When you’re thinking about getting yourself down under New Zealand for any length of time, there are a few important things that you should be aware of before getting your feet wet. There are a number of options available to you when it comes to getting from one place to another, so it’s best to have at least a general idea of what you’d like to do before you start. There is certainly no shortage of accommodation in New Zealand and even if it’s not something that you’re particularly fond of, it is often a good place to base yourself for an extended stay. We’ve listed below some of the more popular ways of getting around New Zealand.
Road – One of the most popular ways of travel in New Zealand is by road. There are plenty of options available to people who want to explore and get around New Zealand’s North and South Islands. While not one travel route is better than another, it certainly depends upon what kind of travel experience you’re looking for. Many people who travel north to travel south have also tried to outline both the pros and cons of each travel route, and possible challenges in that list.
Bus Service – If you prefer to travel by bus, then you’ll need to book in advance as New Zealand bus services can fill up very quickly. There are some great bus services that go between several areas of New Zealand, but even if you do travel via public transport, you’ll need to be careful how you travel around. Some routes are very remote and you can expect to arrive and exit wherever you want. Others are quite close to major cities and you could get caught up in traffic. No matter which travel method you use, getting around New Zealand on a budget should be a breeze with plenty of great resources available online to help you plan your route and ensure you have all of your bases covered.
Plane or Bus – For those that prefer to fly and for those that don’t, there are still options for those that travel New Zealand by plane or bus. There are some companies that offer plane and train fares from both Christchurch and Queenstown to both Auckland and Queenstown, respectively. These flights tend to be fairly frequent throughout the year and you can find very reasonable prices for these trips. As you might expect, getting around New Zealand on these types of trips is much less expensive than trying to take a ferry or drive yourself, so if you’re short on time, this could be an option for you.
Car – Finally, if you like to drive, there are plenty of ways for you to travel around New Zealand on the road. If you have a long distance that you need to get around to in one way or another, you’ll likely be able to take advantage of public transport around Queenstown, including buses, car hire in each area and the car itself if you own one. However, if you’re more interested in seeing some of the more remote parts of New Zealand, you’ll likely want to consider driving yourself. Keep in mind that in New Zealand, when you drive to the bush, you’ll need special licensing and insurance to drive any type of vehicle, so you’ll need to do some research to see which vehicles are available and how many of each before you book anything.
Choosing the best way for you to travel around New Zealand means taking into consideration your budget as well as your personal preference and needs for travel. No matter which transport option you choose, whether you decide to go by plane, train or car, remember to travel safely. Take extra care when crossing borders, especially if you travel from country to country and always pay heed to road signs and warnings. With a little bit of extra effort, you’ll be able to find the perfect travel method and itinerary to suit your needs and your budget!
