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Do I have to rent an SUV if I want to rent a car on the South Island? I am also a new driver in my home country, and I have only driven about a thousand kilometers ?

New Zealand FAQ

12 Answers

QEEQ User

All the roads in the south island are mountain roads, so SUVs are high and have good visibility. When it rains or snows, 4WD SUVs can keep the body stable.

TangFengSongYu

The road is flat, not necessary for SUVs. The speed limit on most roads is 100, and you can't drive slowly.

QEEQ User

Suv is much more expensive. We rented a compact hatchback for the two of us. As long as you understand the traffic rules, there shouldn't be any problems. Drive slowly when the weather is bad.

QEEQ User

SUVs generally have a higher center of gravity than sedans, which provides better visibility but requires slower cornering. On the South Island, where there are many curves in the road, driving a sedan can also be a good choice.

QEEQ User

Most rentals are SUVs. They are more comfortable to drive on mountain roads and have a higher safety coefficient.

133****6688

Firstly, full insurance is a must. The car rental company will take you to practice a few rounds, and then you need to pay some fees. Driving skills have nothing to do with car models. As long as you don't leave the highway, you can drive any car without problems. Drive the car model you are familiar with in your country.

QEEQ User

If you are still a novice in the country, it's better to be cautious. I have driven a lot in China, but the mountain roads here can be a bit challenging, as I am used to driving on flat terrain and in the city.

QEEQ User

It's not necessary, but driving an SUV definitely gives you better control over road conditions. As a new driver, it's important to understand traffic rules and the meanings of different signs. You're welcome~ Both my friend and I got our driver's licenses in Australia, where we drive on the right side of the road and are used to higher speeds. However, driving on the mountain roads in New Zealand still makes me a little nervous (at that time, I had only driven about 3,4000 kilometers, mostly at a slow speed).

QEEQ User

A thousand kilometers of experience, if there is an alternative, it is recommended not to drive. Really. Can't anyone else drive? I'm really nervous even on the 110,000-kilometer road in my home country, and I've just started driving on the right side.

QEEQ User

Hello newbies, I'm getting ready to drive too.

QEEQ User

No need.

QEEQ User

Can't the speed mostly be kept at 100? Pay attention to safety.

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