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facilities such as barbecues are available, with
tips and suggested itineraries on operators’
websites.
Qantas Holidays’ Esther Ward says: “We have
developed a lot of suggested self-drive itineraries,
which are popular with agents who can put them
in their windows.
“Clients still have the freedom to change
itineraries but they can have the security of
pre-booked accommodation if they wish.”
For complete independence, customers can
combine car hire with hotel passes which are
pre-paid but bookable en route.
Samples: Kuoni uses Avis in Australia and IMAGES NEW ZEALAND
does not charge extra for one-way rentals if
cars are hired for at least three days, except In the heart of North COACH TOURS
in Western Australia and the Northern Island’s geothermal area, Premium escorted tours remain the core business
Territory. A compact car costs £46 a day Lake Rotorua is an idyllic of main operators Australian Pacific Touring and
(£65 in NT) but is cheaper for rentals of location to pause and AAT Kings, but there’s an increasing trend towards
seven or more days. enjoy the beautifully small group and adventure tours.
Kuoni uses Maui and KEA Campers for peaceful landscapes AAT Kings’ sales and marketing director,
motorhome rentals in New Zealand, where Richard Howarth, says: “We have listened to
prices start at £62 per day for rentals of feedback from agents over the past year, and
7-20 days. www.kuoni.co.uk our new brochure reflects the demand for more
Gold Medal’s Pacific Coast Highway intimate personal experiences.
self-drive tour costs from £405 per person “Small group tours to the Red Centre of
for seven days including car hire and named Australia, with only 21 guests, are ideal for clients
accommodation (room-only). It covers looking for this type of experience. We also have
distances of between 39 and 272 miles new small group tours in New Zealand.”
each day. www.goldmedal.co.uk APT has its own luxury tented camp at
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