The Jayride Challenge, sponsored by Ace Rental Cars

The Jayride Rideshare Challenge has arrived at it’s destination. Our challenge, to share rides every step of the way from Auckland to Queenstown was an outstanding success.

Finding passengers was so easy we had to turn them down – our compact Ace simply too full to fit one more person and their bags. To Maggie, John, Senay, Nadine, Marty, Grant, the hitchhikers at National Park, Taupo, Franz Josef, and everyone else we had to turn down; our apologies and maybe we’ll see you next time!

The passengers we did take were all types and from everywhere. We gave lifts to friends and strangers, men and women, couples and singles, locals and international travelers. We found them online, on the road, at our hostel, and by a note on the fridge at a backpacker.

With these people, our new best friends, we saw the best this country has to offer. We stopped in unique places and did amazing things. We discovered progressive rock and Chilean reggae. We had conversations instead of just a radio.

On a personal note, although I’m a kiwi, by traveling with foreigners for several legs of our journey I had the pleasure of seeing my own country fresh through their eyes. What started as a simple publicity trip became a whole lot more. I now have places to stay in Dunedin and Chile should I need them.

The best result was the enthusiasm shown for Jayride by the travelers and professionals we met. From the owner of our hostel in Rotorua and his longing for the good old days when people used to hitch… right down to those same hitchers looking for a better, easier, safer way to travel. Everyone loved the idea and offered help where they could.

The success of the Jayride Rideshare Challenge shows that not only is ridesharing possible, it’s easy. Anyone can do it and benefit from it, with very little work at all. Make Jayride.co.nz your tool for better transport.

In coming articles we’ll be breaking down the benefits for you. How does ridesharing green your travel? How does ridesharing help you save money? How do you find rideshare passengers? We’ll show you the theory and our example of just how cheap, clean and easy better travel can be.

Thanks to our passengers Chris, Tom, Svende, Ting, Tomás and Trista for helping us to prove how easy it can be. Special thanks to our secret passenger Connie Chan, the photographer extraordinaire who brought this trip to life.

Finally, extra special thanks to Ace Rental cars, whose commitment to sustainable transport provided us with “Ace” the green-modified rental car that became the wheels beneath the Jayride Rideshare Challenge.

The Jayride Challenge arrives in Queenstown

State Highway 6, from Franz Josef to Wanaka through the Haast pass is one of the most dramatic stretches of road in New Zealand. Highway 6a through Cardrona over the Crown range to Queenstown is one of the most fun to drive. The last leg of the Jayride Rideshare Challenge was to be the best.

Trista and Tomás were locked in again. Trista was headed to Wanaka, Tomás to Queenstown. With bags and passengers loaded we were forced to turn down a hitchhiker outside of Franz Josef as there was simply no room in the Ace. The leg started slowly with visits to both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, then onwards through forest past Haast township and down into the pass.

When driving highway 6 try to stop as often as possible; the viewpoints and bush walks along this road are the best in the country. The road runs first along lake Wanaka, then lake Hawea, throwing out views of still water framed by mountains to right, then left.

In Wanaka, Trista hopped off at her accommodation and we took a quick stop by the lake. The sun was getting lower on the horizon however, so we quickly proceeded south towards Queenstown.

The Crown Range is 20 kilometres of winding ascent, followed by 5 kilometres of steep descent, hairpin after hairpin curve down onto the Queenstown flats; a great drive. From the top of the range the views over the lakes area form a spectacular panorama from the Remarkables to Arrowtown with Milford Sound behind.

From the foot of the range it was just a short drive to our final destination, we arrived in Queenstown with the sun setting in front of us.

The Jayride Challenge set off ten days prior with the goal of carpooling and Ace rental car from Auckland to Queenstown. We succeeded at our goal every leg of the way.

Rod, Trista, Tomás and Ace on an empty tank

Packing up the Ace rental in Punakaiki, the Challenge headed south down the West Coast. Tomás was once again along for the ride. The final passenger joining us for the leg was Trista, who we’d gotten to know at the Pancake Rocks, and had enough fun that she’d decided to join us traveling south into glacier country.

Two kilometres before Punakaiki the Ace’s petrol light came on. In a shocking oversight, we’d forgotten to fill up with petrol in Westport. It’s 47 kilometres from Punakaiki to the nearest petrol station at Greymouth. Although the roads are straight there are frequent hills; if Ace was to run out of petrol on the wrong stretch there would be no shoulder on which to pull over.

Those 49 kilometres were full of nervous jokes and the most conscious fuel-saving driving possible.

We rode to Greymouth with windows up and aircon off, not a problem on the West Coast with rain coming down in sheets. We drove more conservatively, with an eye on the rev-counter; slower driving meant plenty of people overtaking us, but we laughed it off as it gave us more time to appreciate the best of the West Coast views. Even the view of an old abandoned gas station was worth a chuckle.

Finally, we took a tip from the hypermilers, a group of people who aim to drive with the highest miles-per-gallon (mpg). By driving behind a larger vehicle, a truck or camper, your own vehicle will encounter less wind resistance and need less gas. If you’re skeptical, try it (watching your following distance!), and you’ll find it really works. Check out the full hypermiler petrol-saving tips list here on treehugger.

With these methods and plenty of laughs about hitchhiking for gas in the rain, Jayride made it safely to Greymouth. Having the extra weight of passengers and bags in the car proved to be no problem with good driving; our Ace rental performing brilliantly. We filled up and were able to continue south to glacier country without a problem.

Franz Josef town is little more than two roads but has a full set of shops, accommodation and petrol. Fox Glacier town is much smaller. Although is has one backpacker, it has few other facilities. If you decide to stay at Fox Glacier be sure to stock up on petrol and provisions before you leave Franz.

At Franz Josef the Jayride team will spend the last nights of the challenge. On the 5th we finish the Jayride Rideshare Challenge with the final carpool to Queenstown. In doing we will have proven that it is possible to share any trip, reducing your environmental impact and travel expenses per-capita. Keep watching the Challenge at news.jayride.co.nz.

Rod and Tomás departing Kaikoura

There is no better way to highlight the diversity of NZ’s landscapes than crossing the South Island in a day. From the low rolling hills of the east, one day’s drive will traverse the mountainous Southern Alps to the rugged rainforest of the West Coast.

Ting had hurried to Dunedin by hitch-hiking south the day before. Tomás however was keen to continue on Jayride’s scenic route and joined us again. With our carpooler in the Ace rental, the Jayride Rideshare Challenge hit the road again.

To cross the island, first head south-west via State Highway 76 through Waiau, then right to head due west on State Highway 7. Hanmer Springs is a short detour for a lunch break, or continue on through the Lewis pass and up into the Buller highlands.

The highway travels west until Reefton, a great little town in the hills and an ideal rest break. From here Punakaiki lies directly west, but there is no direct road; either to head north to Westport then south, or south to Greymouth then north.

The West Coast looking north from above Punakaiki

Both routes take the same time, however the northern route past Westport is far more scenic. One majestic viewpoint lies just ten kilometres north of Punakaiki, which on a clear day provides breath-taking views both north and south along the coast. Alternatively, check out basking New Zealand Fur seals with a detour to Cape Foulwind just south of Westport.

A last important reminder for those on the road headed to Punakaiki: Between Westport and Greymouth there is neither supermarkets nor petrol stations, and no mobile coverage should you get stuck. To avoid ending up starving or stranded fill up with supplies and petrol before starting down the coast.

The traverse from east to west shows the best of NZ’s diversity in a single day’s travel. For tourists in NZ on a tight time frame this is a great drive to see the best of what New Zealand has to offer.

Our accommodation lay outside Punakaiki proper; on arrival we met Trista, a Canadian tourist in NZ on a working holiday visa. As there was one seat free in the Ace we collected her and continued to Punakaiki to see the sights.

For the penultimate leg the Jayride Challenge will travel from Punakaiki to Franz Josef. Jayride has almost succeeded in carpooling an Ace rental car from Auckland to Queenstown. Will we make it? Find out at news.jayride.co.nz

A sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura

A peninsula backed against snow-capped mountains, stony beaches framing the land against deep ocean canyons; stunning sunsets and all the best wildlife that New Zealand can offer. If you’re looking for these things, your destination must be Kaikoura.

Kaikoura is a classic kiwi destination to stay a night, a better one to stay a week. In Maori the name Kaikoura means “Eat crayfish”, but crays are far from the most famous wildlife in the area.

The Kaikoura peninsula sits at the head of a deep ocean trench that is a magnet for passing Sperm whales. Tourist boats, planes and helicopters head out many times per day searching for these magnificent (if elusive) creatures.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more hands on try swimming with Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand Fur seals, or any one of a dozen other tourist adventures like kayaking, diving or sky-diving.

Kaikoura is easy to reach from both Wellington and Christchurch.

From Christchurch, Kaikoura is a simple three hour drive north. The coast road takes in amazing views of the Pacific Ocean culminating in some twisting 15km/h corners passing through tunnels in sheer rock.

From Wellington the best option is a ferry, bus or car combo. Take a passenger ticket on a Cook Straight ferry. When you arrive either hop on a bus with a return ticket, or simpler visit Ace rental cars. Pick up a rental for as long as you like, and when you’re done, return it to Picton and catch a return ferry.

If you’re taking a rental car, remember to share your ride! The road south from Picton is busy with travelers; Jayride picked up two passengers from Picton on our trip south. By sharing your transport you can slash your travel expenses and green your trip at the same time.

If you’re looking to appreciate the best wildlife and scenery that NZ has to offer, don’t miss Kaikoura!

Tomás, Ting and Rod arrive in Picton

Tomás is a Chilean agricultural graduate traveling NZ for eight months. While his friends spend some time doing orchard work, Tomás was keen to squeeze in one more trip around the beautiful south of New Zealand. He found the Jayride Challenge online and we met him on the ferry crossing from Wellington.

Ting is a kiwi, just returned to New Zealand from fourteen months traveling Asia, now relocating to Dunedin to begin a new course. She found Jayride online, and hitch-hiked from Nelson to meet us at the ferry terminal in Picton.

With Ace now full of backpacks and spirited carpoolers, The Jayride Rideshare Challenge launched into the second half of its journey.

The east coast road to Kaikoura is one of the best drives in NZ. The road starts as long sweeping curves through low hills, then finishes winding over rail tunnels on a narrow strip of coast between Mount Fyffe and the Pacific Ocean.

There is no better place to be on a scorching New Zealand summer’s day than driving along the ocean coast, golden hills shining in the sun, to the sound of Chilean reggae.

In fact, as we caught sight after sight of perfect turquoise waters the desire to stop for a swim became too strong and we pulled the car over on a stretch of deserted stony beach to play in the waves.

A beautiful drive, with emissions and cost split four ways, sharing a trip to Kaikoura is a brilliant, cheap and green holiday option.

On the 1st The Jayride Rideshare Challenge continues east to west from Kaikoura to Punekaiki. Keep watching news.jayride.co.nz!

Tom, Svende, Rod and Ace in Rotorua township

Tom and Svende are two backpackers who have been hitch-hiking down the country from Paihia after their car broke down. They were headed onwards to start the famous Tongariro Crossing from National Park.

The couple found Jayride’s Challenge in the simplest way. We put a note on the shared fridge at our accommodation. If you’re driving somewhere with spare seats it’s the simplest thing to share them and split your costs, using a technique like this, or an online solution like Jayride.co.nz

The view from SH57 north over Taupo

The road from Turangi to National Park is seldom driven except by locals and skiers, yet it’s home to one of the most fantastic viewpoints in the country. Only ten minutes outside of Turangi by highway 47 in the foothills of Tongariro national park, the viewpoint presents a breathtaking scene north across lake Taupo. Next time you’re driving through the central north island, consider a detour and a lunch break here.

We dropped Tom and Svende at their backpacker in National Park only to find hitch-hikers waiting for a lift in every direction. The trip south to Wellington went by in a flash.

On the 30th The Jayride Rideshare Challenge catches a ferry to Picton, then drives on to Kaikoura. Keep track of our passengers and progress at news.jayride.co.nz!

The Champagne Pool, Waiotapu, Rotorua

Rotorua is a great holiday destination. Only four hours drive from Auckland it’s close enough for a weekend away for those in the city, and offers something for everyone. Besides the plentiful bars and restaurants, try the Polynesian Spa, luging, or visit the Champagne Pool at Waiotapu.

However, if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, Rotorua has that too. Kerosene creek is a little known destination and an absolute delight. The creek is hot water, fueled by natural springs, and winds its way through ferns and native bush, over waterfalls into a natural hot pool. No tourists, no ticket booth; it’s free to those who find it. Swim or bathe in the hot water, and make sure to bring a picnic.

To find Kerosene Creek, head south along State Highway 5 from Rotorua. Take a left hand turn onto a gravel road south of Rainbow Mountain, before Waiotapu, and follow it to the end. If you reach the bridge on SH5 then you’ve gone too far.

Jayride’s drive to and around Rotorua in our Ace rental cost only $40 in petrol; by carpooling with one passenger the trip became only $20 per head – cheaper than a taxi to Auckland airport, let alone a flight.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the city; or a central island stop on the way south; Rotorua is the place to be.

Jayride kicks off in Auckland with our first carpooler, Chris

The Jayride Rideshare Challenge began today in Auckland. Cofounder of Jayride, Rod, has begun his carpool from Auckland to Queenstown via some of New Zealand’s iconic tourist destinations.

Success will mean proof that ridesharing is practical; and that anyone can share any trip in order to save money on petrol and reduce their emissions. What better way to have a cheap holiday than rideshare to a great domestic holiday spot?

The challenge met its first carpooler in downtown Auckland by Victoria Park. Chris is a teaching fellow at Dunedin school of medicine, on holiday in the North Island.

The first leg of the Rideshare Challenge took Jayride’s Ace rental car from Auckland to the classic tourist destination, Rotorua, via state highway two and the Karangahake gorge.

The gorge road follows the train line and is a great drive with plenty of long winding corners set against native bush. SH2 is a scenic alternative to traveling south through Matamata or Hamilton; letting a tourist find some classic destinations on the way.

Paeroa, home of the world famous (in New Zealand) Lemon and Paeroa bottle makes a great lunch stop with plenty of options for a quick meal on the road. Later in the afternoon a short detour to Mount Maunganui provides a brilliant rest break, and an opportunity to take a dip in the ocean or an ice-cream on the beach.

This route to Rotorua takes only slightly longer than the traditional route through Matamata; give it a try next time you head south.

Chris hopped off the challenge at a local backpacker to continue his holiday. Tomorrow, 27th January is a rest-day to explore Rotorua until the 28th when the Jayride Rideshare Challenge heads on to Wellington.

Over the coming days the Challenge will be bringing you information on more great NZ destinations and ideas on how to get you there. As Jayride’s Ace car makes its way down the country the Challenge will also bring you ideas on how to green your travel and show you the real life cost-savings of sharing transport.

Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates on this unique NZ challenge by Jayride.co.nz.

Written by James Beech, journalist for the Otago Daily Times and the Queenstown Times about the upcoming Jayride Challenge.

Online car-pooling service

A NEW online ride-sharing service aims to prove car-pooling works as a way to save money and the environment, by inviting anyone to join a ride from Auckland to Queenstown.

Jayride was founded by Auckland entrepreneurs Rod Bishop and Ross Lin.  Mr Bishop will drive a car, courtesy of sponsor Ace, from the city on Monday and arrive in the resort on February 5.

If Jayride makes it from Auckland to Queenstown, filling spare seats for the whole trip, it will show Kiwis can share any ride they want, whenever they want, Mr Bishop said.

The Jayride Challenge will be blogged with photography from the road at news.jayride.co.nz.

Mr Bishop said the idea started with hitch.net.nz, a car-pooling service he started two years ago and based on a German model.  The service’s popularity prompted the rename and launch of Jayride last December.

Jayride.co.nz was receiving 20,000 page views a month and 200 new members  were registering every three weeks, he said.

It has become New Zealand’s largest public ride-sharing service, with more than 1450 members sharing 14.500 rides around the country.  Registration and searches were free, and travel costs were met by ride sharers.

“In tight financial times, domestic travel is a cost-saving alternative to overseas holidays, especially when New Zealand’s greatest destinations are now cheaper than ever to reach with Jayride.” Mr Bishop said.

“Ride-sharing is a way for New Zealanders to save money on travel expenses and to reduce their carbon footprint.  Emissions from motor vehicles are responsible for New Zealand being the sixth worst polluter per capita in the world.”