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. Check vehicle availability here.
EV ⚡️
All our Tesla Model 3 are the 2021 Standard Range Plus, single motor models. We include Tesla Supercharging and access to the Chargenet charging network: charged back to your credit card at cost. Expect around 300 km range on the open road, 400 km range around town.
SUV
Petrol
Touring
Whether you're staying in the city or adventuring futher afield our 2022 Volvo XC40 will carry you in comfort and style. - Space for for 4 adults - Large boot/trunk - ISOFIX points for children's car seats - Built-in NZ maps and navigation - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - Packed with safety features - Easy around town, comfy on the open road - Four wheel drive: perfect for winter weather --- W: Everyone loved this vehicle so much we purchased another one in the exact same spec.
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.
Hybrid
Sports Car
Currently unavailable - back early 2026. Sorry!
EV ⚡️
👋 We'd like to encourage EV rentals in New Zealand so we're trying something different with this Tesla: fixed pricing, all-year-round, at a discounted weekly rate. This is a 2021 Standard Range Plus Tesla Model 3. The real-world range is around 300 km range on the open road, 400 km range around town. This will comfortably get you around New Zealand without too much hassle. We include access to Tesla Superchargers (plug in to charge, Tesla bill us automatically) and the Chargenet charging network (plug in, then swipe included card to charge). Costs will be automatically billed to your credit card.
SUV
Petrol
Touring
Whether you're staying in the city or adventuring futher afield our 2022 Volvo XC40 will carry you in comfort and style. - Space for for 4 adults - Large boot/trunk - ISOFIX points for children's car seats - Built-in NZ maps and navigation - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - Packed with safety features - Easy around town, comfy on the open road - Four wheel drive: perfect for winter weather --- W: Everyone loved our first XC40 "Sven" so much that when we saw a second one for sale that was exactly the same we couldn't let the opportunity pass. So, we bought a second one: "Astrid". This is Astrid ❤️
With a few exceptions we're big fans of State Highway 1. It's a good drive with stunning scenery.
One of our favourite stretches is through the Tongariro National Park, along the "Desert... See More
14 Runanga Street, Taupō 3330
We keep an eye out for places that locals love, and this is one of them. Haven't yet had a bad coffee here.
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8 Arthur St, Timaru
W: The best place to get coffee in Timaru, and I'm willing to fight over this.
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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
13 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland 1010
Critics will say it's over-priced and there are "better" options but hear me out: this place is always busy and it's consistently good. Their bread is some of the best around.
If... See More
847 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
This is another one of those local recommendations: we were staying at a nearby Airbnb and asked where to go for brunch. Without hesitation the answer was "the Boatshed cafe". We were... See More
State Highway 1, Kaikōura 7400
Kaikōura literally means "meal of crayfish" (kai – food/meal, kōura – crayfish) and we reckon Nin's Bin is the place to get it. Always fresh, caught local, and basically cooked-to-order.
It's criminal... 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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7 Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Tucked away on the ground floor of Commercial Bay is an epic little spot for sandwiches and pizza. The coffee is good, too! You can't go wrong here.
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114 Esplanade, Kaikōura 7300
The Sudima Kaikoura is a 4.5 star hotel opened in 2022. It's across the road from the beach, and the rooms with balconies looking over the beach are well worth it.
The... See More
331 Lake Terrace, Two Mile Bay, Taupō 3330
Fairly simple menu (pizza, toasties, bagels, breakfast, waffles, icecream) but there's something for everyone and it's consistently good. Stunning view over the lake and easy parking from both directions. Best enjoyed on... See More
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
