Driving in New Zealand

[BradEL]

A quick reccomendation for anyone travelling down the noth island, it is definitely worth the stop at the Hamilton classics museum, it is an awesome place to have a look around as they have some cool old cars and an amazing collection of memorabilia, and they also have a 50s themes diner so you can grab some very nice food there too. Info on its where abouts can be found here
http://www.classicsmuseum.co.nz

[GT0132]

Originally Posted by BradEL

A quick reccomendation for anyone travelling down the noth island, it is definitely worth the stop at the Hamilton classics museum, it is an awesome place to have a look around as they have some cool old cars and an amazing collection of memorabilia, and they also have a 50s themes diner so you can grab some very nice food there too. Info on its where abouts can be found here
http://www.classicsmuseum.co.nz

The Southward Car Museum at Paraparaumu (about 50kms north of Wellington) is worth a look too.

http://www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz/index.html

[ebxr8240]

First thing I noticed was the corners on country roads have way more camber..
Be careful of black ice on wet roads ..

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

First thing I noticed was the corners on country roads have way more camber..
Be careful of black ice on wet roads ..

The OP is travelling in February no chance of black ice

[Davehoos]

Last trip at easter and sept has plenty of soakage running on the roads and soft corners. rain fall much heigher than in this part of east coast OZ.

but worse was the road gang use of road grit or large 50mm rock at road works or slippery roads. normally replacing winter frost damage drainage. they put the rock down then break it up rather than crushing it first,

some trips down south I come across melted road surface. few blokes up north talking about it. media claimed global warming and UV light exposure-my road gang mates tell it is environmentally friendly emo.

[NX74205]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Any of the regular car companies should carry falcons for their large car segment. Problem is, most won't confirm the badge, just the size.

Meaning you could arrive and be given a Commodore or Aurion. Which is why they advertise "or similar" when you book.

Yeah I get that, but some companies have more Falcons in stock than others. I can almost forget about renting a Falcon in Perth, there are precious few of them when companies are now flogging Camry and i45 as the 'full size' option.

Originally Posted by EASYBOSS

Incorrect, the rule changed a year or two ago, left turning has right of way

Thank goodness for that. Last thing I want is to cause an accident while I'm there due to not knowing the road rules.

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Hertz is your best bet for getting a Falcon.

Thanks, I think I'll book with Hertz then.

[NeillNZ]

For the Auckland to Wellington trip I would recommend breaking it up if possible. It is an 8 hour trip without stopping for anything other than fuel and toilet breaks.

So yes you can comfortably do the 650km it in a day but if you would like to take in some scenery and enjoy some sit down food then stop overnight at Lake Taupo, go visit the Huka falls and Hells Gate. Hot pools in the morning at Tokaanu/Turangi before setting off to Wellington.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

Watch out for the sheep :-) Someone had to say it.

The sheep aren't a problem. It's the blokes standing behind them with velcro gloves that you have to watch out for...

My trip on the south island back in 2010: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11298742

[BradEL]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

The sheep aren't a problem. It's the blokes standing behind them with velcro gloves that you have to watch out for...

My trip on the south island back in 2010: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11298742

Haha its really not that bad, you could easily live in Auckland your whole life and not see a single sheep

[GT0132]

Originally Posted by BradEL

Haha its really not that bad, you could easily live in Auckland your whole life and not see a single sheep

Yeah it's a bit like the yanks thinking Kangaroos hop down Pitt St