About travel in New Zealand

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Travelling to New Zealand and getting around is easy. Whether you're after scenic train travel or self-guided adventures, there are options for everyone.

Only an overnight flight away. Whether you're after scenic train travel or self-guided adventures, there are options for everyone.

There are more ways to fly to New Zealand. Enjoy non-stop flight with American Airlines, United Airlines and Air New Zealand. It's closer than you think with the average flight time of 12 hours.

Getting around

With so many things to do and spectacular places to see, choosing how you travel around New Zealand is as important as choosing where you want to go.

New Zealand
Tour Buses, New Zealand

By Kiwi Experience

Central Otago
On the road, Central Otago

By Camilla Stoddart

Queenstown
Outside Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown

By Fraser Clements

Christchurch - Canterbury
TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Christchurch - Canterbury

By TranzAlpine Rail Journey

New Zealand
InterCity GOLD bus, New Zealand

By InterCity

New Zealand
Aratere, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

By Interislander Cook Strait Ferries

Tour Bus

Motorhome

Rental Car

Train

Intercity Bus

Ferry

Highlights

  • Cost-effective alternative to air travel
  • Hop-on hop-off networks

Tour Buses

Bus travel and coach transport is ideal if you prefer to make your way around New Zealand without the hassle of self-driving.

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Highlights

  • Available from all main centres
  • Minimum rental age is 21

Motorhomes

A home on the road gives you the freedom to take each day as it comes.

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Highlights

  • Organize a rental car
  • Get off the beaten track

Self-drive

Self-drive is a popular way to explore New Zealand. Roads are well-maintained and signposted, and spectacular scenery awaits around every corner.

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Highlights

  • Scenic Rail Journeys
  • Travel through remote National Parks

Rail Travel

New Zealand rail travel is an exercise in relaxation. The main reason to choose a train journey? Spectacular scenery you simply can't see from the road.

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Highlights

  • Available between towns and cities
  • Intercity & Naked Bus are main providers

Public Transport

Buses are the main form of public transport in New Zealand, with some areas also offering trains, ferries and trams.

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Highlights

  • Ferries link the North and South islands
  • Water taxis available for remote areas

Ferries & Water Taxis

Opportunities for water travel are almost everywhere in New Zealand. Ferries and water taxis can get you from A to B, or simply take you on a joy ride.

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How much time do I need?

Whether you have a few days, a few weeks or a month, we have plenty of itinerary ideas to help you plan your trip around New Zealand. Check out these adventures and itineraries.

Recommended Itineraries

New Zealand Highlights Itinerary

Auckland Central to Central Queenstown

2444 km
14 Days
  • Glowworms in Waitomo
  • Sunny Nelson beaches
  • West Coast glaciers

North Island Beaches and Geothermal Itinerary

Auckland Central to Wellington Central

1332 km
10 Days
  • Bay of Islands beaches
  • Geothermal Rotorua
  • Coolest little capital

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook

Central Queenstown to Christchurch

376 km
7 Days
  • Charming Arrowtown
  • Southern Alps Scenery
  • Lake Tekapo