Getting around in New Zealand
There are many ways to get around New Zealand, including driving, public transport, cycling and flying.
When you arrive
Organising transport may be a priority when you arrive, but driving when you are tired can be dangerous, especially if you are not used to driving on the left as we do in New Zealand. Taking a shuttle, bus or taxi (cab) from the airport is easier and safer.
Using public transport
New Zealanders often use public transport to get around towns and cities, and around the country. Smaller towns may only have a bus service, but large cities like Auckland and Wellington also have trains and ferries.
Most towns, cities and regions have websites with information and timetables to help you plan your trip. If you use public transport regularly, you can buy a discount card for multiple use. These are usually cheaper than paying cash.
Transport cards also offer discounts for students, seniors, children, and people with disabilities or other special circumstances. Some cities also offer monthly passes, which allow unlimited travel for a set amount.
The price of public transport can change depending on where you live in New Zealand.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Tourism New Zealand have more information about public transport services in different parts of New Zealand.
Public transport services — NZTA
Travelling around New Zealand — Tourism New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand
Owning a vehicle is common in New Zealand. In rural areas, driving may be your only option.
Traffic volumes in New Zealand are light by international standards, although cities can get very busy in rush hours. Motorways in and out of Auckland, and some of the other main centres, can get very congested at these times.
The New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) has produced a booklet about driving in New Zealand. It explains everything you need to know about our road rules and how to stay safe. Translations are available in Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Samoan, Tongan, Tuvaluan, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Thai and Arabic.
Full New Zealand driving rules are in the New Zealand Road Code.
Who can drive in New Zealand
You can generally drive in New Zealand on your overseas driver licence for the first 18 months you are here. After that, you will need to convert your licence to a New Zealand driver licence.
Find out about licence requirements from the NZTA.
Driving on New Zealand roads — NZTA
If your overseas driver licence or permit is not in English, you will need an accurate English translation. The NZTA website has a list of authorised translation services and other acceptable options.
Renting a car
You can rent a car to drive while you are in New Zealand. Most rental websites have vehicles available at airports.
Rental cars — Tourism New Zealand
Buying a car
There are several ways to buy a car. You can:
- buy privately
- buy from a second-hand car dealer. In New Zealand they are called ‘LMVDs’ (Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers).
Larger centres have car fairs and auctions that are advertised in car magazines and newspapers.
Many second-hard cars in New Zealand are imported. If you are buying a second-hand car, check the vehicle carefully.
Any car you buy:
- must have a WoF (Warrant of Fitness, the government's safety check)
- should be currently registered with the NZTA. If it is not, you will need to register it.
Before you start your search for a car, check NZTA's advice on what to look for.
The government's Consumer Protection website has good advice on buying cars, how to avoid common problems and your rights as a purchaser.
Buying and selling a vehicle — NZTA
Tips for buying a used car — NZTA
If you are buying a car privately
If you are buying privately, make sure the current owner does not still owe money on the vehicle, or it might be repossessed. Check the Personal Property Securities Register run by the government's Companies Office.
Searching for a motor vehicle — Companies Office
Getting insurance
Vehicle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand.
However, 'third-party insurance', which insures you against having to personally pay the cost of damage to someone else's vehicle, is recommended as a minimum.
Taxis and app-based ride services
If you do not want to buy a car, and public transport is not suitable, you can take a taxi or use an app-based ride service. Search online to see what is available where you are.
Cycling
Cycling is popular in New Zealand and many people ride their bicycles to school or work in towns and cities.
Before you cycle in New Zealand, make sure you know the road rules. For example, it is mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet in New Zealand.
Flying
Flying is popular for longer trips, for both personal and business travel.
It takes only an hour to fly between Auckland and Wellington, compared to 8 to 10 hours of driving. The Wellington to Christchurch flight is about 50 minutes, compared to 5 or 6 hours driving, plus a 3-hour ferry trip.
There are 2 main domestic airlines, plus a small number of regional operators.
Find out how to book and what to expect when you fly.