GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is 1,600 km/994miles long with 15,000km/9316miles of coastline and 450 km/280miles wide at its widest part.

Covering an area of approximately 270,500 sq km/97,000 sq miles (all islands combined) it is roughly the size of Japan, the British Isles or Colorado - large enough to contain a huge variety of scenic attractions, and small enough so visitors can get to see most of them.

Many destinations are only a few hours drive from the next. An extensive network of air, road and train services means most places are accessible by public transport.

Alternatively, with more time, visitors can travel around the different regions of New Zealand appreciating the diversity of the landscape, the attractions and local activities. Visitors can explore New Zealand in a rental vehicle and providing that normal safety precautions are heeded, visitors should enjoy a trouble free and safe New Zealand holiday. Rental options include a wide range of cars, vans and campervans.

Driving In New Zealand

Seeing New Zealand by car means enjoyable driving on uncongested, good quality, though sometimes narrow roads. Around Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch there are multi-laned motorways to assist the heavier flows of traffic, but for the most part, New Zealand roads are only dual carriageways. It is important not to under-estimate driving times. Although the distance between places may seem short in terms of kilometres or miles, New Zealand roads can travel over hilly terrain, and therefore more time is often required. The New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) can assist visitors with maps, travel times, general road information and advice about travelling around New Zealand. If visitors are a member of a comparable International Touring Alliance organisation in their home countries they are recommended to call into the nearest AA office on their arrival in New Zealand with proof of their membership for a range of comparable products and services in New Zealand.

Licences and Permits

Visitors can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if they have either a current driver's licence from their home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP). All drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their licence or permit when driving in New Zealand. Visitors can only drive the same types of vehicles they are licensed to drive in their home country.
Visitors' overseas driver's licence must be current. If the licence is not in English, an English translation is required or obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).

New Zealand Road Rules
1 New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road.
2 Drivers give way to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right. If turning you give way to all traffic not turning ( Note: for US visitors the free turn during a red light rule does not apply in New Zealand).
3 All distances are posted in kilometres (km).
4 The speed limit is 100km/60miles per hour on the open road and 50km/31miles per hour in built up areas.
5 Seatbelts must be worn at all times by both the driver and passengers.
6 Motorcyclists and bicyclists must wear a helmet at all times.
7 Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
8 Late model vehicles use unleaded petrol (gas) or diesel and is available at an extensive networks of petrol stations.
9 There are multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways.
10 Sign posting follows standard international symbols and is of a high standard.

Rental Cars

Cars, vans, four wheel drives, RV's, SUV's, motor homes and motorcycles are all available for rental throughout New Zealand. One way rentals are also available, although certain restrictions may apply. The minimum age for renting a vehicle is 21.
Most rental firms insist on accident insurance with a company chosen by them. Some companies may include the insurance charge in their daily rate. A bond is usually requested and is refundable if all terms and conditions are met. Rates vary according to season, length of hire, insurance conditions and age of vehicle.

If travelling across Cook Strait (between the North and South Islands), the normal procedure is to leave the rental vehicle on one side and pick up another on the other side. Check with the rental car company when booking a rental vehicle. There is a wide range of rental car and motorhome hire companies. There are many small local hire vehicle companies that visitors can contact for short-term hire, or larger companies with a national and international network. Refer to www.purenz.com transport sections and select the rental car/motorhome options for further information. Vehicle pick ups and drop offs are normally located at airports or at central points in the main cities.

Motorhomes

New Zealand is ideally suited to touring by motorhome although freedom or roadside camping is restricted in many built up or resort areas. Motorhomes (or campervans as they are known in New Zealand) come in several designs and cater for 2 - 6 people. Reservations are essential for motorhomes in the peak season between November and February. There is an extensive network of camping grounds throughout New Zealand, many offering purpose built facilities for motor homes. Motorhome hire companies will provide visitors with campground guides and maps to assist in an enjoyable holiday in New Zealand.

Train Travel

Rail travel is available throughout many parts of New Zealand. Most services run both directions seven days per week and facilities include panoramic windows, comfortable seats and complimentary refreshments. Light meals and beverages can be purchased. Discount travel on Tranz Scenic services is available to Golden Age (over 60's), Youth Hostel and VIP Backpacker cardholders and students. These fares may only be purchased in New Zealand.
The main rail transport and sightseeing services which run in both directions (unless specified) are:

1 The Overlander: A daily service between Auckland and Wellington.
2 The Northerner: An overnight service between Auckland and Wellington, operates Sunday - Friday
3 The Coastal Pacific: A daily service between Picton and Christchurch.
4 The TranzAlpine: A daily service between Christchurch and Greymouth.
5 The Southerner: A daily service between Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Air Services

Domestic air services are quite extensive in New Zealand and a great way to get around the country. The main domestic airlines fly between all major cities and resort areas, with smaller routes serviced less frequently. Charter air services are also available to/from main centres. Trans Tasman air services on Freedom Air are also available from Palmerston North, Hamilton and Dunedin. Smaller airlines service the outer islands of the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland and Stewart Island.
Shuttle buses and taxis are available from airports for city transfers.

Coach/Bus Services

For visitors who want someone else to do the driving, there are many coach tours and coach transfer services available throughout New Zealand. Scheduled services are reliable and often connect with trains and ferries. Some services offer discounted passes covering multiple journeys.

Scheduled services
Daily scheduled bus passenger services are available throughout the country. InterCity Coachlines operate the largest network throughout both islands, and Newmans Coach Lines provide services in the North Island and the major tourist routes in the South Island. Most destinations have several departures daily. Advance booking is not usually necessary, however reservations are recommended in more remote regions where there is only one service each day.
Larger cities also offer bus tours of the main sights or city centre, and mini-bus tours can be arranged for small groups. Multi-lingual guides are available.

Coach tours
Coach tours offer a relaxing way of seeing the country in comfort. A guide or the driver often provides a commentary, pointing out significant sights or relating stories from history or Maori legend. All accommodation, meals and baggage are taken care of, leaving visitors with plenty of time to get to know fellow travellers and enjoy the sights. New Zealand coaches are graded for quality. The top-of-the-range 5-star coaches are less than 5 years old and have the latest passenger comfort features.

Backpacker Bus Services
These are popular with independent travellers and backpackers and are a great way to meet other likeminded travellers. The companies offering services to backpackers sell passes lasting from several days to weeks for various parts of the country. The passes offer a degree of flexibility, allowing passengers to get off the bus for independent travel and then catch the next bus.

The atmosphere on these buses is relaxed and there are plenty of sightseeing stops along the way, plus stops for walks, picnics, shopping and activities such as skydiving, bungy jumping and white-water rafting. The bus companies get discounts on activities for their passengers. The main companies are Kiwi Experience and Magic Bus. A few others run specialised routes with varying degrees of flexibility.

Ferry Services

The span of water between the North and South Island is known as Cook Strait. Tranz Rail run passenger ferries between Wellington and Picton, the gateway town to the South Island. During peak season (School Holidays, Christmas and Easter breaks) the ferries are heavily booked and visitors are advised to prebook their passage as early as feasibly possible, either from overseas or once they arrive in New Zealand. The Visitor Information Centres (VIN) located throughout New Zealand can assist with Cook Strait ferry bookings.
A range of price options are available depending on number and type of visitors and whether vehicle transport is also required.
There are two types of ferry services available:

1 The fast ferry - The Lynx - will take you across Cook Strait in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
2 Or you can choose to relax and cruise on The Interislander on a journey lasting 3 hours.

The Lynx and The Interislander link with Tranz Scenic train services in Wellington and Picton, making it easier for you to book your travel.
Check the following website for further information and a current timetable: www.tranzrailtravel.co.nz
Throughout New Zealand local ferry services provide transport to islands - The Bay of Islands in Northland, Hauraki Gulf islands in Auckland and Stewart Island in the South
Information can be obtained from local Visitor Information Centres.

Taxis

New Zealand has a deregulated taxi service industry and a taxi cab can be hailed from the street or at one of the many taxi stands located at airports and in the city or town centre. Prices are metred in New Zealand dollars and the fare may be able to be paid by credit card. A range of vehicles can be hired including cars, minivans, small coaches and limousines. Wheelchair assisted transport is also available on request.

Travel Passes

Air Passes
These usually offer savings for those taking multiple flights especially if buying a domestic flight in conjunction with an international ticket before departing the country of origin.

Coach passes
The major bus lines - Nemans Coach Lines and InterCity offer discount travel passes valid from around 14 days to three months.

The Best of New Zealand Pass
This is a flexible travel pass using Tranz Scenic trains, the Interislander and the Lynx ferries and InterCity coaches. Best of New Zealand Pass uses an easy points system called Best Points.
Each trip made using the Pass uses up a certain number of the Best Points that were received when purchasing the Pass.
As well as offering the train, ferry and coach network, the Best Pass Plus Air Option incorporates one Air New Zealand flight sector as a part of the Best of New Zealand Pass.

New Zealand Travel Pass
Provides unlimited New Zealand motorcoach travel on the Travel Pass coach network and Cook Strait ferry crossing on the Interislander. Travel by InterCity Coachlines and Newmans Coach Lines. Rail and air options available.