How to Travel Around New Zealand: A Backpacker’s Guide
How to Travel Around New Zealand
How you travel around New Zealand depends on what you want to see, what you want to do, how long you have and how much you want to spend.
New Zealand has plenty of options for getting around, whether you want the freedom of your own vehicle, the convenience of a coach, the scenery from a train or the speed of a domestic flight.
Before deciding, think about:
- Your budget: include transport, fuel, insurance, accommodation and activities.
- Your time: travelling between destinations can take longer than you expect.
- Your route: decide which places you really want to visit before choosing your transport.
- Your travel style: do you want to meet other backpackers, travel independently or take an organised tour?
Here are the main ways to travel around New Zealand.
1. Flying around New Zealand
Flying is a useful way to cover long distances when you have limited time. It can save you hours on the road, although the cost of flights, airport transfers and baggage can add up.
Air New Zealand operates domestic flights around the country. Check its routes and fares directly before planning your itinerary.
If you collect airline loyalty points, check whether you can use them towards a flight. Depending on the scheme and availability, points may help reduce your travel costs.
Best for: travellers with limited time, long distances and journeys where flying saves a substantial amount of travel time.
Consider: airport transfers, baggage allowances, the cost of getting around once you arrive and whether flying means missing places you wanted to see along the way.
2. Driving around New Zealand
Driving gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop for photographs and visit places that may be harder to reach by public transport.
You could hire a car, rent a campervan or, if you are staying longer, consider buying a vehicle and selling it before you leave.
New Zealand has some wonderful touring routes, but remember to allow enough time for the journey. Distances can look short on a map while winding roads, weather and scenic stops make the drive take longer than expected.
Hiring a car
Hiring can be a straightforward option if you want flexibility without the responsibility of owning a vehicle.
Compare the total cost, including insurance, fuel, any excess, additional drivers and one-way rental fees. Check the terms carefully before booking.
A one-way rental may save you from returning to your starting point, but availability and extra charges vary by company.
We offer loads of great camper van/car hire options, let us know what you need and we can send find you the perfect option. Get in touch
Buying a car or campervan
Buying may be worth considering if you are staying for a longer period, but don’t judge the cost by the purchase price alone.
Allow for:
- The purchase price and likely resale value.
- Fuel, insurance and any applicable vehicle fees.
- Maintenance, repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
- The time needed to find a vehicle and sell it before you leave.
A low purchase price doesn’t necessarily mean a cheap trip if the vehicle needs repairs or is difficult to sell.
Check the vehicle’s history, condition and legal requirements before buying. Make sure the ownership transfer and any required vehicle checks are completed properly.
Is a campervan right for you?
A campervan can be a great way to travel. You can carry your luggage, stop for a cup of tea and photographs, prepare something to eat and have your sleeping space with you.
There is one important question, though: where are you going to stay overnight?
You cannot assume that you can park anywhere and sleep in your vehicle. Freedom camping rules vary by location and may depend on the vehicle meeting specific requirements. Use authorised campsites or check the local rules before stopping for the night.
Campsite fees can also add to the cost, so compare the overall expense with hiring a car and staying in hostels.
We offer loads of great camper van/car hire options, let us know what you need and we can send find you the perfect option. Get in touch
From the Boss: car and hostel versus campervan
In the end, I found a car and hostel a much better approach. The car was half the price of a campervan, fuel cost less, and I met more travellers in hostels. For me, that was better than travelling along quiet roads trying to find somewhere to camp.
Your own experience may be different, but it is worth comparing both options before committing.
Buying a vehicle: plan ahead
If you decide to buy a car or campervan, look at reputable vehicle listings and arrange an inspection before committing. Allow enough time to sell it at the end of your trip rather than relying on finding a buyer at the last minute.
If you prefer to hire, compare available rental options and the conditions before booking.
Remember to familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s road rules, drive on the left and allow plenty of time for unfamiliar roads.
3. Travelling by bus or coach
Travelling by bus can be a practical option for backpackers who don’t want the expense or responsibility of a vehicle.
InterCity
InterCity operates a national coach network connecting destinations around New Zealand. It also offers travel passes, including options based on set itineraries or travel time.
Check the current routes, timetables, pass conditions and prices directly before you decide. Not every destination has the same frequency of service, and some places may require a separate local bus, shuttle or tour.
Visit the official InterCity website to plan a journey.
Best for: travellers who want to keep costs under control without driving themselves.
Hop-on, hop-off tours
Organised backpacker bus tours can combine transport with the opportunity to meet other travellers and visit popular destinations.
They may suit you if you want some structure without arranging every journey independently. However, the route, stops, dates and included activities depend on the operator and product.
Before booking, check the current itinerary, what is included, how long you can stay at each stop and whether accommodation is included or needs to be arranged separately.
We have previously featured Stray Travel and Kiwi Experience. Check that the relevant services and booking pages are still available before making plans.
We offer loads of great hop on hop off packages including Stray Travel & Kiwi Experience which are widely know to be the main 2 tour companies for hop on hop off bus services.
Best for: solo travellers and backpackers who want to meet people and prefer a more organised route.
4. Exploring New Zealand by train
Train travel is less extensive than coach travel, but it can be a memorable way to experience New Zealand’s scenery.
The main scenic journeys operated by Great Journeys New Zealand are:
- Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington.
- Coastal Pacific: Christchurch to Picton.
- TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps.
These are scenic journeys as well as transport options, so allow time to enjoy the trip. Services, operating days and seasonal timetables vary, and advance booking is advisable.
Visit Great Journeys New Zealand for routes, timetables and bookings.
Best for: travellers who enjoy scenery and want to make the journey part of the experience.
If you are staying in a city for several days, also check local public transport options for getting around without a car.
5. Combining buses, trains and ferries
You don’t have to choose just one way to travel around New Zealand.
For example, you might take a coach between towns, use a scenic train for part of your journey, and travel by ferry between the North and South Islands.
The best combination depends on your route, dates and budget. Check connections carefully and leave enough time between services in case of delays.
If you plan to cross between the islands, compare the available ferry services and check the departure port, arrival port, luggage arrangements and booking conditions before committing to your itinerary.
6. Share costs with other travellers
If you are travelling independently, you may be able to share some costs with other backpackers.
For example, if you have spare seats in a rental car, you could look for travel companions to share agreed fuel costs. Hostel noticeboards and traveller communities may help you find people travelling in the same direction.
Always agree the arrangements in advance, check that your rental agreement and insurance allow the proposed use, and use sensible safety precautions when travelling with people you have just met.
You may also find useful tips about transport, accommodation and activities by talking to other travellers at hostels.
So, what’s the best way to travel around New Zealand?
There isn’t one answer for everyone.
- Choose flights when saving time over long distances is your priority.
- Choose a car when you want flexibility and the freedom to explore.
- Consider a campervan if you like having your sleeping space with you and have planned where you can stay overnight.
- Choose coaches if you want to travel between destinations without driving.
- Consider an organised backpacker tour if you want transport and the chance to meet other travellers.
- Choose scenic trains when the journey itself is part of what you want to experience.
Before booking, compare the total cost rather than just the ticket or vehicle price. Include accommodation, fuel, transfers, insurance and the activities you want to do.
Most importantly, allow enough time. New Zealand is a country to explore, and rushing from one place to the next can mean missing some of the best experiences along the way.
So, what’s the best way to travel around New Zealand?
There isn’t one answer for everyone.
- Choose flights when saving time over long distances is your priority.
- Choose a car when you want flexibility and the freedom to explore.
- Consider a campervan if you like having your sleeping space with you and have planned where you can stay overnight.
- Choose coaches if you want to travel between destinations without driving.
- Consider an organised backpacker tour if you want transport and the chance to meet other travellers.
- Choose scenic trains when the journey itself is part of what you want to experience.
Before booking, compare the total cost rather than just the ticket or vehicle price. Include accommodation, fuel, transfers, insurance and the activities you want to do.
Most importantly, allow enough time. New Zealand is a country to explore, and rushing from one place to the next can mean missing some of the best experiences along the way.
