Getting Around New Zealand
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use buses and ferries in Auckland and Wellington. Rural: Rent a car for South Island exploration. Islands: Interislander or Bluebridge ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Auckland to your destination.
Train Travel
KiwiRail Scenic Trains
Limited but stunning scenic routes connecting key areas with comfortable services.
Cost: Auckland to Wellington NZ$200-250, journeys 10-12 hours with epic views.
Tickets: Buy via KiwiRail website, app, or stations. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Book early for summer (Dec-Feb) to secure seats and better prices.
Scenic Journey Passes
Scenic Journey Pass allows multiple trips on TranzAlpine and Northern Explorer for NZ$400+ (varies by duration).
Best For: Rail enthusiasts and multi-stop itineraries, savings for 2+ scenic trips.
Where to Buy: KiwiRail stations, website, or app with flexible activation options.
Key Routes
Northern Explorer (Auckland-Wellington), TranzAlpine (Christchurch-Greymouth), Coastal Pacific (Picton-Christchurch).
Booking: Reserve seats months ahead for peak season, discounts for advance purchase.
Main Stations: Auckland Strand, Wellington, Christchurch, with connections to local buses.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring fjords and rural areas. Compare rental prices from NZ$50-80/day at Auckland Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage advised, including for gravel roads in remote areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural/highways.
Tolls: Limited, mainly on northern motorways (NZ$2-5 via tags or cash).
Priority: Give way to right at intersections unless signposted, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in many areas, paid in cities NZ$3-5/hour, use apps for ease.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at NZ$2.50-2.80/liter for petrol, NZ$2.00-2.30 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or AA Roadwatch for navigation, download offline maps.
Traffic: Congestion in Auckland during rush hours, scenic routes slower due to winding roads.
Urban Transport
Auckland Trains & Buses
AT Metro network with trains, buses, and ferries; single ticket NZ$3-5, day pass NZ$10, AT HOP card NZ$20+.
Validation: Tag on/off with AT HOP card or app, fines for non-payment are strict.
Apps: AT Mobile app for routes, real-time info, and contactless payments.
Bike Rentals
CityCycle in Christchurch and Bike About in Auckland, NZ$10-20/day with stations citywide.
Routes: Extensive shared paths in cities and along coasts, especially in Wellington.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in Queenstown and Rotorua for adventure sightseeing.
Buses & Ferries
Metlink in Wellington, Ritchies in Auckland operate bus networks; ferries connect islands NZ$10-15.
Tickets: NZ$3-5 per ride, buy via app or onboard with contactless options.
Intercity: Buses link North and South Islands via ferries, scenic coastal routes NZ$50-100.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus hubs in cities for easy access, central Auckland or Christchurch for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (Dec-Feb) and major events like Rugby World Cup.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent outdoor plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, parking inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G in cities, 4G across most of New Zealand including remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from NZ$10 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees offer prepaid SIMs from NZ$20-40 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for NZ$25, 10GB for NZ$40, unlimited for NZ$50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major bus terminals and tourist sites offer free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-200 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), UTC+12, daylight saving September-April (NZDT, UTC+13).
- Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport 20km from city center, SkyBus NZ$18 (45 min), taxi NZ$60, or book private transfer for NZ$50-80.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and bus stations (NZ$10-15/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern buses and trains accessible, many natural sites have ramps but rugged terrain limits some access.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries (small free, large NZ$20), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains and buses for NZ$10, e-bikes may require extra fees.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to New Zealand
Auckland Airport (AKL) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Auckland Airport (AKL): Primary international gateway, 20km south of city with SkyBus connections.
Christchurch Airport (CHC): South Island hub 12km from center, shuttle NZ$10 (20 min).
Wellington Airport (WLG): Domestic focus with international flights, 8km from city, bus NZ$12.
Booking Tips
Book 3-6 months in advance for summer travel (Dec-Feb) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Sydney and taking a short hop to Auckland for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Jetstar, Air New Zealand domestic, and Scoot international serve major routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and domestic connections when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee NZ$3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep NZ$50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for exceptional service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.