Clients can rent a car and get off the beaten track or take advantage of New Zealand’s excellent public transport network and get to their destination with ease.

Self-drive

Whether your clients seek the independence of a road trip by car or campervan, or ease of transfers by charter plane, New Zealand can deliver.

With breathtaking scenery in every part of the country, the journey in New Zealand is as spectacular as the destination. And although the variety of landscapes will have your clients feeling like they’re entering a new world at every turn, distances are manageable compared to those on the continents.

Driving

Renting a vehicle is a great way to explore and driving in New Zealand is relatively easy, although most roads are single lane only – multi-lane roadways are only found on approaches to larger cities.

The speed limit is 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas and 100 kph (60 mph) on the open road. It’s unwise to speed as speed cameras may be hidden on any road, while the varied terrain means conditions can change quickly and many roads are steep or winding.

Visitors hiring a car will be asked to provide their home country licence, as long as it is in English. If the licence is in another language, an International Driver’s Permit or English translation is required. Traffic in New Zealand drives on the left hand side of the road and seat belts must be worn at all times. Motorcyclists must wear helmets at all times. There are very strict laws on drinking and driving. For more information on road rules visit the ‘Visitors and New Residents’ area of the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website at www.ltsa.govt.nz.

Car Hire

Most major car hire companies have desks at airports, ferry terminals and city depots. Most car hire companies do not rent to those under 21 years of age and all drivers need to hold a valid licence. It is advisable to book in advance if your clients are travelling during the high season. If they are planning to travel between the North and South Islands, they may have the option of dropping off the rental vehicle in one island and picking up another vehicle on arrival at the other island.

Campervan Hire

Very popular with visitors, campervans are self-contained vehicles that come equipped with beds and cooking facilities – and sometimes even a bathroom – which makes for great flexibility and independence. Throughout the country are many well-equipped holiday parks in which to stop overnight.

Motorcycle Hire

Varied terrain with sweeping bends in the road makes New Zealand a great place for motorcycle touring. Most hire shops are in Auckland, but Christchurch also has a few. Visitors can hire anything from a little 50cc ‘nifty-fifty’ to a big 750cc touring motorcycle.

Public transport

If your clients prefer to leave the navigation to others, public transport is ideal. New Zealand has an extensive network of air, train, coach services and ferries. As well as being convenient, public transport is also relatively inexpensive – you’ll find budget-friendly options everywhere you look.

Airlines

Domestic air services connect most of New Zealand’s cities and large towns – smaller routes may be serviced less frequently. Flying is ideal if time is short and your clients want to get there quickly. Air passes offer savings for multiple flights. Shuttle buses and taxis to whisk visitors from airport to city are easy to find outside the terminal.

Coach Transport

If your clients prefer to let someone else do the driving, advise them to catch a coach. There are numerous options available throughout New Zealand, from scheduled city-to-city services to all-inclusive tour packages. Look for Flexi Pass, which allows travel by the hour on a nationwide network of InterCity buses, or Travelpass, which enables travel between two designated points but allows the passenger to stop off along the way. Another good option is to join a specialised bus network such as Magic Travellers Network or Kiwi Experience.

Ferry Services

The Interislander and Bluebridge offer daily services across Cook Strait, linking the North and South Islands. Both operators carry passengers and vehicles. The Interislander also offers a range of day trips and short breaks. More than just a practical means of transportation between Picton and Wellington, ferries provide a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound. Scheduled ferry services link the mainland to Stewart Island.

Taxis

There are metered taxis in all cities, towns and resort areas. Taxis cruise the busy downtown areas in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Elsewhere your clients may have to find a taxi rank or phone for one.

Trains

New Zealand’s train journeys have a growing reputation as an excellent way to see the country. Tranz Scenic offers sightseeing train journeys in several regions. The TranzAlpine, which crosses the Southern Alps, is a popular excursion with an international reputation.

Tours

Some clients like to make their own plans every step of the way, others like to sit back, relax and let someone else take care of organising their journey.

Whether your clients fit one of these categories, or whether they would like the best of both worlds, New Zealand has an excellent system of coach, rail and ferry operators, many offering pre-packaged tours at a variety of grades.

Independent Tours

An independent tour is ideal for the visitor who would like assistance with planning their travel, but once in New Zealand would prefer the freedom of travelling on their own. The tour company will assemble a detailed travel agenda, then your clients will be free to hit the road following the itinerary provided.

Guided Tours

Visitors who would like to get beneath the surface and discover the real New Zealand will enjoy a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide, experiencing parts of New Zealand they never would have otherwise heard about. Whether they indulge in a luxury private tour or a small group tour, your clients will be able to relax and enjoy a multi-day adventure in the hands of a professional guide.

Group Tours

For visitors looking to experience popular New Zealand itineraries with the minimum of fuss, a multi-day group tour is an excellent option. Often representing good value for money, and including transport, accommodation, and some activities and meals, group tours can also be a lot of fun for visitors. Special tours for certain types of travellers, such as backpackers or specific age groups, are a particularly good option for those wanting to socialise with other travellers.

Sightseeing Tours

Even if your clients would prefer not to join a multi-day tour, they may like to take advantage of half- or one-day sightseeing tours for a deeper insight into particular areas of interest. A Maori cultural tour, whale watching boat cruise or caving expedition are just a few of the popular options available.