There’s something to be said for traveling without a plan. But there’s also something comforting about knowing where you’re going. Before you turn the key in your rental car and hurtle down those streets and highways, you should know a little about Waikato. You’ll need to book a plane ticket to New Zealand to reach this incredible destination.

Waikato is the perfect place to cruise the open road in your own rental vehicle. Turn up your favorite playlist and enjoy the freedom of exploring all the region’s gems scattered between each of its top destinations. Get out and discover some (or all) of this place’s most visited cities:

• Hamilton (population of 152,600)
• Taupo (population of 22,500)
• Tokoroa (population of 14,300)
• Thames (population of 7,100)

Here are our top tips on how to get behind the wheel of a rental car with extra cash in your wallet:

• A car can take you anywhere you want to go — so can we. Compare the best deals from all the top companies in just a couple of clicks.
• Subscribe to our Price Drop Alert email and immediately discover when prices become cheaper for your destination
• Before you pick up your car keys and jump behind the wheel, take a look at both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off locations to ensure you’re bagging the cheapest deal around
• If you’re not bothered about which day of the week you get the keys to your car and your travel plans are flexible, experiment with days and dates to find the best prices
• If possible, keep the time of your pickup and drop-off the same. If you return your rental car later than you picked it up, you might be charged an entire extra day
• Keep more cash in your bank account. You’ll get some of the thriftiest deals when you prepay your rental car
• Last but not least, lock in your preferred vehicle as soon as you can to bag yourself a truckload of savings!

It’s always good to head out of the city, and if you do, you’ll be richly rewarded. With caves, impressive rock formations, and canyons to explore, Waikato knows how to do an exciting day trip. A bigger vehicle like an SUV or a four-wheel drive will give you and the gang more room and comfort for those longer rides.

Sometimes it’s all about the journey, which makes choosing the right car important. If you’re about to embark on an amazing road trip around Waikato, a spacious SUV could be the perfect solution. If you’d like a fantastic bargain and plan on staying mostly in the city, a budget compact is a smart pick. All you need to do is decide what’ll suit you best, throw your bags in the back seat, and clock up those miles.

There’s no better way to explore the hidden gems of Waikato than from the comfort and convenience of your own rental car. But before you buckle up and speed off, it’s worth studying up on some of the road rules. Here are a few handy tips and hints to help make your trip as safe and easy as possible:

Keep on the left-hand side of the road in Waikato. If you plan to grab a rental car here, be aware that the driver’s seat will be on the right. It may take a little getting used to!

In Waikato, the maximum speed limit is generally 100km/h. (The minimum is 50km/h.) When approaching built-up areas, keep in mind that unless posted otherwise, the speed limit is 40km/h.

In most cases, your chosen car rental company will bill the amount stated on the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may provide your contact details to local law enforcement agencies so they can send a fine to you directly.

Seat belts should always be fastened in New Zealand. That being said, these rules may vary for some vehicles, such as those operated by public transportation systems.

As in many places, standard cell phone usage is prohibited while behind the wheel in Waikato. There is an exception for hands-free or Bluetooth functions. Just make sure you keep your eyes on the road.

In Waikato, it’s a punishable offence to operate a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of more than 0.05%. If you’re planning to have a drink or two, leave your car at your hotel.

No, so don’t risk a fine by doing it. In Waikato, red means stop, with no exceptions. When nearing traffic lights, always maintain a safe speed so you can easily stop if you need to.