Travelling to New Zealand from abroad can be both exciting and daunting; how do you know where to go, what to see and how to get around? Isn't it best to take a guided tour so that you don't miss anything? Whilst guided tours are a great option for those restricted by time, with a little bit of planning and a great rental car company, you can have an independent self drive tour that is just as good - if not better!

If you are one of the many tourists arriving from Australia, you will be pleased to know that here in New Zealand we drive on the same side of the road as drivers do in Australia. Our roads and weather can be somewhat different though - but don't let that be a factor to deter you from booking a rental car. A quality rental car company will provide you with details either on their website or when you pick up your vehicle on the basic New Zealand road rules, which will help to put your mind at ease if still aren't sure on driving the country yourself.

Independent self drive tours of New Zealand allow you to choose where you will stop, what you want to see and who you travel with. Many of the guided tours often have set destinations which are unable to be customised to suit. Imagine driving along the road in your rental car of choice only to see a quaint little cafe on the side of the road in small township such as Temuka, you decide to pull over and enjoy a bite to eat and a drink only to find that the cafe also sells some great little souvenirs - you may not have found that out if you were on a guided tour!

Your options really are endless, many tourists you talk to will often tell you of all the famous New Zealand places to stop on your holiday; Waitomo Caves, Tongariro National Park, Kaikoura, Queenstown, Akaroa, the list goes on - and whilst these places are great, there are so many more small townships along your travels that are definitely worth a stop, even if it is just for some lunch or to stretch your legs. Below we give you some ideas:

• Cheviot - there is a great little community market on the weekends where you can find all sorts of knick knacks.

• Bannockburn - if you are staying in the Otago region (Cromwell, Queenstown) Bannockburn is a small township not far, that offers some great wineries.

• Greytown - in the North Island, this small town is like stepping into a different world with it's historical buildings and great arts and crafts on offer, it's worth the visit.

• Turangi - if fishing, mountain biking, bush walks and more sounds like something you are interested in, then Turangi is your place to stop.

Travelling by rental car around New Zealand allows you to enjoy these towns and many more, depending on your itinerary - something which many tourists miss out on.