Are you a seasoned traveller keen to get off the beaten track and explore New Zealand on your own terms or would you prefer to sit back while someone else takes care of the details? From intrepid explorer to dedicated hedonist, New Zealand caters to all kinds of visitors!

Organised Tours

If you don’t want to miss a thing but prefer to let someone else do the driving, why not book a tour for all or part of your visit? New Zealand has an excellent system of coach, rail and ferry operators offering city-to-city transfers and all-inclusive tours. Discounted passes allowing multiple coach journeys are a great option for budget-conscious travellers; specialised activity tours aimed at backpackers extend the convenience of a multi-journey bus pass to accommodation and activities. For a more packaged itinerary, there are a range of options available to suit all budgets and interests, with the advantage of a dedicated tour guide and the convenience of having accommodation, meals and luggage taken care of. Look for special-interest tours such as wine-tasting or Lord of the Rings packages. For tour operator details, see the listings in the Tours section.

Free Independent Travellers

New Zealand is the ultimate destination for independent travellers of all ages and interests! New Zealanders have a proud history of exploring every corner of their country, so it’s well equipped for those that like to go it alone. Transport is often a major expense for those that like to explore, however New Zealand offers a range of travel passes to make your budget stretch further. Look for multi-flight air passes, coach passes offered by major bus lines and rail passes. The New Zealand Travel Pass offers unlimited travel with InterCity Coachlines and Newmans Coachlines, plus the Interislander Ferry. See www.travelpass.co.nz for further information.

Travelling with Family

New Zealand is a great place for families to enjoy an unforgettable adventure. Rent a car to make transporting the whole family easy: vehicles of all sizes are available, from small cars to roomy people-movers. Self-contained motels with kitchen facilities and apartments, with kitchen and laundry, are an excellent, cost-effective option for families and groups. Camping grounds are another good value option, with cabins as well as sites for tents and campervans. Although you’ll usually share bathroom and kitchen facilities with other guests, camping grounds are often equipped with a playground, games room and/or television room, making them perfect for families with children!

Romantic Vacations

From the unique pleasure of exploring the wilderness as a couple to the luxury of a romantic retreat in a boutique lodge, New Zealand offers plenty of ways for you to indulge your romantic side. And if you’re about to take the next big step, New Zealand is also an increasingly popular location for weddings! From a traditional church ceremony to a unique setting such as a garden or a beach, you’ll find the perfect spot. A wedding planner can help organise the details.

On the Road

So you’ve decided to take a road trip? You’re in for the time of your life, but before you hit the road, there are a few things to consider. Driving in New Zealand is relatively easy: roads are good, signage is clear and by international standards the roads are uncrowded. It can, however, be a long way between towns, particularly in the South Island, so keep your petrol topped up and make sure you allow yourself plenty of time.

Highways between main centres are sealed and well-maintained, but they are not multi-lane roadways. Highways may have passing lanes to allow overtaking. If you must overtake where there is no passing lane, take extreme care and don’t overtake if there is a solid yellow line on your side of the centre-line. Traffic in New Zealand drives on the left-hand side, as in the UK.

If you encounter one lane bridges, signs will indicate which side has the right-of-way – a red arrow in the direction you are travelling means you must give way.

The speed limit is 50kph (30mph) in urban areas and 100kph (60mph) on the open road. It’s unwise to speed because police highway patrol vehicles cruise the highways and speed cameras are used. Speed limits have been set to accommodate the varied terrain in New Zealand, where many roads are steep or winding.

Visitors hiring a car must provide their home country licence, as long as it is in English. If the licence is in another language, an International Driver’s Permit or English translation is required. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. There are very strict laws on drinking and driving and the best advice is simply don’t drink and drive. We recommend you read the Visitors and New Residents section on the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website before driving in New Zealand.