Getting Around

Busses

Newmans Coach in the South Island

There are several bus companies that specially cater to tourists at reasonable fares.  This also allows tourists to observe the lush green pastures of New Zealand, as well as the cows, ostrich farms, and sheep.

The main bus company is Intercity buses, which covers all of NZ. You can get big discounts and deals if booked in advanced. One good thing is that you can buy tickets based on hours, makes it cheaper. Another tip when you cross the islands, use Bluebridge and not Interislander, cheaper and locally owned.

World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	www.intercity.co.nz

Stray Travel

Stray is the least known, and the most expensive, of the three. This also has some advantages cause it means more personal service and smaller busses. It just depends on your budget and plans to choose for this one.
Stray has some other routes than the two other companies do, but it also passes through the more important places you will need to see while in New Zealand. You only get a more personal approach, especially on the little "field trips".
If you don´t like big groups this is the best thing for you. But isn´t backpacking about meeting lots of people? That´s why more..

World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.straytravel.com
address:	Backpacker world travel

Haka Tours

Haka Tours is a relatively young company specialising in adventure tours around New Zealand. Kiwi owned and operated, they offer a number of options from 7 to 26 days of North, South and both islands. Tours include accommodation, transport, breakfast and a host of activities in each location they visit. In addition to this, Haka offers a selection of extreme activities, including bungy jumping, sky diving, surfing, skiing and snowboarding. In January 2008 they launched three NZ Snow Tours. Tour members are generally aged between 18 and 40 and tours depart every month.

World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	00448448009256
url:	www.hakatours.com
email:	info@hakatours.com

Magic Bus

Magic is one of the three major backpacker bus companies in New Zealand. It´s a good "middle of the road" solution since it´s not as hardcore party as Kiwi Experience, and not as expensive as Stray Travel.
Magic has, like all the companies, some pre-set routes, but they will take you along all the major cities and important towns on both the islands. Ofcourse you can always book some extra trips when you´re in a town.
They give you some good discounts on accomodation and activities. Again, all the companies do this, but they change in the amount of discount and in the more..

World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.magicbus.co.nz
address:	Backpacker world travel

Kiwi experience

Kiwi Experience is the hardcore party bus of New Zealand. This is also the most popular company that travels the New Zealand roads. You can never miss seeing any of the green busses that drive around.
Kiwi offers almost the same routes as Magic does, with a few exceptions. (Consult the respective sites for that) But they´re mostly the same, also in price.
If you decide to travel with Kiwi you almost certainly stay in the party hostels of New Zealand, which means loud and big. This might be your cup of tea, but think about it before you book this.
Other than that this more..

Bicycle Touring

Cycle touring in the South Island

Every year more and more people discover the amazing experience of cycling as a means of exploring New Zealand . It is an exceptional way to see the country, with its many quiet roads and varied, magnificent scenery. 

The geography and lack of population in New Zealand mean that while New Zealand is a great place for cycling, unfortunately, you can not expect to find accommodation every few kilometres. Towns are often 50-100 km apart, making pre-booking essential for those without the back-up of a tent. Having talked to many cyclists, more..

Bicycle Touring

Every year more and more people discover the amazing experience of cycling as a means of exploring New Zealand . It is an exceptional way to see the country, with its many quiet roads and varied, magnificent scenery. 

The geography and lack of population in New Zealand mean that while New Zealand is a great place for cycling, unfortunately, you can not expect to find accommodation every few kilometres. Towns are often 50-100 km apart, making pre-booking essential for those without the back-up of a tent. Having talked to many cyclists, more..