Backpacking New Zealand

Getting around New Zealand

Various transport options available to the backpacking traveller

New Zealand is quite a compact country and although bigger than the United Kingdom, it is thankfully a lot easier to travel around.

Domestic flights are quite regular between the larger cities and although there is no real need to fly, it can save time. The prices of the flights are a little high for those backpacking, but passes and discounted rates can help save money if you do want to fly. With a YHA membership card, you are entitled to discounts with the domestic flights including a fantastic deal where you get up to 50% off standby flights.

Bus travel is by far the most comprehensive form of travel for Backpacking and relatively cheap too. Buses travel all around the two islands and make it easy to get from one end of the country to the other when combined with a ferry journey across the Cook Strait.

A number of passes are available for bus travel and can help you to make substantial savings.

For example Intercity has a pass which allows travel between Auckland and Wellington with stops in between for NZ$99. It has many passes like this one which allows unlimited stops on a route between two cities.

Another option for travelling around the country is the growing number of Backpacker shuttle buses which have their own routes. You pay a set amount for a journey between two places and it includes stops in between. These are aimed primarily for the foreign backpackers and have a lot of little extras to help the visitor. These include central pick ups (and in some cases they pick you up from your accommodation) and trips to out to remote sights. These can also be cheaper than normal coach services and have a laid back feel to them which can make life a little stress free.

Some Backpackers prefer to hire a campervan themselves and take themselves around the country at their own pace. This can be a good idea and is not as costly as you would think.

Rates change depending on the time of season you hire the van.

For a week long hire the costs average :

NZ$49 per day in the low season

NZ$110 per day in the high season

For a 12 week long hire, the costs average :

NZ$34 per day in the low season

NZ$85 per day in the high season

Campervans usually have a large bed, cooking equipment, running water, electronic equipment (including a refrigerator, heater and CD player) and all living essentials including bedding and eating utensils.

The good thing about hiring from a reputable company is that you can hire the van in Auckland and then drop it off in Christchurch if you are flying out from there. This takes out the cost and time of having to return to Auckland to drop the van off.

Insurance should be included in the price of the hire and Gas is quite cheap so should not be too much of a budget blower.

Before you leave for New Zealand

Things to do in New Zealand

Places not to miss in New Zealand

How to budget and costs whilst in New Zealand

Accommodation in New Zealand

Getting around New Zealand

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