The North Island of New Zealand offers up some fantastic locations for exploring in your cheap hire car. The magnificent Bay of Islands is a must, along with the Kauri Coast and the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
Hamilton is a busy city, now famous for its use as a location in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The Bay of Plenty makes a fantastic beach destination - you can even check out the famous kiwi fruit production.
Rotorua is famous for its hot springs and geysers, still bubbling with volcanic activity. The area is also a major centre for Maori culture, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand.
Travelling south you can also visit Taranki with its cone volcano and amazing beaches, Ruapehu for its hot springs and rivers, and the enormous Lake Taupo for peaceful waterborne pursuits.
Wellington sits at the south end of the island with views over the water and acting as the capital of the country. Nearby you can visit the wine areas of Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa.
