| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 48 |
| Copyright: Other |
FIT and ready for a self-drive
Brits prefer independent touring in New Zealand – so sell an itinerary
MORE than 70% of UK visitors to New Zealand are travelling independently, which makes the country a prime self-drive destination for the British market.Barry Eddington, regional manager Europe for the New Zealand Tourism Board in London, said the product is by far the most popular option for Britons and provides an easy way to combine the country’s North and South Islands.
“We have produced literature about the themed highways that include a choice of accommodation and activities available and they are useful for those on a self-drive package or for clients who want to rent a campervan.
“The idea also presents a marketing opportunity for the industry and we hope that more of these routes will be included in tour operators’ programmes.”
Examples in North Island include the Pacific Coast Highway, which takes in the Bay of Islands and the scenic Coromandel Peninsula; the Thermal Explorer, covering the area of Rotorua; and the Twinned Coast Discoverer, from Auckland through to Cape Reinga, which includes two very contrasting coastal drives.
Eddington added: “New Zealand is the perfect fully independent tour destination.
“It is easy to get around, there are no great traffic problems, and there is a multitude of activities available in all of the regions.
“Such diversity throughout the country is helping to increase the rate of repeat visits from the UK.
“After two or three weeks, travellers find they have only really scratched the surface and will go back and spend more in-depth quality time in New Zealand.”
Tradewinds is one of a number of UK operators that has seen a rapid increase in self-drive sales to New Zealand.
Contracts manager Robbie Orr said: “Interest in the country is growing all the time and our modular product is perfect for those wishing to travel by car or motorhome.
“Most visitors to New Zealand combine their trip with seeing family or friends, so self-drive is a substantial part of the market.
“With the outstanding quality of product, there is great potential to build it further.”
Orr said motorhome rental offers the most cost-effective way of seeing the country, with a vehicle sleeping up to four adults costing from £38 a day.
Combinations or alternatives include pre-planned self-drive tours of both islands, including accommodation en route and add-on stays in towns or areas of interest.
factfile
getting around
Driver’s licence: UK driving licences are acceptable in New Zealand.
Inter-island ferry services: it is essential to bookvehicle space on ferries for clients well in advanceduring the peak months of December-February.
Road block: there are no great traffic problems in New Zealand but clients may come across a few obstructions
product
north and south options
What it includes: car hire, accommodation, some meals, collision damage waiver, unlimited mileage, road maps and travel itinerary.
sample product
south island self-drives
offers a nine-day Panoramic South self-drive route from Christchurch that takes in Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier region, Queenstown, Te Anau – a gateway to Fiordland National Park – Dunedin and the Victorian town of Twizel.
What it includes: twin-shareaccommodation offered in either standard or first-class properties; Avis car withunlimited mileage and Motor Vehicle Insurance; self-drive kit including maps and driving instructions.
Rugged: Mackenzie Country in South Island provides breathtaking views