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Information for tourists and travellers in New Zealand

Updated: 7 December 2009

From the North’s sparkling beaches to the South’s pristine glacial fjords, from lush native forests to a geothermal wonderland, New Zealand is a land of contrasts. Your travel choices are just as extensive - by foot, cycle, bus, train, ferry, motorbike, car, motorhome or plane. 

In this section you can find an overview of the different ways you can travel the country and the things you need to consider before starting your journey.

On this page

Walking

There’s no better way to get to know a place than by experiencing it on foot.  New Zealand offers lots of opportunities for walking, whether you’re exploring native bush, rural or alpine environments, or just getting around in our towns and cities. See our tips for safe walking.

Dog walkers.

Urban walking

Walking routes in and around New Zealand’s three main cities showcase the country’s scenery, culture and history.  Check out what’s on offer in:

Discover more walking opportunities on the Living Streets website, a site established to get more people walking and enjoying public spaces around New Zealand.

Rural walking

New Zealand has many walking tracks throughout its islands. The Te Araroa walkway (external link), a national project building a nationally linked walking track will eventually cover the length of the North and South islands from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Learn more information on walks and national parks (external link) in New Zealand.

Cycling

Cycling is an affordable, healthy and fun way to experience New Zealand’s beautiful scenery up close. While you can cycle the length of New Zealand using existing roads we recommend avoiding regional highways when you can instead use quieter back roads. It’s safer and there’s less vehicle emissions. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track – there are many vehicle-free tracks and trails across New Zealand which provide a safer environment for cycling.

Interested in doing a rail trail?

The Central Otago Rail Trail (external link) is a 150km cycling or walking adventure through stunning scenery and New Zealand’s gold mining past.

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Tips for cycling on New Zealand roads

Many roads don’t have separate cycling facilities so you need to stay alert to the risks around you. See our tips for staying safe. And remember, you must not cycle on motorways – it’s illegal.

Urban cycling

You can also cycle your way around New Zealand cities. Find out about cycling routes, maps and facilities in:

Auckland

Wellington

Christchurch

Travelling by bus, train and ferry

You don’t need to drive to see New Zealand. Take the bus or train and you can sit back and enjoy the same scenery without the responsibility of driving in an unfamiliar environment. In some places you can travel by ferry. Combined, these services will get you to most places around the country. Not only are they a safer way to get around, but by using them you’re also helping to keep New Zealand clean and green.

Scenic bus.

Travelling by bus

A number of companies provide bus transport that covers the length and breadth of New Zealand. 

Find out more on:

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Travelling by train

Train travel includes long distance trips such as between Auckland and Wellington, scenic journeys such as the TranzAlpine service between Christchurch and Greymouth, and local commuter services in Auckland and Wellington.

Find out about:

Travelling by ferry

Interislander ferry.

The only ways to travel between New Zealand’s North and South Islands is by air or by sea. There is a choice of interisland ferry services, both of which carry vehicles:

Other ferry services link smaller islands to the mainland in places such as Hokianga, the Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf Islands in Auckland. There are also commuter ferry services in Auckland and Wellington.

Travelling by air

All New Zealand cities have an airport that provide for domestic flights across the country. Airports in key destinations also serve international flights. 

Find out about flights around New Zealand and from New Zealand to overseas destinations from these airlines:

Looking for ideas on what to do while visiting New Zealand?

See the diverse range of activities and events on offer throughout the country on the newzealand.com website.

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Driving in New Zealand

You need to consider a number of things before you begin your journey on New Zealand roads.

Can you drive in New Zealand?

To drive in New Zealand, you must have a current and valid overseas driver licence or international driving permit. If you’re here for more than 12 months, you’ll need to gain a New Zealand driver licence. Find out more about driver licence requirements.

What’s different about driving in New Zealand?

Take some time to find out about driving here. Some driving behaviours and situations may not be the same as your home country. For example:

  • We drive on the left side of the road.
  • We have a unique give way rule at intersections.
  • We have many hilly, narrow or winding roads that mean your journey may take longer than you expect.
  • The weather ranges from warm in the summer to cold in winter – watch out for ice and snow and other weather-related hazards.

Before you venture out on our roads

Jetlag

If possible, arrange your travel so that you avoid driving during your first week in New Zealand. Jetlag can creep up on you - you won’t necessarily feel tired before dropping off.

If you find your attention wandering when driving, pull over to the roadside and have a rest.

Driving during New Zealand holiday periods?

If you’re visiting New Zealand during a holiday period, such as Christmas, Easter or long weekends, there are likely to be more cars on the roads. Read our tips for safe travel during these times.

Finding your way around

Need maps of New Zealand state highways to plan your trip? Check out your planned travel route on the Virtual Highway website.

The Automobile Association of New Zealand (external link) also has maps of New Zealand and suggested scenic routes for tourists, plus information on car rentals, distances and travelling times.

Renting a vehicle? Check out the requirements you and the rental company need to meet.

Motorhome.

Driving a motorhome?

While many requirements for driving a motorhome are the same as for car drivers - like the road and licensing rules – there are other things you need to know, such as how to dispose of your waste at dump stations (external link).

Find out more about motorhomes, including the standard safety requirements and safety belt requirements.

Renting your motorhome? Check out the requirements you and the rental company need to meet.

Learn more about driving safely.