Public transport within cities

The ATHop card is Auckland's prepay transport card; it will save you money on transport if you're planning to be in the city for a few days.

• Buses connect all parts of the city and run frequently, especially on weekdays. Fares start from NZ$1 cash per segment (or NZ$0.50 with ATHop).
• Trains service some central, southern and western suburbs. Fares start at NZ$2.50 per stage (NZ$1.80 with ATHop).
• Ferries run between downtown Auckland, the North Shore and East Auckland, as well as Auckland’s islands. Fares cost from NZ$6.20 cash (NZ$4.50 with ATHop). Note that ATHop is not valid on all ferry services.
• From Auckland Airport, the SkyBus costs NZ$16 into the city. Airport shuttles are also available, costing from NZ$35.

• Buses link all central suburbs along with the outer areas of Rangiora, Waikuku Beach and Burnham. Fares start from $1.80 cash, or NZ$1.25 with a Metrocard.
• Blackcat Ferry services run between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour, and cost NZ$12.40 return.
• From Christchurch Airport, Metrobuses offer regular trips into town for NZ$8 one way. Shuttles are also available.
• More of a historical activity than a form of transport, Christchurch Attractions allows you to tour the city on a restored tram. Tickets are NZ$25 per adult. Children under 15 ride for free.

• Wellington’s bus network is comprehensive, linking all suburbs with the Central Business District. Fares start from NZ$2.00 cash for a single zone. 
• Trains connect downtown Wellington with the wider region, as far north as Masterton and Waikanae. Fares start from NZ$2.00 cash for a single zone.
• Ferry services leave from downtown Queens Wharf and travel to Seatoun, Matiu/Somes Island and Days Bay, costing NZ$11 one way. 
• From Wellington Airport, the Airport Flyer bus travels to town and beyond, costing from NZ$4.20. Shuttles are available too.
• Wellington’s Cable Car takes passengers from downtown up to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. It’s one of Wellington’s most popular attractions, offering stunning views of the city and costing just NZ$9 one way. 

• The Orbus bus service connects central Queenstown with the airport and Queenstown’s surrounding towns, including Arrowtown with a flat rate $2 fare across the network for passengers who buy a GoCard onboard. Cash fares are $5, or $10 to/from Queenstown Airport.
• Queenstown Water Taxis link the town with the Frankton arm of the lake, near the Hilton Hotel, and costs NZ$10 one way.
• For skiers, there are shuttles available for The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona. Treble Cone promotes a Car Pool system.

• Buses operate around the city centre and connect with the leisure park area of Ngongotaha. Fares start from NZ$2.60 (or $1.84 with a Smartride Card).
• From Rotorua Airport, Bay Bus Route 10 takes passengers into town for NZ$2.60. Airport shuttles are available, starting from NZ$21 to town.
• Totally Tarawera offer scheduled water taxis to Hot Water Beach on Lake Tarawera for NZ$25 per person.