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 air-conditioned; some have toilets and show feature films and New Zealand promotional material to while away longer journeys. The main bus companies are InterCity www.intercitycoach.co.nz (who operate on both islands) and Newmans (with services concentrated on the North Island); Mount Cook Landlines (who run between Auckland and Wellington, via Rotorua, on the North Island and serve most destinations on the South Island) are now part of the Intercity set-up. One other competitor who offers an excellent service around the top half of the North Island is Northliner Express (tel 09/402 7857).

One fact worth remembering is that the big bus operators charge more for South Island journeys than for North, so you might want to try different modes of transport in the South. Standard fares with most bus companies from Auckland to Wellington are in the region of $94; Christchurch to Queenstown, $118; Queenstown to Nelson, $176; Christchurch to Picton, $46; though prices often plummet during off-peak periods and a range of discounted fares is available . Bus bookings can be made by phone: InterCity (Mon-Fri 7am-8pm & Sat-Sun 7am-7pm; in Auckland tel 09/357 8400, in Wellington tel 04/472 5111, in Christchurch tel 03/379 9020); and Newmans (tel 0800/777 707), or at most visitor centres and travel agents. Note that once you've bought your ticket or pass, you may incur an agent's reservation fee of $3 unless you book bus seats direct.