Navigating New Zealand without a car is entirely possible through a combination of national bus networks, scenic trains, and ferries. InterCity is the primary bus operator, offering extensive routes connecting major towns and cities across both islands. For a more social experience, "hop-on-hop-off" buses like Kiwi Experience or Stray are popular with backpackers. The country also boasts world-class scenic rail, such as the TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth) and the Northern Explorer (Auckland to Wellington). To move between the North and South Islands, the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries provide a 3.5-hour journey across the Cook Strait. Within cities like Auckland and Wellington, public transport is robust, and many regional hubs are bike-friendly or serviced by local shuttles for hikers heading to Great Walks trailheads.