FernRoute

Your practical New Zealand travel guide

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Main gatewaysAuckland (AKL) • Christchurch (CHC)
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Rental carHighly recommended

Every road tells a story. Every journey creates a memory.

From the Far North to the deep south, FernRoute helps you discover the best of New Zealand—one destination at a time.

Getting Around New Zealand

Choose transport around the route you want—not the other way around. These are the practical options to compare before you book.

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Taxis & rideshare

Best for airports, evenings and short trips when public transport is inconvenient.

  • Uber operates in many larger centres; Blue Bubble serves cities across New Zealand.
  • Taxi ranks are common at major airports and city centres.
  • Compare the app fare with an airport shuttle when travelling alone.
Plan ahead: pre-book early-morning, rural and small-town journeys.
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Intercity buses

A practical car-free option between major towns and many tourist destinations.

  • InterCity connects destinations across both main islands.
  • Some routes have limited departures, especially outside peak season.
  • Check the exact stop—not every service uses a central bus station.
Plan ahead: book fixed travel days early and leave time for connections.
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Trains & ferries

Use these as memorable parts of an itinerary rather than a complete national network.

  • Scenic passenger trains run on selected long-distance routes.
  • The Cook Strait ferry links Wellington and Picton.
  • Vehicles, peak sailings and scenic trains should be reserved early.
Allow flexibility: weather can affect Cook Strait sailing times.
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Domestic flights

Worth comparing when long drives would consume too much of a shorter holiday.

  • Main centres are linked frequently; regional routes can be less frequent.
  • Compare baggage rules before comparing the final price.
  • Add airport transfers and check-in time to the journey—not only flight time.
Good for: Auckland–South Island travel or connecting distant regions.
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Rental cars & campervans

The most flexible choice for scenic routes, rural places and multi-stop itineraries.

  • Confirm licence requirements, insurance excess and one-way fees.
  • New Zealand roads often take longer than the distance suggests.
  • Campervans must use permitted camping locations and follow local rules.
Before booking: read the Driving in NZ tile above and build rest time into long days.

New Zealand Travel Hub

The essential information international visitors should understand before booking and travelling around New Zealand.

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Save Money

Simple choices that can reduce the cost of a New Zealand holiday.

  • ⛽Compare fuel pricesUse Gaspy before long driving days↗

Popular destinations

Open a destination and everything important stays on one easy page.

About FernRoute

FernRoute is an independently operated New Zealand travel-information website. It is not Tourism New Zealand, a government agency, a booking service or a representative of the businesses listed in its guides.

How information is selected: Places and services are included for their practical value to visitors. Government agencies, councils, DOC, NZTA, MetService, transport providers and official venue websites are preferred as sources.

Review process: Practical details are checked against available official sources when a guide is reviewed. Travel times are planning estimates, and visitors should confirm changing details with the relevant official provider before travelling or booking.

FernRoute does not currently accept paid placement or affiliate commission for inclusion in its destination lists. Corrections can be sent to hello@fernroute.co.nz.

Page reviewed by FernRoute
Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

Travel information disclaimer

FernRoute is an independent travel information guide. Information including opening hours, weather, road conditions, travel times, transport services and business details may change without notice. Always confirm important information with the relevant official provider before travelling or booking.

FernRoute is not affiliated with Tourism New Zealand, government agencies or the businesses listed on this website, and is not responsible for third-party websites, services or changes affecting your travel plans.

Travel safely: New Zealand’s weather, roads and outdoor conditions can change quickly. Check current information from MetService, NZTA, DOC and local authorities before long drives, alpine activities, walks or remote travel.

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