Looking to plan a weekend getaway in or around auckland? You’re in the right place! Our Auckland car rental experts have sorted out a perfect sample guide for short weekend expeditions. From picking the right road trip destination to choosing the right weekend rental car, this thorough piece will take you through a variety of helpful tips and considerations. By the end of this blog, you will be well-equipped to organize a perfect Auckland weekend trip by car. Let's dive in!
When arranging a weekend road trip it's important to pick the right destination. Whether you are traveling with your family or looking for a secluded weekend getaway, Auckland offers a variety of getaway spots both nearby and far away. Here are some vital things to consider when choosing your Auckland getaway destination.
Choosing your road trip destination depends on your personal preferences and travel goals. Are you seeking a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Relax away in the hot springs of the Coromandel peninsula or go to Matakana for tranquil rural atmosphere. Do you want to spend your weekend full of adventurous activities? Select outdoor destinations like waitakere ranges for hiking tails and guided canyoning or take a visit to raglan, surf, paddleboard, or climb, options are infinite. Is cultural exploration and education your best traveling interest? Then go to spots like Thames for mineralogical museums and historic buildings or explore city attractions like War Memorial Museum, Maritime Museum, Navy Museum, North Head Historic Reserve, etc.
Another crucial thing to keep in mind when choosing your weekend road trip destination is the amount of people you are traveling with. Are you planning on a solo weekend getaway? Choose places where you will enjoy solitude and practice wellness. Do you want to spend your weekend relaxing with your partner? Consider romantic destinations like vineyards, cozy cottages, upscale resorts, etc. Are you traveling with a group? Look for destinations with guided group activities like adventure parks and beach sports. Finally, are you arranging a family weekend trip? Find kid-friendly spots with activities available for all ages.
Another factor that has a vital influence on your weekend getaway destination is the traveling time to your destinations. Are you someone who enjoys the experience of long road trips? Then opt for destinations that are far away from the main Auckland city. Enjoy the scenic scapes along the way and stop for snacking and strolling at the lookout spots. However, if you want to maximize the time for your weekend trip or you don't enjoy driving for long hours, aim for destinations that are not more than 3 hours away.
The next step for planning a weekend getaway from Auckland is to choose the routes you are going to travel through. Choosing the right road trip route plays a vital role in shaping your overall weekend trip experience.
Firstly, you want to pick the shortest, most relaxed, and most maintained pathway possible. You want to make the best out of your weekend trip and choosing roads that are unnecessarily long or rugged can slow down your trip. You want to maximize your weekend trip. Driving through shorter routes will give you more time to relax and explore once you reach the destination. Choosing shorter roads for your destination can also minimize the risk of traffic, delays, and other incidents.
Secondly, when it comes to choosing the right route choose roads that are well maintained and smooth. Drive through highways and major roads. You want to minimize the risk of delays and unnecessary hurdles when having a weekend road trip drive. Although New Zealand has well-maintained paths for travelers, plenty of outskirt places are still undeveloped. There is somewhat a chance that you will come across rugged paths. For this, we recommend getting a weekend car rental that’s tougher and safer than your regular car.
Lastly, opt for routes that have quick lookout sites and eateries along the way. This way you can relish the natural scenery along the drive to keep your time off the digital devices. Although streaming music and movies along the drive is an entertaining option, we suggest enjoying New Zealand's finest natural beauty. Stop for a coffee break and quick bites to keep yourself fueled. For instance, if you are heading to Rotorua you can stop by the Waikato for some Lunchables, or explore Matamata along the route.
When planning any kind of weekend expedition, it's highly suggested that you plan out your itinerary before your adventure. You want to make the best out of your weekend getaway and planning your adventures after reaching the destination can be time-consuming and hectic. Here’s a quick go through for planning your weekend getaway itinerary:
Before you embark on your adventurous road trip journey, determine your departure and return time. This will provide you with a baseline on how much time you are going to spend on the route and once you reach the destination. Ideally, you want to start your trip early in the morning so you can enjoy the most out of this quick expedition. Similarly, choose a return time that allows you to experience the golden hour glow. New Zealand has some of the most picturesque sunset spots and ending your weekend trip with one will elevate your experience.
Once you have set the departure and return time, consider planning your excursions in advance. Do comprehensive research on your destination and see what it has in store for you. Make a list of all the activities you want to experience whether it's visiting a nearby beach, going on a trail hike, trying out local food, taste-testing regional wine, visiting shops, boutiques, and galleries, etc. After deciding on your adventures, set time spans for exploration and activities.
When planning your two-day or three-day itinerary keep in mind the accommodation and food. If you are planning for accommodation, try to book it in advance to have a hassle-free trip. Whether you are choosing a hotel, motel, or Airbnb, make sure to secure a reservation a few days ahead. More importantly choose a location that is close to the spots and activities you want to explore and experience. For example, if you are planning a midday beach trip, select a location that is close to the beach for convenience and comfort.
When it comes to packing for a weekend getaway trip, many people overboard with clothing and stuff. For a two-day or three-day trip, you don't need to bring many things with you. Whether it be your clothing, your travel accessories, or your specialized gear, choose a minimalist packing approach.
For clothing, choose versatile and seasonal items. If you are going to a beachy destination, pack swimwear, sunglasses, hats, etc. For outdoor adventures like hiking, climbing, or fishing, make sure to pack appropriate gear like boots, fishing equipment, etc. Keep your suitcase light with a few pairs of dresses, pants, shirts, and undergarments, and you are good to go. As for the toiletries, check in with your accommodation to see if it's available. If not, only bring basics like toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, and mini shampoo and conditioner.
If you are planning on an adventurous endeavor or traveling by car, a first-aid kit is a must-bring. You can either buy a ready-to-use kit from the drugstore or make yourself one at home. Make sure you have all the essential items like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers. Other than this, pack some emergency essentials like extra water bottles, a power bank, a travel adapter, a flashlight, tire changing equipment, jumper cables, and more. Not to forget, keep some additional cash in small denominations in case you run out of budget.
When it comes to road trips there are a few things that you have to bring with you no matter what. Ensure you have all the needed documents with you like ID card, driver’s license, weekend car rental receipts, booking confirmations. Besides this, focus on elements that will make your road trip more leisurely. Bring a GPS device with you or download it on your phone for easy navigation. Bring sufficient snacks and refreshments to stay energetic through the drive. Also, bring along some entertainment resources like magazines, books, handy games, and music playlists.
Now there's no such obligation to rent a car for your weekend road trip but you may still want to consider this option. Whether you have your own car or you are traveling by public commute such as a bus, traveling to the outskirts can get pretty hectic. Here's why choosing a weekend rental car is a better option.
With the weekend car rental option, you have the flexibility to choose a better vehicle. For instance, if you are traveling with family or friends, selecting a bigger vehicle can provide more seating capacity. Everyone can sit comfortably with ample room for leg and head movement. Relatively, you will also need sufficient cargo space for luggage and equipment. Whether it's family essentials or specialized traveling gear, having enough cargo room is crucial for road trips. Selecting something like an SUV or minivan can be beneficial for both ample seating and luggage space.
Another pro to weekend car rental option is that it will save your car from unnecessary mileage consumption. Short-term car rental plans usually come with unlimited mileage options. And if they do not, you can still purchase some extra mileage to seamlessly travel to your weekend excursion destination. Not only this, with a rental car at your disposal you can rest assured that you will be covered in case of uncertain accidents. Many car rental services like Speedy Rentals include roadside assistance in their plans to ensure customer safety.
You can significantly elevate your road trip experience simply by booking a weekend car rental. If your car is not compatible with driving for long hours and covering long distances, the next best thing you can do is to rent a better car. Not only does this option provide huge convenience, it's safer and reliable as well. So before you hop on your weekend getaway trip ensure your car is in good condition for a road trip. Consider renting a specialized vehicle like an SUV or a crossover made specifically for off-road paths and constant use.
Weekend trips in or around Auckland can be quite uncertain. Even if you plan out a perfect itinerary there will always be some things that are out of your control. They can either ruin your complete excursion experience or make it worth it. For this, it’s essential to consider a couple of factors:
Weather plays a vital role in choosing your road trip destination. Before finalizing everything, take some time to evaluate the upcoming weather. Check the forecast to ensure your activities align with the weather conditions. Moreover, pack according to the weather and prepare for sudden weather changes by bringing umbrellas or raincoats.
Next up, determine a budget for your weekend getaway trip. First, make sure to book your accommodation and weekend car rental in advance. After these major expenses plan or set a budget depending on the excursions, experiences, and exploration. Don't forget to add other costs like food, drinks, fuel, and miscellaneous expenses so you don't end up overspending.
Even though it's highly encouraged to plan a complete itinerary from start to end, consider a backup plan as well. Keep your itinerary flexible for some spontaneous traveling activities or in case of any unfortunate circumstances. For example, if you get in the mood for a short hike or stroll, or you want to explore the local shops. Similarly, plan a backup itinerary for weather changes, late arrival, or extensive crowds.
Whether you are driving your car or you have a weekend car rental, it's important to drive to your destination safely. Going to Auckland's outskirts, villages, and coastal destinations offers a blend of smooth and rugged paths. This is why it's important to have a vehicle that can tackle difficult paths with any damage. But more importantly, drive safely on the rough tracks so you can minimize the risk of wear and tear.
Lastly, enjoy your weekend getaway trip to the fullest. Distract yourself from any work or digital devices to focus on your trip and relax your time away. Try to make your weekend trip more fun and relaxing by embracing new experiences like trying new foods, embarking on outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying scenic views.
