Can you get around New Zealand without a car?

So if you're planning on traveling New Zealand without a car, don't worry! I know most people recommend renting/buying a car, but it is definitely not necessary. I enjoyed traveling New Zealand by bus and I don't feel like it made it any more difficult to see the country the way I wanted to.



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If you aren't renting a car, buses are the best and cheapest way to get around New Zealand. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities. InterCity, New Zealand's largest public bus network, is your main option.

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Car and campervan rental One of the best ways to solo travel New Zealand is in a rental car, campervan or motorhome.

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You can self-drive, join a guided tour, book flights, or take a train or bus. Passenger and vehicle ferries offer services between the North, South and other islands too.

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New Zealand is a relatively compact country, so you can see most of the country's highlights in two weeks. To explore more of the regions and get off the beaten track, you could easily spend three weeks or more exploring.

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Is New Zealand expensive to visit? New Zealand isn't cheap! Activities, car rentals and accommodations can really add up, making a trip to New Zealand very expensive. Eating in Aotearoa, whether in restaurants or even buying things from the grocery store, can be pricy as many of their goods are imported.

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The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61?F and 75?F. It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.

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Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.

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You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You can exchange an old-style paper licence if you need to. Highways can be narrow, winding and hilly. Car rental companies should provide you with information, or read what's different about driving in New Zealand.

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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.

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Backpackers might spend 1-2 months in the country but anyone that wants the best of New Zealand in a shorter time frame should aim for 2-3 weeks. That will give you enough time to experience everything you've ever heard about New Zealand.

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The cost of living in New Zealand, for one person in a major city, is between NZ$3,000-NZ$4,000 per month. A family of four can expect to need NZ$5,000-NZ$6,000 per month to live.

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