What is the best way to travel around New Zealand? In this guide, we’ll discuss how to get around New Zealand, helping you decide which mode of transportation is best for your trip.
Disclosure: This guide to getting around New Zealand may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of these partner links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.
Best Ways to Get Around New Zealand
New Zealand rewards curious travelers. From rugged coastlines to snow-capped peaks, every bend in the road feels like a postcard-worthy moment.
Whether you’re planning to visit New Zealand for two weeks or two months, the challenge isn’t finding places to see — it’s figuring out how to see them all.
Your journey through New Zealand is as memorable as the destinations themselves, and picking the right mode of transportation can shape your entire experience.
Imagine waking up in Queenstown, deciding on a whim to drive to Glenorchy for a morning hike, then heading to Arrowtown in the afternoon for a relaxed coffee break in the historic gold-mining town.
For travelers seeking freedom and flexibility, Queenstown car rental offers a simple way to take charge of your itinerary. With your own vehicle, you can explore the country on your terms, allowing you to follow the weather, chase sunsets, or linger longer when you find that perfect lakeside picnic spot.
1. Road Trips: The Classic Kiwi Experience
New Zealand is a beautiful country for scenic road trips. Just two of the drives that link stunning views with interesting stops are the Southern Scenic Route through the South Island and the Thermal Explorer Highway through the North Island.
New Zealand’s roads are well-surfaced but can be narrow and windy, so the slower speed becomes part of the appeal. You’ll pass through small towns, stumble across roadside fruit stalls, and have the chance to pull over for that must-have photo at any moment.
Road trippers often opt for campervans or SUVs to accommodate both driving and sleeping arrangements, especially when planning to visit national parks or more remote areas.
Although fuel costs can add up, a New Zealand road trip can be cost-effective when travel expenses are shared with friends or family.
2. Domestic Flights: Quick Hops Between Islands
If your trip is short and you want to cover significant distances in a short amount of time, domestic flights can be a smart option.
Air travel between cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown is frequent and often surprisingly affordable when booked in advance.
Flying is especially useful for skipping long drives, such as the stretch between Auckland and Queenstown, and saving your energy for on-the-ground exploring.
Since flights often involve missing some of the picturesque scenery that occurs between destinations, it is best to couple flights with other means of travel. For example, fly into Christchurch, pick up a rental car, and drive through the Southern Alps to Franz Josef Glacier.
3. Scenic Train Journeys: A Relaxed Way to See the Country
With oversized panorama windows that allow passengers to take in stunning views without the hassle of driving, New Zealand’s scenic train trips, such as the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific, offer a relaxing way to experience the nation’s scenery.
These trains are less about getting from one place to another quickly and more about the experience. It’s an ideal mode of transportation for visitors seeking to unwind, read a book, or enjoy a meal while taking in the grand vistas.
Although the network is limited compared to rail networks in other nations, combining a train journey with a car rental can offer a balance of convenience and memorable sightseeing.
4. Intercity Buses: Affordable and Social
Are you looking for the cheapest ways to tour New Zealand? Intercity buses are a safe and affordable choice, especially for solo travelers or backpackers.
These buses connect all major towns and cities in New Zealand, and the trips are pleasant, with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi on most routes. Additionally, bus travel over long distances can be a chance to meet fellow tourists and exchange travel tips.
Of course, buses adhere to schedules, so there is less flexibility. If you’re someone who enjoys taking side streets when you see an intriguing turn-off, buses may be too restrictive.
5. Ferries: Linking the North and South Islands
The Wellington to Picton Cook Strait ferry isn’t only an island link, it’s a feature in itself.
The three-hour cruise takes you past rugged coastlines, green hills, and even the occasional dolphins frolicking alongside the vessel.
The ferry from Wellington to Picton is also an excellent opportunity to take it easy, order a coffee, and have a quiet moment before your next stage of the journey.
You can also take your rental car or campervan on board, allowing you to keep driving upon arrival without missing a beat.
6. Multi-Mode Travel: The Best of All Worlds
A multi-mode journey is one of the best ways to travel around New Zealand.
For example, fly into Queenstown, drive to Wanaka and the West Coast, take the TranzAlpine to Christchurch, and then travel up north on a domestic flight to Auckland. Traveling by multiple modes of transportation saves time while providing travel experiences you’ll enjoy.
Multi-mode travel is ideal for travelers with mixed interests. Experiencing adventure sports in Queenstown, wine tours in Marlborough, and cultural immersion in Rotorua will all fit better into your New Zealand itinerary when you combine and switch up your travel modes.
Tips for Choosing Your New Zealand Travel Style
To decide how to experience New Zealand, begin by considering the duration of your trip. Brief trips work best with flights or direct travel, while extended stays have more time for road travel and scenic side trips.
Second, consider striking a balance between comfort and flexibility. Some travelers enjoy the freedom of stopping anywhere, whereas others prefer the convenience of having someone else drive.
Third, consider your trip budget. Fuel, car rental, and flight costs may increase depending on the season; therefore, booking early is recommended.
Finally, because the weather in New Zealand can change suddenly, having an alternative plan is a good idea. This way, you can adjust at ease and maintain your adventure smoothly, regardless of the turns of events en route.
How Your Transport Shapes Your NZ Story
In New Zealand, landscapes are not just scenery; they are part of the tale you will tell when you get home.
How you travel through this South Pacific island nation will influence the stories you’ll share. A twisty road trip through Fiordland might include a stop at a secluded waterfall that would have otherwise remained undiscovered. A railway trip may provide your ideal hour of silence to observe a tempest sweep across the Canterbury Plains.
Each means of transportation offers its own rhythm and perspective. The key is discovering the transport mode or combination that suits your travel style, time, and trip budget.
Visiting New Zealand isn’t about ticking all the sights off a list; it’s about experiencing the trip in a way that feels intimate and authentic.
Whether you’re behind the wheel on a spontaneous road trip, gliding along the rails with a coffee in hand, or soaring above the islands on a short flight, the right travel choice can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
So pack your sense of adventure, pick your route, and let the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand lead the way.
Still planning? Save the image below to your ‘New Zealand Travel’ board on Pinterest for future reference!
Read Related Posts
Photo Credit: The first image features a road trip scene over a winding road near Lake Pukaki and Mt. Cook in New Zealand. (© Mumemories/Adobe Stock)
