New Zealand is a relatively small country and getting around is easy, with some form of transport going to most destinations.
Although it is possible to
fly
to many of the major destinations in New Zealand, you need to consider whether the time you save outweighs the substantial expense involved. With time to spare you will appreciate the scenery better by travelling more slowly and at ground level. The
rail
service is fairly limited and is also quite expensive, while the Interislander
ferries
connecting the North and South islands are subject to stiff competition and thus quite good value. The cheapest and easiest way to get around is by
bus
or
shuttle bus
but this is also the most time-consuming mode of travel. With careful planning, you can reduce your costs by
booking in advance
and taking advantage of the many special offers and
reduced fares
.
For getting off the beaten track, you'll need a car.
Rental cars
are fine for short periods, but if you are staying in the country for more than a month, it's more economical to
buy
a car, provided you're not averse to some haggling and paperwork. New Zealand is renowned for its green countryside and some travellers prefer to
cycle
their way around - a fine way of seeing the country, so long as you're fit and in no great hurry.
However, you'll still need to take to the air or the water (or your feet) to reach the
offshore islands
and the more
remote
parts of the country that remain stubbornly impenetrable by road, such as Fiordland.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are generally
expensive
, but may well be worth it if you have limited time in the country - especially if you can bag a
standby bargain
or tag one on to your international flight for a little extra. The...
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Fare concessions
Backpacker
discounts of thirty to fifty percent are available on many forms of transport to holders of YHA or VIP cards
. Fare concessions are also available to
children
on provision of proof of age, as are
seniors
...
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Ferries
The ferries you're most likely to use are those plying the
Cook Strait
between the North and South islands, but there are also ferries to Stewart Island from the South Island and from Auckland across the Hauraki Gulf and over to Coromandel....
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New Zealand travel passes
Travel passes
generally offer unlimited travel within a specified period. You'll probably get your money's worth if you're determined to see a lot in a limited amount of time, but if you prefer a more leisurely pace, think carefully before you buy....
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Trains
Tranz Rail
trains
are a fast method of travel to a limited number of destinations in New Zealand, despite the fact that they seem to have been kept largely as a
tourist attraction
, with the exception of the
commuter services
...
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Buses
Buses
and
shuttle buses
(minibuses) are, because of stiff competition, the cheapest form of public transport and will get you to most places. In general, they are reliable and reasonably comfortable: the larger buses are usually...
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Driving
If your budget will stretch to it, driving is the best way to go, enabling you to get to places beyond the reach of public transport and to set your own timetable, although it's worth being conscious of the damage to the environment cars cause and using...
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Hitching and car shares
Although many travellers enthuse about
hitching
in New Zealand - and it does enjoy a reputation of relative safety - the official advice is don't. Sadly, New Zealand has its share of unpleasant individuals and, with an extensive network of...
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Motorbiking
Although motorbikes are generally cheaper to buy than cars and more economical from a fuel point of view, bear in mind that you'll also be more
exposed
to the elements and be able to carry considerably less stuff with you. Be prepared for...
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Cycling
Cycling
is an excellent way of appreciating the countryside, especially if you're reasonably fit and keep your time on the main highways to a minimum. Disadvantages are dealing with
unsealed roads
, which become irksome if you're on them...
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