CAR HIRE AUSTRALASIA

Car hire is a great way to explore the spectacular open spaces of Australia and New Zealand. Distances between sights can be long but once out of the major towns traffic is usually light.

For visitors from the UK driving down under provides few suprises - especially as traffic in both countries drives on the left side of the road.

Because of the low population density motorways only run around larger urban centres. Main highways connecting towns are usually well-maintained single carriage roads, but you don't have to venture far off the main routes to encounter gravel roads. Most are in good shape, but bear in mind that your hire car insurance may not cover you off the tarmac.

Drivers down under tend to be laid back rather than aggressive, especially in rural areas. Animals may be a bigger problem on the road in country areas - kangeroos in Australia, sheep in New Zealand.