travel by bus nz

Kate Abroad

How to travel New Zealand by bus 2024: Guide

Wondering if it’s possible to get around New Zealand by bus? This guide has everything you need to know to travel the country by buses.

Travelling New Zealand by bus is easy, convenient and cheap ! I’ve taken the bus around the country a fair few times when I was a broke university student trying to travel as much as possible and later on between destinations without flights. Here is my guide to getting around New Zealand by bus.

If you’re planning your New Zealand trip and aren’t sure whether bus travel is the way to go then scroll down for my pros and cons list.

If you’re interested in reading more about other transport options, check out my  New Zealand by train  guide.

Note – I have paid for all my InterCity trips myself and all opinions are my own. Nothing in this post is an affiliate link, it’s all just here to help you to understand the New Zealand bus travel options.

The intercity bus network in New Zealand

InterCity is currently the only company running a national bus service in New Zealand. There are regional bus networks that are good for getting to smaller places within an area and off the main trunk bus lines. 

New Zealand used to have more national buses, there was Naked Bus, Mana Bus and Skip Bus. The first two have shut down permanently, Skip Bus might be restarting so watch this space .

WARNING: If you Google Naked Bus, there’s a spammy website, which looks to be a tourist scam. Naked Bus does not still operate.

Where can you get by bus in New Zealand?

You can get nearly anywhere in New Zealand by bus, but you may have to combine an Intercity bus and a regional bus. Intercity does have a comprehensive network that covers most of the country. The availability on the North Island is a bit better than on the South Island, mostly because there is more demand and fewer mountains in the way.

This is the route map:

The main trunk line in the North Island is the Auckland to Wellington route stopping in Hamilton, Taupo and Palmerston North. Given this connects the two biggest cities these buses are usually the busiest. It’s rare for a service to sell out but you’ll want to show up early if you want a front seat.

On the South Island, the West Coast route is more touristy while the Christchurch – Dunedin route is the main local transporter.

Booking New Zealand bus tickets

You can buy bus tickets at the InterCity website. You do need to buy online in advance as you can’t just show up with cash on the day. Tickets are released a year in advance and can be bought up to the day of departure.

You can buy tickets in person at the information centres in bigger towns ( list here ) which sometimes but not always are the same place the bus stops. I would not recommend trying to book a same-day bus.

There are standard and flex fares available. I usually just go with standard as you can still get a credit or change your trip, there just might be a small charge.

How much does it cost to get around New Zealand by bus?

Prices vary by route (shorter + cheaper) and time of booking (further in advance = cheaper), and travel time (weekdays are cheaper). Below are the current prices at the time of writing.

Backpacker and student discounts are available, booking fees also apply.

Should I buy a New Zealand bus pass?

As well as standard one way and return there are TravelPass and FlexiPass options. These are for holidays rather than local transport.

Getting value from a pass requires a fair bit of planning so you should know where you want to visit on your New Zealand bus trip before you decide to buy.

Flexi Pass vs Travel Pass

TravelPass is a ticket for a set route and you can take stop off at as many places as you want along that route over as many days as you want.

The TravelPass routes are mostly in the South Island, and some include a trip on the TranzAlpine train which is really cool but adds to the cost.

This suits travellers who want to see a particular region/island and are travelling at least 2+ days in that area (the minimum days on the smallest TravelPass).

The FlexiPass is more similar to a rail pass in that you pay for a set amount of time, in this case, a number of hours of bus travel.

This is a good option if you are planning to travel the whole country with a reasonable number of stops as it’s great value for money but the minimum hours is 10.

What to expect when travelling New Zealand by bus

Bus departures.

Every InterCity bus stop I’ve been to has been in the centre of whatever town I’m in so it’s super convenient. The InterCity will often stop at a bus depot (if the town has one) so you can connect to local buses.

That said, many bus stops don’t have an indoor waiting area so just be aware of that if the weather is bad.

Buses tend to run on time/very close to time. The exception is where you’re getting on partway through a bigger route and the weather is bad. InterCity now has a bus tracker on the website to help you know when that’s happened. 

I recommend showing up 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

The bus drivers can be pretty pedantic about timing so they like to have every booked passenger ticked off before departure time, but they also never leave early and usually won’t let you on board until they are just about to depart so if you’re super early you’ll probably just end up standing around outside at a bus stop for ages.

Breaks and eating on New Zealand bus trips

Longer trips (I think it’s over 3 hours) will have a planned stop. Depending on the length of the trip this could be a 15-minute stretch/bathroom break or it could be the drivers’ scheduled 30+ minute lunch break (lunch breaks are on trips over 5 hours I believe.

If there is a long break you’ll be able to see it in the route description when you buy your ticket.

The bus will usually stop in the central part of a town near public toilets and some cafes. Be prepared to deal with occasionally gross public toilets or pay for a drink at a cafe/Mcdonald’s so you can use their toilet.

There have been a few trips where the break is in the middle of nowhere so you end up at some overpriced truck stop with no other options. So, bring your own snacks!

On that note, you can eat and drink on the bus, but hot food is not allowed. You can usually bring on hot drinks but it’s at the driver’s discretion so be subtle about it.

Luggage on New Zealand buses

InterCity tickets allow you to bring one ‘carry-on’ and one ‘checked’ bag. The checked bag goes in the baggage part underneath the bus and the carry-on stays with you. 

Your carry-on needs to be small (as in handbag size, not a wheelie airline carry-on) because otherwise, the driver will try to put it underneath the bus and get grumpy at you for having two bags.

Most buses have an overhead area you can put your carry-on bag but it’s not very big and some buses don’t have it at all.

Wifi on buses in New Zealand

Technically InterCity buses have wifi but in my experience, it’s pretty terrible so if you desperately need internet on your trip you’re better off buying a local SIM.

Only Gold Class seats have charging ports (USB A only).

Types of buses around New Zealand

InterCity buses some in standard, double-decker and sleeper varieties. The sleeper varieties are available on long-haul trips (ie Auckland to Wellington) departing at night.

These buses have a bunk/camp stretcher type setup that has the enormous benefit of letting you lie flat. You can see below what these look like.

Some InterCity buses have the Gold Class offering which includes free wifi, bigger leather seats and USB charging ports.

The Gold seats are also usually at the front so a good option if you get carsick. Gold is not usually much more (I’ve paid only $5 extra in the past) so it’s worth it. You can see which buses have Gold Class here .

Pros of travelling New Zealand by bus

• It’s usually much cheaper than flying. 
• There are routes covering the whole country with way more destinations than you can get to by plane or train.
• Bus stops are central so you don’t have the hassle of getting to/from an airport.

Cons of travelling New Zealand by bus

• It can be the slowest way of getting from a to b (but not always when you consider airport waiting times and getting to/from an airport)
• Sometimes the bus is full and you have to sit next to a gross stranger with no shoes on (that was a one-off, I think!).

Local tips for bus travel in New Zealand

• Pay for the gold class. It’s usually only $5 and it’s worth it for the extra space, front seats and (sometimes) USB chargers. There’s no option to upgrade on the day so you need to select and pay for gold when you make your booking.
• Book as far in advance as possible – The earlier you book the cheaper is the general rule. InterCity occasionally does $1 fares, they’re almost impossible to get but if you book way in advance, you might be in luck.
• Join the email list – sometimes they give you loyalty discounts.
• Take snacks – the food selection at the stops is often terrible so just grab some snacks from the supermarket before you head off. Avoid hot food, sometimes the drivers get grumpy about smells.
• Don’t go too far at the stops – I’ve never seen a driver check numbers getting back on the bus so you could easily be left behind.

I hope this guide helps you with planning any New Zealand bus trips or deciding if this is the transport you want to use.

Happy travelling!

New Zealand Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book your tickets to attractions on Get Your Guide
• Find awesome day tours on Viator
• Compare prices on cars and campervans at RentalCars.com
• Sort your New Zealand dollars with a Wise currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Travelling around New Zealand

InterCity GOLD bus, New Zealand

By InterCity

Take in the mountain views, New Zealand

By Britz Campervans

Plan how you would like to get around New Zealand

There are lots of choices when it comes to travelling around New Zealand. Make the most of your time here and plan how you want to get from A to B and everywhere in between with our guide to transport options.

Domestic flights

Domestic Flights, New Zealand

Flights in New Zealand are easy to book and cover the entire country. There are airports in all the main centres and in many towns – from Kaitaia in the Far North, down to Stewart Island in the south. Several major airlines offer domestic flights, such as Air New Zealand , and there are smaller regional airlines like Air Chathams (opens in new window) , Barrier Air (opens in new window) , Sounds Air (opens in new window) , etc. 

Rental cars/motorhomes

Maui Motorhomes Auckland, New Zealand

If you want to drive in New Zealand you could hire a car or a motorhome . The major international rental companies have bases at the main airports and in the cities, and there are many local rental options too. Take a look at our self-drive itineraries to help you plan your trip.  

National bus network 

New Zealand’s national bus network is InterCity (opens in new window) , which operates regular daily services throughout the country and offers flexible passes and tour options too.   

Guided coach tours 

p-17DC2BF6-DE60-5CC7-70698E1B31D7624B-2544003.jpeg, Auckland

By Stray Bus NZ

There is a wide range of guided coach tours ranging from day trips to multi-day itineraries with accommodation included. You can choose from backpacker-style tours to luxury coaches with five-star accommodation stops.   

Scenic rail trips

TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Christchurch - Canterbury

By KiwiRail

Northern Explorer, New Zealand

By Great Journeys of NZ

Coastal Pacific , New Zealand

By Coastal Pacific

There are three scenic rail journeys in New Zealand that each offer spectacular sights. In the North Island, the Northern Explorer (opens in new window)   is a day-long trip between Auckland and Wellington. In the South Island, the Coastal Pacific (opens in new window)  travels the east coast from Picton to Christchurch, while the internationally-renowned TranzAlpine (opens in new window)   crosses the Southern Alps on its journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.   

Interislander Ferry, Marlborough, Marlborough

By Positively Wellington

You can travel between the North and South Islands on a ferry that will also take cars, motorhomes and motorcycles. The Interislander  (opens in new window) and Bluebridge  (opens in new window) ferries run several scheduled sailings each day between Wellington and Picton across the Cook Strait, which divides New Zealand’s two main islands . There is also a daily passenger ferry (opens in new window)   across Foveaux Strait at the bottom of the South Island , between Bluff and Stewart Island (opens in new window) .   

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Pros and Cons of Traveling New Zealand by InterCity Bus

For two lovely months, I traveled around both New Zealand’s north and south islands, and I did it all by bus . While that’s all in the past now, I still remember back when I was just starting out planning my trip. I was really nervous whether I was making the right decision in traveling by bus and on which bus company I was choosing. There was so much information on why you absolutely need to see New Zealand by camper van instead, or why this bus company’s route was so much better than that other one’s. Now that my own trip is complete, I’m sharing the pros and cons of my decision to travel New Zealand by InterCity FlexiPass , in hopes of giving you all a bit of the information I wish I had!

TRAVELING NEW ZEALAND BY INTERCITY BUS

(And, in case it needs saying, InterCity is in no way paying me for this article. I just decided to use them and am sharing what I’ve learned and wished I knew.)

Types of InterCity Bus Travel

If someone says they’re traveling New Zealand “by bus,” they probably mean by InterCity bus. Yes, there are public city buses, but in terms of one, nationwide bus system both foreigners and locals can use to get around the country, it’s going to be InterCity. But there are three different ways to use InterCity. So let’s delve in, shall we?

InterCity FlexiPass

InterCity’s FlexiPass is an hours-based pass . You purchase a certain amount of hours, starting from 10 hours and increasing in increments of 5 hours. Then, you use those hours to book whichever rides you like on their route . The price per hour gets cheaper the more hours you buy , and you can even use hours to purchase the InterIslander ferry ride between the north and south islands (which can be a huge steal, as the ferry ticket is otherwise NZ$65).

InterCity TravelPass

InterCity’s TravelPass is a route-based pass . InterCity has pre-made itinerary routes , so you purchase a pass for the itinerary you like, and then travel that route at your own speed.

Individual Bus Trips with InterCity

Lastly, there’s also the option to simply buy a regular bus ticket. If you book out far enough, sometimes these tickets are just NZ$1 ! But while researching my own trip, I only saw a NZ$1 fare once for one route, so I imagine you’d have to purchase way in advance if stringing a few bus rides together for a holiday. Every other ticket price was significantly more than the same ride would cost with the FlexiPass.

Which InterCity Option is Best?

To me, the FlexiPass is a no brainer if you are traveling a lot of the country by bus. I bought the 70-hour pass, which came out to NZ$7.38 per hour (less than US$5). This was significantly cheaper than doing the same route with the TravelPass or with individual tickets. 

Disadvantages of Traveling New Zealand by InterCity Buss

Let’s get all the bad stuff out of the way first, shall we?

You Will Miss Cool Destinations

Yes, the InterCity route is pretty good. But I was pretty disappointed to ax the Coromandel portion of my trip because there wasn’t a way to travel to all the points of interest there. Or skipping all the in between towns on the South Island’s west coast (thankfully I got to experience Punakaiki , though!)

InterCity is pretty good at getting you to the nearest big city or town, but once you’re there, you’ll have to get around on your own. For most places, this isn’t a problem. But if you’re looking to get even remotely off the beaten path, it will be a hassle.

You Will Miss Cool Free Activities

Even if you can get to your destination, once there, you’ll only be able to experience the bare minimum, unless you can catch a ride with someone else . This means skipping some of the free and less-touristy stuff, like the hot river outside Rotorua, or some cool hikes in the South Island. 

Additional Transport Can Be a Rip-Off or Inconvenient

So once you get to the big town, can’t you just book a shuttle or hop on a local bus to get where you want? Well, usually yes. But it isn’t usually cheap. Like in Rotorua, where tours to Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park were around NZ$90, but entrance to the park was less than NZ$30. They added NZ$30 each way for the 30-minute drive ! Or when getting to and from Raglan, when I had to wait at Hamilton bus terminal for 2-3 hours each time because of the difference between the local and InterCity bus schedules.

You Are Stuck to a Schedule

You do get flexibility in that you can use your passes whenever you want within one year. But many bus routes are only once a day , so you can’t “leave early to beat the crowds,” hop on or off the bus at any point that isn’t a proper stop, and you might have to stay an extra night some places simply because you arrived after the only bus for that day.

Advantages of Traveling New Zealand by InterCity Bus

Wow, that probably sounded like a lot of bad things! But there’s a reason traveling New Zealand by bus is as popular as it is ! Keep reading for all the good stuff.

You Don’t Have to Drive

It’s pretty stressless when you just hop in a vehicle and get to stare out the window to New Zealand’s gorgeous scenery. No worrying about driving on the opposite side of the road , no stopping to fill up gas , no searching for parking spaces and campsites. Just get on, and get off.

It’s a Pretty Decent Price

As mentioned before, I purchased a 70-hour pass for two months. This came out to NZ$515, or US$313, for pretty all my transport in New Zealand. Good luck finding a good rental plus gas for that! This is also much cheaper than the Kiwi Experience or Stray buses, though of course, the main point of those is the social experience.

Security Knowing You’ll Get to Where You Need

Of course, the most budget-friendly option is to catch rides with those you meet or hitchhike. But I liked knowing I was getting to my next destination , rather than having to keep in mind that I still needed to secure a ride.

Some Buses Have WiFi

The buses were pretty comfortable, many of those on the North Island even having WiFi. Can’t say the same about the South Island, though!

Some Bus Drivers Double as Tour Guides

On almost all my South Island rides, the bus driver acted as a tour guide . They’d give us history of the areas, point out worthwhile sights as we passed, and even stop for some photo opportunities. I wasn’t expecting this, so it was a lovely surprise addition!

It’s a Pretty Good Bus Route Overall

InterCity has a pretty expansive bus route. There’s definitely room for additions, but you can get to every single one of the most touristy spots using their route. You can even use your FlexiPass hours to book tours (like Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworms Cave, or a Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown).

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

Overall, I was happy with my decision to travel New Zealand by bus, and with my choice of the InterCity FlexiPass. I did miss some things I would have loved to see, but it’s the price I paid to have skipped all the effort and costs of getting a vehicle.

Do you have any more specific questions for me as you plan your own trip to New Zealand? Let me know in the comments section below , and I’ll get back to you!

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Further Reading...

Free Cinque Terre Hikes (With Better Views than the Paid Hike Trails)

Backpacking New Zealand on a Budget: Exactly How Much I Spent

The Beginner’s Guide to Traveling New Zealand on a Budget

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A Quick Guide to Hiking in Mount Cook National Park

That travelista.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Get Around New Zealand on a Budget

New Zealand is an easy country to navigate. Buses go everywhere, cars constantly pick up hitchhikers, campervans are easy to rent, and backpacker bus tours zigzag around the country.

Plus, there are scenic trains and plenty of domestic flights for those needing to save time.

In short, there’s no shortage of transportation options.

On my last trip to New Zealand, I used almost every one of these options. Today, I want to share the pros and cons of each (as well as some estimated prices) so you know how to get around New Zealand in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible!

Table of Contents

Backpacker Tours

Campervans and car rentals, hitchhiking/ridesharing.

One of the most popular ways young travelers navigate New Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodations organized for them. New Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses: The Kiwi Experience and Stray.

The Kiwi Experience – The Kiwi Experience is the biggest and most popular backpacker bus in New Zealand. It attracts mainly young gap-year travelers. I like how they go out of their way to make sure everyone socializes and gets to know each other: the drivers play a lot of games and icebreakers, and there are group dinners most nights.

The downside is that: (a) the buses seat around 55 people, and when they’re full, they get a little bit cliquey (and during the busy season, the bus is pretty much always full); and (b) the passengers are really focused on getting drunk (the bus’s affectionate nickname is “The Green Fuck Bus”), hence why so many young people take it. I’d say if you’re 25 or younger (or just looking for a party), this bus is for you.

Tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 99-1,759 NZD per person for hop-on/hop-off tours while small group tours range from 2-18 days and cost between 1,649-3,949 NZD per person.

Stray Travel – Stray has smaller buses, providing a more intimate setting and making it easier to meet people. While there are many gap-year travelers on the bus, Stray also gets older, independent travelers. The bus drivers don’t play as many games or have as many icebreakers, making it a bit awkward when you first step on the bus alone and aren’t an extrovert.

If you aren’t really looking to party a lot or want to spend time with more mature travelers, Stray is for you.

Tours range from 8-24 days and cost between 2,765-5,945 NZD per person.

For small-group tours that cater to more than just the backpacker crowd, check out Haka Tours . They offer some epic adventure tours all around the country and are a good choice for travelers looking to get their adrenaline pumping. Adventure and Snow Tours range from 3-23 days long and cost between 699-4,999 NZD. Their premium 20-day tour costs 7,499 NZD.  

Here are some example prices (in NZD). Just keep in mind that prices vary each season:

  Prices vary based on when you book and whether you’ll be traveling in high or low season. Expect prices to be upwards of 50% more expensive if booked last minute (if there are even spots available, as these fill up fast).

I took the TranzAlpine across the South Island. It had been a dream of mine to do since my first visit in 2010 and I loved every minute of it. It lived up to all the hype. You pass rivers and mountains, cross gorges, and roll through vibrant green farmland. It was a really peaceful, informative, and scenic way to get across the South Island, and made me wish there were more trains around the country (come on, NZ, you can do it!).

This isn’t the most efficient or cheapest way to get around (heck, the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington is 11 hours!) but it’s worth every penny. It’s an incredibly scenic way to see the country.

InterCity, New Zealand’s largest public bus network, is your main option. Skip Bus, a low-cost coach bus similar to Megabus, is available on the North Island and has over a dozen stops, making it another budget-friendly choice if you’re shopping for tickets. Keep in mind they have specials on “Go tickets” so you can get discounts between certain destinations and routes.

These are some example InterCity ticket costs for sample routes to help you budget (prices in NZD):

Prices exclude booking fees.

InterCity has two travel passes, both of which valid for up to 12 months: FlexiPass, an hours-based bus pass (10-80 hours) designed for backpackers and independent travelers; and the TravelPass, a fixed-route pass that’s only good for spots on that specific route.

FlexiPasses range from 10 hours (139 NZD) to 80 hours (641 NZD). You can top up your hours if you run out. The TravelPass has 14 different options and costs between 125-1,045 NZD.

With the InterCity TravelPass, you can stop anywhere along the route. For example, if your pass includes travel between Picton and Christchurch, you could do Picton to Blenheim, Blenheim to Kaikoura, and Kaikoura to Christchurch all on one trip.

I bought a 15-hour FlexiPass. Adding up my journeys on the South Island individually, the price of my tickets would have been 172 NZD. I paid 136 NZD so the pass did save me money. However, there’s a caveat: you can only use the FlexiPass on InterCity buses, and on the South Island they contract out a lot of routes, so I couldn’t use my pass on most of the routes to Milford Sound, Mt. Cook, or Bluff (to get to Stewart Island).

So what’s a traveler to do?

If you’re booking far in advance and getting the cheap discount fares, don’t buy a pass. I’d also skip the big fixed-route pass, as they don’t offer value when compared to other giant passes or tour operators.

I’d buy a FlexiPass since it is hours-based and valid for up to twelve months. Combine that with other cheap tickets bought far in advance, ridesharing, or anything else. Mix and match what you do for optimal savings. Use the pass for expensive routes and cheaper options for other, shorter routes!  

Here are prices for some popular one-way routes when booked in advance (prices in NZD):

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Jucy is the most dominant in the country; I saw more of its cars and vans than any other company.

Prices vary a lot . Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick the vehicle up, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (going during the high season? Prices seem to double!). You need a degree in accounting to figure out how these companies price their cars!

Here are sample daily rates for when you pick up and drop off at the same location (prices in NZD):

  Here are sample daily rates for when you pick up and drop off at a different location. Keep in mind some places charge you a flat drop-off fee or a one-way fee (150-250 NZD) in addition to the daily price:

If you drive, getting a campervan is one of the most economical ways to get around. You’ll be able to use your van/car as accommodation, pick up travelers to split the cost of gas, and maybe find travel partners to split the cost of the vehicle itself.

If you are spending 70 NZD per day for a Jucy campervan that can fit three people, that’s a savings of up to 50% compared to a hostel and daily bus ride, which will set you back 30-50 NZD a day.

If you use a campervan, be sure to download the awesome Campermate app, which helps you find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

Additionally, you can just ask around any hostel for a ride — everyone is doing the same circuit and will be happy to have another person to split gas costs with. Hostels usually have boards where you can find rideshare offers as well. I hitchhiked from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland on a whim and didn’t have any trouble (I saw tons of other backpackers doing the same thing as well).

You can find rides on websites like Craigslist , CoSeats , and Carpool World . Check out HitchWiki for more tips.

There are a lot of ways to get around New Zealand . If you’re OK driving, rent a car or campervan. Don’t want to drive? Bus it or get rides with other travelers — someone is always looking to split the cost of gas!

No matter what, you’re not going to have trouble getting from point A to B, even if you wake up and need transport that very day! New Zealand is an easy country to travel and, with some planning, it doesn’t have to break the bank !

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Nomads (Queenstown)
• Urbanz (Christchurch)
• Rainbow Lodge (Taupo)

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand  for even more planning tips!

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American sportsmen discover new zealand’s hunting and fishing paradise.

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The world's largest red deer stags are the prized attraction for international hunters visiting New ... [+] Zealand.

Long before Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on everyone’s travel list, hunters and anglers long coveted the island nation’s riches of fish and game. It is a sportsman’s Jurassic Park, where beasts grow to near-mythic dimensions and the stunning landscape inspired the fictitious land of Middle-earth.

New Zealand’s temperate climate, rich volcanic soils, lack of apex predators, and lush pasturelands proved the perfect habitat on which to introduce all manner of the Old World’s famous game—especially red deer.

New Zealand's many mountain-framed lakes provide stunning backdrops for many adventures.

In the early 1900s, the red deer, chamois from the Alps, fallow deer, the large-bodied sambar deer, reclusive rusa stags, Himalayan tahr (a mountain goat-like animal), elk from North America, and wild boar were all brought to New Zealand, a country that originally had but one species of mammal—a bat.

Essentially, game keepers and biologists saw New Zealand as a blank canvas on which to create a wild game masterpiece, so they did. Without natural predators nor severe winters to slow the population growth of the country’s new cast of horned and antlered creatures populations of many of the introduced species exploded. So prolific were the red deer, for instance, that a few decades ago game managers were forced to conduct extensive culling operations to bring the deer numbers back to levels the habitat could support.

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John Scurr poses with a pair of pukeko or swamphens, one of several indigenous game birds found in ... [+] New Zealand.

Today, these same red deer have become a popular draw for hunters from across the world—especially Americans. Thousands of U.S. hunters travel to New Zealand annually to partake in big game hunting.

“Most hunters know of New Zealand as the home of the world’s biggest stags,” says John Scurr , a Kiwi native and veteran hunting operator who specializes in arranging custom hunting and fishing experiences for all manner of the nation’s fish and game. “But we have many game species that are thriving here on both the North and South islands.”

Wine tours are just one of many diversions available to visiting sportsmen.

For Scurr, however, it’s about customizing diverse New Zealand tour packages that allow visiting hunters and anglers to immerse themselves in a wide range of attractions and activities that complement rod and gun adventures.

“New Zealand is a his and her (and family) destination, so if a hunter wants to bring a non-hunting spouse or friend here,” says Scurr, “we can arrange a wide assortment of activities from helicopter junkets to volcanos and glaciers, lake excursions, wine tours, glacier climbing, jet boating, hiking and biking, bungy jumping, parasailing, or drives through the countryside to explore any number of our inviting communities.”

New Zealand's wealth of breathtaking scenery is reason enough to visit.

Sportsmen’s dollars, then, are helping support the entire tourism economy, the nation’s second largest industry behind agriculture. In addition, hunting provides the financial incentive to keep lands wild, supporting myriad non-game species that depend on the same cover as deer and other game.

“Rather than sitting in a lodge for a week and then returning home,” says Scurr, “many of our sporting clients want to experience more of New Zealand before they go. And most of our hunting areas are conveniently located near other great attractions.”

The bustling and beautiful town of Wanaka with a population of some 12,000 is located on the shores of stunning Lake Wanaka, a 74-square-mile body of water, and is home base for Scurr’s South Island adventures.

Scurr poses with accomplished Oklahoma hunter Suzie Brewster and her giant stag.

“We put some of our hunters up in well-appointed lakeside condos,” he says, “and we dine in restaurants that are all within easy walking distance. And our hunting areas are located just a ten-minute drive from town. This has been a very popular package for us as non-hunting spouses can enjoy a wide range of amenities offered in Wanaka (spas, shops, restaurants, tours, art, and cultural opportunities) and then come together with their husbands after the hunt to share an evening on the town.”

Nearly as famous as its stag hunting, New Zealand is a celebrated fly-fishing destination for outsized rainbow and brown trout. The plethora of gin-clear rivers and lakes along with a handful of famous lodges, put the country high on most trout anglers’ must-visit list.

The inviting and bustling community of Wanaka is home base for Scurr's South Island offerings.

Adding some bird hunting to the menu is a simple proposition as well, for New Zealand has a mix of endemic and introduced game bird species including the highly prized (and striking) paradise duck.

For hunters who don’t want the hassle of flying with their own firearms, Scurr has a wide assortment of rifles and shotguns for rent. “We find that most hunters choose to use our guns because it saves a lot of headaches dealing with gun licensing and customs. But if a hunter would rather bring his favorite rifle, we’ll assist with the permit process as well.”

For Scurr, sharing the best of New Zealand is his life's passion.

For Scurr, it’s about sharing the wealth of sporting and recreational opportunities that his native New Zealand has to offer. “We have a unique landscape and with that comes special opportunities for visiting sportsmen and others,” he says. “And when someone books with us we want them to go home and share the experience with their friends as they plan their next adventure to New Zealand.”

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Public Transport Within Cities: How to Catch a City Bus in New Zealand

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what you need to know about public transport and new zealand city buses.

For budget-conscious or environment-conscious travellers making their way around New Zealand , making use of New Zealand’s bus routes are a great way to get around. After reading our Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide and seeing the ways of getting around New Zealand by bus, you’ll want to know how to get around New Zealand’s cities by bus. New Zealand’s cities and largest towns have public transport in the form of bus services to help you get around the city centre and suburbs. Find out how to catch a city bus in New Zealand, as well as how to pay for a city bus, in this New Zealand public transport guide!

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Transport in New Zealand

Before we dive into our guide to the city buses in New Zealand, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about public transport in New Zealand on the internet!

Does New Zealand Have Good Public Transport?

New Zealand has a good public transport system when it comes to buses and ferries. However, the country’s train network is extremely limited, while there is only one national coach company among tens of “tour companies”. To compare New Zealand’s public transport network, check out our video:

Are Buses and Public Transport Free in New Zealand?

No, public transport is not free in New Zealand. Occasionally, the New Zealand Government will implement half-price fare mandates during times when the cost of living is made unusually high.

How Much Does Public Transport and Buses Cost in New Zealand?

Cash fares for public bus services start from NZ$2.50 to travel a short distance if paying in cash or are a little cheaper with local transport cards.

How to Get a City Bus in New Zealand

Catching a city bus in New Zealand is easy. Just remember these three things:

• Stand at a designated bus stop, easily identifiable from “Bus Stop” signs
• Wave at the bus driver as you see the bus approaching
• As you get on the bus, pay by cash or by using the appropriate prepay bus card.

New Zealand City Bus Stops

Bus stops in New Zealand almost always have an up-to-date timetable on display showing the bus numbers that stop at the bus stop, their route and arrival time. Some bus stops may have just a “Bus Stop” sign with no timetable, which is best used if you know which bus you are meant to be taking and at what time it arrives. Bus timetables are available on the city councils’ websites.

Public Buses in Auckland

Auckland has a vast public bus network operating from within the city centre all the way to the far reaches of the outer suburbs. Cash fares start from NZ$4 and you pay per section (zone) you travel through.

Buses can also be paid with an ATHop Card , which makes the fare a percentage of the price, starting from NZ$2.20.

Other public transport in Auckland includes trains, ferries and flights. Find out more in our guide, Public Transport in Auckland , or on the Auckland Transport website .

Public Buses in Wellington

Wellington has a vast bus network operated by various companies connecting the city centre to the outer suburbs. Cash fares start from around NZ$2.50 and increase per zone you travel through.

Prepay cards are also available, with different options depending on which company you use, for instance, Snapper Cards , Mana Coach Services Smartcards , Newlands Coach Services Smartcards and more.

Other transport in Wellington includes trains, ferries and the Wellington Cable Car. Find out more in our guide to Public Transport in Wellington or on the Wellington City Council website .

Public Buses in Christchurch

Buses operate in Christchurch to connect the city centre with the outer suburbs, even as far as Rangiora, Burnham and Waikuku Beach. Cash fares start from around NZ$2.40 and increase per zone travelled.

Bus fares can also be paid with a Metrocard which makes fares a fraction of the cash fare price, starting from NZ$1.50 instead.

Other transport includes ferries and airport shuttles. Find out more in our guide, Public Transport in Christchurch , or on the Christchurch Council website .

Public Buses in Dunedin

Public buses are readily available in Dunedin city and its surrounding suburbs. Cash bus fares start from around NZ$3 and increase per distance travelled.

Bus fares can also be paid with a Bee Card , making fares cheaper than cash fares, starting from NZ$2.

Other transport in Dunedin includes airport shuttles. Find out more in our guide to Public Transport in Dunedin or on the Otago Regional Council website .

Other New Zealand Cities with a Bus Service

As you can see, the public bus system in New Zealand cities all work in a very similar way. As an overseas visitor moving from city to city, you may find it makes more financial sense to pay cash fares, rather than preloading a local bus card with credit that you’re not likely to spend the entirety of. So when looking to travel using public buses in New Zealand, these are some of the cities that have a bus service:

• Gisborne (see Public Transport in Gisborne )
• Palmerston North (see Public Transport in Palmerston North )
• New Plymouth
• Napier-Hastings
• Queenstown (see Public Transport in Queenstown )
• Invercargill

More About Public Transport and City Buses in New Zealand

That’s it for our guide to city buses and public transportation in New Zealand. For more about cheap ways to travel around New Zealand, check out the following guides:

5 Different Bus Networks in New Zealand (Inc. Bus Companies)

• Domestic Flights in New Zealand
• Train Network in New Zealand

Finally, compare all of the ways to travel around New Zealand in What is the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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