Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Always carry your licence when driving. Drink-driving is a serious offence and remains a significant problem in NZ,
despite widespread campaigns and severe penalties. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for drivers over 20, and 0%
(zero!) for those under 20.
Hitching & Ride-Sharing
NZ is no longer immune from the perils of solo hitching. Those who decide to hitch are taking a small but potentially
serious risk. That said, it's not unusual to see hitchhikers along country roads.
Alternatively, check hostel noticeboards for ride-share opportunities, or have a look online at
www.carpoolnz.org
or
Local Transport
Bus, Train & Tram
The North Island's larger cities have extensive bus services but, with a few honourable exceptions, they are mainly day-
time, weekday operations; weekend services can be infrequent or nonexistent. Negotiating inner-city Auckland is made
easier by the Link and free City Circuit buses, and Hamilton also has a free city-centre loop bus. Most smaller North Is-
land cities have late-night buses for boozy Friday and Saturday nights.
The only cities with decent train services are Auckland and Wellington, with four and five suburban routes respect-
ively.
Taxi
The main cities have plenty of taxis and even small towns may have a local service.
Train
NZ train travel is about the journey, not about getting anywhere in a hurry.
KiwiRail Scenic Journeys
( 0800 872
467, 04-495 0775;
www.tranzscenic.co.nz
) operates two North Island routes, listed below; reservations can be made
through KiwiRail Scenic Journeys directly, or at most train stations (notably not at Palmerston North or Hamilton),
travel agents and visitor information centres:
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Capital Connection
Weekday commuter service between Palmerston North and Wellington.
»
Northern Explorer
Between Auckland and Wellington.
Train Passes
A KiwiRail Scenic Journeys
Scenic Journey Rail Pass
(
www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/scenic-rail-pass
)
allows unlimited
travel on all of its rail services, including passage on the Wellington-Picton Interislander ferry. There are two types of
pass, both requiring you to book your seats a minimum of 24 hours before you want to travel:
»
Fixed Pass
(1/2/3 weeks, per adult $599/699/799) Limited duration fares. It's a little bit less for kids.
