From 8 seater MPVs to minivans and more – if you need to move a group of people from A to B, then hiring a van from us here at NZ Rent a Car is a great idea! But there’s a few things to consider before choosing the right rental van hire for you and your travelling companions, so let us break it down for you (don’t worry, we’ll be quick!)
Hiring a car vs. Hiring a van
While most modern vans are quite similar to driving a car, there are a few differences. For a start, the bonnet (hood) is smaller and you will probably be sitting up higher than you are used to in a normal car. So it’s important to be a confident driver if you’re going to rent a van. And don’t forget about specifying manual or automatic transmission, if you want a 2WD or 4WD and if engine size matters to you.
Like any new vehicle, you’ll also want to get a feel for how quickly it breaks and accelerates, which is especially important in traffic or when you’re on a motorway. You may not go as fast on the open road as other vehicles are wanting to travel, so if you do see a line of traffic behind you, find a safe place to pull over and let them pass. It’s better to be courteous to other drivers than worry about them driving too close behind you.
A van often has a bigger turning circle than a car, so just remember when you’re pulling in and out of parking spaces. And you will need to leave more room behind you to open the boot (trunk).
It’s also a good idea to think about whether you want to hire a diesel or petrol van. There could be different costs involved, and you may need to weigh that up when comparing the overall cost for renting a van in New Zealand.
Safety to consider when hiring a van
While vans are completely safe, as they are taller than your typical car they can be affected by high winds/driving in exposed places. So ensure you remain aware of that when travelling in New Zealand.
If you are going to have young children/babies in the van, you will need to check that the vehicle has the right fixtures/fittings for car seats, and to understand where is the safest place to put a baby or young child. It’s important to understand New Zealand safety guidelines and standards for this.
When first renting the van, make sure the driver sets up all of their mirrors to be able to see all angles outside of the vehicle, and that they are aware of potential blind spots.
As a van is longer than most cars, you need to allow for this when driving, parking and changing lanes. Knowing the dimensions of your rental van will help you to navigate low bridges, narrow road ways, and any other places that could be a ‘tight fit’ for vehicles.
What you want to use it for
Once you’ve made all considerations as to how different it is to drive a van, as well as the safety aspects, you should then think about what you’re wanting to use your van for. As this will determine which option would be best.
So think about things such as how many people the van needs to accommodate, and of course luggage too. Is the vehicle easy for elderly or disabled persons to get in and out of, and do any of the seats move/fold down, in case you need extra space?
Hiring a rental van in New Zealand is a great way to travel with a group of people. You can go where you want, when you want! And when you book with NZ Rent A Car, you can know you’re getting a vehicle that is modern, reliable, cost-effective and most importantly, safe.
Planning to travel to New Zealand, hire a van or car and check out some epic places? Make sure you download our fun HOLIDAY BINGO for everything you must do/grab a photo of when you’re on a roadie in New Zealand.
