ICC Cricket World Cup – howzat for cheap car rental!
New Zealand is about to be inundated with a cricketing feast, that will fill the hearts and minds of many over the next few weeks, whether fans of the sound of leather on willow, or not.
Between 14th February and 29th March, thousands of fans will be travelling around our beautiful country to watch over 200 players and fourteen teams tussle for the greatest cup in cricket, the ICC World Cup.
New Zealand great Sir Richard Hadlee has called it the greatest show on turf. Every team will play at least one game at hallowed locations including ovals in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, Napier and Nelson, as well as seven more Cities across the Tasman.
With 49 games there will be about 330 hours of cricket to watch in six weeks – that’s around 14 days of solid cricket watching!
So the question is what’s the best way to travel around to see the games?
To make the most of your time a good idea is to go by car so you can do some sight-seeing along the way and have a few adventures.
And if you plan to spend a little less on travel by booking a cheap car rental, you will have a little more money to spend enjoying yourself.
Here are a few recommended things to do:
Auckland – the choice of activities is endless in a City where the show never stops, but as the City of Sails a visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip on the Harbour. Try sailing an America’s Cup boat, doing a spot of fishing, or if you like your wine head over to the island of Waiheke for a vineyard tour, on a Fullers or Explorer ferry.
Hamilton – New Zealand’s largest inland City, it is the places around Hamilton that hold surprises. An hour South are the Waitomo Caves, a world famous and unique underground limestone system and home to millions of glow worms. For Hobbit fans a visit to Hobbiton and the Shire is mandatory, just an hour east of the City. And for beach goers, surf dudes and those who like the lifestyle, there’s the world famous Manu Bay, Raglan, the home of the world’s longest and most consistent left hand break.
Wellington – affectionately known as Welly, but also labelled the coolest little capital in the world by Vogue, the City is sandwiched between hills and harbour, and mixes culture with cafés and some of the best bars in the country. In this cultural heart a visit to national museum Te Papa is a must, and why not visit Weta Workshop, the creative figurine genius behind the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies.
Napier – one of the purest art deco cities in the world Napier is a step back to 1930s history and a great place for a City Tour and sight-seeing. For those wanting to explore further, just 20kms south is Cape Kidnappers, home to one of New Zealand’s largest Gannet colonies and for golfers there is the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. This is a modern marvel in golf, voted No. 38 in the world, with fairways and greens that stretch along fingers of land above the beach below. For wine-lovers, a visit to Mission Estate should be on your list. This is one of New Zealand’s oldest vineyards and started in 1851 when monks grew grapes for sacramental wine.
Nelson – sunshine and craft beer capital of New Zealand it has more craft breweries per person than anywhere else in the country. The City and region is also close to three national parks, the Abel Tasman being the closest jewel, and it’s one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world.
Christchurch – following the earthquakes in 2011 the “Garden City” is being transformed and was voted by the New York Times as No.2 on its list of 52 places to visit in 2014. The City Centre has become a living art gallery with many street murals and massive ongoing construction. Try a tour including a tram trip and a relaxing punt along the Avon River. And if you fancy brunch on a non-cricket day head to Akaroa, a historic Anglo-French town just 75kms south where you’ll find sumptuous cuisine in idyllic cafés, next to a tranquil harbour.
Dunedin – University City with a unique character and culture, it is also dubbed the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Just 32 kms east of the City is the world’s only mainland albatross colony at Taiaora Head and the Otago Peninsula is also home to the rare yellow eyed penguin. Try a stroll around the stunning Larnach Castle and gardens and then return to the City to sample the nightlife, a special experience once 19,000 students return from holidays in February.
If you are looking for cheap car rental located close to Auckland International Airport you can’t do much better than a company like New Zealand Discount Car Rentals where prices start at $14.95 for a short term rental and could be as low as $9.95 a day for a minimum of 40 days.
With a large fleet of high quality vehicles from small hatchbacks to people movers, and all without big logos, you will be able to travel around and feel part of the country. And if you spend a little less on travel you can afford a few more adventures along the way!