Best Transport in NZ for us?

Hi guys.

As part of our RTW trip, me and my mate will be in NZ for 5 weeks in around June next year.

I (and hopefully he will by when we leave) hold a full Uk driving license.

So what is the best option for us to see the country?

Hiring a campervan - there seems loads of websites, but it would be pretty cool - is it cost efficient for an 18 year old though?

Organised bus - eg Kiwi experience/ Magic quite pricey but less hassle?

Public transport - Most cost effective (obviously accom still needs to be paid for) and we will be quite used to using it having travelled S.E asia using public transport. But would it leave us out the backpacker 'loop'? Or is it still possible to meet people?

Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.

Tom Reply to this

Hey guys.

I think a lot of rental places have minimum ages for hire (I think between 21 and 25 is quite standard) - although I am sure there are some which will cater for ages younger than that (I think Spaceships hire to any age and they look really cool) but just thought worth mentioning so you know to look out for it in the terms and conditions. As you'll be in NZ in winter you should be able to pick up some cheap deals but also could be quite cold for sleeping in the great outdoors in some parts...

You can also pick up very cheap deals on campers which need relocating (eg if someone has done a one way hire from Auckland to Christchurch the company will let you hire the van at a discounted rate to get it back to Auckland) - sometimes as low as $1 a day! The only thing to watch out for with this is that they tend to have strict timescales for how long you've got to get it back and it's usually only between major cities.

You'll also find that a lot of people who have bought cars put up notices in hostels looking for people who want to join them to share petrol costs etc. Maybe a combination of hiring, buses and hitching lifts will allow you to be flexible and sample a bit of everything!

I've also heard that the Tranz Alpine train in the South Island is a journey worth doing...

Hope this helps, happy travels
Vikki Reply to this

Thanks for the reply, the only thing is, NZ is just part of my 6 month RTW trip, so I think we are doing things ourselves. Reply to this

Yeah...check into minimum ages for hiring a campervan, you might have troubles being 18yo. But if you can find one that'll take you, take a 4 berth van...that way, when you pick up the chickies (as you do)...you have separate double beds 😉

Take some good tunes to play...not many, just 3 or 4 CD's and play them over and over again...everytime I hear Warrant, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure or Kiss...it trawls back many excellent memories!

June is off-season for campers...they're about 1/3rd normal summer prices and very very cheap. They are quite satisfactory in the cold, they have good heating inside (electric). Do NOT stop and save a couple of bucks by camping on the side of the road...I've heard some horror stories that are not very pleasant!!! Just remember...don't do it. Stay at the caravan parks...they're dirt cheap and they're the best parks in the world for cleanliness and quality (at least all the one's I stopped in!).

I can't advise specifics on the south island...but the North Island is awesome.

Also...try leave valuables with a hotel in their safe while you're touring around...campervans are not very secure...especially the dodgy locks on the rear side door...we used rope to hold the door shut from the inside - we could open it just be jiggling the door handle. Reply to this

We are both very good skiers so would love to try out a resort outside of Europe. Is this possible as a backpacker? Can't see myself packing my salopettes! Reply to this

Hello, thought Id help out!!

I am an Australian Travel Agent that specialises in Backpacker travel everywhere in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. I am part of an exciting travel company called Peterpans Adventure Travel, that offers the best rates for fantastic backpacker holiday packages. I have lived in Australia my whole life, done loads of travel and am a great source of knowledge on whats great in Australia! Please don't hesitate with ANY questions you may have about Beautiful Australia or NZ!

Best options for travel around New Zealand as deffinatley the jump on jump off bus options. To explain in short, they are a guided buses full of backpackers and like minded travellers who take you around to the highlights on both islands on NZ. Instead of being on a fully guided tour where you don't have the flexibility to do what you want, you can jump on and off as many times as you like, anywhere you like.

The pass is valid for 6 months and you can choose from a variety of itineries depending on how long you have and what you want to see. You can jump off in one place and stay a few weeks if you like it or you can follow the pass around on the minimum trip time, just staying one night at each overnight stop.

Much better than catching public transport with a bus driver who doesn't speak a word to anyone and where it is full of children and non travellers, and much cheaper than a campervan or car hire to cruise around the islands. By the time you pay park fees, fuel and accommodation, these passes work out to be much better. It doesn't include food or accommodation, these are additional costs, but it is a great value option for those who like to learn, see and explore all the highlights and places of interest.

If you have any questions about this let me know, I have heaps of backpacker enquiries for these passes so and well informed of how they work!!

Happy travels!! Reply to this

Which bus company are you referring to? Reply to this

There's also Bottom Bus who concentrate on the southern half of the South Island. I did the full loop departing from Dundedin, had a great trip - and half the time was the only passenger! Reply to this

Hi Van,

Welcome to TravelBlog. How long ago was your trip? I just checked a few sites and 21 seems to be the standard minimum. Maybe it was a company policy.


Tom : Are you still considering car hire? The length of time you've held your licence could be an issue (some require you have had a full licence for 2 years). It would be easy enough to contact companies you may be considering and get definite answers from them. Reply to this

hey guys...

im a local kiwi dude, and to be honest if you want to have the most fun meet loads of people and have a good laugh just hitch hike.

its pretty common in nz, i hitch hiked down to wanaka (near queenstown) from hamilton (near auckland) in only a few days... of course stopping off each night for a few to many beers.

you will save alot of money and its always a good story to be able to say. Im in columbia at the moment but will be back in nz when you travel it... if you need a place to crash and a few good nights out with the locals your more than welcome to hit me up and ill see what i can do. (Around the Waikato district)

cheers Rikoh Reply to this