Ways of getting around in New Zealand
During you stay in New Zealand you will have many options to travel the country, some might suit your budget and some might suit more your travel schedule.
Buying your own car
Most people choose to drive their own car and believe that this is by far the best option to discover New Zealand. While this option might be a little expensive it can also save you money at the end of your trip by selling your car to other backpackers. There is no timetable and no fixed route you have to follow. If you want to drive, drive, if you want to stay somewhere just turn of the motor. New Zealand offers a lot to see and believe it or not but most of it can be found far off the beaten track. Remember Kiwis drive on the left side, so we suggest you do the same. We recommend to never drive with less than 1/4 of a full tank, as petrol stations can be rare, especially on the south island. Generally, petrol is cheaper in bigger cities (except Auckland). Third party insurances are not compulsory in New Zealand, however recommended.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| – High flexibility – Possibility of selling the car at the end of the trip – You can sleep partially in the car and lower your accommodation cost – You can share the operational expenses with people travelling with you | – High spending in the beginning – You need to pay for petrol – You might want to pay an insurance |
Renting a car
You can also rent a car. But remember the money paid for it is gone. Also consider that after a certain amount of time this option is getting very expensive. Usually, after 6 to 12 weeks the buying your own car is preferred over renting one. This depends on the rental service you use, the car you choose and the insurance you have selected to cover the car. Also, driving is only permitted to drive on asphalt roads. Prices start from $19/day, if you are renting for a longer period. Day to day rates start at $25 – $37 and can easily double during high season.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| – Good flexibility – You can sleep partially in the car and lower your accommodation cost – You can share the operational expenses with people travelling with you – Better for shorter periods of up to around 10 weeks | – Money once spend on it, is gone – You need to pay for petrol – You might want to pay an insurance – Is becoming really expensive after 10 weeks |
Travelling by bus
Taking a public bus, will bring you to most of the cities and towns New Zealand has. InterCity and NakedBus are operating a nation-wide service. The earlier you book the cheaper it gets. The bus drivers know their route, so in terms of travel times you will usually be as fast as you would be with a car. This method of travelling is good for people with a limited budget.
Other bus companies are more party oriented. KiwiExperience and Stray operate a service between bigger cities, which is usually not used by locals. Be aware of the fact that these buses will most likely drop you off in front more expensive backpackers.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| – You can choose to buy single tickets and save more and buy a bus pass for a certain amount of hours – Cheap – Low initial cost – No insurances – Petrol included | – Less flexible – You always have to pay for accommodation – Fares for ferries are included |
Travelling by plane
Flying is the fasted and most convenient way to travel between two locations. New Zealand has an extensive and narrow airport network. Also small towns have an airport. Between big cities you can often travel cheaper by plane. Jetstar offers a service between the biggest cities, while Air New Zealand operates in almost every town.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| – It is super fast – No initial cost – No insurances – Petrol included – You can drive a rental one way and fly back to your final destination | – Less flexible – Expensive – You always have to pay for accommodation |
Travelling with the thumb
Many travellers have successfully travelled New Zealand without paying a dollar just by lifting their thumb. Hitchhiking is common and outside of city centers you will get a lift in no time. In comparison to other countries, this method of travelling is seen as safe over here. Initially you might have to develop some courage to actually go out and talk to strangers.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| – It is free – You meet other people, which is cool | – Sometimes it takes some time to get a lift – You always have to pay for accommodation – Less flexibility |
Taking the ferry
To cross the Cook Strait between the north and the south island you usually take the Ferry. Interislander and BlueBridge operate services several times a day. They also offer to transport your car. The earlier you book the cheaper it gets. In high season booking are mandatory, sometimes up to 10 days ahead. Prices for one person start at around $50, for cars you usually pay around $300.