We travel New Zealand for work and have been keeping a list of the places we love. For years we've been sharing these recommendations with friends, and then someone said "You should make a website!" so here we are. We've called the website "Little Bit Fancy" because that's what we enjoy, nothing crazy-super-posh ... just good, honest places that are consistently good. Read more.
Rent one of our sports cars, EVs, or premium vehicles and travel NZ in style and safety.
EV
Our EVs are a little bit different: they come with free unlimited charging on Tesla Superchargers. All our Tesla Model 3 are the 2019 Standard Range Plus, single motor models.
Expect around 250-300 km range on the open road, more around town.
SUV
Book one of our 2016-2019 Volvo XC60, perfect for long-distance travel and light off-road use (e.g. unsealed roads, ski fields, camping). Volvos are renowned for their safety and comfort.
ISOFIX points available for children's car seats.
Diesel
Touring
Station Wagon/Estate
This is a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200d estate and it's one of our favourite vehicles: it's exceptionally comfortable and has plenty of room for luggage and passengers. It's not too big around town, and not too small for longer journeys. It's our go-to vehicle for long-distance adventures.
This vehicle is a diesel and averages around 5L/100km, which is very fuel-efficient and inexpensive to operate. It is packed with safety features, includes ISOFIX mounting points for children's car seats, and a safety net for keeping luggage in the boot/trunk.
This vehicle is reasonably low to the ground and is not suitable for unsealed roads.
This particular vehicle has been smoked-in. There is a faint smell of cigarettes that we have been unable to completely remove, not noticeable while the aircon is running. The price reflects this.
Hybrid
Sports Car
Currently unavailable - back late February after service is complete. Sorry!
8 Arthur St, Timaru
W: The best place to get coffee in Timaru, and I'm willing to fight over this.
See More
37 Lake Timara Road West, Blenheim
It was a cold, grey, wet summer's day and we dropped into the Blenheim iSite Visitor Centre and asked for a recommendation: "We need a winery with a roaring log fire and... See More
37A Russell Road, Kensington, Whangārei
The best brunch-spot in Whangarei. It shares a carpark with the Quarry Gardens (a retired stone quarry, turned into a tropical garden by a team of volunteers – well worth a visit)... See More
99 Cameron Street, Whangarei
The best place to eat in Whangarei; hands-down.
See More51 The Strand, Tauranga
Run by a husband and wife team, you'll see Catherine behind the coffee machine and Hamish will greet you as you enter. You'll never get a bad coffee. If you're lucky you'll... See More
27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland
To get here you need to go to Galway Street, find Hotel Britomart, walk down the alleyway alongside Hotel Britomart towards Kingi, then go through a door on your right and down... See More
This is one of our favourite drives. Best done on a weekday in Summer, early afternoon, in one of our Porsches.
Stop at one of the carparks on the south side near... See More
City Works Depot, 1/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
This place is like a fancy version of the Mexico chain we all know and love. I feel it's more authentic, and that everything is made with love. You can't go wrong... See More
19 Southwark Street, Christchurch
W: A favourite place for me to catch up with my dad over a coffee when I'm in Christchurch.
Consistently good coffee, great food.
If you're feeling like cake walk... See More
114 Devonport Road, Tauranga
A short walk from Trinity Wharf along the waterfront, open late, nice atmosphere. Turkish is always good, this is great.
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38 Cambridge Street South, Levin
We stopped here on a whim on our way through Levin and were absolutely blown away. Down a narrow pathway in an industrial area, through a door, and we burst into a... See More
2 George Street, Timaru
We stopped here with some friends on our way through Timaru. We liked the atmosphere, the variety of different cuisines, and the delicious fresh food.
If you've visited Little High in Christchurch,... See More
149 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The perfect place for a quick lunch, it's open 7 days a week and you can't go wrong. Sandwich options to please everyone and great coffee.
W: I try and... See More
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
Free on-site parking, easy access from the motorway (and avoiding most of the city traffic), stunning views from the restaurant/lounge. Staff always excellent. Never had a bad stay. Underfloor heating in the... See More