Travel @nz | Transfercar Blog

Travelling Safely in New Zealand in Times of Covid-19

As the global COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, countries are doing their best to keep their people safe. Although travelling is quite difficult right now and many regions are off limits, exploring your own country and enjoying its beauties is still possible, provided you take all the necessary precautions.

New Zealand is still at Alert Level 1, which means there are a lot of regulations everyone must abide by in order to protect themselves and others from the virus and its spreading. The rules are as follows:

Face coverings legally must be worn on all public transport to, from and through Auckland, on domestic flights throughout New Zealand and by Auckland taxi and ride-share drivers.
Border control remains for travellers entering New Zealand which include health screening and testing for all arrivals, and mandatory 14 day isolation or quarantine.
Staying at home if you’re sick is advised and especially important at Alert Level 1 in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 being spread in the community.
At Alert Level 1 COVID-19 is contained, but it’s still important to keep a safe distance from strangers as it helps minimize the spread of COVID-19 if community transmission returns.

Leaving your home

At Alert Level 1, you’re allowed to leave your home, have freedom of movement and get together with as many people as you want. However, you will be encouraged to use a face mask in public transport and in situations where you cannot maintain physical distance from others, for instance in shopping malls and supermarkets.

It’s important to emphasize that it’s still necessary to play it safe and alert in case the virus re-enters the communities in New Zealand. So, everyone is encouraged to maintain their hygiene at high level, stay at home if there are any symptoms of illness and get tested, as well as keep track of your movements and contacts.

If you’re planning to travel, it’s imperative you take all precautions and have a good plan in advance. Your packing list will differ as now you’ll need to pack face masks, hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes and additional food, snacks and drinks in case you need to prolong your travel due to restrictions, or you don’t feel comfortable shopping in crowded supermarkets.

One way to maintain safe distance from others and avoid public transfer is to travel with a free transfer carthat’s a very convenient way to take you to your desired destination without having to share transport with anyone else or depend on someone’s itinerary.

Local travel

At Alert Level 1, people are allowed to travel but they are advised to do it in a safe way. All public transport operators are obligated to display QR posters that help commuters keep track of where they’ve been and it’s recommended for everyone to use the NZ COVID Tracer for this purpose or any other convenient method.

As mentioned previously, when travelling around New Zealand at Alert Level 1, a face mask must be worn on all public transport, domestic flights, in taxis and shared rides. In the latter, the drivers are obligated but passengers aren’t – however, it’s strongly recommended they do it as well. The only exemption is private flights.

Regional travel

With the current situation being at Alert Level 1, you are allowed to travel to any other region in New Zealand that is at Alert Level 1 or 2, but make sure you get well informed about the situation and regulations in advance and organized accordingly.

It’s a smart move to keep track of where you’ve been and that can easily be done with the NZ COVID Tracer app – it will keep track of all locations you visit during your trip, as people often can’t recall all the places they’ve visited.

If you’re planning to travel to more remote areas, you should check with local tourist authorities for guidelines before setting out. It’s recommended you register your details with a visitor information centre, upload the scans of your documents and itinerary to your email account and possibly leave details with family or friends as well. Also, bear in mind that the weather conditions can quickly change and become treacherous in some areas so get informed about regional weather forecasts.

At Alert Level 1, all regions will have the same regulations regarding wearing face masks in all forms of public transport and you’ll be expected to maintain your hygiene and keep distance from others. Even if there’s no legal requirement, travellers are encouraged to wear face coverings on public transport and be mindful of their behaviour.

In case you are sick and have developed symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay at home and cancel your travel plans. If this happens during your trip and you’re away from your home, contact the Health Line, your GP or Nurse Practitioner to find out what you should do and if you should get a test.

If you’re advised to get tested, don’t wait until you get home but rather do it from wherever you are in the country at that moment. There’s no doubt that travelling is not easy right now, but hopefully, you will be able to get organized using the tips listed and travel safely in New Zealand even at the times of pandemic.

7 Breath-Taking Mountains in New Zealand Every Adventurer Must Discover

New Zealand is one of the most mountainous countries in the world if we compare its area with the number of mountains. A country that is a bit larger than the UK has more than twenty peaks higher than 3,000m. Such a variety of mountainous regions and high peaks make New Zealand an exciting spot for various adventures and adrenaline addicts. So, it’s time to rent a free campervan and organize a climbing trip around New Zealand. The mountains in this article are either the most popular or most suitable ones for climbers, skiers and other avid travellers.

Mount Tasman

Part of the NZ Southern Alps, with an altitude of 3,497m, Mount Tasman is one of the most impressive mountains in New Zealand. Because of its height (the second largest peak in NZ), terrain, and structure, it’s one of the most demanding areas for mountaineers, as well. As such, it’s recommended mostly to experienced climbers with a lot of conquered mountain summits behind them. Since it might take some time to climb the top, do your homework before visiting this mountain and learn more about available accommodation huts on Mount Tasman.

The Remarkables

A visually attractive mountain close to Queenstown, The Remarkables mountain range has mild slopes and a moderate ascend. That’s why it’s one of the most popular ski destinations in New Zealand. Situated in the background of Lake Wakatipu, it forms a perfect natural unit with the lake. If you’re planning to go skiing on this mountain, don’t miss the opportunity to go for a hike around the lake. On the other hand, if you’re more into climbing, try to climb the highest peak of The Remarkables – Double Cone, which is 2,319 meters high.

Mount Cook

The highest mountain in New Zealand and the top peak of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook offers a unique climbing experience. Since it’s often cited as the most hazardous climbing area in New Zealand, you shouldn’t go climbing there unless you’re a versatile mountaineer. If you decide to take the plunge and test your climbing skills here, prepare for three different mountain summits: The High Peak, the Middle Peak and the Low Peak.

Mount Maunganui

A bit different from its predecessors in this guide, Mount Maunganui is only called a mountain. With the altitude of 232 meters, if’s more of a hill than a full-scale mountain. Nevertheless, Mount Maunganui is one of the most popular elevated areas in New Zealand. Situated by the Pacific Ocean, on the outskirts of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui is now a dead volcano that attracts thousands of tourists every year. At the foot of this hill, you can swim in the azure ocean or spend vacations at a local resort, only to climb to the top and take some breath-taking photos with the endless water behind you.

Mount Taranaki

Situated in the westernmost part of the North Island, Mount Taranaki is a 2,518 high mountain. Its moderate height and the cone-shaped summit make this mountain accessible for average climbers, as well. Still, you need a lot of climbing skills and experience to get to the top of this mountain.
On your way to the top, drop by to Egmont National Park, where you can go hiking along marvellous mountain trails or hunting.

Mount Ruapehu

Placed in the heart of the North Island, Mount Ruapehu has an altitude of 2,797 meters. The most interesting characteristic of this mountain is that it’s still an active volcano. So, you can go mountaineering, hiking or skiing on a mountain that’s a living volcano. What’s more, there’s a massive crater on Mount Ruapehu. There are ski runs on the south side (Turoa) and the north side (Whakapapa). These two skiing slopes form one of the largest ski areas in New Zealand.

Mount Ngauruhoe

Only 25 km away from Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe is also an active volcano. The entire mountain consists of layers of lava and volcanic rocks. Rising to 2,291 meters, this mountain represents an interesting climbing challenge. Even though not as demanding as Mount Cook or Mount Tasman, Mount Ngaurahoe is not a cakewalk, so approach this mountain with proper climbing concentration. Also, think about finding a free transfer car to visit Ngauruhoe and other North Island mountains during a single mountaineering trip around New Zealand.
These mountains, peaks and glaciers are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of New Zealand climbing experiences. After you visit some or all these places, feel free to explore more on your own and check out other interesting regions in this incredible country.

South Island: 5-Day Itinerary

When it comes to exploring the magical spots of New Zealand’s South Island, there are some amazing places to see on your adventure. If you don’t have tons of time but want to see a lot of beautiful places at a relaxed pace, then getting a car rental for freefor a 5-day itinerary that focuses on the island’s incredible scenery will really be up your street.

Day 1 – Lake Tekapo and Lindis Pass

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and say goodbye to the city for a short while, journeying southwest towards Lake Tekapo which is renowned for its beauty and stargazing opportunities. The water has a specific opaque turquoise colour, which is a natural phenomenon caused by tiny pieces of ground rock from the glacier floating close to the surface. Also, the largest designated dark sky reservein the world is located here and should not be missed.

On your way through to Lindis Pass, you’ll encounter a pretty town recognisable for its gigantic merino sheep statue, before being surrounded by a sea of golden hill-top forests and snow-capped peaks.

Day 2 – Wanaka and Haast Pass

Extraordinary night skies and picture perfect autumn scenery await you in Wanaka. If you feel like a bite to eat, it’s recommended to take a small excursion south through the valley where you’ll discover the very quaint and historic Cardrona Hotel (one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand, by the way) where you can stop for lunch.

On your way through Haast Pass, take a break from driving and experience the Blue Pools Walk. The path will take you across Makarora River via an incredible swing bridge where you will continue the trail to find the legendary and magnificent Blue Pools.

Day 3 – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier

On the way to and way past the glaciers, you’ll get to travel the west coastal road which will display the magnificent Tasman Sea to your left and towering mountain ranges to your right. You’ll first encounter Fox Glacier which spills down from the Alps virtually to the sea, and later, after some exploring and sightseeing, you’ll find Josef, the other Glacier, both of which are located in a World Heritage area.

Nearby Franz Josef is a good place to stay as it’s a friendly touristic town, with a selection of great restaurants and activities such as hot pool bathing, forest walks, photography, and a behind the scenes view of kiwi birds hatching.

Day 4 – Greymouth and Lewis Pass

Before you reach Greymouth, the last stop along the west coast leg, take the Brunner Mine walk where you will discover relics such as an old brick factory and momentous coke ovens from the areas rich gold mining past. In Greymouth itself, you’ll find and experience the flourishing local food scene, remarkable heritage buildings, New Zealand Jade (known as pounamu), and outstanding seascapes.

You can then head over to Lewis pass through Victoria Forest Park where you can stop at Maruia Hot Springs for to bathe in hot mineral water straight from the Earth.

Day 5 – Hanmer Springs and Waipara Valley

The forests around Hanmer springs display an array of colour creating a relaxing atmosphere in unity with the alpine spa village which has been welcoming guests since 1883. Here you can enjoy public or private naturally heated pools and can indulge yourself in a massage and facial treatment. There are also a number of forest walks which will reveal a variety of streams, parks, colours, and wetlands.

On the way to Waipara, stop for lunch in the wine valley region to sample an assortment of locally produced wines from their cellar doors and restaurants: drivers of course, taking care to drink responsibly. Then continue along the charming east coast route through a series of attractive country towns, looping back to your original starting point a few beautiful nights ago.

As you can see, the South Island abounds in gems waiting to be discovered. Getting a free car or campervan that is great for both short and long rural adventures will make your experience not only cheaper but also much more convenient.

Coolest Summer Getaways Arizona Has to Offer

Summers in the Arizona desert might be difficult to handle. On the days when the sun is at its most merciless, even the most desert-hardened locals must be dreaming of a cool refuge. Thankfully, Arizona’s geography is a lot more diverse and offers stark contrasts to the desert valley that can provide a refreshing shelter from the heat.

This is our selection of Arizona’s summer getaways that will wipe the sweat off of your brow in no time. They can also serve as pointers for an awesome summer road trip across the state, so grab a map and hop into your car. Better yet, rent a free transfer car or camper van for a trip to remember on a budget.

Greer

A general rule of thumb for Arizona’s summer weather is this: “if it’s higher, it’s colder.” Located on the altitude of almost 8,500 feet, Greer is a slice of small-town Americana from the days of yore. The little town high up in the White Mountains provides a much needed respite from the modern world (even the cell phone reception is clunky, and Wi-Fi is nearly impossible to find).

Greer’s greatest attraction is the lush scenery that encircles it. The town’s surroundings, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, is a heaven for the outdoors-oriented, as well as a popular vacation spot during the summer, as the temperatures are generally 20-30 degrees cooler than in the deserts. The surrounding forests and lakes provide a full plethora of outdoor activities, from camping, hiking, fishing and swimming, all the way to horseback riding.

Lynx Lake

Arizona lakes are the go-to getaway from the summer heat. They are numerous, diverse, and usually high up in the mountains, providing a breath of fresh air for the heat-stricken. The state of Arizona doesn’t lack for choices in the lake department, and none of them are wrong. Still, if we were forced to recommend just one, then it has to be Lynx Lake.

Located deep in the Prescott National Forest, Lynx Lake sits on the altitude of cool 5,500 feet. It is a gorgeous lake surrounded by lush greenery. Due to its accessibility, it is very popular among the locals, offering wonderful opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing and boating, as well as the sighting of as large number of wild animals such as bald eagles, mule deer and osprey.

Flagstaff

If you’re looking for a bit more from your vacation than spectacular natural scenery, a college town seated in the world’s largest continuous Ponderosa pine forest has plenty to see and do.

Flagstaff sits at the altitude of about 7,000 feet among the pines, ensuring a fresh summer even in the hottest days. The town is host to the Northern Arizona University, making it a lively hub with a vibrant cultural scene and vivid social life. There are Hopi and Navajo Indian reservations in the near proximity, and, to top it off, the Grand Canyon is less than an hour’s drive away.

Mogollon Rim

If breathtaking scenery and stunning vistas stretching as far as the eye can see are your thing, then mark the Mogollon Rim on your map, because you’re in for an absolute treat.

The enormous forested plateau is a marvel of geology, with sedimentary, metamorphic and volcanic rock from the Precambrian days joining together to form some of the most amazing views on Arizona’s forests and desert flats. The area is rich with wildlife and offers great hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as nice fishing spots, while the nearby town of Payson has all the charms of a small mountain settlement.

Jerome

Seated in the Black Hills of Arizona’s Yavapai County, Jerome is one of those peculiar little towns that spontaneously grow into quirky local cultural hubs thanks to their colorful inhabitants. The town’s sprawling main street is dotted with galleries, bars and restaurants with a decidedly local atmosphere, as well as unusual shopping spots, such as (supposedly) the world’s largest kaleidoscope store, or a shop entirely dedicated to homemade fudge.

Aside from its art town charms, Jerome also offers gorgeous surroundings and nice tracks for hiking and horseback riding, while the famous ruins of the Native American Montezuma Castle are only a short drive away.

While many see the summer in Arizona as a curse, we see it as an opportunity to venture out and get to know the side of the state we don’t see very often. An extended road trip is in order, made even better with the chance to find a free transfer car to fuel your voyage.

A Step-by- Step Guide to Writing an Unforgettable Road Trip Plan

Road trips are easier one of the best ways to spend a holiday and always guarantee to be an adventure from the start! Not only do you get to move around a country, or several countries, to everything it has to offer, who knows what people you’ll meet, what places you’ll stay at and what amazing memories you’ll make.

However, to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got a rough plan laid out. Of course, there’s room for twisting and turning what you do, but with a foundation of a plan, you can make sure you don’t miss out anything that you definitely want to see and might later on regret.

To help you get started with making this road trip plan, here’s a complete step by step guide!

Choose Point A and B

The first thing you want to choose is the starting and finishing destination for your road trip. Most commonly, this will be the city you land in, to the city that you’re going home from. For example, you might like to carry out a North American road trip where you start in New York and drive across country to Los Angeles.

Deciding the Fundamentals

Now that you’ve decided your two points, you want to start filling in the basics of your trip. First, how long is your road trip going to be? If this is based on the point above, this will be the dates of your flight, so it’s completely up to you.

“As you know the distance between both points, work out how long the basic drive will take and then how long you want to explore places on the way, making sure to add several days so your day can remain flexible” – explains Jonathon Ellis, a Travel Writer at Oxessays and Huffingtonpost contributor.

Choosing the Route

Now that you know exactly how much time you’ve got to work with, you can decide on what places you want to visit during your trip. Of course, if this is something you’ve been getting excited about for some time, the chances are that you’ll already know. Be sure to invest in guidebooks!

Looking for Amazing Places

Now that you’ve decided the foundation of your route, be sure to check online, in books or asking people for things that you simply won’t want to miss in those areas along your route. You might find out there’s an amazing theme park along the way, meaning that you’ll want to add another day to your trip.

Figure Out Accommodation

If you’re hiring a campervan, you’ll need to make sure you know roughly where you’re going to park and where you’re going to sleep. If you’re driving in a car, you’ll need to make sure that know roughly where you’ll be at the end of each day since getting lost in the dark can be incredibly stressful.

Know the Rules

Daniel Jones, a Travel adviser and a blog writer at UK Top Writers says: “Since you’ll be driving, possibly even across country borders, it’s important to know the rules and regulations of that country. Learn about speed limits, seatbelt rules, the side of the road you’re supposed to drive on and drink and drug rules. If you’re already afflicted with the latter, there are plenty of drug treatment centers you can seek help from.”

Packing Smart

When it comes to road trips, many people are under the impression that things are a lot easier because you can simply drive around in your vehicle and won’t have to worry about luggage. However, this kind of thinking will only get you into pickle further down the line.

Just like most holidays, be smart with your packing and only pack what you think you’ll need.

Set It in Stone

Once everything is complete, feel free to book your flights, book your rental car or sort out transport, book your hotel for the first couple of nights and get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the road trip of a lifetime!

Conclusion

As you can see, although organising a road trip might seem like a lot of work, it’s all about working smart and getting into the right mindset. With the right amount of care and flexibility, you can ensure your road trip will be one you’ll never forget.

Gloria Kopp is a travel adviser and writer at Boomessays. She is a regular contributor at The Tab and Paper Fellows. Gloria is an author if Studydemic educational and writing blog full of guides and samples for students.

How to Take A College Cross-Country Road Trip on a Budget

Many students feel as though they just can’t take a road trip during their downtime. When they’re on such a tight budget, how on earth can they afford to travel? It’s easier than you’d think. With a little planning and a good budget, you can do it. Here’s the best tips to help you take that road trip without breaking the bank.

Pick Cheaper Places to Stay

Picking good places to stay on your trip can save you a huge bundle in cash. The best and cheapest options are camp sites, when you find them on your way. They can usually offer you a spot to sleep for about $20-30, where a hotel may cost you around $150 a night. That’s a big saving. If there’s no camp sites, you can still save some cash on your sleeping arrangements. Look for hotels that offer a free breakfast with your room. That can save you a decent amount of money on food. You could go for specialized sleeping bags for girls which have storage space, as they can keep their essential requirements in the sleeping bags storage space for emergencies.

Pool Your Money

On a road trip, you’re going to be paying mostly for gas, accommodation, and food. The best way to deal with these expenses is to pool all your money for these things together with your friends. “This means you have the cash ready when you need it, and that no one will be paying out more than anyone else. It also means you have the money ready and waiting for you before you even set off on the road trip, so you’re safe in the knowledge you’ve got it at the ready” – says Mary Montgomery, a Travel Writer at Big Assignments.

Avoid Buying Souvenirs

Everyone wants souvenirs, it’s understandable. On a road trip though, you’re just not going to have the room for them. As well as this, they can get expensive, quickly. Make a decision not to buy anything while you’re on your trip, to save cash. If you must have something, items like fridge magnets and postcards can be cheap, and you can store a lot of them in a care easily. As well as this, you could pick items from the areas you visit, such as rocks and seashells, for free.

Take Pictures Everywhere

You may not be able to pick up souvenirs, but you can take pictures for free. With almost everyone having a smartphone these days, you’ll already have a camera in your back pocket. Use the camera to take pictures wherever you go, and capture the memories. It’ll cost you nothing, but you’ll be glad you did.

Load Up On In Car Entertainment

Mercedes Rivera, a Traveler and a blogger at Assignment help explains: “In this digital age, you can find plenty of in car entertainment to keep everyone happy. Before you go, look into downloading as many songs, podcasts, and audiobooks as you can.” These can all keep you entertained on those long stretches of road where nothing seems to happen. If your passengers can watch a screen without feeling ill, an iPad with movies loaded onto it can also be a lifesaver. A lot of this can be free, so take advantage of it.

Travel Light

Travelling by car means that you’ll be sharing a very small space for quite a long period of time. This means that you really should pack light. Some seasoned road trippers recommend allowing each passenger a school sized backpack, a pillow, and a blanket each. This saves you a lot of space in your car. As your car will be lighter, it also means that you’ll use less gas. Keep the room in your car for the people, not the stuff they’re bringing along.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Take a look at what’s happening on your route as you drive along. There’s always free activities happening, so make it a point to stop and check it out. “There’s no better feeling than catching a free or cheap show, and it means that you’ll be seeing stuff off the tourist track. Start looking online now before you go, and create a plan for your route so you all know what you want to see” – comments William McPhail, a Travel journalist at Best Australian Writers.

These tips will help you save a ton of cash on your trip, so take advantage of them on your journey. You’ll be amazed at how cheaply you can take a road trip!

“Gloria Kopp is a travel writer and editor at Essayroo. She is a column writer at Huffingtonpost and Australian Help blogs. Gloria is an author of Revieweal reviews writing blog for students.”