| | Need to Know | Capital City Wellington | | Tipping Not obligatory | | Electricity 230/240 V | | Weights and Measurements Metric system
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How to get there by Air
Fly into NZ from any part of the world, its well connected via its three international airports at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Flights from East Australia take approximately 3 ½ hours and may fly in to either the international airports or to Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown or Dunedin. NZ is a non-stop overnight flight from the US and Europe and around 10 hours from countries on the Pacific Rim (Singapore, Japan, Taiwan).
Departure Tax - DT is $20 from Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, and $25 from Christchurch, Hamilton and Palmerston North, and is payable at the airport, though many tickets have DT included in them.
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How to get there by Sea
The other way to get here is to sail in, which means you either crew on a yacht or cruise liner or commercial ship/tanker or own your own boat. There are some cruises available from various places in Australia and America to New Zealand. But if you're short on money you can try and find a yacht that'll take you on as a crew member. You'll find it easier from October to November. These are the peak departure seasons from Fiji, and March-April is peak season from Australia.
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Getting Around
Getting around in New Zealand is quite easy for travellers as well as those on a budget. Their bus, train, air and road networks are quite extensive except that trains go mainly to the big urban cities. Transport has been privatised so the rates are quite high. But discounts are forthcoming especially if you're a student and have an International Students Identity Card (ISIC) or a Youth Hostel Card (YHA), or if you book in advance, but this usually means you can't cancel, so you have to stick to your itinerary.
By Air
Air travel is ideal for those travellers who don't have much time. You'll get spectacular views from airplanes too and with a discount this can be quite a bargain. National / domestic carriers and quite a few smaller airlines that cover smaller places are very convenient and reasonable. The earlier you book before travelling, the higher the discounts. Those booking made 14 days in advance can even get 50% off the regular fares. Also discounts are more readily available if you book from your own country. ISIC, VIP, and YHA card- holders will get 50% on stand by flights. Seats are not a problem except for in peak season.
Air Pass Alert! Air Passes are available for international travellers on presentation of their tickets. These are economical for longer distances, but you can't change your itinerary once you've booked.
By Bus
Bus travel is aplenty and very good though quite expensive. It takes a long time from one place to another but the scenic views on the way are a visitor’s delight. An added bonus is you rarely have to pay the full fare as discounts up to 50% can be obtained. Senior citizens and those booking well in advance also get discounts. Discount passes are given to people who travel from 14 days to three months time.
Shuttle buses are smaller, cheaper, and have more local colour are custom made for travellers and backpackers and actually even drop backpackers off at their hostels! There are however special Backpackers Buses especially catering for budget travellers. They give passes and are comfortable, and pass through a lot of places so you can get off and get off at your convenience without spending too much money. Most though have an itinerary of their own.
JMb By Train
The train network in NZ runs a few routes mainly to the major urban centres. The main network is the TranzScenic and its very modern, comfortable and fast. Discounts are available for YHA and VIP card holders -30%, students- 20%, seniors -30%, and disabled travellers- 50%.
Pass Alert! 3 in 1 Travelpass offer is the smart way to travel on trains.
By Road
Driving around by car or by motorcycle is the best way to see New Zealand. The roads are good and the scenery is beautiful. Kiwis drive on the left side of the road so right hand drivers have to adapt. There are no autobahn type roads so driving too fast is not a smart move, though Kiwis tend to do so. But then they're used to the roads and you're not. Recommended speed limits are 100km/hour on open roads and 60km in other areas.
In order to rent a car, you have to be over 21 or sometimes 25; you need a current Driver’s License or an International one which must be carried at all times. One absolute rule in NZ is all drivers or passengers must wear seat belts.
There are lots of big and small rental companies, the big giving better insurance and costlier cars and the cheaper giving good cars and lesser insurance. Accidents are common, so insurance is high ; if you're a member of the Automobile Association, that's a good insurance, especially if you want to buy your own car.
Campervans are great for families travelling together. Not only is the car taken care of, so is the living. Depending on the amount of berth you want in the campervan the cost will vary. Rental bikes are usually from 250cc to 750cc and obviously require a motorcycle license.
New Zealand is a cyclist’s paradise. The whole place swarms with them. As long as the weather holds, you can go into the hills and mountain roads with no problem and spend the night at one of the many hostels along the way. Some trains and buses even take cycles as long there's spaces. Even airlines will carry your bikes for you. Some rental companies even have tours available if you want to join a group. Bicycle rentals can vary depending on where you hire from and how long you hire it for. You can even buy a bike if you're there for a long time or bring your bike with you.
Hitchhikers Alert! Hitching is as unsafe as it is in most places. NZ has had a few onroad murders and hitchhiking is not recommended especially if you're travelling alone.
JMb By Sea
Transportation between the two islands is mainly by ferries. The Interislander ferry and Lynx operate between Wellington and Picton and other ferries to various islands around Auckland. Along the Abel Tasman National Park, there's a ferry operating as well as many water taxi services. Getting to places by boat is sometimes more scenic that getting there by road, especially to places like Wakatipu, Taupo and Waikaremoana.
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