Transport
Getting there
By air
More than 99 percent of the 2.6 million tourists who visit New Zealand each year arrive by air.
International airports
The main gateway is the Auckland International Airport (www.auckland-airport.co.nz) at Mangere, 24km (15 miles) southwest of downtown Auckland. Bus, shuttle and taxi transfers into the city are available.
There is also an international airport in Hamilton (www.hamiltonairport.co.nz), 15km (9 miles) south of the city, although this tends to service only New Zealand and Australian flights.
The airport at Wellington (www.wellingtonairport.co.nz), the capital city, has restricted access for most wide-bodied aircraft types because of the runway length.
The main gateway into the South Island is via the Christchurch International Airport (www.christchurch-airport.co.nz), close to the city of Christchurch. Many international airlines run scheduled flights there.
Direct flights to and from Australia land at and take off from the airport at Queenstown (www.queenstownairport.co.nz), 8km (5 miles) east of Frankton.
New Zealand has direct air links with the Pacific Islands, all the major Australian cities, several major Asian destinations, and cities in North America and Europe. Passengers arriving on long-haul flights should allow themselves a couple of rest days on arrival.
DVT caution
To prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul flights, take note of the following guidelines:
Be comfortable in your seat.
Bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes every half-hour or so while seated during the flight.
Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or footrest to help increase the blood flow.
Do some upper-body and breathing exercises to improve circulation.
Take occasional short walks up and down the aisles.
If the plane stops for refuelling, get off the plane and walk around, if this is permitted.
Drink plenty of water.
Don’t drink too much alcohol.
Avoid taking sleeping pills, which also cause immobility.
By sea
A few cruise ships visit New Zealand, but there are no regular passenger-ship services to the country. Most cruises in the South Pacific originate in Sydney, Australia, so cruise operators generally fly their passengers to and from New Zealand. However, some cruise lines, including P&O Line (www.pocruises.co.nz), regularly travel to New Zealand, mostly between November and April. Some cargo vessels also take small groups.
Getting around
By air
Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the main domestic carriers.
Helicopters are readily available in main cities and in the main tourist resort areas.
Although domestic flights can be expensive, there are plenty of deals around for flying in off-peak times, for example Air New Zealand’s Grabaseat website (www.grabaseat.co.nz), and other internet deals rewarding those who book well in advance. Flights can be booked online or with travel agents and accredited agents.
Air New Zealand, Sales and Reservations, tel: 0800-737 000 (reservations) or 0800-737 767 (travel centres); www.airnewzealand.co.nz.
Jetstar, tel: 0800-800 995; www.jetstar.com.
Modern ferries operated by two competing companies, Interislander and Bluebridge, link the North and South Islands. The ferries sail between Wellington and Picton and carry passengers, vehicles and freight. There are frequent daily crossings in both directions, though it is important to book vehicle space in advance during summer. The journey takes about 3 hours, depending on sea conditions.
There is a wide range of facilities and entertainment on board the Interislander, including a bar, lounges and a café.
Ferry tickets can be purchased online, and at NZ Post outlets, travel agents and visitor information centres.
The Interislander, tel: 04-498 3302 or 0800-802 802; www.interislander.co.nz.
Bluebridge, tel: 04-471 6188 or 0800-844 844; www.bluebridge.co.nz.
A passenger ferry operated by Real Journeys (tel: 03-249 6000 or 0800-656 501; www.realjourneys.co.nz) from Bluff in Southland connects Stewart Island with the South Island.
Passenger ferries (departing from the terminal behind the Ferry Building on Quay Street, Auckland), service Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island, as well as vehicular ferries. For further information on transporting your vehicle across to either island, contact SeaLink, car, passenger and freight ferry services, tel: 0800-732 546; www.sealink.co.nz.
By rail
By international standards the New Zealand rail network is extremely limited. The infrastructure is there, but rail is mainly used for freight. To travel the country completely by rail is not an option.
The New Zealand government has set aside money to improve the rail network, but progress to date has been slow. Within a decade there should be some improvement. In the meantime, visitors may be interested in the three routes offered by Kiwi Rail Scenic Journeys, one in the North Island and two in the South Island. These travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world aboard trains comfortably outfitted with a dining car serving light meals and beverages. The routes are:
TranzAlpine: This scenic train journey is also offered as a return one-day trip, and travels between Christchurch in the east of the South Island and Greymouth in the west.
Coastal Pacific: This train travels along the coast and connects Christchurch with the inter-island ferries at Picton. From here you can catch a ferry across the Cook Strait to Wellington in the North Island.
Northern Explorer: This service runs between Wellington and Auckland.
For ticket information tel: 04-495 0775, 0800-872 467; www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz. Tickets can be purchased online, from any Kiwi Rail accredited agency, travel agents and visitor information centres. Kiwi Rail offers a Scenic Rail Pass (www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/scenic-rail-pass) which covers the North and South Islands; however, the touring routes are limited compared to travelling by coach.
By bus and coach
City transport: Major cities all have extensive local bus services for getting you out and about economically. Check with visitor information centres in each town for details of how they operate. Have coins ready, as you usually pay on boarding. Bus passes are available from visitor centres and local convenience stores.
Inter-city coaches: There is an excellent inter-city coach network throughout the country, using modern and comfortable coaches (some with toilets). It is wise to reserve seats in advance, especially during summer months.
The major bus operators are InterCity Coachlines and the Naked Bus Company.
InterCity Coachlines
Auckland, tel: 09-583 5780
Wellington, tel: 04-385 0520
Christchurch, tel: 03-365 1113
Dunedin, tel: 03-471 7143
Travel and information centres throughout New Zealand can book bus tickets and multi-day passes for visitors aboard InterCity Coachlines.
Naked Bus
This low-cost and reliable coach company sells all its tickets online, enabling it to offer cut-price fares on its fleet of comfortable coaches, which travel throughout New Zealand. Free Wi-fi is offered on board and fares starting at NZ$1 can often be found if you are prepared to book well in advance. Should you wish to call, tel: 0900-62533, but note that calls are charged at premium rates of NZ$1.99 per minute.
In addition, several smaller bus and shuttle companies operate regional and inter-city coach services. Check with local visitor information centres for contacts.
Have pass will travel
If you’re planning to rely on public transport, consider buying a travel pass that allows a combination of bus, train, ferry and plane travel nationwide at a substantial discount. These include the 12-month New Zealand Travelpass from InterCity Group (NZ) Ltd (tel: 0800-339 966; www.travelpass.co.nz) and the Kiwi Adventure Bus Pass from Naked Bus (www.nakedbus.co.nz).
Taxis
All cities and most large towns have 24-hour taxicab services. Chauffeur-driven cars are also readily available in major cities.
Overnight Campervan Parking
Tourists hiring non-self-contained campervans (no toilet, shower or grey-water storage) and then ‘freedom camping’ (overnighting at non-designated campsites) is a growing environmental problem in New Zealand, and firm action is taken with offenders. Those hiring or travelling in privately owned non-self-contained vehicles are advised to camp in designated camping areas at Holiday Parks, DOC campsites and other areas. To enforce this, a number of councils nationwide issue instant fines to offenders. Visitors travelling by campervan must also make use of dump stations located throughout New Zealand to empty their grey-water waste; do not dump your waste at the side of the road. Rental vehicle companies provide brochures and details of these during vehicle handover, but if you’re unsure of locations while en route, visit the local i-site information centre. For up-to-date information and advice on how to camp in an environmentally friendly manner in New Zealand, visit www.newzealand.com.
By car and campervan
Driving offers one of the best ways to see New Zealand’s extremely diverse landscape, and on any single journey you can expect to enjoy a wealth of spectacular scenery. It is worth noting, however, that some journeys involve winding roads through hill country, and therefore the time to travel from one place to another can take a lot longer than you may expect. To make the most of your time in New Zealand, allow adequate time to journey from one place to another.
Rules of the road
In New Zealand, you drive on the left side of the road and overtake on the right.
Give way to traffic on the right at roundabouts.
If you are turning left, right-turning oncoming traffic should give way to you.
The wearing of seat belts – by the driver and all passengers – is compulsory.
The legal speed limits are 100kmh (60mph) on open roads and 50kmh (30mph) in built-up areas, but watch for signposts superseding these limits.
New Zealand’s road signs follow the internationally recognised symbols.
For drink-driving regulations, for more information, click here.
Approximate driving times
North Island
Auckland–Whangarei = 3 hours
Whangarei–Paihia = 1 hour
Paihia–Cape Reinga = 4.5 hours
Auckland–Hamilton = 2 hours
Hamilton–Rotorua = 1.5 hours
Hamilton–Whakatane = 3 hours
Hamilton–New Plymouth = 4.5 hours
Hamilton–Taupo = 2 hours
Taupo–Napier = 2.5 hours
Whakatane–Napier = 5 hours
Taupo–Palmerston North = 3.5 hours
Palmerston North–Wellington = 2 hours
South Island
Picton–Christchurch = 5 hours
Christchurch–Greymouth = 4 hours
Christchurch–Kaikoura = 3 hours
Christchurch–Mount Cook = 5 hours
Christchurch–Dunedin = 5 hours
Mount Cook–Queenstown = 4 hours
Queenstown–Invercargill = 3 hours
Invercargill–Dunedin = 4.5 hours
Queenstown–Fox Glacier = 7 hours
Fox Glacier–Greymouth = 3.5 hours
Greymouth–Westport = 2 hours
Greymouth–Nelson = 4.5 hours
Road conditions
Multi-lane highways are few – they generally only provide immediate access to and through major cities – and single-lane roads are the norm. While traffic is generally light by European standards, the winding and narrow nature of some stretches of roads means you can only go as fast as the slowest truck, so do not underestimate driving times. Main road surfaces are good and conditions are usually comfortable; the main problem you might encounter is wet road surfaces after heavy rains. Signposting is generally good.
Petrol
Unleaded 91- and 96-octane petrol is sold, along with diesel, at all service stations. Compressed natural gas and liquid petroleum gas are also offered. Prices vary from place to place.
Motoring associations
A comprehensive range of services for motorists is available from the Automobile Association, and reciprocal membership arrangements may be available for those holding membership of foreign motoring organisations.
Automobile Association, Head Office, 99 Albert Street, Auckland City, tel: 0800-500 543; www.aa.co.nz
Documentation: You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current driver’s licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Vehicle hire
To hire a vehicle, you must be 21 years of age or over and hold a current New Zealand or driver’s licence from your country of residence (if not in English, an International Driving Permit will usually be required). Third-party insurance is compulsory, although most hire companies will insist on full insurance cover before hiring out their vehicles. Private accident/medical insurance is highly recommended (for more information, click here), as although all visitors are entitled to initial, free acute (emergency) care following an accident, this does not apply to subsequent treatment. What’s more, under New Zealand law victims do not have the right to sue a third party in the event of an accident.
It is also wise to book rental vehicles in advance. Major international hire firms such as Avis, Hertz and Budget offer good deals for pre-booking. If you have not pre-booked, tourist information desks at most airports can direct you to other operators to fit your budget.
The approximate cost per day for rental of a mid-sized car is NZ$70–80, with competitive rates negotiable for longer periods.
Campervans/motorhomes are very popular in New Zealand and are both an economical and flexible means of exploring the country. The average daily charge during the high season is NZ$250–330 for a two-berth and NZ$340–450 for a six-berth.
Vehicle Hire Companies
Ace Rental Cars
Nationwide, tel: 0800-502 277
Apex Car Rentals
Nationwide, tel: 0800-500 660
Avis
Auckland, tel: 09-275 7239
Wellington, tel: 04-801 8108
Christchurch, tel: 03- 358 9661
Queenstown, tel: 03-442 3808
Dunedin, tel: 03-486 2780
Budget
Nationwide, tel: 0800-283 438
Hertz
Auckland, tel: 09-367 6350
Wellington, tel: 04-384 3809
Christchurch, tel: 03-358 6730
Queenstown, tel: 03-442 4106
Dunedin, tel: 03-477 7385
KEA Campers
Nationwide, tel: 0800-520 052
Wilderness Motorhomes
Nationwide, tel: 09-282 3606
Cycling
If you are fit, cycling is another good way to get around New Zealand. It is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the South Island. However, as the countryside is extremely hilly and mountainous and can be quite hard-going, you may wish to sit some sectors out, and travel aboard an inter-city coach. If doing so, advise the coach company when you book to ensure there will be adequate space for your bicycle. Bikes are also hired out in every destination, and are a fantastic way to get around New Zealand’s smaller towns.
Change to road rules
New Zealand’s ‘left-turn versus right-turn’ road rule changed in 2012, aligning the nation with international standards. All traffic turning right must now give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. If in doubt visit the New Zealand Transport Authority website for further information (www.nzta.govt.nz). However, the greatest hazard to tourists comes from New Zealanders themselves, as they come to terms with the new rule.
Transport by region
North Island
Auckland
The main gateway to New Zealand is the Auckland International Airport at Mangere, 24km (15 miles) southwest of the city’s downtown area. Bus, shuttle and taxi transfers are available into the city. You’ll find them lined up outside the main terminal. Shared shuttle rides cost from NZ$28 and the Air Bus (www.airbus.co.nz) costs NZ$16 and takes about an hour to reach the city. Shuttles to the North Shore or West Auckland cost slightly more. A taxi takes around half the time, but will cost NZ$60–80.
As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is well connected by a network of domestic flights and inter-city coaches, as well as rail services.
There is a great inner-city bus service and plenty of taxi services to choose from. You’ll find taxi stands throughout the central city. Contact Auckland Co-operative Taxis, tel: 09-300 3000; www.cooptaxi.co.nz. Flagfall is NZ$3 and trips are charged at NZ$2.60 per kilometre; waiting time is charged at NZ90 cents per minute.
An AT HOP Discovery Day Pass (tel: 09-366 6400; www.athop.co.nz) gives you unlimited rides on most buses, trains and ferries for a day, for zones A and B it costs NZ$16, and for A, B and C, NZ$22). This is also available as a monthly pass for NZ$190 and NZ$250 respectively per calendar month. You can buy the AT HOP card, which is an electronic ticketing card, on-line or at abundant locations in the city, including the Auckland International Airport and Britomart Transport Centre. The card itself costs NZ$5.
The City Link bus is a convenient way to travel around the inner city. It travels from the Wynyard Quarter to K’ Road and returns via the same route following Queen Street. A ride costs only NZ50 cents, but it’s free of charge for AT HOP card holders. Monday to Saturday between 6.25 am and 11.25pm buses run every 7–8 minutes. The Inner Link travels both clockwise and anti-clockwise in a loop, going through Ponsonby, K’ Road and the inner-city suburbs. A ride costs only NZ$2.00.
Auckland also has a commuter train system, Connex, linking the Britomart terminal in the city to the outer western and southern suburbs.
For all public transport enquiries, call Auckland Transport, tel: 09-366 6400; https://at.govt.nz.
Northland
The Bay of Islands is around 250km (155 miles) north of Auckland. Air New Zealand operates daily flights from Auckland to Kerikeri Airport, Northland’s main airport. The flight time is approximately 45 minutes. ABC Shuttle (tel: 022-025 0800; www.abcshuttle.co.nz) provides a regular shuttle service from the airport.
InterCity operates a daily luxury express coach service from Auckland to the Bay of Islands and to Kaitaia in the Far North. Prices are NZ$28–56 one way; or up to $106 if you book a fully flexible ticket (www.intercity.co.nz). Alternatively, seats are available aboard the daily Naked Bus (www.nakedbus.co.nz).
The Bay of Islands is 3.5 hours’ drive from Auckland via the East Coast Highway, or 5–6 hours if you travel past the mighty Waipoua Forest (the largest kauri forest in New Zealand).
Northland is well served by inter-city buses in and out of the region, as well as bus and taxi services in most large towns.
The Waikato
Hamilton
Hamilton is located about 2 hours south of Auckland, with bus links to most cities and towns. Hamilton International Airport is 15km (9 miles) south of the city, with daily links with major New Zealand cities. Domestic flights from the airport are offered by Air New Zealand and Sunair (www.sunair.co.nz).
Hamilton is also on the main trunk line, with rail services on Kiwi Rail’s Northern Explorer route between Auckland and Wellington. The Auckland–Hamilton journey takes just over 2 hours.
Hamilton has excellent inner-city bus and taxi services. There are also plenty of car-hire agencies in the city.
Hamilton Go Buses, tel: 07-846 1975, 0800-4287 5463; www.busit.co.nz.
Hamilton Taxis, tel: 0800-477 477; www.hamiltontaxis.co.nz.
Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty
About 90 minutes from Auckland and Rotorua, the Coromandel is on the Pacific Coast Highway. There are daily flights to Whitianga with Sunair (tel: 0800-786 247; www.sunair.co.nz). The airline also offers flights to Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua. There are also door-to-door minivan shuttle services between Whitianga, Tairua, Thames and Auckland, which cost from NZ$26 through to NZ$94, depending on how far you travel. Contact: Go Kiwi Shuttles, tel: 0800-44 65 49 or 07-866 0336; www.go-kiwi.co.nz. Or drive the 2.5-hour scenic, winding route following the Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland.
Tauranga/Mount Maunganui
From the Coromandel, you can take the Pacific Coast Highway to the Bay of Plenty. The trip into Tauranga takes 1–2 hours. Alternatively, catch an InterCity bus or Naked Bus to Tauranga from most North Island destinations.
Rotorua and the Volcanic Plateau
Rotorua
Air New Zealand and Sunair have flights in and out of Rotorua. The airport is about 15 minutes from the centre of Rotorua. You can also catch one of a number of inter-city coaches, such as the Naked Bus and InterCity, in and out of all major New Zealand destinations.
Most thermal activities in Rotorua offer shuttle services that will take you from the city centre to their attraction, for a small charge or free of charge. There is a good public bus service with Bay Bus (tel: 0800-422 928; www.baybus.co.nz); or with Rotorua Super Shuttle, (tel: 0800-748885 or 07-345 7790; www.supershuttle.co.nz). For taxis, contact Rotorua Taxis (tel: 07-348 1111; www.rotoruataxis.co.nz).
Taupo
Taupo is about midway between Auckland (4 hours to the north) and Wellington (4 hours south), on the classic touring route, the Thermal Explorer Highway, which runs through Taupo en route from Auckland to Rotorua and Hawke’s Bay. There are direct Air New Zealand flights daily from Auckland and Wellington to Taupo Airport with connections to the South Island.
Whakapapa Village/National Park
To get to the Whakapapa Village–National Park area and Ohakune – from where the North Island’s ski slopes are easily accessible – take the Northern Explorer train from Auckland, or the InterCity or Naked Bus service that connects with Ohakune from Auckland and Wellington.
Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay
Gisborne
Gisborne is an 8.5-hour car ride south on the Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland. Regular flights connect major North and South Island centres to Gisborne Airport. Coaches also operate regular schedules from around the country.
Hastings
Hastings is 3.5 hours’ drive from Gisborne. Regular flights connect major centres to Hawke’s Bay airports. Coaches also operate regular schedules from around the country.
Napier
Napier is 3 hours’ drive from Gisborne. Regular flights connect major North and South Island centres to Hawke’s Bay airports. Coaches also operate regular schedules from around the country.
Taranaki, Wanganui and Manawatu
New Plymouth
Off the beaten track, this region has its own airport, which is serviced by Air New Zealand. Inter-city coaches also run services. New Plymouth can be reached on a 6.5-hour drive from Auckland by following SH1 and SH3.
Palmerston North
Palmerston North, the heart of the Manawatu, is about 1 hour’s drive south of Wanganui. It is serviced by Air New Zealand. Inter-city coaches also run to the region. The town is also on the main Auckland to Wellington trunk line, with rail services on the Northern Explorer.
Wanganui
Wanganui has its own airport, serviced daily by Air New Zealand. Inter-city coaches run services to the region. It is a 3-hour drive from Wellington or Taupo, 2½ hours from New Plymouth, and 4 hours from Napier. You can also reach Wanganui from Auckland – an 8-hour drive – via New Plymouth or via Taumarunui on SH4.
Wellington and Surroundings
Wellington
Wellington International Airport (www.wellingtonairport.co.nz) has services from Australia and some South Pacific islands, as well as having good regional and national links. It’s about half an hour’s drive from the city centre – taxis and shuttles cost about NZ$35–40 and the Airport Flyer bus to the CBD costs NZ$6–15, depending on how far you travel. Buses depart every 15 minutes and free Wi-fi is available on board.
Wellington is also well served by inter-city coaches and can be reached from Auckland by train aboard Kiwi Rails’ Northern Explorer.
Ferry services link Wellington with Picton on the South Island. For more information, click here.
The Wellington public transport system, Metlink (tel: 0800-801 700; www.metlink.org.nz), runs regular bus, commuter train and ferry services throughout the city and outer regions. Fares include the Bus-About Pass day pass for NZ$9.50 (Wellington and Hutt Valley) and GO Wellington 30-day pass for NZ$150. There are plenty of taxi stands around the inner city. However, Wellington is so compact that it’s easy to walk from one end of Lambton Quay to Courtenay Place.
You can visit historic Somes Island, Petone, Days Bay or Seatoun on the Dominion Post Ferry (tel: 04-499 1282; www.eastbywest.co.nz) departing from Queens Wharf, or catch the unique Cable Car (tel: 04-472 2199; www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz) from Cable Car Lane off Lambton Quay, to the suburb of Kelburn and the top of the Botanic Gardens. Wellington also has a commuter train system, the Tranzmetro (tel: 0800-801 700; www.tranzmetro.co.nz), linking the city to the outer suburbs as far as Upper Hutt.
South Island
Nelson and Marlborough
Blenheim
Air New Zealand flies to Blenheim, which is on SH1, 36km (22 miles) south of Picton. InterCity and Naked Bus link the township with main centres.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura, the world’s whale-watching capital, is midway between Blenheim and Christchurch. It can be reached by road, coach or rail. The journey down the east coast to Kaikoura is picturesque and magnificent.
Nelson
Nelson Regional Airport (www.nelsonairport.co.nz) has regular air links with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as a range of provincial centres.
Coach services link Nelson with Motueka and the southern entrance of the Abel Tasman Park. Contact: Abel Tasman Coachlines, tel: 03-548 0285; www.abeltasmantravel.co.nz. You can also hire a car or motorhome and drive to most surrounding towns in less than 2 hours. Contact the nearest visitor centre for more details.
Picton and the Sounds
Ferry services between Wellington and Picton are frequent. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries take 3 hours to get you across Cook Strait.
Christchurch and Surroundings
Christchurch
Christchurch is served by a busy international airport (which escaped damage in the 2011 earthquake), and has comprehensive road and rail links and a deep-water port (www.christchurchairport.co.nz). The public bus service from the airport to the city (number 29 and P – purple line) costs NZ$8 (if paid in cash), and takes 30–40 minutes (www.metroinfo.co.nz); the shuttle takes 20–30 minutes at a cost of NZ$19–25. The more expensive option of a taxi costs NZ$45–65, but it will get you there much faster – about 12–20 minutes, depending on the destination.
If travelling from Greymouth, on the west coast, you should try to take Kiwi Rail’s scenic TranzAlpine train (tel: 0800-872 467; www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz), which cuts through some spectacular scenery. Christchurch is also well served by inner-city buses (for information phone Metro Info on 03-366 8855; www.metroinfo.co.nz), and taxi services, as well as inter-city coaches from other New Zealand destinations. The historic tram service was put out of action by the 2011 earthquake but now is back on track, with original 25-minute loop reopened in late 2014(tel: 03-366 7830; www.tram.co.nz).
A dedicated shuttle service to Hanmer Springs leaves from outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue at 9am daily and arrives in Hanmer Springs 2 hours later. It departs Hanmer at 4.30pm daily. Contact: Hanmer Connection (tel: 0800-242 663; www.hanmerconnection.co.nz).
Reliable taxi companies operating in the Christchurch region include Blue Star Taxis (tel: 03-3799 799; www.bluestartaxis.org.nz) and Gold Band Taxis (tel: 03-379 5795; www.goldbandtaxis.co.nz).
The West Coast
If you drive, access is either through the Buller Gorge from Nelson, through the Lewis Pass via historic Reefton, over the high Alpine Arthur’s Pass from Christchurch or via Haast Pass from Queenstown. Driving time is 3–5 hours, depending on the point of departure.
There are airports at Hokitika (www.hokitikaairport.co.nz) and Westport (http://bullerdc.govt.nz/airport), with regular scheduled services. A scenic alternative is to take Kiwi Rail’s TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth, or vice versa (for more information, click here). The west coast is also well served by InterCity Coachlines and the Naked Bus Company.
Queenstown and Otago
Queenstown
Air New Zealand has regular flights to Queenstown, and you can reach it direct from main centres such as Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. Daily flights operate to and from several cities in Australia. There are daily coach and shuttle services to and from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Wanaka, Franz Josef and Milford Sound.
In Queenstown, you can reach most places by walking or taking a short taxi ride. You’ll need to hire a car to get out and really see the countryside, and there are plenty of car-hire companies in Queenstown. Getting to and from Arrowtown is also easy, with a regular coach service.
Wanaka
Wanaka is about an hour’s drive north of Queenstown. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service or inter-city bus. There are also scenic flights – the one from Queenstown to Wanaka takes approximately 20 minutes.
Dunedin and Surroundings
Dunedin
Dunedin has an international airport with direct flights with Air New Zealand from Australia’s Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Rotorua (www.flydunedin.com). Public buses to and from the airport are not available. However, airport shuttles to the city cost from NZ$30 per person and taxis at NZ$90 are also available. The airport is about half an hour south of the city. You can also take a bus to Dunedin from many places on the South Island. Driving from Dunedin to Christchurch takes about 5 hours, while the journey from Queenstown is about 4.5 hours.
Dunedin, like Queenstown, is easily covered on foot or by taxi (Dunedin Taxis, tel: 03-477 7777; www.dunedintaxis.co.nz). There are also regular city bus services with Gobus (tel: 03-477 5577; www.gobus.co.nz/Urban/Dunedin). For all Taieri Gorge rail enquiries, go to the Dunedin Railway Station in Lower Stuart Street (tel: 03-477 4449; www.taieri.co.nz).
Southland
Invercargill
Invercargill Airport (http://invercargillairport.co.nz) is a 5-minute drive west of the city centre and is serviced by Air New Zealand flights. Coach services also connect Invercargill with other points in New Zealand.
Te Anau
Te Anau is about a 3-hour drive south of Queenstown, with shuttle services and inter-city buses between the two towns. Top Line Tours in Te Anau (tel: 03-249 8059; www.toplinetours.co.nz) travels from Manapouri to Te Anau every day, or you can charter a 45-minute flight from Queenstown.
Stewart Island
Real Journeys’ Stewart Island Ferry service (tel: 0800-000 511; www.realjourneys.co.nz) operates daily between Bluff (departs from Bluff Visitor Terminal, Foreshore Road) and Stewart Island (departs from Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf).
The ferry company also runs a connection service to the ferry from Invercargill (pick-up and drop-off at the airport and i-site Visitor Centre), Queenstown and Te Anau (pick-up and drop-off at Real Journeys Visitor Centres in both cities).
Stewart Island Flights also fly directly from Invercargill Airport to Stewart Island (tel: 03-218 9129; www.stewartislandflights.com).
Real Journeys’ Stewart Island Experience (Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf, Halfmoon Bay, Oban; tel: 0800-000 511; www.realjourneys.co.nz) has cars, scooters and mountain bikes for hire. It also operates various tours and cruises, as do Aurora Charters (tel: 03-219 1126; www.auroracharters.co.nz) and a number of other small local operators. Tours range from fishing and sightseeing to birdwatching and nature walks. Sails Ashore (tel: 0800-783 9278; www.sailsashore.co.nz) offers a two-hour Island Life Road Tour that explores virtually every road on the island, all 28km (17 miles), with an interesting commentary on the island’s history.