Getting Around New Zealand
Because of its compact size, New Zealand is an easy country to travel around. Here are some suggestions on modes of transport around the country. Locals are knowledgeable and enjoy helping travellers find fun, economical options for seeing the country.
Bus
Intercity
There is now only one national bus company in New Zealand - Intercity. They offer a choice of bus passes as well as ordinary one-way or round trip fares. In addition to Intercity, you will come across smaller bus companies specialising in one particular route or region. These companies can often provide more competitive fares than the national company.
Intercity offer a range of passes, from ones that cover the whole of New Zealand through to one off journeys. Here is a sample of some of the passes you can buy:
- Limited time, unlimited route - allow you to travel anywhere on the network for a limited period of time. These are called Flexi-passes. Buy your Flexi-Pass in blocks of 5 hours starting from 15 hours right up to 80 hours. The more hours you buy, the cheaper each trip becomes. Flexi-Passes are valid for one year.
- Restricted route, unlimited time - allows you to spend 6 months or more travelling on a specific route.
- Restricted distance pass - with this pass you specify the distance of bus travel you wish to purchase and can choose where you travel as you go along. The validity is generally 6 months or more.
Check out: www.intercitycoach.co.nz.
Kiwi Experience
In recent years participants have recommended joining the 'Kiwi Experience'. This bus company specialises in travelling off the beaten track. You must choose a specific route but have up to 12 months to travel along it. The company is great for backpackers and their buses come fully equipped with driver/guides and stereos! For more information on their passes and activities have a look at: www.kiwiex.co.nz.
Train
Tranzrail operates New Zealand's railway system. Trains now only operate over a few main routes, however the trains are comfortable and modern. Journeys by train will not prove to be too much more expensive than travelling the equivalent journey by bus. The Tranz-Alpine Express, which operates between Christchurch and Greymouth, passes through some incredible scenery on its climb through the Southern Alps. For more information and online bookings: www.tranzscenic.co.nz.
Tranzrail also operate the Interisland Line ferries across Cook Strait (between the North and South Islands). If you are planning on using the ferries over the summer/Christmas break, be sure to book in advance. For more information on the ferries or to book a trip: www.interislandline.co.nz.
Car
You can go around New Zealand the whole way by car. Rental cars can also prove to be expensive and is best done in a group or for a few days only. Buying a car or van is a popular way of seeing New Zealand. However certain roads in the more remote regions may not be what you are used to driving on back home.
Remember that New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road. Your valid full drivers licence will allow you to drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You must carry your driver's licence on you at all times while driving or face instant fines if caught without one. The speed limit is 100 kph (62 mph) on highways and 50 kph (31 mph) in urban areas. Drivers and all passengers must be wearing seatbelts at all times. Remember that some can vary from the rules you maybe used to back home. If you are planning to drive in New Zealand it would be wise to read a copy of New Zealand's Road Code first.
Choose carefully when buying a car, as this option can prove costly. It is a very good idea to get the car thoroughly checked by a mechanic for roadworthiness. The AA (New Zealand Automobile Association) will charge around $120 for this service but do shop around for a better deal. Membership to the AA also has great benefits such as free maps and breakdown roadside assistance. If you are a member of organisations such as the AAA in the USA or AA in the UK, this membership is recognised by the AA in New Zealand. Their website is www.aa.co.nz.
Insuring your vehicle
You are not legally required to have car insurance to drive a vehicle in New Zealand. However we do advise you to purchase third party car insurance. If you do not get insurance and have an accident resulting in hospitalisation of the other driver/pedestrian, you will be covered under ACC for the hospital costs, but not for the repair costs of either vehicle.
Many insurance companies won't insure for a period less than twelve months and offer no refund for unused period. The AA offers a six-month insurance policy and will happily insure travellers. They will also consider your clean insurance record at home. The AA can however sometimes be rather expensive.
Hitchhiking
If you intend to hitchhike, use your common sense and always do so in pairs or groups. Do choose your rides carefully. Remember some roads have very little traffic and you may find yourself stuck for days. Shared rides are often advertised in hostels and, if you have a car, you can advertise for people to share the cost of your journey by contributing towards petrol (gasoline).
Flying
New Zealanders are currently enjoying some of the lowest ever domestic fares and often flying is a much cheaper alternative to other types of public transport. Buying your tickets online is the cheapest and most convenient way. If you do end up using a travel agent ensure they are aware that you hold a return flight ticket to/from New Zealand, as this may qualify you for a discount. Look at the Air New Zealand www.airnz.co.nz, Qantas www.qantas.co.nz or Origin Pacific www.originpacific.co.nz websites for special deals. Air New Zealand offers competitive flights to Australia and the Pacific Islands. Shop around with Pacific Blue www.pacificblue.co.nz, Air Zealand, Emirates, Qantas and Thai Airways if you are looking at flying to Australia. |
Getting Around