How to travel around New Zealand – a complete guide
- Last Updated: 8 Oct 2025
- Publish Date:
- Miles Clark
- Before you visit NZ, NZ Travel Info, NZ Travel Tips
Planning a trip to New Zealand? One of the first big questions most travellers ask is: what’s the best way to travel around New Zealand? You’re in the right place—we’ve got all the answers to help you figure it out.
New Zealand is a long, narrow country with stunning scenery spread from top to bottom, so getting around takes a bit of planning. Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back road trip, thinking about joining a tour, or wondering if public transport will do the trick, we’ll walk you through all the options.
Kia ora! We’re MoaTrek. We’ve been running small group tours to New Zealand’s most beautiful places since 1971. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of travellers—just like you—plan the trip of a lifetime.
In this post, we’ll break down all the ways to travel around New Zealand, so you can choose the one that fits your style, budget, and travel goals. From driving yourself to hopping on a guided tour or using buses and trains, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each, plus throw in some handy tips to make your journey smooth and unforgettable.
So, if you’re wondering how to travel around New Zealand, keep reading—we’ll help you figure it all out and get you one step closer to your Kiwi adventure!
Contents
- Travelling around New Zealand – an introduction
- What are my options for getting around New Zealand?
- Public Transport in New Zealand – Buses, Trains & Ferries
- Air Travel in New Zealand
- Driving yourself in New Zealand
- Hop on Hop Off Backpacker Buses
- Guided Tours in New Zealand
- Traveller Interview – Michael and Julia
- What’s the best way to travel around New Zealand for me?
- Travel Quiz – Help me find the best way to travel around New Zealand
Travelling around New Zealand – an introduction
New Zealand might look small on the map, but don’t let that fool you—it stretches over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from top to bottom, with a width of about 250 miles (400 km) at its widest point.
The country is made up of two main islands—the North Island and the South Island—plus a handful of smaller ones.
What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re covering long distances, you’ll mostly be traveling north to south (or vice versa). There are only a few places—like when you cross the stunning Southern Alps on the South Island—where you’ll be heading east to west.
New Zealand’s weather and geography can really shape your experience, so it helps to think about what kind of adventures you’re after. There’s a lot to see here—mountains, beaches, rainforests, glaciers, vineyards, you name it.
Unless you’ve got a few months to spare (lucky you!), we recommend focusing on a few regions rather than trying to do it all. Trust us, racing around to tick every box isn’t the way to really experience Aotearoa.
New Zealand fun fact
New Zealand’s northern tip sits at about 34° south, and the southern end at around 47° south. To put that in perspective, it’s kind of like traveling from North Carolina all the way up to southern Canada—but flipped, since we’re in the Southern Hemisphere.
With that kind of range, you can expect the climate to change as you go. The far north feels almost tropical, while the deep south has a much cooler, alpine vibe. The weather’s also shaped by New Zealand’s dramatic landscape—especially the Southern Alps—and our location way out in the South Pacific.
What are my options for getting around New Zealand?
Sure, you could walk the length of New Zealand—but unless you’re training for an ultra-marathon, we wouldn’t recommend it. Cycling is another adventurous option, but it’s best suited to super-fit travellers with lots of time on their hands (and a love of hills!).
This guide is for the rest of us—those who want to explore New Zealand in comfort, without turning the trip into a personal fitness challenge.
The good news? Getting around New Zealand is pretty straightforward. It’s a modern, well-developed country with all the transport options you’d expect in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. Whether you’re into road trips, flights, or guided tours, there’s something here that’ll fit your travel style.
Here are your main options for getting around New Zealand:
🚍 Public Transport – Includes long-distance buses, scenic trains, and inter-island ferries
✈️ Air Travel – Great for covering big distances quickly, especially between islands
🚗 Self-Drive – Rent a car or campervan and hit the road at your own pace
🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Buses – Perfect for solo travellers or backpackers wanting flexibility without driving
👥 Group Tours – Let someone else do the planning while you sit back and enjoy the ride
In the sections below, we’ll break down each of these options, share the pros and cons, and help you figure out what will work best for your New Zealand adventure.
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Pick the right style of travel for your trip
Choosing how you travel around New Zealand depends on the type of trip you’re making. Consider how much time you have, how long you want to spend in each place, how much you want to spend and where you want to go first.Different travel styles for different people
| Your Travel Style | Best Way to Get Around |
|---|---|
| Short on time | Group tour or self-drive |
| Travelling on a budget | Backpacker bus or public transport |
| First-time traveller | Group tour |
| Want everything organised for you | Group tour |
| Looking for freedom and flexibility | Self-drive |
| Up for adventure | Backpacker bus or Adventure tour |
| Want to party and make friends | Backpacker bus |
| Travelling solo and want to meet people | Small group tour |
| Travelling with kids | Self-drive |
Travelling by Public Transport in New Zealand
Wondering if you can get around New Zealand using public transport? You sure can—but there are a few things to know before you go.
Public transport in New Zealand is reliable and generally of a good standard. In fact, in many places, it’s on par with what you’ll find in the U.S.—sometimes even better. That said, it’s not quite as extensive as the networks you might see in parts of Europe or Japan.
New Zealand has a small population spread out over a lot of land, which means that public transport tends to be most useful in the main cities and towns. Once you head into more rural or remote areas (and let’s face it, that’s where a lot of the magic happens), buses and trains can be a bit less frequent—so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Most Kiwis get around by car—it’s the go-to option, just like in Australia or the U.S. The rail network is pretty limited and mostly used for scenic journeys rather than practical travel. So, when it comes to public transport, buses are the main option for getting from place to place.
Long-distance buses connect major cities and popular tourist spots, and local buses operate within towns and cities. They’re generally clean, safe, and comfortable—but not always the fastest or most frequent way to travel.
If you’re not planning to drive and want a budget-friendly way to explore, travelling by public transport in New Zealand can work well—especially if you stick to popular routes. Just be sure to check timetables in advance and build a little flexibility into your plans.
🚍 Bus Travel in New Zealand
Bus travel in New Zealand is a super convenient and affordable way to explore the country—especially if you’re not keen on driving or just want to sit back and enjoy the view.
All of New Zealand’s main cities and towns have local bus services that’ll get you to key places like airports, town centres, and hospitals. These are great for getting around within urban areas.
But if you’re planning to travel further afield—from one region to another—InterCity is your go-to.
They run New Zealand’s largest national bus network, connecting over 600 destinations with more than 100 services each day. You’ll see their coaches just about everywhere, from big cities like Auckland and Wellington to iconic spots like Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt Cook, and the Bay of Islands.
Their buses are comfy, air-conditioned, and offer free Wi-Fi (great for uploading those travel pics!). InterCity also operates under other names like Great Sights and Gray Line, especially for scenic or premium routes.
If you’re planning to travel around New Zealand by bus, InterCity offers two popular passes that can save you money and give you extra flexibility, the FlexiPass is a time-based pass and the TravelPass is based on pre-set routes. Passes are valid for 12 months and also include the Interislander ferry crossing.
You can also just book one-way or return tickets if you’re planning a specific trip—like heading from Christchurch to Queenstown or Auckland to Rotorua.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to avoid the hassle of driving, bus travel in New Zealand is a relaxed, scenic way to see the country. And with passes like FlexiPass and TravelPass, it’s easy to tailor the experience to your travel style.
🚆 Rail Travel in New Zealand: Scenic and relaxing
If you’re wondering how to travel around New Zealand and you love trains, you’ll be happy to know there are some unforgettable rail journeys here. That said, train travel in New Zealand is more about the experience than practicality—it’s scenic, relaxing, and fun, but the network is quite limited.
There are only three long-distance train routes in New Zealand, so you won’t be able to travel everywhere by rail. But if you’re looking for a memorable way of getting around New Zealand—even just part of it—these train rides are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Even if you stick to towns connected by the rail network, you’ll still need to plan for other transport at each end—like rental cars, buses, or tours. But don’t let that stop you! New Zealand’s trains are a peaceful, traffic-free way to see some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes in style.
Here are the three scenic long distance rail journeys in New Zealand:
🚆 Auckland to Wellington – The Northern Explorer
This epic North Island journey takes you from New Zealand’s biggest city to its capital, passing through a mix of rolling farmland, volcanic plateaus, and native forests. Highlights include the dramatic Raurimu Spiral and views of Tongariro National Park. You’ll ride in comfort with panoramic windows, an open-air viewing carriage, and an onboard café. Want to upgrade your experience? Go for Scenic Plus to enjoy local cuisine and guided commentary along the way.
🚆 Picton to Christchurch – The Coastal Pacific
This scenic rail line follows the South Island’s east coast between Picton (where the ferry from Wellington arrives) and Christchurch. You’ll ride past vineyards, beaches with lounging seals, and the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges, with ocean views on one side and mountains on the other. It’s a stunner! The train has comfy seating, a café car, and a viewing carriage—and Scenic Plus offers tasty regional meals and fun local stories.
🚆 Christchurch to Greymouth – The TranzAlpine
Often called one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the wild west coast. This 5-hour ride covers 233 km (about 145 miles) of jaw-dropping scenery, from wide Canterbury plains to alpine peaks and lush rainforest. The ride is super comfortable, with spacious seats, big windows, and an open viewing car. It’s a lot more relaxing than tackling mountain roads by car or bus!
Final Thoughts on Train Travel in New Zealand
While rail travel in New Zealand isn’t the main way most people get around, it’s a fantastic way to see parts of the country from a unique perspective. If you’re planning your trip and wondering how to get around New Zealand, combining one of these scenic train rides with other transport—like buses, car rental, or tours—can give you the best of both worlds.
Visit Great Journeys of New Zealand to find out more about New Zealand’s best rail journeys.
⛴️ Ferries in New Zealand: Crossing the Cook Strait in Style
If you’re planning a trip that includes both the North and South Islands, then travelling by ferry will be on your itinerary—and trust us, it’s more than just a way to travel. The ferry crossing of the Cook Strait is one of the most scenic journeys in the country, and for many travellers, it ends up being a highlight of their whole trip.
The ferry crosses the Cook Strait, linking Wellington in the North Island with Picton in the South Island.
The journey takes about 3.5 hours, and the views—especially through the stunning Marlborough Sounds—are absolutely unforgettable. You’ll cruise past bush-covered hills, quiet bays, and sparkling water that’ll have you glued to the deck (camera in hand, of course).
Ferries carry both passengers and vehicles, so if you’re doing a New Zealand self drive holiday, you can bring your rental car or campervan on board and keep the adventure rolling on the other side.
There are two ferry companies operating on the Cook Strait:
- Interislander (part of the Great Journeys of New Zealand family)
- Bluebridge
Both offer multiple daily sailings, comfortable seating, onboard cafes, and the ability to book with or without a vehicle. Whether you’re backpacking, road-tripping, or joining a tour, it’s an easy and scenic way to move between islands.
Other Ferry trips in New Zealand
While the Cook Strait crossing is the big one, there are plenty of short ferry trips around New Zealand that are just as worth your time.
In Auckland, the ferries across the Waitemata Harbour are a great way to explore spots like Waiheke Island, Devonport, and Rangitoto—perfect for a day trip with ocean views.
Down south, you’ll find scenic ferries and water taxis threading through the Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park connecting remote bays and lodges. And if you’re heading to Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost ferry ride takes you across the wild Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Oban—a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
MoaTrek Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Cook Strait Ferry!
Even if you’re flying between islands, consider taking the ferry one way—especially from Wellington to Picton, it’s a great introduction to the South Island. It’s not just a way of travelling around New Zealand—it’s an experience. So, grab a coffee, head to the viewing deck, and soak it all in.
Other Public Transport Options Around New Zealand
When it comes to getting around New Zealand’s cities, there are a few extra public transport options to know about—especially in Auckland and Wellington. Both cities have suburban train networks that are handy for getting in and out of the central city, though they won’t take you far beyond the urban edges.
In Auckland, ferries play a big role in local transport and make for some stunning day trips. From the downtown ferry terminal, you can hop on a scenic ride to spots like Waiheke Island, Rangitoto, or Tiritiri Matangi—all favourites for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone keen for a day by the sea.
The short ferry between Auckland’s CBD and Devonport on the North Shore is also a classic, popular with both locals and visitors for its charming village vibe and postcard views of the skyline.
So, while these options won’t take you across the country, they’re a great way to explore New Zealand’s coastal cities and islands without needing a car.
✈️ Air Travel in New Zealand: The Fast Way to Get Around
If you’re short on time or covering long distances, air travel in New Zealand is the quickest and easiest way to get from A to B.
The country has a well-developed domestic flight network, and nearly every major town and city has its own airport—so flying is a great option for getting around New Zealand quickly and comfortably.
There are two main domestic airlines in New Zealand:
Air New Zealand covers the whole country, flying into both major cities and smaller regional hubs like Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands or Hokitika on the West Coast.
Then there’s Jetstar, New Zealand’s budget airline, which sticks to the main routes between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown—great if you’re looking to save on airfare.
Beyond the big two, you’ll find a handful of smaller regional airlines and charters flying to more off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Sounds Air, Barrier Air, Stewart Island Flights, and Air Chathams all service places like Great Barrier Island, Stewart Island, and the remote Chatham Islands—perfect for reaching those hidden gems.
The biggest benefit of flying? It saves you serious time. A flight from Auckland to Queenstown takes just over 2 hours. Driving that same route would take a full day—at least 24 hours on the road!
So, if your travel plans are tight or you’re hopping between islands and far-flung regions, flying around New Zealand might be your best bet.
It’s fast, efficient, and gives you more time to explore once you land.
🚗 Self-Drive Travel in New Zealand: Freedom on Four Wheels
If you love the idea of hitting the open road and exploring at your own pace, then self-drive travel in New Zealand might be just the thing for you.
It’s one of the most popular ways of getting around New Zealand, especially for travellers who want the freedom to stop wherever the view takes their breath away (and trust us, that’ll happen a lot).
The beauty of a self-drive trip is that it gives you independence without the hassle. Many self-drive packages include a rental car, pre-booked accommodation, and even a customised itinerary—so all the big stuff is sorted. You just hop in the car, follow the route (or wander off it), and enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re cruising past beaches, winding through mountain passes, or rolling into a charming little town for the night, a road trip in New Zealand is pure magic. From short getaways to full island adventures, self-driving lets you see the country your way.
So, if you’re looking for flexibility, comfort, and a real taste of Kiwi life, driving around New Zealand is a great option.
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Driving in New Zealand is different
Driving yourself around New Zealand is a great way to travel for some people but there are a few things you need to know about and prepare for. We’ve written a handy guide to answer all your questions about the roads, licences, speed limits and safety.
🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in New Zealand: Easy, Flexible & Fun for Backpackers
If you’re a backpacker, solo traveller, or just keen to explore New Zealand without driving, hop-on hop-off bus travel might be your perfect way to get around. It’s a popular, social, and super flexible option—especially for younger travellers or those on a budget.
The two best-known names in this space are Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel.
These companies have been helping travellers see the best of New Zealand for years, covering all the must-see spots and a few hidden gems along the way. If you’re young (or young at heart), you’ll hear about them pretty quickly once you arrive.
Here’s how it works: you buy a bus pass that covers certain zones or regions (like the North Island, South Island, or both), and then you simply book each leg of your journey as you go. If you want to spend two days in Queenstown or two weeks in Abel Tasman, no worries—you can hop off and stay as long as you like, then hop back on the next scheduled bus.
Why do so many travellers choose this option? It’s all about convenience, flexibility, and fun. Maybe you don’t want to drive. Maybe renting a car doesn’t make sense if it’s going to sit parked for days while you’re out hiking or kayaking. Or maybe you’d rather share the ride with other travellers, swap stories, and not worry about GPS or petrol.
These buses are geared for exploring, not just getting from A to B. Drivers often stop at cool photo spots, waterfalls, or lookout points along the way. Some passes also include accommodation bookings, and you can get discounts on popular activities like bungy jumping, kayaking, bike hire, and more.
Most travellers who choose this option stay in hostels, and it definitely attracts a younger, social crowd. If you’re up for a bit of fun, like meeting people from all over the world and maybe joining the odd party, it’s a great vibe. But don’t worry—older travellers are welcome too, as long as you’re comfortable being part of a lively group that’s keen to explore and make the most of every stop.
So, if you’re looking for a laid-back, flexible way of getting around New Zealand, hop-on hop-off travel is a fantastic way to see the country, meet new friends, and make the most of every day on the road.
Guided Tours in New Zealand: Relax & Let Someone Else Do the Driving
If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to sit back, relax, and take in every moment without worrying about maps, fuel stops, or missed turns, then group tours in New Zealand might be just what you’re after. It’s one of the most stress-free ways of getting around New Zealand, and a great way to see the country without having to plan every detail yourself.
On a group tour, all the logistics are sorted—transport, accommodation, activities—so you can simply enjoy the ride.
Spend your time soaking up the scenery, chatting with your fellow travellers, reading a book, or even sneaking in a nap while someone else takes care of the driving.
Group travel isn’t just for big groups of friends or families (though it works brilliantly for that!). It’s also perfect for solo travellers who enjoy meeting new people and sharing the experience. You might start the trip as strangers, but after a few days exploring New Zealand’s highlights together, chances are you’ll end up with new friends from all over the world.
Whether you’re exploring the South Island’s dramatic mountains or the geothermal wonders of the North Island, a New Zealand group tour makes it easy to see more without the stress of doing it all yourself.
And with a knowledgeable guide along for the journey, you’ll pick up local stories, history, and tips you might not get if you were travelling solo.
MoaTrek Traveller Interview with Michael and Julia
Curious if group travel is right for you? What’s it like travelling on a group tour? Recent MoaTrek travellers Michael and Julia from the USA spoke with Andrew about their tour.
Watch the interview to find out what they thought of travelling on a small group tour in New Zealand, the people they travelled with, their guide and the hidden gems along the way they loved.
What’s the Best Way to Travel Around New Zealand for Me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to getting around New Zealand.
The best option for you will depend on your travel style, who you’re travelling with, your budget, and how much time you’ve got.
To help you figure it out, here are a few real-world examples based on the kinds of travellers we see every day.
See if you can spot yourself—or your travel mates—below!
1. Juuso from Finland, Age 22
Best option: Hop-On Hop-Off Backpacker Bus
Juuso’s taking three months to explore New Zealand, and he’s keen to dive into all the iconic adventure activities—bungy jumping, white-water rafting, skydiving… the whole lot. He’s got time, energy, and a healthy appetite for meeting new people and checking out the local party scene.
For Juuso, a hop-on hop-off bus pass with companies like Kiwi Experience or Stray Travel is the way to go. It takes the hassle out of planning routes or booking accommodation and gives him a built-in crew of other young travellers to hang out with. He can stop anywhere along the route, stay as long as he wants, and hop back on when he’s ready.
If he ever wants a change of pace, he could also mix in some public transport—using buses, ferries, or scenic trains to hit a few extra destinations without breaking the bank.
2. Frank & Linda from Florida, Early 60s
Best option: Group Tour
Frank and Linda are retired, well-travelled, and ready to soak up all the scenery, culture, and cuisine New Zealand has to offer—without worrying about driving on the left or figuring out directions. (And truth be told, Linda would rather Frank didn’t drive at all.)
A guided group tour is the perfect fit. Everything’s organised for them—transport, accommodation, sightseeing—so they can just relax and enjoy the ride. With a favourable exchange rate, they can treat themselves to a comprehensive, comfortable itinerary without the stress. And with expert local guides, they’ll get more out of each destination than they would on their own.
3. Mick, Sheila & the Kids from Australia
Best option: Self-Drive
This Aussie family of four is heading across the ditch for a fun-filled New Zealand holiday. With kids under 10 (Bob and Bindi), flexibility is key. Fixed schedules? Not ideal. Group tours? Probably not a great fit for young ones who need breaks, snacks, and spontaneous ice cream stops.
For Mick and Sheila, a self-drive trip is hands down the best way to get around New Zealand. One rental car, one flexible itinerary, and the ability to stop wherever—and whenever—they need to. Driving in New Zealand will feel familiar too, since Aussies are used to driving on the left.
Many self-drive itineraries include kid-friendly activities, and the family can explore glow worm caves, go kayaking, take a farm tour, and maybe even spot whales off the coast. It’s all at their own pace, and that’s exactly what makes it work.
4. Caroline from the UK, Age 56
Best option: Small Group Tour
Caroline’s coming to New Zealand solo for a once-in-a-lifetime six-week trip. She’s an experienced traveller, outgoing, and excited to meet like-minded people on the road. Between work and life back home, she hasn’t had time to plan every detail—she just wants a seamless, enriching experience when she arrives.
A New Zealand small group tour is perfect for her. She’ll enjoy all the perks of guided travel (no logistics to sort, top-notch accommodation, great food and wine) with the bonus of travelling in a group of like-minded adventurers—without being herded around in a huge crowd.
She can pack in iconic experiences like a Milford Sound cruise, jet boating, or wine tasting in Central Otago, all while having dinner companions and new friends to share it with. With a little splash of luxury, it’s a special trip done right.
Travelling solo? Read our guide to travelling New Zealand alone here.
Try our travel quiz to find the best way to travel around New Zealand
Some travellers love the freedom of the open road, while others would rather let the experts handle the logistics. Some want to make friends, others want peace and quiet. So how do you figure out the best fit?
1. How much time do you have?
- Just a couple of weeks → Try a group tour or self-drive
- A few months to explore → Backpacker bus or public transport
2. What’s your budget like?
- I’m on a shoestring → Backpacker buses or public transport
- Mid-range to flexible → Self-drive or group tour
3. How do you feel about driving?
- Love it! → Self-drive is perfect
- I’d rather let someone else drive → Group tour or backpacker bus
4. Who are you travelling with?
- Solo → Small group tour or backpacker bus
- Partner or friends → Self-drive or group tour
- Family with kids → Self-drive is your best bet
5. What kind of experience are you after?
- Freedom to stop wherever → Self-drive
- Everything organised for me → Group tour
- Meeting people and socialising → Hop-on-hop-off or small group tour
- Adventure and variety → Self-drive or backpacker bus
Once you’ve decided to visit our little slice of paradise, figuring out how to travel around New Zealand is one of the first things to tick off your planning list. Take a moment to think about your travel style, what kind of trip you want to have, and how you like to explore.
No matter which way you go, getting around New Zealand is easy, flexible, and set up for visitors just like you. And if you need a hand deciding, we’re always here to help!
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Common questions and travel tips
If you’ve got questions about travelling around New Zealand, we’ve probably been asked them before. Safety, when to visit, how long to stay, where to go, costs, how to travel around, weather, driving and packing tips.
Read our travel tips and common questions about travelling to New Zealand here.
Travelling New Zealand with MoaTrek
We hope this guide has helped you get a clearer picture of how to travel around New Zealand—and which style of trip suits you best. However you decide to explore our beautiful country, we’re excited to welcome you to Aotearoa, our stunning islands in the South Pacific.
If a small group tour sounds like your kind of trip, we’d love to chat. As New Zealand’s leading small group tour operator, we take care of all the tricky parts – no need to worry about driving, bookings, or missing the hidden gems.
Take a look at our New Zealand small group tours or get in touch with our friendly team—we’re always keen to hear about your dream itinerary and help you bring it to life.
One thing our travellers often say is how much they appreciated being able to ask us questions before they even left home. We love helping people get ready for their big adventure and are more than happy to share tips, advice, and insights to help you plan your perfect journey.
See you soon in New Zealand!
- Miles Clark
- Before you visit NZ, NZ Travel Info, NZ Travel Tips
