We are going to NZ in August for 18 days, flying in and out of Auckland. We are going to rent a car and see both islands. I'd like to know how difficult it is to drop off the car in Christchurch or Queenstown and go to Auckland by another mean and I don't know what, of course. Can someone help me with this pleasae?<BR>How far is Auckland from Christchurch by car anyway? Thank you. <BR>

This is a common problem for many travelers. If you look at the time and expense of crossing between the North and South Islands with a car, you will probably be persuaded that it is worthwhile to buy round-trip airfare from Auckland to Christchurch, then rent cars in both those cities in order to do a loop tour of each island.<BR><BR>The distance between Auckland and Christchurch is 1,000 km, not counting the ferry crossing. This equates to at least 14 hours driving time, plus at least 4 hours to board and ride the ferry. Round-trip passenger fare on the ferry is about NZ $100, and the car will cost an additional NZ $350. <BR><BR>At a minimum, you should leave your North Island rental car in Wellington, then pick up a South Island rental car in Picton, after taking the ferry. Some rental car companies require you to do this, i.e. they do not permit their cars to cross between islands. Still, given that you have only 18 days, I would advocate for flying round-trip between Auckland and Christchurch.

adeleh,<BR><BR>i agree with the other poster. A one way rental can be costly plus time consuming. The ferries are expensive as well when taking a car across. <BR>Although, if you are set on driving some of the way, maybe rent a car in Auckland &amp; drive to Wellington. Catch a plane from Wellington to Christchurch, then rent another car there. Loop around the south island back to Christchurch &amp; catch a flight to Auckland. The reason I suggest Christchurch is because it seems to be the hub for the South Island flights.

We did a similar trip almost 2 years ago and spent 4 weeks driving both islands. We did have to leave our rental car at the ferry terminals before crossings and picked up another car on the other side, so we had 3 different vehicles for the trip as we started and ended in Auckland. Didn't find this to be much trouble as arrangements were made ahead of time and a vehicle was always waiting for us when required. I can't comment on any added expense as I don't recall. Overall it was a wonderful trip and we went from the tip of the North Island to the end of the South Island as we wanted to see as much as possible. I'm sure you will enjoy your trip.

Adeleh,<BR><BR>I agree with what the other posters have said. Look at the Qantas and Air New Zealand sites. Youwill fing that domestic fares booked well in advance are very cheap. Auckland/Christchurch return for about NZ$200. On way about $120.<BR><BR>David

Hi Adeleh~ I think the best option is to fly from Auckland to Christchurch after the Northern tour and Queenstown to Auckland after the Southern tour. It is the same price. Distances take much longer than you think because of the roads. I also think that 18 days is NOT enough time to see both islands entirely. You will spend too much time in the car. Try if you can to narrow or limit some things. For instance, The Bay of Islands is great, but the Coromundel is more beautiful and only two hours from Auckland and not touristy at all. Also, if you have been anywhere else and seen glaciers, like Alaska, there is no point to go to the ones in NZ. Spend the time more wisely in the Sounds. Not a big fan of Christchurch either, but Queenstown is great.