New Zealand is 1,600 km long and 450 km wide at its widest part. Covering an area of approximately 270,500 sq km (all islands combined) it is roughly the size of Japan, the British Isles or California - large enough to contain a huge variety of scenic attractions, and small enough so you can get to see most of them. With an extensive network of air, train, coach services, and ferries between the two islands very few places are inaccessible by some or the other form of public transport. This is a convenient, relaxing and inexpensive way of seeing the country and allows visitors to concentrate on the scenery.

Air Services:
Three main domestic airlines are available. Air New Zealand, Ansett and Mt.Cook airlines which fly between cities and resort areas as well as commuter airlines servicing other towns. The Explore New Zealand Air pass of Air New Zealand has different fares depending on the number of sectors flown. These passes have to be purchased overseas. The air pass consists of 3-8 coupons each for one sector.

InterIsland ferry Services: 
Modern ferries crossing Cook Strait link Wellington in the North Island and Picton (Marlborough) in the South Island. They carry both passengers and vehicles. They sail morning, afternoon and evenings in both directions. The Lynx catamaran and Top Cat are two of the fastest carriers in the world. Time taken is 1 hour 45 mins. and there is The Interislander, a scenic 3 hours cruise.

Bus and Coach Services:  
Buses or coaches offer a comfortable and relaxing way of getting around New Zealand. On many of the buses, drivers give an excellent commentary on the countryside. The three major bus companies are Intercity, Mount Cook Line & Newmans. Intercity Coach lines operates in both islands connecting more than 1100 cities and towns. Newmans Coach lines operate in the North and Mount Cook Landline in the South Island.

Kiwi Experience and Magis Traveller coach pass ( popular with backpackers ) are also available. They follow routes developed around New Zealand's scenic and adventure attractions. They provide accommodation and activity pre-booking, pick-ups and drop-offs at accommodation. Travellers are able to break their journeys at any stage as long as it is completed within six months.

Rail Services:  
Trains run along coastlines and mountain gorges with fantastic views, Train travel is fast and comfortable, and frequently offers spectacular scenery not visible from the road, particularly on the daylight services. Eight unique routes throughout the country take you on journeys you will never forget. Most run daily and the famed TranzAlpine journey can also be made on a one-day return excursion basis. Complimentary refreshments are offered to passengers on rail journeys. Light meals, snacks and beverages are also available on sale. All trains, except the Northerner, are licensed to sell a range of wine and beer.

With eight scenic routes, Tranz Scenic rail travel is spectacular. Complimentary refreshments and guided commentaries en route is available.

Auckland - Wellington: Overlander daytime service and Northerner night time services are available.

Auckland - Rotorua: The Geyserland railcar sevice runs daily.

Christchurch - Greymouth: The Tranz Alpine departs each morning and afternoon.

By Cars:
New Zealand is a driver's paradise. you can stop to take a closer look at an inviting land or seascape anytime. You can rediscover enjoyable motoring on uncongested, good quality roads. A few unsealed, shingle roads exist in a few remote areas but are often gateways to spectacular landscapes. A number of rental car companies  operate in all major cities and resorts. If traveling between the two islands, rather than taking a rental car across on the ferry it is cheaper to turn it in on one side and pick up another on the other side.

Campervans:
Your home on the wheels gives flexibility and freedom enabling you to get off the beaten track. Skiers find campervans a convenient home for traveling from one ski area to another.

Rented Campervans include all kitchen utensils, bedding and linen. you are limited to camp grounds with this mode of transport. Most camp grounds will, however, allow you to use their dump stations.

Taxis: 
Taxis owned by a number of companies and independent operators run from stands or on call by telephone 24 hours a day in urban areas. It is easier to telephone for one than to hail one, though in large cities taxi ranks do exist.

Shuttle Buses:
A familiar sight outside airport terminals, these minibuses with their custom-made baggage trailer will take you anywhere within the city for a very competitive cost. 

Cycle Touring:
On your own bike or a rented one, tour the quite roads of scenic New Zealand - alone or with one of a number of guided tours. From mid-October to April are the best months for cycling, but if well equipped the rest of the year is no problem. Many resorts hire out mountain bikes. Some trains and most buses do not permit bicycles to be taken on the board. Helmets are compulsory for all the cyclist in New Zealand. 

Travel passes:  
Travel pass allows you to travel using a combination of Tranz Scenic rail, Intercity coaches and inter-island ferry services in a one price package. Overseas visitors can buy Travel pass outside New Zealand or on arrival.

You can choose a 3-in-1 pass or the 4-in-1 pass which also includes a flight on Ansett New Zealand.

• Kiwi Coach Pass: can be bought overseas and gives holders unlimited travel throughout the country on Mt.Cook and Newmans coach services.

• Newman's Flexi pass: which can be bought both in New Zealand and overseas, is valid for three months from date of purchase or on arrival in New Zealand from Mt. Cook, Newman and Northliner Express services.

• Kiwi Experience: is an alternative coach network for backpackers and budget travelers. All passes are valid for six months. There are daily departures in the summer and at least three departures per week in the winter.

Road Information:

International Driving Licences and Permits
Driving in New Zealand is legally allowed for 12 months if you are carrying either your current driver's licence from your country of residence or an International Driving Permit (IDP). The law requires that all drivers carry their licence or permit while driving.

Myvaluetravel Note:
If the licence is not in English then an English translation should be carried or an International Driving Permit must be obtained.

Road Safety:
For those interested in self drive options the following guidelines are important:

 * In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road
 * When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
 * When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America
 * The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In built up areas the speed limit is 50km/h.
 * Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

Driving Times and Distances Chart

The following chart gives you an approximate indication of distances between main centres:

Auckland

Whether travelling to, from, or around Auckland, there are many modes of transportation available to you. The Auckland International Airport is New Zealand's largest international airport and usually your first port of call as you enter New Zealand. On arrival you'll find plenty of taxis and shuttle bus services to transfer you to the city centre or just hop on the Airbus. Within 30 minutes you can reach the city centre.

Scheduled bus transport in Auckland is both convenient and economical. Catching a "Stagecoach" bus connects you to the various city suburbs and the Link bus service completes a circuit around the attractions of the inner city rim every 10 minutes in alternate directions. Alternatively try the local commuter trains to head south or west of the city.
On the water Fullers Auckland operate a number of commuter ferries as well as daily tours around the harbour and to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier and Rangitoto. Fullers ferry's also provide a link to north and south Auckland. Alternatively hop on a water-taxi and take a tour around the harbour. 

Driving
Reciprocal driving rights exist between New Zealand and most countries. A valid drivers license from the country of origin is required or alternatively an international drivers license. The driver must be over 21 years of age.

Bus
Exploring Auckland by bus is convenient & economical. The all day Bus pass is great value for intrepid explorers and hopping on a Stagecoach bus will connect you to various city suburbs. The Link bus service runs both ways in a circuit around the attractions of the inner city rim.  Another bus option is the double-decker Auckland Explorer Bus, offering all day sightseeing with commentary. It visits Victoria Park Market, Kelly Tarlton's, the Auckland Museum, Parnell, Mission Bay, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland's Waterfront and Sky City Casino. You can hop on and off the Explorer Bus as many times as you want in one day.

Train
Tranz Metro operates regular services Monday to Saturday with lines running south and west from the city centre. For shopping spree try the Waitakere line which passes through the Newmarket shopping area before heading west with stops in the vicinity of the St.Lukes Mall and right alongside Lynn Mall and West City Mall. Whether experiencing Auckland by rental car, luxury coach, campervan or by air there is a wide range of transport options to suit everyone.

Rotorua

Auckland and Wellington are the closest international airports to Rotorua. Travel options to Rotorua include air, coach, train and self-drive.

Once you're in New Zealand you can fly from one end of the country to the other in less than two hours. Christchurch's centralized location makes it an ideal base. You have the choice of many different special interest excursions - or hire a vehicle and explore the region at your own pace.

Christchurch Tramway
An elegant way to experience the inner city. Along with it's colonial buildings, Christchurch has also preserved it's historic trams. These restored Trams ply on a  2.5 km central city circuit and have 9 stops on the way. The Christchurch Tramway is an ideal way to enjoy the laid back pace of the past while exploring the city center and it's attractions. Full day and one hour passes are available and can be bought aboard the tram as well. For those looking for a new experience a dinner on board the tram is ideal. The ride starts at 2000 hrs at the Cathedral Square. The fine wine and excellent cuisine, which is served in great style, is worth the experience.

Rail Services : With eight scenic routes, Tranz Scenic rail travel is spectacular. Complimentary refreshments and guided commentaries en route are also available.

Myvaluetravel Note:

Christchurch - Greymouth : The Tranz Alpine departs each morning and afternoon.

Queenstown

Wherever you travel, the ever-changing scenery presents you with a different delight at every turn, and you will find the journey as enjoyable as actually arriving. Driving in New Zealand is a pleasure, the roads are good and traffic is light. Spend a day or two exploring the beautiful region, by car, by coach, by air, by boat, anyway you like for some memorable sights. Accessing the resort by road is a scenic and economical option. There are regular bus services connecting Queenstown with other South Island towns and all major rental car companies are represented.

Once landed in Queenstown getting to the town centre, which is just a few minutes from the airport, is easy. No matter how you choose to get to Queenstown, you'll marvel at the views, changing countryside and magnificent waterways. You can take a rental taxi, or bus, or travel exotically by light plane, helicopter, bicycle, horse and buggy or double decker London bus. Adventure operators usually provide transport to and from their operating sites.

Taxis: Taxis can be booked by phone. you get taxis from the air port. There is also a regular 'Shopper Bus' service which departs from the top of the Mall and stops at most major hotels.