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New Zealand is a country that is made for people who enjoy the great outdoors. Their small population and huge expanses of nearly virgin wilderness makes it the perfect destination for a camping trip or a wilderness adventure. However, before you pact your camping equipment and get on the plane for the small country of New Zealand, there are many things you need to learn about.
First of all you need to understand what you can and cannot bring with you on the place. Many pieces of camping equipment, such as knives and tent stakes, are not going to be items that you can carry on to the plane. These items will need to be packed securely away and checked with your other luggage. It is important that you check with both your airline and New Zealand customs officials to see what items are allowed and which items are not allowed.
If you plan on renting a camper van, New Zealand officials may require that you purchase a temporary international driver’s license. You will need to check with the local New Zealand driver’s license bureau to see if you will be required to get one or if you can just use your U.S. issued driver’s license. If you plan on driving in New Zealand you will also want to read up on the driving laws for the country. You will want to pay close attention to speed limits and where you are allowed to drive to in a vehicle, especially in national parks and backcountry areas.
It’s true. My son was in New Zealand like 2 years ago planning to do some camping. He told me that the driving law in New Zealand is not so different than in EU.
I would have never thought it was so complicated to drive in NZ. My doctor just recently relocated there from the states, because her husband’s job transferred and she seems to love it. Do you think it’s harder for US citizens that now live in NZ to rent something like this?
No, it is easy to rent, but if you are going there for more than a month it is worth purchasing a vehicle. My daughter did that and it was a lifesaver. Why? Because most of the roads on the South Island are not paved and you don’t want to have to pay for dents and bumps. It is very reasonable to purchase a reliable vehicle at a car fair. A mechanic will check it out for you. You just need to listen carefully to what he says so you can read between the lines.