New Zealand Transportation Tips by kiwigal_1

BY CAR/BUS

Most of New Zealand has pretty bad public transport. In Auckland a car is almost essential. Buses run from the suburbs into the city and there are a few across town. The bus services in Auckland are improving but are far from perfect.

Around New Zealand I believe it is best to rent a car or motor home and drive yourself. There are bus services if you are making only a couple of trips but if you have a long itinerary take the car!

For more information on the bus fares and routes around Auckland and beyond please click the link below.

Bus fares in Auckland start at $1.20 for one stage (generally stages are about 4 kilometers in length).

Mode: AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Website: http://www.rideline.co.nz

DRIVING AROUND NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a great place to drive around however it is important for international travellers to check the rules of driving here as they may be different to your country. State Highway One is the major highway running the length of the country.

You can get rental cars from all the airports. Remember if you start in Auckland that this is a very busy city and traffic is at its peak during the "rush hour" before and after work. It is recommended that you look at a map and plan your route before driving in a vehicle so as not to slow down other drivers! (a hazard I have noticed tourists doing here!!)

For rules on driving please refer to Driving in New Zealand

The AA website below is a good one to look at if you want to find out more information on driving in New Zealand and on travel times and distances between locations.

Mode: TO

Type: Car/Motor Home

Website: http://www.aatravel.co.nz

BY FERRY

There is a ferry service between the North Island of NZ from Wellington to Picton in the South Island. The ferries are run by Inter Islander and The Lynx
http://www.tranzrailtravel.co.nz/interislander/
http://www.nz-travel.co.nz/brochure_rack/lynx/

In Auckland itself there are ferries to get to various destinations (mainly in the Hauraki Gulf). The company that arranges these are Fullers Cruises.
http://www.fullers.co.nz/main.html

Mode: AROUND

Type: Ship/Boat

BY RAIL

The train system is not so well developed in New Zealand although there are train services within Auckland and Wellington and around certain parts of the country.

The TranzScenic trains run between Auckland and Wellington, Hamilton to Rotorua, Picton to Christchurch and Christchurch to Greymouth.
http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz

The TranzMetro company runs the local trains within the cities. Timetable information and fares can be found at:
http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz

Mode: AROUND

Type: Train

BY AIR

The main airport hub for New Zealand is Auckland International Airport.
http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz

There are flights to Auckland from all major cities around the world.
New Zealand's major airline is
Air New Zealand.
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz

At Auckland International Airport there is a NZ$25 Departure Tax payable by every departing passenger.

Mode: TO

Type: Airplane