Getting Around New Zealand – Local Transportation
Local Transportation – Getting Around New Zealand
Whether you’re exploring vibrant urban centers or venturing into remote natural wonders, the country offers a variety of local transportation options to suit every style and budget.
Public Buses: The Backbone of Urban Travel
In major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, public buses are the most common and affordable means of transportation. Operated by regional councils, these services are reliable and well-connected.
- Auckland Transport (AT) and Metlink (Wellington) offer real-time tracking apps and reloadable travel cards.
- Fares are generally low, and discounts are available for children, students, and older people.
NZ Trains: Limited but Scenic
While New Zealand doesn’t have an extensive commuter rail network, Auckland and Wellington operate suburban train lines that serve daily commuters.
For longer journeys, scenic rail experiences like the TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer, and Coastal Pacific offer breathtaking views and a relaxed pace—ideal for travelers wanting to soak in the scenery.
Ferries: Connecting Islands & Coastal Towns
Ferries play a vital role in New Zealand’s transport system:
- The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries connect the North and South Islands via the Cook Strait, between Wellington and Picton.
- In cities like Auckland, ferries link the mainland to suburbs and islands such as Waiheke and Devonport.
Taxis and Rideshares in New Zealand
Taxis are widely available in urban areas, though they can be expensive. Rideshare services like Uber, Ola, and Zoomy operate in most major cities and are often more affordable and convenient.
UBER - OLA - ZOOMY
Biking and Walking: Eco-Friendly and Scenic
Many towns and cities are pedestrian-friendly, with dedicated walking trails and bike lanes. Cities like Christchurch and Nelson are especially known for their cycling infrastructure. Bike rentals are widely available, and e-scooters are becoming popular in urban centers.
Domestic Flights: Fast and Efficient
For covering long distances quickly, domestic flights are a popular option. Airlines like Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Sounds Air connect major cities and regional hubs, often with multiple daily departures.
Intercity Buses and Coaches
For travel between towns and cities, InterCity is the main national bus network, offering affordable fares and flexible passes. Other providers, such as Naked Bus and Skip (seasonal), cater to budget travelers and backpackers.
Car and Campervan/Motorhome Rentals
For maximum freedom, renting a car or campervan/motorhome is a top choice. New Zealand’s roads are well-maintained, and scenic drives like the Southern Scenic Route or Thermal Explorer Highway are experiences in themselves.
New Zealand Tour Packages
InterCity Bus Transport Network
InterCity have been transporting kiwis and international visitors around New Zealand for more than 30 years. Today they operate New Zealand’s largest coach transportation network under the country’s premier coach networks of Intercity Coachlines and Newmans Coach Lines. Together the combined networks of InterCity and Newmans Coach Lines connect to more than 600 destinations nationwide, with over 150 services every day.
InterCity CoachLines offers quality point to point bus transport on modern coaches at economic fares nationwide.
Destination Carbon Neutral
InterCity Group is the first tourism and national transport company in New Zealand to commit to becoming carbon neutral. They have signed up to Landcare Research’s carboNZero programme. When you choose to travel with InterCity Group, you are taking a positive step to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Booking Information
You may purchase any sector or transport pass, check seat and fare availability from any one of InterCity’s 400 agents nationwide, by calling the InterCity National Contact Centre between 7am and 8pm NZT or online by using the booking form.
Auckland Contact Centre – 09 623 1503
Wellington – 04 385 0520
Christchurch – 03 365 1113
Dunedin – 03 471 7143
Our award-winning contact centre is open:
7 Days 7.00am – 8.00pm
Winter Hours
Read more about New Zealand
Reviews From Our Customers
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All of the transportation was where it would be when it said it would be there and all the drivers were really nice. If we did the trip again we would probably skip Greymouth and maybe spend an extra day at Franz Glacier because we didn't get to see anything there. It was just an overnight stop and that hotel was the nicest one, or skip the western part alltogether and maybe go further south than Queenstown or spend more time in Christchurch or do the glow worm caves. Given our time constraints though we saw a lot and everything went very smoothly. Thank you for your help!
Timea, US
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Robert from NZ Tourism Tours was so helpful and responded to my questions in a prompt manner. We booked the Kirra 9 day South Island tour and we had an awesome time. It was my 79 year old mother’s first overseas trip. Our driver/tour guide Ian was very knowledgable and personable -he really looked after us. The accommodation was great, the food was good, and the places we visited were breathtaking. I highly recommend NZ Tourism Tours.
Cathy, US
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We are here in New Zealand and having a fantastic vacation. Thank you so much for all your hard work organizing this for us.
Dave, Marilyne, John, Mary and Anne, Canada
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Gunawanto, Indonesia
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Doris, Switzerland
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