Few airlines, trains, ferries and buses allow complete independence. Air New Zealand provides a special wheelchair narrow enough to move around in the plane, and the rear toilet cubicles are wider than the others to facilitate access; other domestic airlines will provide help, if not always extra facilities. Cook Strait ferries have reasonable access for disabled travellers, including physical help while boarding, if needed, and adapted toilets. If given advance warning, trains will provide attendants to get passengers in wheelchairs or sight-impaired travellers on board, but moving around the train in a standard wheelchair is impossible and there are no specially adapted toilets; the problems with long-distance buses are much the same.

Some specifically adapted taxis (for wheelchairs) are available in the cities, but must be pre-booked; otherwise taxi drivers obligingly deal with wheelchairs by throwing them into the boot and their occupant onto a seat. The New Zealand Total Mobility Scheme also allows for anyone unable to use public transport to use taxis at a subsidized rate (50 percent); a list of participating areas and companies is available from the Disabled Persons Assembly , who will also arrange for the necessary vouchers to be issued. There is also a parking concession for people with mobility problems, assuming they bring the relevant medical certificates with them. For more details email enabletour@xtra.co.nz . The staff on public buses will endeavour to lend a hand, but buses are difficult to board. Some small minibus conversions are available and shuttle buses will help you board and stow your chair, but it pays to let the operator know beforehand of your particular needs. Enable Tourism can provide lists of companies with rental cars adapted for disabled travellers, while some car rental operators will fit hand controls if they are given advance notice.