HOW TO get around new ZEALAND ON A budget

Last Updated: 1/4/21 | January 4th, 2021

New Zealand is an easy country to navigate. Buses go everywhere, automobiles constantly pick up hitchhikers, campervans are easy to rent, and backpacker bus tours zigzag around the country.

Plus, there are trains and planes.

In short, there’s no shortage of transportation options.

On my last trip to new Zealand, I used almost every one of these options. Today, I want to share the pros and cons of each (as well as some estimated prices) so you know how to get around new Zealand in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible!

Backpacker Tours

One of the most popular ways travelers get across new Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodation organized for them. new Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses: The Kiwi Experience and Stray.

The Kiwi Experience – The Kiwi Experience is the biggest and most popular backpacker bus in new Zealand. It attracts mainly young gap-year travelers. I like how they go out of their way to make sure everyone socializes and gets to know each other: the drivers play a lot of games and icebreakers, and there are group dinners most nights. The downside is that: (a) the buses seat around 55 people, and when they’re full, they get a little bit cliquey (and during the busy season, the bus is pretty much always full); and (b) the passengers are really focused on getting drunk (the bus’s affectionate nickname is “The green Fuck Bus”), hence why so many young people take it. I’d say if you’re 25 or younger (or just looking for a party), this bus is for you. tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 85-1,799 NZD per person.

Stray travel – stray has smaller buses, providing a more intimate setting and making it easier to meet people. While there are many gap-year travelers on the bus, stray get more older, independent travelers. The bus drivers don’t play as many games or have as many icebreakers, making it a bit awkward when you first step on the bus alone and aren’t an extrovert. If you aren’t really looking to party a lot or want to spend time with more mature travelers, stray is for you. tours range from 10-24 days and cost between 1,000-2,400 NZD per person.

For a small-group tours that caters to more than just the backpacker crowd, check out Haka Tours. They offer some epic adventure tours all around the country and are a good choice for travelers looking to get their adrenaline pumping.

Trains

New Zealand has three train lines: northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. These are not commuter trains but scenic train rides: they come with viewing platforms, audio commentary, information packets, and big windows for taking photos.

Here are some example prices (in NZD):

طريق

Adult (One-Way)

Child (One-Way)

Northern Explorer
(Auckland-Wellington)

159

79

Coastal Pacific
(Christchurch-Picton)

99

69

TranzAlpine
(Christchurch-Greymouth)

109

76

Prices will vary based on when you book. expect prices to be upwards of 50% more expensive if booked last minute.

I took the TranzAlpine across the South Island. It had been a dream of mine to do since my first check out in 2010 and I loved every minute of it. It lived up to all the hype. You pass rivers and mountains, cross gorges, and roll through vibrant green farmland. It was a really peaceful, informative, and scenic way to get across the South Island and made me wish there were more trains around the country (come on, NZ, you can do it!).

This isn’t the most efficient or cheapest way to get around (heck, the northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington is 11 hours!) but it’s worth every penny. It’s an incredibly scenic way to see the country.

الباصات

If you aren’t renting a car, buses are the best and cheapest way to get around new Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities.

InterCity, new Zealand’s largest public bus network, is your main option. skip Bus, a low-cost coach bus similar to Megabus, is available on the North Island and has over a dozen stops, making it another budget-friendly choice if you’re shopping for tickets. (Note: as of January 2021, skip Bus service is suspended due to COVID-19).

These are some example InterCity ticket costs for sample routes to help you budget (prices in NZD):

Routes (One-Way)

Last-Minute Booking

Advanced Booking

Christchurch-Picton

81

61

Christchurch-Queenstown

115

57

Auckland-Wellington

76

46

Auckland-Taupo

70

42

Franz Josef-Wanaka

55

35

Auckland-Rotorua

58

32

Auckland-Bay of Islands

43

29

Taupo-Wellington

78

57

Prices exclude booking fees.

InterCity has two travel passes, both of which valid for up to 12 months: FlexiPass, an hours-based bus pass (10-80 hours) designed for backpackers and independent travelers; and the THOW TO get around new ZEALAND ON A budget (###) Last Updated: 1/4/21 | January 4th, 2021

New Zealand is an easy country to navigate. Buses go everywhere, automobiles constantly pick up hitchhikers, campervans are easy to rent, and backpacker bus tours zigzag around the country.

Plus, there are trains and planes.

In short, there’s no shortage of transportation options.

On my last trip to new Zealand, I used almost every one of these options. Today, I want to share the pros and cons of each (as well as some estimated prices) so you know how to get around new Zealand in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible!

Backpacker Tours

One of the most popular ways travelers get across new Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodation organized for them. new Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses: The Kiwi Experience and Stray.

The Kiwi Experience – The Kiwi Experience is the biggest and most popular backpacker bus in new Zealand. It attracts mainly young gap-year travelers. I like how they go out of their way to make sure everyone socializes and gets to know each other: the drivers play a lot of games and icebreakers, and there are group dinners most nights. The downside is that: (a) the buses seat around 55 people, and when they’re full, they get a little bit cliquey (and during the busy season, the bus is pretty much always full); and (b) the passengers are really focused on getting drunk (the bus’s affectionate nickname is “The green Fuck Bus”), hence why so many young people take it. I’d say if you’re 25 or younger (or just looking for a party), this bus is for you. tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 85-1,799 NZD per person.

Stray travel – stray has smaller buses, providing a more intimate setting and making it easier to meet people. While there are many gap-year travelers on the bus, stray get more older, independent travelers. The bus drivers don’t play as many games or have as many icebreakers, making it a bit awkward when you first step on the bus alone and aren’t an extrovert. If you aren’t really looking to party a lot or want to spend time with more mature travelers, stray is for you. tours range from 10-24 days and cost between 1,000-2,400 NZD per person.

For a small-group tours that caters to more than just the backpacker crowd, check out Haka Tours. They offer some epic adventure tours all around the country and are a good choice for travelers looking to get their adrenaline pumping.

Trains

New Zealand has three train lines: northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. These are not commuter trains but scenic train rides: they come with viewing platforms, audio commentary, information packets, and big windows for taking photos.

Here are some example prices (in NZD):

طريق

Adult (One-Way)

Child (One-Way)

Northern Explorer
(Auckland-Wellington)

159

79

Coastal Pacific
(Christchurch-Picton)

99

69

TranzAlpine
(Christchurch-Greymouth)

109

76

Prices will vary based on when you book. expect prices to be upwards of 50% more expensive if booked last minute.

I took the TranzAlpine across the South Island. It had been a dream of mine to do since my first check out in 2010 and I loved every minute of it. It lived up to all the hype. You pass rivers and mountains, cross gorges, and roll through vibrant green farmland. It was a really peaceful, informative, and scenic way to get across the South Island and made me wish there were more trains around the country (come on, NZ, you can do it!).

This isn’t the most efficient or cheapest way to get around (heck, the northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington is 11 hours!) but it’s worth every penny. It’s an incredibly scenic way to see the country.

الباصات

If you aren’t renting a car, buses are the best and cheapest way to get around new Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities.

InterCity, new Zealand’s largest public bus network, is your main option. skip Bus, a low-cost coach bus similar to Megabus, is available on the North Island and has over a dozen stops, making it another budget-friendly choice if you’re shopping for tickets. (Note: as of January 2021, skip Bus service is suspended due to COVID-19).

These are some example InterCity ticket costs for sample routes to help you budget (prices in NZD):

Routes (One-Way)

Last-Minute Booking

Advanced Booking

Christchurch-Picton

81

61

Christchurch-Queenstown

115

57

Auckland-Wellington

76

46

Auckland-Taupo

70

42

Franz Josef-Wanaka

55

35

Auckland-Rotorua

58

32

Auckland-Bay of Islands

43

29

Taupo-Wellington

78

57

Prices exclude booking fees.

InterCity has two travel passes, both of which valid for up to 12 months: FlexiPass, an hours-based bus pass (10-80 hours) designed for backpackers and independent travelers; and the Tand daily bus ride, which will set you back $30-50 a day.

If you use a campervan, be sure to download the amazing CamperMate app, which lets you find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is easy in new Zealand. It’s one of the main ways to get around and there are plenty of people who will pick you up (if you’re traveling solo or with someone. groups bigger than 2 people will struggle to find a ride).

Additionally, you can just ask around any hostel for a ride — everyone is doing the same circuit and will be happy to have another person to split gas costs with. Hostels usually have boards where you can find rideshare offers as well. I hitchhiked from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland on a whim and didn’t have any trouble (I saw tons of other backpackers doing the same thing as well).

Additionally, check out the Thumbs Up NZ or Carpool new Zealand ridesharing apps.

***
There are a lot of ways to get around new Zealand. If you’re ok driving, rent a automobile or campervan. Don’t want to drive? Bus it or get rides with other travelers — someone is always looking to split the cost of gas!

No matter what, you’re not going to have trouble getting from point A to B, even if you wake up and need carry that very day! new Zealand is an easy country to travel and, with some planning, it doesn’t have to break the bank!

Book Your trip to new Zealand: Logistical tips and Tricks
احجز رحلتك
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a low-cost flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

احجز مكان إقامتك
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and low-cost hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

Nomads (Queenstown)

Urbanz (Christchurch)

Rainbow Lodge (Taupo)

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in new Zealand.

لا تنس التأمين على السفر
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. شركاتي المفضلة التي تقدم أفضل خدمة وقيمة هي:

Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)

تأمين رحلتي (لأولئك الذين تزيد أعمارهم عن 70)

Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money With?
تحقق من صفحة الموارد الخاصة بي للحصول على أفضل الشركات لاستخدامها عند السفر. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. سوف يوفرون لك المال عندما تسافر أيضًا.

Want more information on new Zealand?
Be sure to check out our robust destination guide on new Zealand for even more planning tips!