How To Get Aro u nd
written by Sara Carbery
Pick your mode of transport EXPLORING OUR PRIVATE PLAYGROUND
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re you old enough to remember that ad from tthe 1980s – ‘Don’t leave home until you’ve seen the country’? Well, that’s what many of us seem to be doing at the moment – getting out and about and exploring the country in droves. It’s as if Aotearoa has become, for a while, our private playground. You can of course walk or bike much of the country, thanks to Te Araroa (New Zealand’s Trail) and Ngā Haerenga (The New Zealand Cycle Trail), but most of us still opt to use motorised transport to get about.
Campervans are a popular mode of travel, especially since late May when Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) announced special deals on their Britz, Maui and Mighty campervans. Apollo also has some great specials to check out, including book seven days and get two free, and a 15 per cent off ‘On the Road Again’ offer.
hit the road to get the best deal going. If you’re travelling between the North and South Islands by road you will have the pleasure of crossing beautiful Cook Strait with either Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries or Interislander.
If you book and travel with Bluebridge by the end of September, grab one of their Saver Sail fares: $50 per adult, You shouldn’t have to pay $22 per child, $115 per car full price for car rental either, and $136 for a campervan with lots of specials or caravan up to 5.5m. on offer. Be sure If your booking to do your includes at least research Aotearoa one adult, one before you has become, child and a car, you’ll also get for a while, their family our private discount.
which runs from Picton to Christchurch, and the Northern Explorer which journeys through the heart of the North Island. If it’s more about the destination than the journey for you, flying is a great way to go. Keep an eye on the Air New Zealand and Jetstar websites for special offers and sign-up for alerts. As a rule of thumb, steer clear of school holidays, Fridays, Sundays and peak-commuter times if you want to secure the best deal.
playground.
Bluebridge also offers private cabins from as little as $30, which include an ensuite and linen. And if you’re heading south during the week, you could take advantage of Bluebridge’s sleeper service which allows you to check-in early and arrive rested in Picton around 6am. It’s a great option if you’ve done the trip before and are happy to skip the sightseeing, or you’ve got a long drive either side of the crossing. If you’re travelling across Cook Strait with Interislander, be sure to check out their Plus Lounge, which offers reserved comfortable seating, plus complimentary food and drink. They also offer discount fares for families, seniors and students and a range of package deals that make holidaying in the Marlborough Sounds a luxurious and stress-free holiday option. Interislander also connects two of KiwiRail’s scenic rail experiences – the Coastal Pacific,
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TOP FIVE TO-DOS 1. GREAT CAMPERVAN DEALS Take advantage of the amazing deals on campervans available at the moment. Big enough for the whole family! 2. RENTAL CAR SPECIALS Hunt around for the best deal on a rental car and hit the road to explore our great country. 3. SAIL THE STRAIT Cross the Cook Strait with either Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries or Interislander. 4. RAIL EXCURSIONS Check out KiwiRail’s scenic rail experiences and see Aotearoa’s sights via train. 5. TAKE TO THE AIR Get to your destination quick by flying with either Air New Zealand or JetStar.
