Renting a car NZ

Sleeping in a car for 54 nights. Good luck with that. Let's know how the relationship's faring about halfway in. It should make for interesting reading.

don't forget to budget for campsite fees, because you can't freecamp in a vehicle which doesn't have a toilet. Most cars don't have toilets.

DoC sites have pit toilets and only cost a few dollars. Of course they don't have showers - you'll need to pay for a serviced site for that.

and yes, this doesn't sound like much of a holiday to me! At least buy a cheap tent.

Thanks for the tip. How much time do you think we need to explore both islands with a car (van would be better indeed!)?

the absolute minimum is 3 weeks, I think - normal recommendation is 1/3 - 2/3 North/South split. You won't see everything in your six weeks - I've done six months and not seen it all - but you'll be able to do quite a lot.

A campervan will be slower and thirstier on fuel. Do bear in mind the quality and distribution of NZ's hostels (look on the BBH website) and that it does rain and get cold quite a lot.

We attempted a 2 island tour in 3 weeks. Saw a lot, but had to skip Bay of Islands and Mt Cook, and only had a day each in Auckland and Wellington and we were never in one place more than 2 days.
I'd say, therefore, 4 weeks was the minimum for seeing most places on a 2 island tour, but 5 weeks would be about perfect (as a 2 week north and 3 week south).
I can't even think about doing this with a car as a bed.
At least get a camper, or a van with a decent tent. There are plenty of good camping grounds, some very cheap, others a bit more, but in great spots. That said,the people we saw camping at Mt Cook in the gale force winds did not look as though they were enjoying themselves.

Thanks for the advice guys. I think 4 weeks is perfect. How is public travel in NZ, to explore both islands?

Woeful. Triple the time and expect to see a third.

luc. 16yrs ago brother and I rented a cheao van. also had a cheap now about 70 tent outside dome kind, just drove and as close to dusk looked for a layby. pulled in put up tent.come early morning made our tea and breakie. off we go. only advice make certain you not near railway crossings cause the bells go off almost every 20mins. lol had most marvelous time. we ruled out the bus since we wanted to march/ drive explore to our own drum.

to eliminate nasty surprise double check ferry cost re vehicle. be prepared to rent one in ea island.