Public Transport

Most regions throughout New Zealand have invested heavily in public transport in the past 10 years to improve the network and reduce traffic congestion.

You can get discount concession rates and most large cities have daily or monthly discovery passes, one ticket price for your entire travel on most forms of public transport including bus, trains or ferries.

Below are some public transport options in New Zealand.

Travelling by bus
Travelling by train
Travelling by ferry
Travelling by plane
Transport Operators

Travelling by bus

Major cities have daily scheduled passenger services and dedicated bus lanes on key roads to bypass peak traffic.

How to catch a bus

Bus routes and timetable information should be signposted at major stops or you can get timetables at transport centres. The bus usually has the destination and route number above the windshield. You may need to wave your arm to indicate you want to catch the bus as it approaches.

How to get off the bus

You normally need to pull a cord or stop button before your bus stop approaches. If you are unsure let the bus driver know when you board. You normally exit the bus from the rear door.

The cost

The price range depends on the route you are traveling. Most city services offer discount concession cards. If you do not have a card you should have your fare ready when boarding the bus but small change can be given.

Travelling by train

Train travel is becoming a more common form of travel for commuters near the main trunk lines in major cities, especially Auckland and Wellington.

Timetables have been extended to accommodate early and later travel times and express services have been added to school and commuter peak hours.

In Auckland the Britomart Transport Centre now brings trains from the east, west and south directly into downtown Auckland, opposite the ferry terminal. Link buses and temporary parks are also available.

In Wellington there is a network of trains between the city and the Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti Coast and the northern Wellington suburbs.

Scenic long distance train journeys

The Overlander from Auckland to Wellington passes through the central North Island including the National Park, Ohakune and Mount Ruapehu.

Tranz Scenic runs a scenic trip between Picton and Christchurch on the TranzCoastal which runs between the Kaikoura mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean coastline.

The TranzAlpine links Christchurch and Greymouth traveling past the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River and the Southern Alps. It has been called one of the world’s top six train journeys.

Travelling by ferry

Travelling to work on a ferry can be a great way to start your day by avoiding traffic and enjoying the sites.

This is popular in Auckland, the city of sails, where work commuters can catch a ferry from the downtown ferry terminal to the North Shore - including Bayswater, Birkenhead, Northcote and Devonport.

Affordable services run regularly from early in the morning to late in the evening and connect buses are available during peak times. You can buy one way, return, 10 trip or monthly passes. Rates start at about $5 one way.

The ferries also travel to nearby islands in Auckland including Great Barrier Island, Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island.

In Wellington there are also regular ferries between the waterfront, Matiu/Somes Island, Petone and Days Bay near Eastbourne.

New Zealand’s most famous ferry route is between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. As well as transporting you and your vehicle, this journey showcases the extraordinary beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Sightings of dolphins, whales and fur seals are common.

Travelling by plane

You can fly between all New Zealand cities and most major towns using domestic air services, regional airlines, charter companies and scenic flight operators.

While Auckland Airport serves the largest number of international arrivals and departures, airports in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Queenstown also receive flights from other countries.

Domestic airports make every part of the country accessible, from Kaitaia Airport in the far north to Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome on Stewart Island. Airport facilities vary according to the size of the local population.

Airport shuttles

Shuttle buses operate to and from all New Zealand international airports. Most domestic airports also offer shuttle services.

An airport shuttle is generally cheaper than taking a taxi however you can expect a longer journey, because the shuttle may make a number of stops along the way.