🇳🇿 South Island Road Trip Starts Here: Christchurch!

"Land in the Garden City to begin your epic NZ loop!" 🚗 Car Rental Tips 🔹 Why Christchurch? Best for full-island road trips (vs. Queenstown arrivals). 🔹 Yesaway Rental Zero-deposit via Alipay 🇨🇳 (Chinese staff = no language stress!). Pro move: Book early—SUVs sell out fast! ⚠️ Insurance NON-NEGOTIABLE Full coverage ONLY (black ice, mountain roads = no joke!). 🔹 Winter Upgrade Switched to 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser (+NZ$2k 😭) after Milford crash news. 🏨 Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton 🍪 Welcome cookies! 🍪 🛏️ Cozy + heated blankets (but no kitchen—meal prep ahead!). 🍜 Food Prep 🛒 Stock up: Chinese groceries (last chance before remote areas!). Cook-friendly hotels booked ahead. #NZRoadTrip #Christchurch #SouthIsland #TravelSmart