There’s something to be said for living like a free spirit. But sometimes you’ve just got to know what direction you’re taking. Before you turn the key in your rental car and tear down those highways and byways, you might want to learn a few things about North Island. Familiarize yourself with New Zealand, because that’s where you’ll need to head to kick off your adventure.

Avoid paying a fortune for a rental car by following these tips:

• Use our nifty filter tool to steer you toward the cheapest car rental rates in town — and then compare the prices;
• Organize an email Price Drop Alert for your next exciting vacation destination. You never know what awesome deals will hightail it into your inbox;
• Research is the key to bagging the best rental deals in town, so be sure to take a look at both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets before you book your ride;
• If your pickup and drop-off dates are flexible, try scoring a better price by switching up the days in your search;
• Pickup and drop-off times typically need to be around the same time (e.g, both 11 a.m.) or you might be asked to pay for another full day;
• Sometimes companies reward you for paying upfront — keep an eye out for these penny-pinching deals;
• The early bird catches the biggest worm, and also the best deals! Book as soon as possible to score some impressive savings.

From sandy shores to snowfields and caves, North Island has some dazzling natural sights. Why not head out and see a handful of them? Escape town and organize some day trips. An SUV is a perfect match for longer drives. Designed to tackle all kinds of roads, these larger vehicles make it a joy to detour off the beaten path.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to renting a car in North Island. From people-movers with plenty of room to spare to economy rides that are a snap to park, you’ll find it all here. Deciding on your perfect match depends on your budget and what you intend to do. Some road trips are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others don’t need anything more than an engine and four wheels. Which will it be this time?

Keep to the left side of the road in North Island. If you plan to discover this destination on wheels, be aware that the driver’s seat will be on the right. It could take a bit to get the hang of!

Generally, your rental car company will bill the amount stated on the fine to your credit card, including local surcharges and taxes. Alternatively, they may supply your information to local law enforcement agencies, who’ll then issue a fine directly to you.