New Zealand Self-Drive

How you choose to travel around New Zealand is a question of both preference and time. An excellent network of roads makes either driving or coach-travel the most popular options and are complemented by efficient air, ferry and rail services, which can be utilised on a tailor-made itinerary.

INTERISLANDER FERRY

The Cook Strait divides New Zealand’s North and South Islands and offers superb views of Wellington and the maze of islands and inlets that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Operating daily between Wellington and Picton, the crossing takes 3 hours on the InterIslander (3-5 sailings daily). There is no need to take your car on the ferry. You simply leave it at the ferry depot, check-in your baggage and pick up another vehicle on arrival. However, for motorhome hire, you will need to take your vehicle on the ferry. Pre-booking is highly recommended during peak times.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Flying is a great way to travel between major centres in New Zealand if you are pressed for time or should you wish to focus on specific regions. Air New Zealand is the largest domestic operator offering economy class flights to 26 destinations throughout the country (main routes are shown on the map below). In addition, a number of domestic flight routes are offered by Qantas and both airlines also operate Trans Tasman services between New Zealand and Australia. These open up a wealth of travel options and can be incorporated into any tailor-made itinerary.

SEAT IN COACH TOURS

These tours provide a travel option for those who do not wish to self drive but prefer to remain independent. With the security of pre-booked accommodation and transport between places of interest using scheduled transport services, you can maintain much of the same flexibility as on a self drive holiday. Each journey is more than just a bus ride, as the drivers point out places of interest en route, stopping periodically to break the journey. We offer a choice of itinerary on set routes, from two to eight days in duration. Please contact our team for further details.

RAIL JOURNEYS

TranzScenic Trains
TranzScenic Trains Scheduled train travel in New Zealand is both leisurely and scenic and can add a delightful variant to your self-drive itinerary. On the North Island, The Overlander is a glorious journey through the interior, travelling between Auckland and the capital Wellington. On the South Island, The TranzCoastal runs through the Marlborough wine country from Picton to Christchurch via Blenheim and Kaikoura and ties in with the InterIslander ferry service - ideal if you wish to change vehicles between islands. The TranzAlpine is regarded as the country’s finest rail journey and operates between Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps.

Steam Train Journeys
The ideal option for both rail enthusiasts and travellers looking for something just a little different.

Please contact our team to discuss how any of these options can fit into your tailor made itinerary.