New Zealand number 2 on CNN’s list of top destinations in 2011

It’s not that surprising that New Zealand made it to number 2 on the CNN list of places to be in 2011.

Apparently the team at CNN had a chat with three travel experts (Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet; Pauline Frommer, creator of Pauline Frommer’s guidebooks; and Martin Rapp, senior vice president of leisure sales at Altour) who, between them have decided that New Zealand is one of the top places to be in 2011 (second only to the big apple).

This may well be due to the 2011 Rugby World Cup which they say will add excitement to an already popular destination, however kiwified travellers and locals already  know that it’s the place to be because it’s just plain gorgeous.

The crew at Transfercar however, look forward to a great new year with all the hundreds more cars and campervans we hope the 2011 Rugby World Cup will bring to the industry.

Here’s CNN’s list of top 2011 destinations:

1. New York
2. New Zealand
3. Peruvian Amazon
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. Norway
6. Albania
7. Japan
8. Guatemala
9. Bulgaria

Driving Routes

arthurs-pass_l355_a4-arthurs-pass-driving-routeNew Zealand is a great country for driving. Traffic is generally light, roads are well-maintained and the passing scenery makes every kilometer worthwhile.

To make it easy to plan your motoring holiday, we’ve cataloged nearly every possible driving route in the country. You can plan your route based on how long you’ll be travelling and where you want to go.

Within each route you’ll see a detailed description of each leg of the journey, along with scenic highlights, local activities and accommodation. Maps, driving distances and travelling times are also included.

When you’ve finished planning, print a hard copy for quick reference while you’re on the road.

Check out the full article at 100% Pure New Zealand

New Zealand driving tips

If you’re planning on driving a  relocation car or campervan in New Zealand for the first time, these tips will assist you in understanding the rules and regulations of safe driving practices and help you have a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Not sure if you are allowed to drive?

Check out our article Driving in New Zealand

gravelrd

What’s the speed limit?

Speed limits are normally clearly posted by the road side.

New Zealand is blessed with gorgeous little winding roads as well as open stretches that go for miles. Every type of road in New Zealand has its good points and its bad.

If you’re driving in rural areas, watch out for gravel verges, especially on corners. Some isolated roads are unsealed and use gravel as the surface. In these cases, drive slowly. Check out for more at: www.fleetwraphq.com.

Continue reading New Zealand driving tips

What you need to know about New Zealand visa requirements

nz_visaIf your are intending to travel to New Zealand (and of course drive one of Transfercar’s fantastic free relocation vehicles), or in fact anywhere, the first thing you need to know is what the visa requirements are for that country.

To enter New Zealand you must have a passport valid for 3 months after the date of your intended departure.

You must also be carrying an onward/return ticket to a country you have permission to enter.

British Citizens and passport holders are entitled to enter New Zealand for up to 6 months and do not require a visa or visitor’s permit.

Citizens of Australia are also exempt from having to obtain visitor permits when holidaying in New Zealand.

Passport holders from the following countries do not need to apply for visitor visas or permits, and may visit New Zealand for up to 3 months:

Read the full article at Fourcorners.co.nz

Tourism NZ tells Aussies “what’s ours is yours”

aereoinsilouette“What’s ours is yours” is the latest advertising campaign currently running across the ditch in a bid to entice Australian holiday makers.

It is a joint campaign between Tourism New Zealand and Pacific Blue will see Australians offered discounted airfares and travel packages through television and print advertising.

Read the full story: TV3 News

Rugby World Cup Car Rental Fever

New Zealand Rental car companies have joined the multitude of Rugby World Cup hopefuls as the hype and anticipation of this global sporting event continues to rise.

With the RWC looming ever closer (9 September – 23 October 2011), rental car companies are pushing for customers to book cars and campervans early, touting the issue of lack of car availability due to the estimated 85,000 international visitors expected to arrive in New Zealand specifically for the event.

This is a good sign for Transfercar as many visitors are expected to travel around the country during this time with a number leaving their cars at major airport locations. These cars and campervans will need to be relocated back to their place of origin and we will be there ready to fulfill this need…..

For those interested, here’s the RWC schedule:

Auckland

09 September 2011 NZL – TGA
17 September 2011 AUS – IRE
24 September 2011 NZL – FRA
25 September 2011 FJI – SAM
01 October 2011 ENG – SCO
15 October 2011 WQ1 – WQ2
16 October 2011 WQ3 – WQ4
21 October 2011 LS1 – LS2
22 October 2011 WS1 – WS2

Christchurch

10 September 2011 ARG – ENG
11 September 2011 AUS – ITA
18 September 2011 ENG – EU1
25 September 2011 ARG – SCO
01 October 2011 AUS – EU2
08 October 2011 WPB –
09 October 2011 WPA – RUB