Top 5 Must See Parks and Gardens to Visit with Your Rental Car

garden in Christchurch

Summer days cruising in your VroomVroomVroom rental car is a nature lover's dream

Whether it's for a relaxing picnic, a day out with the kids, or a romantic date, a park is a relaxing place to spend the day and won't cost you the world. New Zealand is a beautiful country with stunning mountain ranges and breathtaking beaches; kiwis are spoiled for choice when it comes to the outdoors. Their parks and gardens though are something really special, the culmination of different cultures and styles of gardening with the backdrop of such a beautiful country makes driving your rental car to our list of "Must see Parks and Gardens" the best way to spend your day.

Nestled in Dunedin is New Zealand's very own authentic Chinese Garden. All the materials to make the garden from the ground up were brought in from China and labour was supplied by Chinese workers using traditional building techniques. The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a beautiful piece of oriental craftsmanship and stands as a gem in the Dunedin CBD. Not surprisingly, many married couples choose to take wedding photos at this beautiful spot and it is perfect for a little picnic or sunset date. Just park up your hire car and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the garden.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens are a treat for everyone to enjoy. With a children's garden available for those weary parents who are travelling with their children, taking a break out and visiting the gardens is one thing you will thank us for later. Let the children loose with a ball or frisbee while you have a relaxing picnic and sit down to enjoy the gardens. For those who love nature and are interested in the native plants of New Zealand there is a native bush walk. There's a fantastic cafe on site too. Booking your car hire is the best way to get around the busy city and even easier when you book from Auckland Airport. Having your own set of wheels really pays off if you want to visit this beautiful park. There is no need to worry about the horrendous Auckland parking prices either, parking is free.

The crowning jewel of Hamilton would hands down have to be the Hamilton Gardens. To call it beautiful doesn't do it justice. The Hamilton Gardens has a variety of gardens in their Paradise Collection that are truly breathtaking and a sure family pleaser. The Rhododendron lawn is perfect for a game of cricket or soccer or even a picnic. If you are walking through all the collections allow yourself at least 2 hours, space on your camera and plenty of sunlight because you will want to take a lot of photos. It's more than a botanical garden, but more like a living museum of culture through plants. Parking is free so you can leave your rental car in the parking lot and even walk across to the lake and sit at the cafe for a coffee and slice of cake.

Christchurchis known as the 'Garden City'. It not only has its stunning botanical gardens in the heart of the city, but several gardens of national significance which are open to visitors . The Christchurch Botanical Gardens are set in 21 hectares bordering Hagley Park. A feature of the garden is well-photographed Peacock Fountain. If you are flying into Christchurch airport or exploring the South Island in your rental car, you may like to explore some of the gardens further afield, such as 'The Giant's House', a stunning mosaic sculpture garden in Akaroa, 90 minutes' drive from the city.

Fiordland national park is a beautiful show of New Zealand's natural splendour and a must see in the South Island while it's in bloom. Taking a drive in your rental car through Eglinton Valley on Milford Road during mid to late summer is a treat. During the peak of summer the Russell Lupin plants come into full bloom and the resulting scene is like something out of a movie. Luscious fields of lavender and violet make this drive one of the most romantic and breathtaking spots in New Zealand. Take note guys if you are travelling with your partner, this is the perfect place to drop down on one knee and propose. If you are flying in to Queenstownor Invercargill you can book your hire car with VroomVroomVroom from the airport so it's a clean break out to Te Anau and Fiordland National Park.

When it comes to parks and gardens, New Zealand has you covered so make sure to visit these beautiful spots of "Must see Parks and Gardens" when you are next in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

These are our favourite places - do you agree or did we miss some? Leave your favourites in the comments below