I Lived in NewZealand for 27Years-and This Is the No.1Tip for Anyone Visiting

"In New York, a car is a liability, but in New Zealand, it's your greatest luxury. It unlocks panoramic coastal roads, hidden bays, and boutique‑lined villages that reveal the country's true character. Public transport exists, and rideshares operate in city hubs, but nothing rivals the freedom to move at your own pace and live as locals do."

"In Auckland, where most international journeys begin, visitors often circle the waterfront and call it a day. Yet some of the city's most rewarding escapes sit within an hour's radius. Cross the Harbour Bridge for Takapuna's coastal walk, explore the designer shops in Newmarket and Parnell, or head into Ponsonby for a velvety flat white before the city begins to stir."

"To the west, Piha's black‑sand beaches and powerful surf provide a striking counterpoint to the city's glass towers, while Devonport on the North Shore offers heritage villas, quiet coves, and a dormant volcano you can walk up in under an hour. And for wine, beaches, and long, sun‑soaked lunches, Waiheke Island remains an easy car‑ferry away."

New Zealand requires a car to experience its full character, unlike New York where vehicles are liabilities. While public transport exists in cities, personal vehicles unlock freedom to explore at your own pace. Auckland offers rewarding escapes within an hour's radius, including Takapuna's coastal walks, Newmarket's designer shops, and Ponsonby's cafes. North of Auckland, Matakana features vineyards and Te Arai Links golf resort, while Brick Bay offers sculpture trails and rosé. The west provides Piha's black-sand beaches and surf, Devonport's heritage villas and volcano, and Waiheke Island's wine and beaches. A car enables spontaneous, itinerary-free exploration of New Zealand's diverse landscapes.

Read at Travel + Leisure