With flights from around Australia to New Zealand being more and more frequent and affordable, it's easy to take a break in the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'. If you are considering a break away to New Zealand you should think about hiring a car, so that you can get out and about and experience some of the great little towns that await you.

There are plenty of places that you can go when you hire cars in New Zealand. You can actually drive all over the North and South Island, checking out different towns and cities to see what life is like in each. One of the little-known areas of the country that makes a great day trip is Akaroa, a small village in the heart of the Banks Peninsula. This town is about an hour and a half drive from Christchurch, making it easily accessible and a quick trip for any day on your holiday.

Akaroa is a British/French settlement that has a lot of rich history. The village is nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, giving it a very unique landscape and many beautiful landscapes to enjoy on the drive and while you are in town. The village has an air of French flavour, including street names that are in French to give you a touch of charm during your visit. You will also find many top-quality restaurants and quaint shops as well, ensuring that there is something to do for just about everyone.

After you’ve checked out the shops and restaurants in town, you can head out to the harbour to enjoy water activities, including fishing, animal watching, and other enjoyable experiences. You can visit many seal and penguin colonies that are nearby the village of Akaroa by hopping on a boat or in a four-wheel drive vehicle and heading out to the wilderness. There is so much to see and enjoy here, but not so much that it can’t be enjoyed in a single day. Taking day trips to small towns like this is half the fun of your holiday and a great reason to hire cars in New Zealand.

While some holiday destinations are best enjoyed by staying in one place and seeing the sights, New Zealand is a country that is better appreciated with a little bit of travelling. When you hire cars in New Zealand, you are allowing yourself to take day trips to small villages like Akaroa, giving you the chance to see and do more on your holiday than you might have imagined. The best part is that there are plenty of accommodations in these small towns, just in case you get swept away and don’t want to drive back to the city where you were staying in the first place. If you do choose to return, it’s usually a quick drive to any major city no matter where you are staying.