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Transport Options in New Zealand

Writer's picture: Amazing New ZealandAmazing New Zealand

Updated: Jun 12, 2024

We offer a variety of vehicle rental services including cars, vans, and motorbikes to match your budget and requirements. Simply mention the vehicle you need on the booking form, and we’ll provide an obligation-free quote and make the reservations on your behalf, saving you time and money. Driving in New Zealand is different from other countries due to winding roads and breathtaking scenery that will tempt you to pull over for photos. Here’s what you need to know about our transport options:


  1. Chauffeur Driven Tours: Travel in comfort with a specialist driver/guide at your service.

  2. Self-Drive Rentals: Enjoy a detailed day-by-day itinerary tailored to your desires.

  3. Air Travel: Fly over the countryside with chartered helicopters or fixed-wing airplanes.

  4. Train Journeys: New Zealand offers some of the most breathtaking scenic train journeys in the world

  5. Ferry Services: Experience the stunning maritime landscapes of New Zealand with our reliable and scenic ferry services.


Chauffeur Driven Tours


Our guides are proud Kiwis with extensive knowledge of New Zealand. They specialize in catering to individual interests such as food and wine, golf, gardens, nature, birdlife, and walking trails. Along the way, they’ll introduce you to colorful locals like farmers, winemakers, gardeners, and chefs. If you’re uncomfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road, our guides will ensure you have an amazing experience.


Rental Vehicles


We offer a wide range of rental vehicles, from economy cars to luxury sports cars, and 8 to 12-seater vans. We recommend self-drive holidays with cars or motorbikes over mobile homes due to the variety of accommodations around the country that offer superb Kiwi hospitality.


Vehicle Options Include:

  • Rental Cars: Economy, Mid Size, Full Size, Station Wagon, Mid Size 4x4, Full Size 4x4, Luxury Sports.

  • Rental Vans: 8, 10, 12-seater options.


Scenic Train Journeys in New Zealand


New Zealand offers some of the most breathtaking scenic train journeys in the world, providing travellers with a unique way to experience the country's stunning landscapes. These train journeys are popular among both international and domestic tourists and offer a comfortable and leisurely way to explore New Zealand's diverse terrain. Here are the main scenic train journeys in New Zealand:


1. TranzAlpine
  • Route: Christchurch to Greymouth

  • Highlights: The TranzAlpine is one of the world's most scenic train journeys. It traverses the South Island from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast. The journey crosses the Canterbury Plains, climbs into the Southern Alps, passes through Arthur's Pass National Park, and descends through lush rainforests.

  • Scenery: Snow-capped mountains, river gorges, beech forests, and farmland.


2. Coastal Pacific

  • Route: Christchurch to Picton

  • Highlights: This journey runs along the eastern coast of the South Island, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastlines, and vineyards of the Marlborough wine region. It connects with the ferry service to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, providing a seamless travel experience between the islands.

  • Scenery: Coastal cliffs, beaches, rolling hills, and vineyards.


3. Northern Explorer

  • Route: Auckland to Wellington

  • Highlights: The Northern Explorer covers the North Island, traveling from Auckland to Wellington. It passes through diverse landscapes, including the central volcanic plateau, where travellers can see the iconic Mount Ruapehu, active volcanoes, and lush farmlands. It also crosses the famous Raurimu Spiral, a feat of railway engineering.

  • Scenery: Volcanoes, rural farmlands, national parks, and urban centres.


Ferry Services in New Zealand

Experience the stunning maritime landscapes of New Zealand with our reliable and scenic ferry services. Connect the North and South Islands effortlessly with the Interislander offering daily sailings between Wellington and Picton. Enjoy panoramic views of the Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds, making your journey a memorable part of your travel adventure.


Key Highlights:

  • Interislander Ferry: Spacious, comfortable vessels with cafes, lounges, and outdoor decks.

  • Marvel at the rugged coastlines, pristine waters, and marine life along the way.

  • Convenient Schedules: Multiple daily departures ensure flexibility for your travel plans.


Discover New Zealand’s beauty from a unique perspective with our ferry services, seamlessly linking your North and South Island explorations.


Driving in New Zealand


Driving in New Zealand is unique with its left-hand driving, winding roads, and stunning scenery. Here are some key points to remember:

  • Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.

  • Visitors can use their home driver’s license (with photo and translation if necessary).

  • Speed limits are in kilometers per hour (kph).

  • Strict drink-driving laws and seatbelt regulations are enforced.

  • Petrol costs approximately NZ$2.20 per liter.

  • Plan for longer travel times due to winding roads


North Island Travel Distances are in Kilometres

(To convert distances from Kilometres to Miles divide by 1.609)

From / To

Auckland

Gisborne

Hamilton

Rotorua

Taupo

Tauranga

Wellington

Whangarei

Auckland

-

509

126

235

279

210

647

171

Gisborne

509

-

400

291

334

299

534

680

Hamilton

126

400

-

109

153

108

521

297

Rotorua

235

291

109

-

82

83

460

406

Taupo

279

334

153

82

-

165

378

450

Tauranga

210

299

108

83

165

-

543

381

Wellington

647

534

521

460

378

543

-

818

Whangarei

171

680

297

406

450

381

818

-


South Island Travel Distances are in Kilometres

(To convert distances from Kilometres to Miles divide by 1.609)

From / To

Christchurch

Dunedin

Milford

Mt Cook

Nelson

Queenstown

Te Anau

Wanaka

Westport

Christchurch

-

361

771

330

417

487

650

428

336

Dunedin

361

-

410

319

799

281

289

276

670

Milford

771

410

-

578

1145

307

121

366

954

Mt Cook

330

319

578

-

747

271

426

212

629

Nelson

417

799

1145

747

-

850

1024

779

230

Queenstown

487

281

307

271

850

-

166

71

659

Te Anau

650

289

121

426

1024

166

-

245

823

Wanaka

428

276

366

212

779

71

245

-

588

Westport

336

670

954

629

230

659

823

588

-


For a hassle-free and memorable New Zealand adventure, choose from our diverse range of transport options. Whether you prefer a chauffeur-driven tour, a self-drive rental, or an aerial view, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy the journey and explore New Zealand at your own pace, experiencing the beauty and charm of this incredible country.



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