8 Essential Tips for Safe Winter Driving in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to explore by car. But embarking on a winter road trip does present some challenges.

A combination of heavy snow, icy roads and, in some areas, plenty of narrow twists and turns can make driving to some of its most remote regions not exactly straightforward.

For this reason, it pays to exercise a bit more caution than you otherwise might during the warmer and clearer months of summer. With that in mind, here are eight essential tips for safe winter driving in New Zealand.

Australia or New Zealand: Which Should You Visit?

Australia and New Zealand are both fantastic countries located in Oceania. Time permitting, it’s a great idea to visit both nations on the same trip due to their close proxmity. But for many people, time and budgetary constraints may force a choice. Both countries are well suited for a vacation so the Australia or New Zealand debate comes down to your interests and preferences. Upon careful comparison, one is likely better suited over the other for your vacation.

In a nutshell, Australia wins for lovers of city getaways as both Sydney and Melbourne are bigger than New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland. New Zealand wins for landscapes, with higher mountains compared to Australia. Australia wins for wildlife, with more diversity compared to New Zealand (but that also has pros and cons since New Zealand does not have poisons snakes). New Zealand wins for culture in my opinion, because Maori culture is more incorporated into New Zealand than aboriginal culture is located into Australia.

Melbourne: Highlights of the Sports and Arts Capital of Australia

Melbourne is the sports, arts and coffee capital of Australia. While Sydney’s harbor is more dramatically beautiful, Melbourne is the place to go for the nation’s biggest sporting events, fantastic museums, a great culinary scene, and Australia’s finest coffee culture. Bell went to university in Melbourne and we lived there together for a year. We recently re-visited family and friends and were rekindled with everything we love about one of the world’s most livable cities. So here are great things to do in Melbourne to help you plan a wonderful trip!

Street art of tram along with other collage photos including MCG cricket, cappuchino and sculpture at the National Gallery of Victoria.