New Zealand is a small country with very few people. There are huge expanses of rolling countryside, mountains and acres of native bush outside the cities. It can take a long time to get to the next town.
Most people in New Zealand travel by car. There are some national public transportation options for visitors to the country. Here are some of the best ways to get around New Zealand.
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Traveling by car in New Zealand is convenient and flexible because of the stunning scenery. You'll need a car to explore some of the best national parks.
Outside of the major cities, traffic is light and driving around New Zealand is easy. Visitors are usually allowed to drive on the left-hand side of the road for up to a year.
Insurance can be expensive for young drivers, and car rentals aren't always cheap. The Interislander ferry connects the North and the South Islands, so make sure you book your car on the ferry before you travel.
It's a good idea to fill up the car when you leave a town because there can be long stretches between gas stations. Gravel or dirt roads are popular in rural areas with tight mountain passes. Being caught behind a slow- moving van on a single lane road can add hours to your drive.
If you drive through mountainous areas in the winter, you'll need tire chains or a 4WD vehicle.
It is possible to have your own transportation while saving money on expensive accommodations. A number of camper rental companies in New Zealand offer full-sized and smaller vans which are cheaper but not as comfortable.
"Freedom camping," or setting up camp outside of designated campgrounds, isn't always legal, so be sure to check the Department ofConservation website for some guidelines about where free camping is allowed
In New Zealand, city-to-city buses provide good links. Local buses will need to be taken to rural locations or national parks in order to get to these.
Some of the national bus companies include wi-fi and sometimes toilets. Flexible passes include ferry passes on the Interislander ferry. Bus tickets are usually discounted in the off-season.
The hop-on, hop-off buses are more expensive than the other buses. In the major city centers, buses are used to travel.
There are two scenic regional trains in New Zealand which are aimed at travelers.
The major route in the North Island is the Northern Explorer which stops in Hamilton and other places. You can take the train from Wellington to Palmerston North.
Two scenic train options are available in the South Island. The Interislander ferry arrives in Wellington and then goes to the coast from where it goes to the other side of the country. It is possible to take the most beautiful train journey in the country. On the west coast, there is a train that goes between Greymouth and Christchurch.
Taking a plane will get you to other parts of the country in less time, but with a bigger impact on the environment. Air New Zealand is the national airline of the country.
The low-cost carrier Jetstar doesn't fly to all airports in New Zealand. If you book in advance, Air New Zealand's prices are the same as those of Jetstar.
The majority of New Zealand's public transportation is accessible for people of all abilities.
Disability Vehicle Rentals and Freedom Mobility can help you find accessible rentals. International visitors can get mobility parking permits at the beginning of their trip.
The total mobility scheme is run by the New Zealand Transport Authority and provides discounted transportation in different regions of the country.
Please read our online resources for more information.
If you plan on using public transit during your time in New Zealand, you should buy a HOP card. The SkyBus from the airport and the ferry to Waiheke Island are excluded from giving a discount on fares.
HOP cards offer an integrated fare and are pre-paid. You can transfer between buses, trains, and ferries and pay one fare across the different zones.
The article was last updated about 8 hours ago.
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