North Island Ski Fields

July 22nd, 2010

The North Island has two commercial ski fields and two club fields offering both skiers and snowboarders world class skiing and snowboarding. All four ski areas are accessible within a 3 hour drive from Palmerston North.

*Indicates Ski Club Areas (membership not mandatory)

Whakapapa Ski Field

Mt Ruapehu – Tongariro National Park, Waikato
The best known and most popular North Island ski area, Whakapapa offers over 30 runs and 23 lifts on the north-west slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Whakapapa Ski Field is just 20 minutes from National Park Village, where there are plenty of accommodation options.

Turoa Ski Field

Mt Ruapehu – Tongariro National Park, Waikato
Turoa is located on the southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, offering exhilarating runs on the largest vertical drop in Australasia. Turoa Ski Field is just 17km from Ohakune, which offers excellent après ski facilities and a range of accommodation.

Tukino Ski Field*

Mt Ruapehu – Tongariro National Park, Waikato
Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, Tukino Ski Field offers skiing away from the crowds with a friendly club-operated ski field. Accessible by a gravel access road, you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle (SUV) to get there.

Manganui Ski Field*

Mt Taranaki – Egmont National Park, New Plymouth
Located on the slopes of Mount Taranaki and run by the Statford Mountain Club, Manganui Ski Field is a small club field with approximately 20 runs, catering for all abilities. Access is via a sealed road and a 20 minute walk (a Flying Fox is available for transporting equipment). Manganui Ski Field is just 15 minutes from Stratford and 45 minutes from New Plymouth.

Snowplanet

If the weather threatens to ruin your skiing plans, head to Snowplanet, New Zealand’s only indoor snow resort, offering-exhilarating snow sports all year round. Snowplanet’s giant snowhall features 50 centimetres of real powder snow, three lifts, a terrain park for snowboarders and a separate learner area. Snowplanet is just 20 minutes north of Auckland.

Before you decide which area you would like to ski or snowboard, check out the latest snow reports to make sure the slopes are open. View a map of ski fields in the North Island.

USave has a great variety of affordable and reliable 4WD hire vehicles to help you get to the ski fields safely.

Related Posts:

New Zealand Winter Driving Tips
Canterbury Ski Fields
4WD Hire Cars for Winter Driving in New Zealand

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Canterbury Ski Fields

July 5th, 2010

Canterbury ski fields are arguably New Zealand’s best skiing areas and are easily accessible from Christchurch, with over 10 ski areas within 3 hours drive. With the Canterbury ski season underway, we’ve gathered a list of Canterbury ski fields with details of driving times and distances from Christchurch.

Canterbury Ski Fields Distances and Drive Times from Christchurch

• Craigieburn Valley* (Springfield): approx 1.5 hours (110 km)
• Mt Hutt approx 1 hour (90 km)
• Porter Heights approx 1 hour (89 km)
• Broken River* approx 1.5 hours (105 km)
• Mt Cheeseman* approx 1.5 hours (112 km)
• Temple Basin* (Arthur’s Pass): approx 2 hours (148 km) plus a 40-60 minute walk
• Mt Lyford approx 2 hours (146 km)
• Hanmer Springs* approx 2 hours (155 km)
• Mt Dobson (Fairlie) approx 3 hours (184 km)
• Fox Peak* (Fairlie) approx 3 hours (185 km)
• Roundhill (Lake Tekapo) approx 3.5 hours (227 km)
• Ohau approx 3.5 hours (320 km)

*Indicates Ski Club Areas (membership not mandatory)

Before you decide which area you would like to ski or snowboard, check out the latest snow reports to make sure the slopes are open. Find out more about ski fields in the Canterbury region.

Related Posts:

4WD Hire Cars for Winter Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand Winter Driving Tips

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New Zealand Winter Driving Tips

July 2nd, 2010

With winter in full swing and ski fields opening all over New Zealand, we thought we’d provide some handy winter driving tips to keep you safe on the roads, especially if you’re heading for the ski slopes. Most of this advice is common sense, but we thought it’s better to be safe than sorry so we’ve included the basics.

Before you head off

Plan your route

Make sure you plan your route and allow time for bad weather. There’s nothing worse than getting lost in freezing temperatures or in isolated areas. Take a map just in case and ensure your mobile is fully charged. Keep details of breakdown services handy.

Check the weather forecast

If nasty weather is brewing, decide whether you should make the journey and check to see whether your route is affected. Don’t forget about the return journey.

Check your vehicle

Check your tyres are inflated correctly and have enough tread to cope with slick or icy roads, (don’t forget to check your spare), check the oil and water, washer fluid and antifreeze levels, ensure your windscreen wipers, work properly and your headlights are all clean and working.

At USave we put all our rental cars through a pre-hire service programme, so if you’re renting a car from us, you can have peace of mind that your hire car is roadworthy for winter.

Be prepared

Stock up on the basics such as a torch, spare batteries, tyre-changing equipment, jump cables and a towrope, plus warm clothes or blankets, and water. Make sure you have chains and know how to fit them to your vehicle. A shovel and an old mat or carpet offcut can help if you get stuck in mud or wet snow.

Gas up

Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey and check where the nearest gas station is for your journey home to ensure you can fill up if you need to. You’ll use more fuel in bad weather so always set off with a full tank just in case.

On the Road

Allow extra time for your journey

Rushing to your destination will just increase the risk of having an accident. Winter driving conditions require more care and less speed, so add extra time to your journey and be patient with other road users. Leave plenty of braking distance in front of you – as a guide, double the ‘two second rule’ when driving in winter.

Be visible

Drive with your headlights on low beam during winter, especially in wet, snowy or foggy conditions and at dawn and dusk. Even if you can see, lights help alert other drivers to your presence.

Take care on rural roads

You’re likelier to come across slow moving vehicles and lots of big bends, steep hills and sheer drops. Many remote access roads leading to ski fields are not sealed and can be particularly difficult to navigate without snow chains or a 4WD vehicle.

Winter Car Hire

We provide a range of additional extras with our hire cars to make winter driving easier for you:

• Ski racks (station wagons and 4WD only) $50
• Roof racks (station wagons, 4WD only) $30
• Snow chains (4WDs, People Movers, Minibus) $45
• Snow chains (cars) $30
• GPS Navigation Unit (1-2 day rental) $15 per day
• GPS Navigation Unit (3 day+ rental) $10 per day

We also have a range of 4WD hire vehicles available which are great at handling New Zealand’s winter road conditions.

Related Posts:

4WD Hire Cars for Winter Driving in New Zealand

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Auckland Winter Events

June 30th, 2010

Wrap up warm and head into Auckland for these upcoming winter events.

World on Your Plate: Saturdays 19 June – 23 October

With 181 different ethic groups calling Auckland their home, the city is a unique culinary melting pot. Hosted by Auckland Museum, World on Your Plate showcases some of this incredible cuisine with live cooking sessions, food tastings and cultural performances.

When: Every Saturday 19 June – 23 October
Where: Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain
Cost: Free

Swan Lake On Ice: 21 – 25 July 2010

World-renowned ice-skating company The Imperial Ice Stars will be dazzling audiences with their dynamic new interpretation of Swan Lake on Ice as their two-year world tour reaches Auckland. The frozen theatre stage creates a suitably wintry atmosphere, but the adrenaline-infused performance should warm you up.

When: 21 –25 July 2010
Where: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland
Cost: $51 – $80 and $80+

New Zealand International Film Festival: 8 – 25 July 2010

Head inside and snuggle up in the warm with some popcorn and watch some of the best contemporary and independent films from home and abroad when the New Zealand International Film Festival opens in Auckland. With local documentaries, experimental films, animations, shorts and archival programmes, there should be something to entertain everyone.

When: 8 – 25 July 2010
Where: Various venues in Auckland
Cost: Adult $14.00-15.00, Student $12.00 Child/Senior $9.00

Looking for more ideas for things to do in Auckland this winter? See our top pick of Auckland winter activities.

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Auckland Winter Activities

June 30th, 2010

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is a great place to start your North Island journey. Here’s our pick of activities and places to visit from Auckland this winter:

Butterfly Creek

Butterfly Creek is an exciting and colourful attraction to cheer you up during the cold winter months. The Tropical Butterfly House is home to more than 700 exotic butterflies plus birds, fish and reptiles. Everything is under cover so your can visit no matter what the weather.

Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort

Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort is just 35 minutes drive north of Auckland and the perfect place to relax and unwind in the naturally hot mineral pools. There are 22 indoor and outdoor pools with varying temperatures and plenty to amuse children, making this a great family attraction. If want to be truly pampered, check out the wellness spa, offering massage and beauty therapies, plus steam and sauna rooms.

Auckland Museum

Auckland Museum is located in one of New Zealand’s most iconic heritage buildings and is a popular destination for tourists and locals. The Museum is home to extensive Maori and Pacific collections, ancient natural history resources and important social and military history collections. There are also daily Maori cultural performances and constantly changing exhibitions, so there is always something new to see.

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

A rainy day favourite for families, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is a wonderland of real snow, ice and underwater sights, all built underground. Experience Southern Ocean marine life including deep-sea sharks, giant stingrays and playful penguins up close.

Snowplanet

Just 20 minutes north of Auckland, Snowplanet is New Zealand’s only indoor snow resort, offering exhilarating snow sports all year round, regardless of the weather. Snowplanet’s giant snowhall features 50 centimetres of real powder snow, three lifts, a terrain park for snowboarders and a separate learner area, for a fun family day out.

USave Car & Truck Rentals has a great variety of affordable and reliable Auckland car rentals to get you to your destination. View our full range of hire vehicles or Contact us for more information.

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Christchurch Marathon Road Closures on 6 June

June 2nd, 2010

This year’s Christchurch SBS Marathon takes place on the 6th June, with more than 6,000 participants expected and thousands of supporters lining the streets on the day. The race starts at Christchurch Town Hall at 9am so if you’re heading into town on the day, expect diversions and possible delays, as some roads will be closed for the race.

View the course map (PDF) to plan your Christchurch road journeys in advance.

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Christchurch Winter Events

June 2nd, 2010

Wrap up warm and head into Christchurch for these upcoming winter events.

Christchurch SBS Marathon: 6 June

Christchurch’s SBS Marathon turns 30 this year; with the 6th June race expecting to attract more than 6,000 participants. Athletes from the US, UK, Australia and Japan will be running, and there are usually thousands of supporters lining the streets on the day, making for a great atmosphere. The race starts at Christchurch Town Hall at 9am so if you’re heading into town on the day, lend your support to these brave people and give them a wave.

View the course map (PDF) to find out where you can watch the race.

The Lyttelton Street Party: 25 June

A highlight of Lyttelton’s Festival of Lights (from 18 – 27 June), the Street Party plays host to live bands, market stalls, fabulous fireworks and the children’s lantern parade. This free event is just a 20-minute drive from Christchurch.

When: Friday June 25, 6pm-10pm
Where: London and Canterbury Streets, Lyttelton
Cost: Free
Lyttelton directions from Christchurch

Swan Lake On Ice: 30 June – 4 July 2010

World-renowned ice-skating company The Imperial Ice Stars will be dazzling audiences with their dynamic new interpretation of Swan Lake on Ice as their two-year world tour reaches Christchurch. The frozen theatre stage creates a suitably wintry atmosphere, so hit one of Christchurch’s many coffee bars afterwards for a steaming cup of hot chocolate to complete the experience.

When: 30 June – 4 July 2010
Where: Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch
Cost: Adult $81.50, Child/Student/Senior $71.50

Looking for more ideas for things to do in Christchurch this winter? See our top pick of Christchurch winter activities.

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Christchurch Winter Activities

June 2nd, 2010

Christchurch is the gateway to the whole Canterbury region and is a great place to start your South Island journey. Here’s our pick of activities and places to visit from Christchurch this winter:

Christchurch Arts Centre
The Arts Centre is a lively cultural venue hosting a range of specialty shops, craft stalls and art galleries, plus street entertainment, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars. Check out the weekend art and craft market and the Friday Farmers’ Market where you can buy fresh local produce.

Southern Alps
The Southern Alps span almost the entire length of the South Island and are home to a number of National Parks as well as many beautiful lakes and glaciers. The highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook is awe-inspiring and well worth a visit. There are also many excellent ski fields, plus scenic flights, walks and mountaineering.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
These award-winning Thermal Pools are situated in the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, just 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The soothing mineral-rich pools ranging from 33 – 42°C are a great way to relax and unwind, and on cold winter days, mist rising off the naturally heated water creates a magical atmosphere.

Lake Tekapo Winter Park
Take a 3-hour scenic drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo in beautiful Mackenzie Country, and visit the Winter Park for outdoor ice skating, curling, snow tubing and tobogganing. Winter Park activities are usually available from mid/late June through to mid September, depending on the weather.

Orana Wildlife Park
Just a 25-minute drive from central Christchurch is New Zealand’s largest wildlife park, covering 80 hectares. Orana Wildlife Park lets you get up close to the animals with a range of encounters, and you can hand-feed the Giraffes. There are over 400 animals to see, including natives such as Kiwis, Keas and Tuataras.

USave Car & Truck Rentals has a great variety of affordable and reliable Christchurch car rentals to get you to your destination. View our full range of hire vehicles or Contact us for more information.

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Book Early for NZ Winter 4WD Car Hire

May 6th, 2010

We’re into the last month of autumn with the days certainly getting cooler and our car rental fleet is now being prepared for the winter, with ski racks being deployed, snow chains at the ready and 4WD hire vehicles in particular being serviced before a busy ski season.

Our car hire reservations team report good forward bookings so get planning now and get the rental vehicle of your choice reserved. We have an excellent range of 4WD rental cars including a our new Budget 4 Wheel Drive hire cars – these are slightly older Honda CRV models that have done more rental work but are still in excellent order and being offered at great rates for the budget traveller. Our 4WD hire car range also includes Mazda Tribute and larger Nissan Pathfinder vehicles or check out our new 12-seat Ford Transit minibuses if you want to travel with a larger group.

Thanks to all our loyal customers for great support over the summer season and we look forward to being of service during the winter months. Happy travel planning and bring on the snow!

P.S. We still have a few 4WD relocation specials in May or early June for travel Auckland to Christchurch so contact our reservations team for a superb deal.

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Using Rental Trucks: Driving Safety Tips

February 28th, 2010

Rental Truck Driving Tips

As more budget and eco-conscious New Zealanders downsize their family cars, using rental trucks for moving large items and relocating is becoming more popular. Many rental trucks and vans can be driven with a valid class 1 license and do not require any training to operate, but it’s not the same as driving a car, so there are some safety issues to consider before renting a truck or van.

Follow these rental truck safety tips to get the most out of your truck rental.

If you’re looking for van or truck hire in New Zealand, USave have a great range of truck hire vehicles available from Christchurch, Auckland and Palmerston North.

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