New Zealand is a paradise. It’s a country full of surprises ranging from endless ocean views to skies so dark you feel as though you can walk across the Milky Way. While we usually focus on where to go, today, we will explore how to go, as there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand.
Slow and steady, our preferred travel makes the journey as important as the destination. We like to drive. New Zealand roads will take you through subtropical rain forests, around extinct volcanos, along cliff tops, over mountains, and through modern metropolises.
The country’s travel options offer luxury transport to basics. We will be the first to admit, we prefer to travel in comfort. Despite this, we have tried to include all the options for getting around New Zealand.
Photo by Matt Crawford. Supplied by NZ Tourism. Used with permission.
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How to get around New Zealand
Filled with epic road trips and stunning scenery, New Zealand’s landscapes are beautiful and easy to traverse. When you’re ready to hit the road, you can drive, hire a driver, or take a bus. But these are only some of the options. Check out this list of ideas for getting around New Zealand, some of which will take you everywhere, while others will just hit a few highlights.
- Car
- Motorhome/Campervan
- Private guide
- Bus/Coach
- Train
- Airplane
- Ferry
- Cruising
First, let us tempt you . . .
Getting around New Zealand via car
Self-driving is our favourite way to get around. We love the flexibility inherent in having our own vehicle. Personally, we prefer an upscale lifestyle, including luxury hotel stays or Airbnb and unique dining rather than cooking ourselves. As we live in New Zealand, we can take our own vehicle when we road trip.
However, if we are headed to the other island, we often fly, hire a car, and drive around New Zealand in one direction. Therefore, the larger, international rental car companies serve us well, as they often have multiple locations. This allows for drop-off in a different city from pick-up.
We use Rental Cars.com to find the best options and have been using them in New Zealand and around the world since we discovered them several years ago. To date, we have always found great pricing as well as excellent customer care.
Note: Drivers must be at least 21 to rent a car in New Zealand. While some companies require drivers to be 25, others add a surcharge to those under 25.
Photo by Graeme Murray. Supplied by NZ Tourism. Used with permission.
Bring your own accommodation: Getting around New Zealand via campervan
New Zealand is extremely well-suited for a campervan experience. Good roads, plenty of campsites around the country, plus the ability to freedom camp in many destinations allows for total flexibility.
Some of the advantages include only having to unpack once, having everything you need with you, and if you are freedom camping, the ability to change your schedule as the mood hits.
Photo by Graeme Murray. Supplied by NZ Tourism. Used with permission.
While the campervan rental will be higher than a car rental, you need to remember that it includes your vehicle, your accommodation, and a place to prepare your food. If you are looking for a small camper, check out Spaceship rentals.
**Importantly – If you book this month (Nov 2020) and travel for at least 4 days before Dec 15, 2020 Spaceship rentals is offering 50% off on all New Zealand rentals.
Key things to remember when travelling via motorhome:
- Most campervans in New Zealand are designed to hold between two and six people. The maximum number of people travelling in your campervan is determined by the number of seatbelts.
- Read the rules on freedom camping. Violations can result in an instant fine of $200.
Flying around NZ
New Zealand has three international airports, plus regional airports in most major cities and resort areas. Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the primary domestic carriers in the country.
Prices vary quite a bit based on availability, so being flexible on day and times will often get you the best prices, although flying is generally a more expensive way of travelling around New Zealand.
Getting around New Zealand via bus
We have personally never taken a long-distance bus (coach) in New Zealand, but our children have and reported it to be a great way to travel. They described the busses to be clean, reliable, and easy. It’s an option that fits into most budgets and allows passengers to relax as they enjoy the New Zealand scenery.
Importantly, bus travel is one of the least expensive ways to get around the country. The primary bus companies are:
- Intercity: New Zealand’s largest long-distance bus service with high-quality, full-size buses offers point to point, flexi-passes, travel passes, and tours.
- Skip: Marketing themselves as cheaper, faster, funner.
- Kiwi Experience: Targeting backpackers, the bus drivers often add commentary. Hop-on hop-off resumes Jan 1, 2021
- Stray: Currently Freestyle Travel is suspended, and there are only a few select tours in New Zealand.
- Flying Kiwi: Award-winning adventure tours via coach in New Zealand.
Train travel in New Zealand
To be honest, train travel in New Zealand isn’t a super popular option despite the country being home to one of the world’s most scenic train trips. Four services to consider:
- Northern Explorer: A fun way to travel from Auckland to Wellington, the train will get you there in a day.
- Coastal Pacific: Timed with the Inter-island ferry, this train runs in the morning from Christchurch to Picton, and in the reverse direction in the afternoon.
- TranzAlpine: This stunning journey from Christchurch to Greymouth is often rated amongst the world’s most be beautiful train trips. While many people make the return trip in a day, we did it as part of a loop around the South Island, hiring a car in Greymouth to continue our journey. Check availability and price.
- Taieri Gorge Railway or Seasider: There are two stunning train trips embarking from the Dunedin railway station. We opted to do the half-day return trip through the Taieri Gorge, the other is the Seasider heading north along the coast.
Taking a ferry between islands
There are two ferries that travel between the North and South Island and one ferry that travels from the South Island to Stewart Island. From Wellington to Picton, both ferries can take passengers and vehicles, however, if you have a rental car be sure to check if it is okay to take it across.
Interislander ferry: Offers 11 daily sailings between Wellington and Picton. The trip takes about 3.5 hours, with optional onboard entertainment, although I prefer to spend my time on one of the observation decks. Check here for times and prices.
Bluebridge ferry: Also crosses the Cook Strait, travelling the same route from Wellington to Picton. Click here for details.
Stewart Island ferry: Passengers can cross the Foveaux Strait between Bluff (South Island) and Stewart Island. Check here for times and prices.
Photo by Graeme Murray. Supplied by NZ Tourism. Used with permission.
Cruising around New Zealand
Not currently an option, but when it returns, cruises around New Zealand are a lovely way to enjoy the country. Most visit the key cities of Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Smaller ships also go to Bay of Islands, Napier, one of the fiords, and a few other spots around the country.
Other ways of getting around New Zealand
- Sailing around New Zealand: If you have a yacht, sailing around New Zealand is a great way to see the coastal communities, but be advised, some of the waterways are notoriously rough.
- Cycle around New Zealand: This a great way to see the country, or at least portions of it.
- Hiking: While the Te Araroa Trail runs the distance of the country, there are also nine great walks that range from one to several days.
- Hitchhiking: While popular amongst some groups, even in New Zealand, hitchhiking carries more risk than many other methods.
Photo by Dean McKenzie. Supplied by NZ Tourism. Used with permission.
Booking tips for your New Zealand travel planning
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First-time visitors start here: New Zealand travel guide or with our favourite New Zealand road trips.
Flights: We use Skyscanner to find all the available flight options at the best prices.
Rental Vehicles: For cars, we always use RentalCars.com, a rental car search engine with no hidden costs. For campervans, note that Spaceships Rentals NZ offers free one-way drop-off between Auckland and Christchurch.
Accommodations: We use Booking.com to find all levels of accommodations in most NZ cities.
Activity Discounts: We use Bookme.co.nz to find discounts on entry tickets and tours in New Zealand.
Travel Insurance: We purchase insurance that covers medical and travel emergencies when we head overseas. We start with World Nomads.
Packing Tips: Get a free copy of our New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our mailing list.
**Find more money-saving resources on our Travel Resources page.
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Nancy
Thank you for sharing your travel tips.
Josy A
Well done for getting the discount for campervans if people book before November! I would loooove to do that if we could return to Kiwiland.
I had no idea about the options of trains in NZ! All the other options sound great fun (apart from maybe cruises- I tend to avoid them due to the pollution they emit.) I like that you are considering the journey as part of the adventure – I definitely travelled like that in NZ.
L. Diane Wolfe
I think a campervan would be fun. Plus you could take bikes with you, too.
Francesca
Completely agree that New Zealand is a paradise. I managed to get around with the Kiwi Experience. It made it pretty easy! Just not always flexible.
Ashlee Fechino
AWESOME! Thanks for all these fabulous resources. New Zealand is on our bucket list (post COVID) someday!
Constance
This is a great resource! I’m hoping to make it to NZ before too long 🙂
Teri (TL Travel)
Such an informative post with some great inspiration! It has always been on my bucketlist to drive a campervan around NZ and hopefully I will still get the chance! Will also be saving this post for later – thank you for sharing!
Sandee
I’ve known many folks that have visited New Zealand and they all say it’s natures paradise. I hope folks will get to travel again soon.
Great shots as always, Rhonda.
Have a fabulous weekend. ♥