Can you get around New Zealand South Island without a car?


Can you get around New Zealand South Island without a car? New Zealand is an easy country to navigate. Buses go everywhere, cars constantly pick up hitchhikers, campervans are easy to rent, and backpacker bus tours zigzag around the country. Plus, there are scenic trains and plenty of domestic flights for those needing to save time.


Which is prettier North or South Island New Zealand?

The South Island is very different from the North Island. For starters it's larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has gorgeous coastline, though it's best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland.


Is 10 days enough for New Zealand?

For a 10-day trip, we recommend visiting up to four or five different destinations. Our 10-day itinerary locations are some of the most popular: Auckland the City of Sails, Wellington the cultural, art and food capital, and Queenstown the home of world-class adrenaline activities.


Is Queenstown an expensive city?

Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most exciting places to live, but the small south-island town comes with a hefty price tag. Queenstown is an expensive place to live, and house prices are regularly in the millions.


Is it safe to walk around Queenstown?

You just have to follow the normal common sense rules you would follow anywhere. Drunks tend to be noticeable and easy to avoid. Queenstown is well lit and there are always people around. Violence is rare.


How do you get around the South Island of New Zealand?

Being an island nation, ferries and water taxis are an important part of getting around New Zealand. Regular passenger and vehicle ferries connect the North and South Islands across Cook Strait, while a passenger ferry links the South Island with Stewart Island.


How many days in Queenstown is enough?

7 days in Queenstown is a good amount of time to explore and really get to know this vibrant town and surrounding area. However, planning your Queenstown itinerary can be a challenge, especially if it's your first time visiting!


What is the cheapest time to visit New Zealand?

High and low season in New Zealand The shoulder seasons (Mar–May and Sept–Nov) offer good value and accommodation discounts apply. The low season (June–Oct) is the cheapest time to travel, however prices remain high at resort towns with ski fields.


What is the coldest month in South Island New Zealand?

The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. In New Zealand generally there are relatively small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east of the ranges the variation is greater (up to 14°C).


What are the best months to visit South Island NZ?

The best time to visit the South Island of New Zealand is December to February if you're looking to experience outdoor fun in optimum summer weather. The average daily temperature ranges from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, but bear in mind that the farther south you venture, the cooler lows you may face.


What is the scariest thing to do in Queenstown?

Queenstown is the home of New Zealand's scariest Haunted House! Based in Beach Street, in the CBD, we offer a real, live-action horror experience Challenge yourself and your friends to walk the dark hallways of the old Lockhart Hotel…fun and frights await! Who knows who - or what!


How many days do you need to see South Island New Zealand?

How long should I set aside for the South Island in New Zealand? You'll need at least 10 days to properly see the South Island, and that's why this blog post has been written as a 10-day itinerary. However, there is so much to see in the South Island that you can really stay here as long as you have the time for.


Is it easy to get around Queenstown without a car?

Getting around Queenstown is easy, whether you use the $2 public bus network, explore the region by foot or by bike on the Queenstown Trail, or hire your own car. For an extra scenic option, hop on the Queenstown ferry network which operates scheduled daily services from Frankton to Queenstown.


Is it easy to drive in South Island New Zealand?

The roads are often narrow and hilly with twists and turns so may take longer to drive than you expect. Our time and distance calculator can help you plan your itinerary. Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are two-way with one lane in each direction and no barriers in-between.


Is Queenstown a walkable city?

In Queenstown, a little light exercise is rewarded with big spectacular views. The Whakatipu Basin is a walkers' paradise. You don't even need to go far from the town centre to connect deeply with nature and experience some of the best day walks in Queenstown.


What is the cheapest way to travel in Queenstown?

Getting around Queenstown is easy, whether you use the $2 public bus network, explore the region by foot or by bike on the Queenstown Trail, or hire your own car.


Is there a dress code in Queenstown?

Is there a dress code? Pretty much anything goes in terms of dress code in Queenstown. We've never seen anyone get refused with flip flops/jandals/thongs on but, to be safe, we recommend you stick to enclosed shoes.


What is the best way to explore the South Island New Zealand?

Driving is the perfect way to see the scenic South Island, with great roads through the Southern Alps before swinging back north up the Otago coast. Having a car or campervan to get around means you can structure this route as you want with the added bonus of being able to arrive in places earlier than the tour buses!