See New Zealand by coach

New Zealand might look like two small islands on a map, but in reality, there is a great deal of ground to cover. Deciding what to see and how to see it is an important part of travel planning. For those of us who like the idea of hitting the open road, mapping out where to go can be a bit of a challenge. For those who want to see more of the country, but don’t want the responsibility of driving, taking a coach tour can be a great option.

For many travellers, the thought of a coach tour brings up images of either tolerating hard partying 20-somethings or being stuck on a bus with a group of grandmas that offer you mints covered in lint from their pockets. It’s a toss up; which is worse? The fact is, there’s a new breed of coach tour in New Zealand. Companies like Australian Pacific Touring (APT) provide a new approach to touring by coach that includes a range of options. Programs such as Freedom of Choice Touring and Freedom Dining let you choose which tourism activities you want to do and what quality restaurants and accommodation you want (from 3- to 5-stars). I recently toured New Zealand’s North Island with APT and discovered three good reasons why coach tours are worth considering.

You Never Have To Say “I’m Lost”

You choose your itinerary and sit back and enjoy the scenery. There’s no anxiety about following directions or driving on the left-hand side of the road. Traffic jams, detours and where to park aren’t your problem. All you have to do is relax in comfort. When you arrive at your activity or hotel, all of the details are taken care of and your luggage is brought to your room for you.

There Is A Designated Driver – And It’s Not You!

When you stop for lunch at a lovely restaurant in a small town (one that you might never get to see on your own), you are tempted to have a glass of wine. You’re hoping to sample the local Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir – or both. Why not? You are not driving! All you have to do when lunch is over is return to your comfortable seat.

Go Local

Your coach tour driver and guide both live in New Zealand. They know things that only locals know, like where to get the best lamb burger, what the best wines of the region are, where to shop – and where not to shop – for souvenirs. They can tell you the authentic history, legends and lore about the places that you are visiting and passing through – and they bring the places to life far better than any travel book.

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