New Zealand is 1,600km long. You can mix and match transport options to suit your travel style - road, air, or rail. Buses and coaches link up with rail and ferry services, air travel is available to all large cities and most tourist destinations, and rental cars are available from all airports.

Bus Travel Link

Daily scheduled bus services are available throughout the country. Inter City Coachlines operates the largest network on both islands, and Newmans Coach Lines provide services on major tourist routes on both islands. Most destinations have several departures daily, and more remote destinations have one departure a day. Advance bookings are not necessary, but reservations are recommended.

Rental Car Link

Rediscover the joy of motoring on New Zealand's uncongested, good quality roads.

International car rental firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and local companies hire a wide range of vehicles. Most firms have some great deals that can be pre-booked before leaving home. One-way hire between some company locations is available, though certain restrictions may apply.

The majority of rental firms require that you take out accident insurance with an insurance company nominated by them. You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Commonly the legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years.

If you plan to hire a car while you're here, make sure you know all you need to about driving in New Zealand.

Rail Link

New Zealand's rail journeys will take you on a series of spectacular sightseeing trips, all in the comfort of fast, modern trains. Light meals and drinks may be purchased onboard, and a commentary describes scenic highlights and historical spots en route. Tranz Scenic operates eight long-distance train services in New Zealand, including:
The Overlander (Auckland to Wellington) takes you through the central North Island's majestic scenery of native forests, ravines, gorges and volcanic peaks

The TranzCoastal (Picton to Christchurch) runs along the South Island's east coast between snow-capped mountains and rugged coastline

The award-winning TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth) winds its way through spectacular gorges and river valleys before crossing the snow-capped Southern Alps
Tranz Scenic also offers discount travel passes.

Air Link

New Zealand is well served by air transport, with all cities, major towns and resorts linked to the national network.The main domestic airlines are Air New Zealand and Qantas New Zealand, with commuter airlines linking the smaller towns. Charter flights are easily arranged if you want to fly direct to a destination that isn't served by a commercial flight - provided there is an airfield.

All of New Zealand's international airports and most domestic ones have shuttle services running from the airport to central business districts via the main hotels. At Auckland there is also a shuttle that runs between the international and domestic terminals.

These services are cheaper than taking a taxi, but do take longer. Allow plenty of time when booking a shuttle to the airport, or make sure the shuttle company is aware of your check-in time. There are also regular direct bus services between airports and Central Business Districts (CBD) that are even cheaper, but these do not set down at hotels.

South island travel distance (km)
Christchurch
Dunedin							361
Franz Josef						544	508
Greymouth					189	616	255
Invercargill				745	607	195	555
Milford Sound			280	835	637	387	748
Nelson		1107	996	296	485	799	483
Queenstown	917	299	189	567	348	299	479