Kiwi campaign lures Aussie vanners

The objective of the campaign, which kicks off next week, is to convince Australians this summer is the time to hire a rental car or campervan and enjoy the unique experiences only the open roads of the South Island can offer.

The project is a partnership between Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism, Christchurch International Airport Limited, three South Island regional tourism organisations and Tourism New Zealand.

"We would love to see more Australians on our roads this summer enjoying the gems we as Kiwis often take for granted – our lovely rivers and secluded beaches, our rugged mountains and unspoilt countryside, our small country towns and villages peppered with a myriad of excellent cafes and coffee stops," says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter.

"Australians can fly into Christchurch International Airport, pick up a rental car and hit the road. They can spend a day or two in Christchurch before venturing further afield. The South Island is the ideal place for a road trip because there is so much to see and do and if you’ve got your own vehicle you can do it all at your own pace," he says.

The media campaign will be aimed at three target markets: 18 to 29-year-olds, families, and the 55-plus market. A dedicated campaign page on newzealand.com will include a map of the South Island highlighting potential routes. Visitors will be able to find information on each individual route, with links to individual operator listings, existing articles and operator deals.

A number of campervan rental brands well known to Aussie travellers, including Apollo, Kea and Maui, operate throughout New Zealand, so getting a competitive deal shouldn't be a problem, not discounting the favourable exchange rate.