Transport & Getting Around

New Zealand is easy to get around, neither too costly nor time consuming. Travelers preferring to travel by air should have no difficulty in finding flights with the major domestic airlines, such as Qantas, or smaller airlines, such as Mount Cook Airlines. Airline operators serve 27 airports throughout North and South Island.

Travelling by road, bus or car, is also a convenient method of travel. The roads are very well maintained. Visitors wishing to hire a car will need to be at least 21 years old and possess a driving licence from 1 of 52 approved countries (Australia, USA, Canada, UK, South Africa and many EU countries). Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. For those wishing to travel by bus, there are several major bus lines servicing most of the country. Intercity Bus company operates on both North and South Island. The two other major bus operators are Newmans (North Island) and Mt Cook Landline (South Island). There are also many other smaller bus companies which cater specifically for foreign tourists and these tours can be a fun way to travel around New Zealand.

Long-distance rail companies operate throughout much of the country. Traveling by train is faster than traveling on the roads – it is also sometimes cheaper than bussing it. Main train routes are, however, relatively few and to see many of the worthwhile sights, tourists may find they will have to travel by road as well.

Travel by sea: ferries operate regularly carrying customers between North and South Island, between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island). It would be wise to book your spot in advance since these services are very popular and often full.

Handy Travel Hint: If you are planning an extensive trek over both North and South Island, it would be well worth the purchase of a ‘Travelpass New Zealand’, or another similar transport pass. These allow travel on buses, trains and ferries throughout the entire country and are far more economical than paying as you go.