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What is the best way to get around in New Zealand?

Author

David Richardson

Updated on February 18, 2026

What is the best way to get around in New Zealand?

Getting around by road

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around in New Zealand is via road and enjoying some of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Self-drive a rental car or motorhome on one of our recommended trips, or take a bus or coach if you want to let someone else do the driving.

Also, what's the best way to get around New Zealand?

Getting around by road

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around in New Zealand is via road and enjoying some of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Self-drive a rental car or motorhome on one of our recommended trips, or take a bus or coach if you want to let someone else do the driving.

Likewise, what is the most common transportation in New Zealand? Buses although are the main form of public transport in New Zealand, there are also trains and ferries. For travel between the islands, hop on a ferry.

Simply so, can you get around New Zealand without a car?

You can definitely see the country without your own vehicle thanks to the country's system of buses, trains, and more. New Zealand is filled with stunning scenery. The country is small, and so much of it is still quite remote. You have a handful of large cities, some smaller towns, and the rest is wilderness.

Does New Zealand have good public transportation?

Most people in New Zealand find driving easier and more convenient for much of their getting around. In rural areas, it is often the only option. So, although public transport is available in the larger centres, you will almost certainly need a vehicle here - probably sooner rather than later.

What is the cheapest way to travel around New Zealand?

Buses. If you aren't renting a car, buses are the best and cheapest way to get around New Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities.

Which city in New Zealand has the best public transport?

The Auckland public transport system is New Zealand's largest by total passenger volume, although not by trips per capita. Buses are the most widely used form of public transport in Auckland.

Can you drive around New Zealand?

No. Although New Zealand is small, it isn't quite so tiny as ten minutes here and twenty minutes there. There are long, winding roads, mountain chains, river systems, large lakes and thick forests; non-stop is not an option in Aotearoa, as you'll soon discover.

How much money do you need for New Zealand?

You should plan to spend around NZ$185 ($132) per day on your vacation in New Zealand, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, NZ$41 ($30) on meals for one day and NZ$27 ($20) on local transportation.

Why is flying to New Zealand so expensive?

Air fares are dynamic, they change based on loading, time of year and competition. Over the past few years NZ has become a major tourist destination. There's more competition (which generally lowers the price) but the demand for NZ flights continues to be strong.

What can you see in two weeks in NZ?

A Two-Week Itinerary for New Zealand's North Island
  • Days 1-2: Start off in Wellington.
  • Day 3: Enjoy wandering through the Art Deco town of Napier.
  • Days 4-5: Get adventurous in Lake Taupo.
  • Days 6-7: Smell your way through Rotorua.
  • Day 8: Stop along the way to Mt Maunganui.
  • Days 9-10: Hit the waves on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Is there Uber in NZ?

Uber already operates in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. It first launched in New Zealand in May 2014. Amanda Gilmore, Uber New Zealand country manager, said the launch into the new cities would give more Kiwis access to "convenient and affordable transport".

Can you travel NZ by train?

Our great train trips travel through remote national parks, across spectacular volcanic landscapes, over braided river valleys and alpine passes and along rugged coastlines with steep mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

Is it safe to travel alone in New Zealand?

Safety while travelling New Zealand alone

New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world to visit. We're always up in the top four or five countries in the world on the Global Peace Index (currently number 4), which ranks nations for their peacefulness.

How long does it take to drive around New Zealand?

If it was realistic it would take approximately 26 hours of non-stop driving in perfect conditions, spanning 103,483 miles of land (not including the ferry from the North to the South Island) – yikes.

How many days do you need in New Zealand?

The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. That's roughly one week's travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country.

Is it easy to drive in NZ?

Is it easy to drive in New Zealand? Absolutely! It truly was much simpler than we thought. There is only one route which connects one town to another, so navigating and driving in New Zealand is not difficult.

How can I travel without itinerary?

How to Travel Without an Itinerary + Love It
  1. don't take a guidebook.
  2. ask locals.
  3. take side streets.
  4. hop on a bus or metro and get off at a random stop.
  5. visit restaurants that aren't chains.
  6. find outdoor markets.
  7. go by foot.

Can I sleep in my car in New Zealand?

Some people when travelling around New Zealand want to sleep in their car to save money on accommodation. Sleeping in your car in any public place or areas that are some “self-contained†vehicles only is illegal and getting caught could land you an instant NZ$200 fine.

Is there a train system in New Zealand?

Trains are not a common form of public transport in New Zealand; however, there are three main train lines operated by KiwiRail: Auckland to Wellington (Northern Explorer(opens in new window)), Picton to Christchurch (Coastal Pacific(opens in new window)), and Christchurch to the West Coast (the TranzAlpine(opens in

Are there taxis in New Zealand?

From horse-drawn hansom cabs to the taxis of the 2000s with their GPS receivers and satellite tracking, taxis and cabs have long been a feature of New Zealand's cities. Many new immigrants have made a living driving taxis.

What transport is used in New Zealand?

Buses are the main form of public transport in New Zealand, with some areas also offering trains, ferries and trams.

How do they drive in New Zealand?

we drive on the left-hand side of the road. it's easy to underestimate travelling times. our roads are narrower, more winding and sometimes steeper than you might expect. our roads are mostly two-way, with one lane in each direction - we have few motorways.

What do homes look like in New Zealand?

Typical New Zealand homes are single story and detached. New Zealand is urbanising. Most of the houses are made of timber. Brick is sometimes used as cladding over a timber frame, but is seldom the main building material.

What are the four main types of transport in New Zealand?

  • 5.2.1 Rail Transport.
  • 5.2.2 Sea Transport.
  • 5.2.3 Domestic Air Transport.

How many buses are in NZ?

There are over 6,000 buses in the Association's members fleet, comprising 1,900 school buses, 2,000 urban (city) buses, 2,000 tour and charter coaches, as well as a number of small passenger service vehicles in the limousine sector.

How do you pay for public transport in NZ?

To pay your fare on Wellington's transport network, you can use cash or a range of prepay cards(opens in new window) (depending on which bus company you'll be using).

Does New Zealand have public transportation?

The NZ Transport Agency does not directly provide public transport services. Regional councils and Auckland Transport contract private operators to provide public transport using buses, trains and ferries in our cities.

How much do buses cost in New Zealand?

Buses(opens in new window) connect all parts of the city and run frequently, especially on weekdays. Fares start from NZ$1 cash per segment (or NZ$0.50 with ATHop). Trains(opens in new window) service some central, southern and western suburbs. Fares start at NZ$2.50 per stage (NZ$1.80 with ATHop).

How do you travel between islands in New Zealand?

How to Get Between Islands in New Zealand. Because there is no bridge or tunnel between the islands, you'll either have to catch a flight or take the ferry. When planning your itinerary, you'll need to factor in the main regions you want to cover and the time frame available.

What is the best time to go to New Zealand?

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.

How much does public transport cost in New Zealand?

Fares start at NZ$2.50 per stage (NZ$1.80 with ATHop). Ferries(opens in new window) run between downtown Auckland, the North Shore and East Auckland, as well as Auckland's islands. Fares cost from NZ$6.20 cash (NZ$4.50 with ATHop).

How do you get around Auckland?

The best way to get around Auckland is via the cheap and efficient Link buses. Walking is another viable option in the city center.

Ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Zoomy, also operate in Auckland.

  1. Auckland Co-op Taxis.
  2. Green Cabs.
  3. Alert Taxi.
  4. Cheap Cabs.
  5. Uber.
  6. Zoomy.

Does New Zealand have a good train system?

Whether you're an overseas visitor or a born-and-bred New Zealander, trains are the best way to travel between New Zealand's three main cities, Auckland, Wellington and (with a little help from the Interislander ferry) Christchurch.

What language do New Zealand speak?

MÄori
English
New Zealand Sign Language