Queenstown Travel Forum

Hi all,
Is it worth my while buying my car for my stay on south island. I am there for 2 months and plan to base myself in Queenstown.
What are the best options?
Should I try and but in Christchurch and drive it down or wait until I get to Queenstown and try and pick something up there?
Cheers folks.

You've probbly got a better chance buying your car in Christchurch as it is the last stop for most backpackers. I reckon it's a great idea having a car, you can stop whenever you want when you're travelling and you can get some money back when you're selling it, something you can't do when you're renting one. Have fun there!

Hi, Roads are easy to drive in New Zealand, parking is easy and nearly all free, fuel is a quarter the UK price, and rental cars come at around NZ$30/day with insurance, your 60 day trip would cost you NZ$1800. You can buy a very good car with a 6 month WOF (MOT in UK) for that and sell it when you leave for about three quarter the original price. Some dealers have a buy back option but most independent travellers buy and sell through YHA, backpackers boards and through TradeMe which is the NZ ebay, or through Turners auction, see website for more info.

I agree with the other reply that Christchurch has a better variety of cars for sale and for future disposal.

There are other active forums assisting travellers like you and you can get the sites by searching the web.

Some of the most beautiful places are best visited with your own independent transport, more flexibility to linger and savour the God created backyard.

Enjoy your stay although you have chosen the most touristy town to base yourself.

Theres a business in Christchurch that specialises in Backpacker cars called 'Backpackers Bazaar' Here's a link:

http://www.backpackercars.co.nz/

I hope this helps.