Transport
Whether your clients seek the independence of a road trip by car or campervan, or the indulgent relaxation of transfers by charter plane, New Zealand can deliver.
With breathtaking scenery in every part of the country, in New Zealand the journey 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. In the South Island, 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 – even in unpopulated areas – because police officers regularly patrol the highways and speed cameras may be hidden on any road. In addition, the varied terrain in New Zealand 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. There are very strict laws on drinking and driving and the best advice is simply ‘don’t drink and drive’. 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
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 a multitude of well-equipped holiday parks in which to stop for the night.
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 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 fast. 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. Scheduled services often connect with trains and ferries. 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
Travelling in New Zealand often means having to get across water. The Interislander and Bluebridge offer daily services across Cook Strait, linking the North and South Islands. Both operators carry both passengers and vehicles. The Interislander also offers a range of day trips and short break packages. 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.
Whichever travel method you choose for your clients, you can be secure in the knowledge that standards in New Zealand are strictly maintained to ensure safety.