New Zealand Transport

Transport in New Zealand

Navigating New Zealand is easy.  As the country is a mere 260 000 square kilometres (or 103 000 square miles), bus and train travel is relatively quick, while a domestic flight takes no longer than three hours.

While many cities have their own personally owned transport companies, the following companies are national carriers, meaning they are generally safer and less expensive.

Air

Air New Zealand is the national airline carrier of New Zealand (and is currently the only airline to circumnavigate the globe.)  The airline offers domestic and international flights between most cities.  International airports are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Bus

New Zealand’s largest and most extensive coach network is InterCity Coachlines.  InterCity offers a transport service, ferrying passengers from city to city, and also provides transport for scenic excursions.  Discounts are available for students and backpackers.

Rail

New Zealand only has one railway network, TranzScenic.  The company provides long distance journeys between cities through their TranzAlpine, TranzCoastal and Overlander train services.

Ferry

The InterIslander is the main carrier between the North and South Islands.  Terminals are located at Wellington in the North and Picton in the South Island.  The InterIslander takes passengers as well as cars and motorcycles, and the journey takes about three hours.  Discounts are available for students.