Public transportation in New Zealand is developed quite qualitatively.
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Transportation in New Zealand
Public transportation in New Zealand: its peculiarities and ticket prices.
Buses are the most common way to travel around the country, they are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, toilets, and often equipped with TVs. There are always stops on long journeys. Tickets for such flights are quite expensive. There are city buses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Ask the driver which direction the bus is going before you get on, without relying on the schedule.
Trolleybuses are also available in Wellington. Tickets cost from 1.20 to 3 NZD depending on the length of the trip (routes are divided into zones). Tickets can be purchased at special kiosks.
Traveling by train is very comfortable, but the rail network includes only 8 lines with one train a day, and the prices are quite high. All trains have buffets, but all cars are only first class, there are no sleeping cars. It is the best transportation to travel between the country's main cities - Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. You can get to all the islands' major attractions, such as Tongariro National Park, Marlborough Vineyards, and Kaikoura 'whale country'.
Ticket prices are roughly as follows:
- Auckland-Wellington: a one-way ticket costs 198 NZD, travel time 10 hours 30 minutes;
- Christchurch-Greymouth: a one-way ticket costs 185 NZD, travel time 4 hours 30 minutes;
- Picton-Christchurch: a one-way ticket costs 136 NZD, travel time 5 hours 20 minutes;
The ferry service between the North and South Islands is a common way of getting around here. The Arahuka and Aratikai ferries are comfortable, equipped with bars, restaurants, and lounges. You can take a car across the strait by ferry, but it will cost a certain, and not very small, amount of money (around 150-200 NZD). Ferries have several trips a day from Wellington to Picton. Travel time is 3 hours, and the trip costs about 44 NZD (or about 22 NZD if booked a week in advance).
Cars here are more often old and worn out. All that is required of a car is that it drives. So take this into account when renting a car, local car companies offer much cheaper cars than the tried and tested world brands. But the condition of the cars may be corresponding.
Air transport plays an important role in domestic transportation. The country has four international airports - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Kingston.
Taxis are metered and use firm fares. Tipping is optional for cab drivers. In addition to regular cabs, there is a shuttle service; these are minibuses that operate around the clock. The fare for a shuttle cab depends on the number of passengers (maximum 10 people).
There are fast passenger catamarans between the islands, the trip takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets cost around 60 NZD and are best booked in advance.
