Around New Zealand by coach
An inexpensive, safe and convenient way to see the country
Coach travel in New Zealand is comfortable and enjoyable, giving access to most parts of a country where driving is not easy.
New Zealand is a hilly country, with comparatively narrow roads. Vehicles travel on the left. Overseas visitors frequently hire cars for touring, but a better alternative may be to travel between major destinations by air-conditioned coach – or ‘bus’, as the locals say.
Advantages
There are a number of advantages to coach travel. The first is, undoubtedly, your driver. These people seem to always ‘go the extra mile’ with service, with nothing too much trouble. Help with luggage, children, older passengers – with a smile. This leaves passengers free to take in the scenery, read a book, or go to sleep. On longer routes drivers provide an informative, frequently amusing, commentary. They are trained to be knowledgeable about the routes they traverse.
The coach
The second advantage is the coach itself. On major routes coaches are modern, spacious, well serviced, clean and comfortable; with airline-style seats, two each side of a generous aisle, large tinted windows and curtains to draw if required. Seats have personal overhead lighting and air control and can be made to recline. There is a roomy overhead rack for hand luggage – larger items are carried in compartments under the coach and offloaded for you at your destination. (You need to have your luggage clearly labelled with your name, address and destination). Unless it is peak season (especially school holidays) coaches are seldom full, meaning passengers may be able to make use of two seats for the price of one.
Routes
The third advantage is in the numerous routes available. If there is a road, a coach will be available to travel it (almost). One major coach company, “Intercity”, makes 3000 stops a day to 600 destinations, every day of the year including Christmas day and in all weather conditions. Major cities are linked with smaller provincial centres by roads that are not easy to drive, but experienced coach drivers get you there smoothly and comfortably, crossing mountain passes and wide plains, from beaches to high plateaux, as passengers sit back, relax and enjoy the view from above the rest of the traffic. New Zealand coaches have an enviable safety record.
Passes
Coach travel is cheaper than any other form of travel in New Zealand, except walking or hitchhiking (which is always risky). Special passes for long-distance travel taking in the most popular destinations can save up to 30 per cent on everyday fares, which themselves, if booked in advance, are really good value.
An example of price
An adult pass for the New Zealand “Scenic Explorer” coach costs approximately $NZ600. Departing daily from Auckland, it covers much of the North and South Island. The pass can be held for a maximum of three months as you get on and off as you please to enjoy destinations along the route.
Coach travel is a great way to enjoy the country and to meet people of all ages, both from New Zealand and “abroad”.
