Getting Around New Zealand

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Getting Around in New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand is an adventure in itself, with various transport options catering to different travel styles and preferences. Whether you choose to self-drive, take a bus or coach, fly, or travel by train or ferry, each mode of transport offers unique advantages.

Getting Around New Zealand By Air

New Zealand's extensive domestic flight network connects the Far North to Stewart Island and even outlying islands. Booking domestic flights is straightforward, and airports in major cities and regional hubs ensure you can reach your destination quickly. This option is ideal for those with limited time or who wish to cover large distances swiftly.

Getting Around New Zealand By Rail

Traveling by train in New Zealand provides a unique perspective, offering spectacular views often not visible from the road. The country boasts three main scenic rail journeys that traverse the North and South Islands, providing an unforgettable travel experience. Regional rail services and suburban trains in Wellington and Auckland further enhance connectivity.

Commuter rail services operate in Wellington and Auckland. Intercity railway services are also offered and managed by KiwiRail Scenic Journeys. The TranzAlpine takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth and back. The Northern Explorer travels between Auckland and Wellington and runs thrice a week.

Getting Around New Zealand By Road

Self-Drive: Explore at Your Own Pace: Self-driving is a popular way to see New Zealand, offering the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can hire a rental car or motorhome and choose from a range of itineraries that make planning your road trip easy. Use a travel calculator to work out driving times and distances, ensuring you make the most of your journey. For those seeking adventure, bikes and motorbikes are also available for hire.

Bus and Coach: For travelers who prefer not to drive, guided coach tours are an excellent option. These tours range from day trips to multi-day itineraries, covering major attractions and hidden gems. New Zealand's nationwide bus network allows you to travel between regions effortlessly. In larger cities, hop-on hop-off buses offer an easy way to see the sights, while public bus networks provide reliable local transport.

Buses are cheaper than other forms of transport here. However, the service is not quite frequent, and connections to major towns exist only once a day. Some of the best bus services are Atomic Shuttles, InterCity buses, and Flying Kiwi Adventures, which take you on a bus tour.

Getting Around New Zealand By Water

As an island nation, ferries and water taxis play a crucial role in New Zealand's transport system. Regular passenger and vehicle ferries connect the North and South Islands via Cook Strait. Additionally, a passenger ferry links the South Island with Stewart Island. Elsewhere, ferries travel between outlying islands, and smaller water taxis offer quick and convenient trips to specific locations.

You can travel between Wellington and Picton and these boat services are available daily. Bluebridge and Interislander are the ferry companies here. Auckland and Wellington have harbor ferries that commuters can access. Charter boats are also available on request.