The country looks compact but the roads are slow, so a sensible plan mixes methods rather than driving every leg. Think about your time, budget and whether you want the freedom to stop where you like.
Self-drive
Renting a car or campervan gives the most freedom and reaches places buses do not. Remember the roads are winding: Auckland to Wellington is about 650 km and a full day's drive, and Queenstown to Milford Sound is only 290 km but takes around four hours each way. Fuel runs roughly NZ$2.50 to NZ$3.00 per litre.
Intercity bus
- InterCity runs a national network and is the cheapest option for solo travellers without a car.
- Hop-on hop-off passes suit a flexible route between the main towns.
- It is slower than driving and you are tied to timetables, but you can relax and watch the scenery.
Domestic flights
Air New Zealand and budget carriers connect the main centres and save a lot of time over long drives. An Auckland to Queenstown flight is under two hours versus two days on the road. Book ahead for the best fares, and watch the small baggage limits on the cheapest tickets.
Trains
New Zealand has few passenger trains, and they are scenic journeys rather than fast transport. The TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth crosses the Southern Alps and is one of the great rail trips; the Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer are the others. Treat them as an experience, not a commute.
The Cook Strait ferry
- The ferry between Wellington and Picton links the two islands and takes about 3.5 hours.
- Book ahead in summer, especially with a vehicle.
- The crossing can be rough in bad weather and sailings are sometimes cancelled.
City transport
You do not need a car in the main cities, and parking can be a hassle. Auckland and Wellington both have buses, trains and ferries, and a stored-value card (AT HOP in Auckland, Snapper in Wellington) cuts fares. In smaller towns, getting around on foot or by the odd taxi or rideshare is usually enough.
A sensible combination
For many trips the easiest plan is to fly between the islands or to a far-flung region to save a long drive, then rent a car for the part where you want freedom. For example, fly into Queenstown, drive the lower South Island, and fly out of Christchurch, rather than backtracking. Open-jaw flights and one-way car hire make this work, though one-way drop-off fees apply.
Choosing what suits you
- Travelling solo on a budget: buses plus the odd flight are often cheapest.
- A couple or family wanting freedom: a rental car or campervan usually wins.
- Short on time: fly the long legs and drive only the scenic bits.
Whatever mix you choose, do not over-schedule, because the slow roads punish tight plans. Timetables, fares and routes change with the season, so check current schedules and book popular legs early.