There are many ways to get around New Zealand. Your choice will depend on the type of journeys you want to make: short, daily trips or longer, less frequent ones. Here's an overview of the options available during your Working Holiday Visa stay in New Zealand .
In most major cities, buses are operated by private companies, which explains the lack of nationwide fares and tickets. Everything depends on the company you choose and its operating procedures. Major cities have a fairly extensive network of buses, trams, trains, and ferries. Distances are divided into 4-kilometer zones, and the fare will vary depending on the number of zones traveled. Buses mainly run during the day. Night buses serve some major cities, generally only on Friday and Saturday nights. So be sure to check the timetables!
In Auckland , the AT Hop Card covers the Metrolink, LINK, North Star, GOWEST, and Waka Pacific networks. You can load it with the desired amount. It will cost you significantly less than a single ticket for each journey. If you're staying in Auckland longer, opt for a monthly pass , which will cost around $210 and allows unlimited travel on buses and ferries.
As for Wellington , the city has a punctual and affordable bus and train network. These are operated by the Metlink , and fares depend on the number of zones (ranging from 1 to 14): the price for one zone is $2; 14 zones cost $17.
Finally, Orbus provides full service throughout Queenstown , even extending to Arrowtown. As with the rest of the country, fares start at $3.50 for a single ticket, but you can also purchase a weekly unlimited pass for approximately $43.
Given New Zealand's vast size, flying is the fastest way to travel, but it can be quite expensive even for short distances. The national airline, Air New Zealand, serves around twenty main destinations, while smaller competing airlines fly to remote locations such as Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. Consider checking out low-cost carriers like Jetstar and Pacific Blue, which operate domestic flights and often offer more affordable prices.
If you're looking for an original trip, this is the solution for you! Apart from the Wellington commuter train, New Zealand's rail network is relatively small. However, you'll still have the opportunity to travel with companies like Kiwi Scenic Rail and its three legendary routes, highly recommended simply for the breathtaking scenery:
Note that you can buy passes and take advantage of special rates (especially in winter) for these different routes.
In New Zealand, buses will take you to the most remote corners of both islands. Travel is generally straightforward and well-organized, but can be long and sometimes expensive. The best-known companies are Intercity, NakedBus, and Atomic Travel (but there are many others). Companies advise booking in advance (especially during the summer months, from December to February), as you can benefit from significant discounts (tickets as low as $1). They sell packages that are more economical than buying tickets for each journey. For example, Intercity offers a fairly comprehensive range of routes throughout the country or on one of the two islands. These include the Travel Pass, which offers a hop-on hop-off system with 14 different routes ranging from $119 to $995, and the Flexipass. This time, there are no set itineraries, but you'll pay based on travel time, ranging from 15 to 60 hours, with prices varying from $119 to $449. A wide variety of options are available. You can also take advantage of sightseeing stops to see the country's beauty. Suffice it to say, you'll be spoiled for choice. Choose the option that suits you best and try to sniff out the best deals.
In New Zealand, a car is synonymous with freedom! If you opt for this solution, which is very popular with mountain bikers, you'll say goodbye to endless waits in train stations, airports... and hello to the real road trip experience! You stop wherever and whenever you want, you choose your route and you enjoy.
Some practical information about New Zealand roads: as in all English-speaking countries, New Zealanders drive on the left, the maximum speed is 100 km/h on motorways and 50 km/h in towns and cities. Generally speaking, you will drive slowly as New Zealand has few motorways (especially in rural areas) and the roads are often winding, narrow, or steep.
The weather will also greatly influence your driving, whether it's winter or summer, as conditions can change from one minute to the next. You must have both your national driver's license and an international driving permit, which will only be valid for one year in New Zealand. If you plan to stay in the country beyond this period, thanks to the possible 3-month extension of the Working Holiday Visa (subject to certain conditions), you will then need to pass the New Zealand driving theory test.
Renting is the best option if you are at least 21 years old and only need a car for a short period. For rentals longer than several weeks, on average six, buying a vehicle might be more cost-effective. Among the advantages of renting, breakdowns are handled by the rental company, and insurance is included. However, the cost, time restrictions, and the requirement to return the car or van to a specific location at the end of your rental period can be drawbacks.
If you decide to buy, you'll need to check the vehicle's condition yourself. There are a few pitfalls, so feel free to consult our article on this topic. If you're passionate about mechanics, then no problem! If you don't know much about cars, or even anything at all, you risk creating more hassle and expenses. One solution is to buy your vehicle directly from a garage rather than from a private seller.
While a more expensive option, it's also less risky (though zero risk doesn't exist!). Depending on the season, prices can increase considerably due to high demand. The possibility of reselling your vehicle at the end of your trip remains a significant advantage of this option. Some people manage to sell it for the purchase price, resulting in substantial savings. A word of advice: you'll encounter few backpackers in June, July, and August, so avoid this period for reselling.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
