bay. The church was named as one of the East Cape/Gisborne region’s “101 must-do” sites by AA.

Continue the road to Te Kaha, 70km before reaching Opotiki, which is a popular holiday village made recently famous by Taika Waititi’s film Boy. Another 100 kms and you will reach Opotiki – this cruisy little town feels like it hasn’t changed for decades. It has a great long beach that you can have all to yourself.

Day 3. Whakatane to Auckland (300 kms, 3h30)

Unless you have purchased one additional day, you need to return your relocation car this morning, so you won’t have much time to stop on the way…. Just get up early and enjoy an easy drive all the way to Auckland, and savour the memories of your spectacular trip!

All photos: Copyright by Pascal Languillon

Airbnb in Australia: best places to stay under $100

Getting a free rental car is great, but what about accommodation, you wonder? We’ve got you sorted. We partnered with Airbnb in order to enable you to book comfortable but cheap accommodation across Australia – and you’ll even get a $25 discount on your first Airbnb booking (read the conditions here). With thousands of listings in Australia, Airbnb has become the preferred platform for peer-to-peer accommodation rental. Here’s our selection of some of the best places to stay under $100/night. Cheaper than a hotel, and in most cases, much better!

Sydney:

Ideally located just 8 minutes’ walk from Sydney’s Central train and bus station, this recently renovated Victorian terrace is just one stop away from Town Hall (the centre of the city) and three stops from Circular Quay ferry terminal (the Opera House). From $84.

Melbourne

Fully stylized two-storey loft apartment in the more liveable part of Melbourne CBD. $100

Fantastic room in a beautiful Carlton North terrace house. Includes a private loft space with a TV and beanbags. Enjoy the use of the kitchen, lounge/dining area & outdoor courtyard. Close to bars, cafes, restaurants & public transport. Breakfast included!

Nice room in a beautiful heritage building is situated in the most accessible part of South Yarra with the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens at one end of the street. $85.

Brisbane

Located 5mins drive to the Sleeman Centre at Chandler and The Belmont Range. Private & self contained, with open plan living & kitchen areas, and french doors that lead to a beautiful sunny covered deck. $89

Comfortable studio tastefully decorated, own entrance, small kitchen, air con. Opens onto covered terrace surrounded by lush tropical garden. $85.

Adelaide

Modern townhouse with tranquil courtyard is ideal for relaxing and feeling at home. The ground floor double bedroom with comfortable queen size bed is private, overlooks an enclosed quiet courtyard. A second bedroom is also available.

Perth

A private room in a lovely house in Northbridge. Only a short walk from the Cultural Centre, CBD and train station. $89

Cairns

This stylish, modern, separate studio, attached to the main house, has its own entrance, deck & ensuite for total privacy. It has views of the garden and pool, is close to cafes, transport & the airport & there are bicycles and free Wi-Fi for guests .$62

Now you know what you need to do: book a free rental car and get a $25 discount to stay at one of those fabulous rooms.

Airbnb in New Zealand: best places to stay under $100

Getting a free rental car is great, but what about accommodation, you wonder? We’ve got you sorted. We partnered with Airbnb in order to enable you to book comfortable but cheap accommodation across New Zealand – and you’ll even get a $25 discount on your first Airbnb booking (read the conditions here). With thousands of listings in New Zealand, Airbnb has become the preferred platform for peer-to-peer accommodation rental. Here’s our selection of some of the best places to stay under $100/night. Cheaper than a hotel, and in most cases, much better!

Auckland

A very comfortable studio in the jungle! Set in a superb native bush setting in a quiet neighborhood only 15 minutes drive to the city center. Bonus: you will be meeting Pascal, Transfercar’s very own marketing manager, and will get first-hand tips on how to make the most of our great service. From $89.

Cozy & Comfy in Kingsland

Stay in a tastefully renovated historic 1910 villa located in the buzzing suburb of Kingsland in Auckland , with a wonderful lounge , stunning bathroom and gracious hosts. From $95.

Wellington

Lovely, quiet double room in sunny character house. Very close to the bars and cafes in Newtown, the town belt, bus stop and supermarket. 20 minute walk to town (10 minutes by bus) & close to airport. Continental breakfast provided . From $97.

Sunny Bayside Escape in Wellington

This bright private bedroom is perfect if you’re looking for style and comfort with your own luxury bathroom and access to a modern equipped kitchen. Watch the sunrise or sunset from the360° view of Evans Bay. From just $65/night.

Christchurch

A clean modern room from $57/night which includes pop-corn. The hosts have a baby but provide earplugs, lol.

Queenstown

Check out this nice queen room in an apartment that has nice views, for $99/night. Not bad for Queenstown.

Dunedin

Royal/British themed double room in a modern and quirky house from only $45/night!

Nelson

This cute one bedroom flat in the centre of Nelson is a short walk from everything you need. It’s warm, sunny, funky and bright. Just $100/night.

The historic Gables is located within 5 minutes walk of Motueka’s High Street and beach front. Upstairs bedroom with king size bed, your own bathroom and mountain views awaits. Breakfast provided with use of fridge kettle and toaster. $100/night.

Now you know what you need to do: book a free rental car and get a $25 discount to stay at one of those fabulous rooms.

Drive the Great Southern Touring Route

Grab a free rental car from Melbourne and drive the Great Southern Touring Route. Here’s what we reckon you should do:

Melbourne to Torquay
Drive past the distinctive humps of The You Yangs, a favourite with mountain bikers and rock climbers, and you’ll know your journey has begun. Make sure to bring a lock like this bike lock. In the pretty port of Geelong, you can set the seaside mood by wandering along the 100-plus painted bollards on the city’s shorefront. Just beyond the city centre is the turnoff for the Great Ocean Road and Torquay – a famed surfing town with the world’s largest surfing museum. A short drive away you can look for point break at the iconic surf spot of Bells Beach.

Torquay to Lorne
As you steer along the dramatic south-west coastline, you’ll find it hard to believe that returned First World War soldiers carved the Great Ocean Road out of the cliff with picks, shovels and crowbars. There’s a monument to their efforts just outside Lorne Victoria’s most cherished seaside playground. Here you can hit the surf, go fishing, sunbake on the golden sand or drink coffee at one of Victoria’s first cafes.

Lorne to Port Fairy
On the drive to Apollo Bay, you’ll see rugged cliffs drop dramatically to the ocean on one side and national park on the other. Explore the ancient rainforests, heathlands, glow worm caves and spectacular waterfalls of Great Otway National Park on a bushwalk or bike ride. Visit the 150-year-old Cape Otway Lighthouse and stop for a picnic at Paradise and Shelly Beaches. As you continue round the coast, you’ll spot the craggy limestone towers of the Twelve Apostles. Soak up the stunning views and get snap happy from two easy walkways. Continue along the stretch known as Shipwreck Coast for the wild seas that sent at least 700 ships crashing on the rocks.

Port Fairy to Halls Gap

The coastal part of your affair may be over, but don’t think for a moment the romance is. Detour to see the lava tubes at Byaduk Caves in Mount Napier State Park. These sandstone ranges stay in your sights as you drive into the tourist hub of Halls Gap, surrounded by the Wonderland and Mount William ranges. Stay here in accommodation ranging from 5-star villas to basic camping grounds and explore many of the Grampians’ major attractions.

Related: The best mountain bike under 200.

Halls Gap to Melbourne

Head north towards the goldfields and stop along the way at Stawell, where Australia’s most famous foot race is held each Easter. Learn about the history of the Chinese prospectors in the nearby gold rush town of Ararat. Then have your very own Eureka moment as you head into Ballarat, the heart of Victoria’s goldfields. Explore the elegant tree-lined streets and grand public buildings, the legacy of the 1850s goldmining boom. Relive it at Sovereign Hill, a living museum where you can pan for gold alongside volunteers in period costume. Then learn about the famous uprising of the Eureka stockade at the Mining Exchange. Say your goodbyes to the road trip of a lifetime as you head back to Melbournethrough the charming towns of Trentham and Blackwood. Apparently all good things have to come to an end.

Photos and Text from Tourism Australia.

The Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond…

Drive your free rental car south out of Sydney and through the Royal National Park to begin the cliff-hugging Grand Pacific Drive. Stop to swim, surf or picnic at Stanwell Tops, where you can also take in stunning coastal views from the cliff-tops. Drive over the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge, which spans 455 metres over the ocean, and into the scenic city of Wollongong.

The drive boasts many great eateries from a casual lunch of fish n’ chips on the harbour to fine dining or beer tasting overlooking the ocean. The NSW South Coast has a reputation for fresh seafood and Harbour House Crabs options with many restaurants stocking the daily catch. The southern section of the drive features many great wineries and local produce.

Stop for a coffee in Shellharbour on Lake Illawarra or in Kiama where the famous Blowhole shoots water up to 60 metres. Continue through the lush rolling hills to Gerringong and Gerroa, which sits perched on cliffs overlooking Seven Mile Beach.

Drive alongside it to Shoalhaven Heads, a popular spot for swimming, surfing and beach fishing, or head inland for a pub lunch in the pretty historic town of Berry. Do a short, scenic drive to the antique shops, galleries and green pasturelands of Kangaroo Valley.

Or curve towards the coast and stop at Coolangatta Estate for award-winning wines. Finish your first day in Nowra, which offers pretty antique shops and cafes and find a rustic pub to sleep the night.

(Text Tourism Australia)

The Future of Car Travel

”Driving a vehicle is too dangerous for humans and will be outlawed when autonomous cars are proven to be safer”, claims Elon Musk, billionaire founder of electric car company Tesla. Despite the hype about driverless vehicles, experts say that it would take 20 to 30 years before they could co-exist with existing vehicles in cities.

However it is predicted that technology will take over from drivers in simpler situations such as traffic jams and parking within the next five years. Yes, in 2020 your new car will know how to park itself!

The future of car travel is not just about security and convenience, it’s also about saving time. Going driverless will also give us the opportunity to do something else while on the road. Cars will become communal living rooms on wheels.

The concept design for the F 015 Luxury in Motion by Mercedes-Benz features a large interior space, finished in walnut, glass, leather and aluminium, along with four individual lounge chairs.

Selecting a manual mode would prompt a steering wheel to emerge from the dashboard, while the driver and passenger seats turn automatically to face the direction of travel. Sounds cool, uh? Patience, patience, it’s still a prototype.

French manufacturer Peugeot also has an exciting vision for the future. Peugeot Moovie, an environmentally friendly city car that looks very different from the norm… It’s made of foam, plastics, steel, polycarbonate and plexiglas amongst others… But it’s not operational yet, don’t get too excited!

But do you know what the real next step is? No roads at all! Yes you hear me, why drive when you can fly? A few companies are already working on the concept of flying cars and have came up with prototypes. Terrafugia is hoping to have flying cars within the next ten years! Check out their video here. We wouldn’t mind relocating this car!