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Country Guide > Australia and South Pacific > New Zealand | |
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Travel - Internal Air Air New Zealand (NZ) and Qantas Airways operate domestic flights between the major airports (see Travel – International section). Several smaller airlines, including Air Nelson, Eagle Air and Mount Cook Airlines, are wholly owned by Air New Zealand and have been grouped together as Air New Zealand Link. They serve many of the 27 other airports throughout the two islands. Sea The North and South Islands are linked by modern ferries operating between Wellington and Picton, carrying passengers and vehicles across Cook Strait. The Interislander makes several daily crossings (travel time – three hours) with long-distance train connections from Wellington and Picton railway stations (website: http://www.interislander.co.nz/); Reservations on all ferry services are highly recommended, particularly for visitors taking their vehicles. Information can be obtained from Tourism New Zealand (see Contact Addresses section) or via the Tranz Rail reservation line; see the Rail section for further details. Rail Toll New Zealand (formerly Tranz Rail Ltd) operates a reliable rail service on 4000km (2485 miles) of railway with many routes of great scenic attraction. Tranz Scenic operates eight scenic long-distance trains. The Overlander runs between Auckland and Wellington (daytime and overnight) with good views of forests, gorges and volcanic peaks. The Transcoastal runs between Christchurch and Picton along the east coast between the snow-capped Kaikoura Mountains and past the Kaikoura coast, which is famous for whale-watching. The TranzAlpine runs between Christchurch and Greymouth through spectacular landscapes of gorges and river valleys and across the snow-capped Southern Alps. There are buffet cars on all trains, but there are no sleeping cars on overnight services. All services are one-class travel only. For further information, contact Toll New Zealand (tel: (4) 498 3000; fax: (4) 498 3259; e-mail: info@tollnz.co.nz; website: www.tollnz.co.nz); or Tranz Scenic (tel: (4) 495 0775 or (0800) 277 482 (toll free in New Zealand); fax: (4) 472 8903; e-mail: bookings@tranzscenic.co.nz; website: www.tranzscenic.co.nz). Travel passes ‘Travelpass New Zealand’ is a 3-in-1 travel pass which allows unlimited travel on InterCity coaches, Tranz Scenic trains and Interislander ferry services across Cook Strait. It is issued for periods between five days and over eight weeks and can be bought outside New Zealand from any InterCity Coachlines office, Toll New Zealand travel centre or accredited travel agency. The Best of New Zealand Pass incorporates all train and ferry services as well as selected coach services and the Taieri Gorge Railway for travel over 180 days. For further information, contact Tourism New Zealand (see Contact Addresses section). Road There are 92,000km (57,200 miles) of roads. Traffic drives on the left. Coach: InterCity Coachlines (website: www.intercitycoach.co.nz) operates scheduled services throughout the country. Newmans Coach Lines (website: www.newmanscoach.co.nz) operates services in both islands. It is advisable to make reservations for seats. Contact an InterCity Travel Centre or Tourism New Zealand for details and information on travel passes (valid for rail, coach and ferries). Bus: There are regional bus networks which serve most parts of the country and are on the whole friendly and cheaper than the larger companies. Taxi: There are metered taxis throughout the country. Car hire: Major international firms and local firms have offices at airports and most major cities and towns. It is recommended to hire vehicles from members of the New Zealand Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association. The minimum age for driving a rented car is 21. The legal speed limit is 100kph (60mph) on the open road and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas. Distances are indicated in kilometres. Both driver and passengers are legally required to wear seat belts at all times. For further information, contact The New Zealand Automobile Association (tel: (9) 377 4660 or (800) 500 444 (toll free in New Zealand); fax: (9) 309 4563; e-mail: info@aa.co.nz; website: www.aa.co.nz). Documentation: All international driving licences are recognised by New Zealand. And, although not compulsory, an International Driving Permit is recommended. For further information, contact Tourism New Zealand (see Contact Addresses section). Urban Good local bus services are provided in the main towns; there are also trolley buses in Wellington. Both Auckland and Wellington have zonal fares with pre-purchase tickets and day passes. Rideline (website: www.rideline.co.nz) houses all the bus, train and ferry information about travelling around Auckland. Travel Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Wellington to other major cities/towns in New Zealand:
Note *Plus ferry crossing of three hours. **Plus two hours 30 minutes by road. |