Getting Around

Self drive

Renting a car or campervan means maximum flexibility. A rental car enables you to stay in less expensive hostels outside city centres. With a campervan, of course, accommodation is part of the package so you’ll only need to pay for a site at a camping ground or find a freedom camping spot. For a group of people travelling together, renting a car or camper is a particularly cheap option. Click here to choose from one of the many budget self-drive options available around New Zealand. If you’re planning a longer road trip, buying (and re-selling) a car might be cheaper than renting. Good starting points for buying cheap cars in New Zealand are Turners Auctions, Trade Me and Backpackers Car Market. Remember that vehicles require a Warrant of Fitness and Registration, and check out licence regulations at the NZ Transport Agency website. www.nzta.govt.nz

Tours

Backpacker bus tours offer friendship, fun and a really great range of destinations and activities. New Zealand offers a good network of coaches. For ultimate convenience and maximum savings bus travel passes are a good option, or join a backpacker bus network. Backpacker hop-on, hop-off coaches offer great flexibility and with some networks you can add boat or train trips and activities. New Zealand bus passes often include discounts on backpacker accommodation and activities. Check our activity and transport sections for information on tours and New Zealand public transport.

Self drive versus tours

Advantages of self drive travelling:

• Maximum independence
• Save money on accommodation in campervans
• You never know what you might find along the road
• Self drive can work out cheaper, especially when you are sharing your car with several travel mates

Advantages of tours:

• No need to plan the details
• Hop-on, hop-off coach passes are a good-value and flexible compromise
• Tours are a safe option – and there’s little chance of getting lost
• Meet heaps of like-minded travellers on your bus
• Enjoy the knowledge of local guides