Luxury Holidays, Accommodation and Experiences

Getting Around New Zealand

New Zealand offers independent travellers a perfect combination of dramatic landscapes, lush wilderness, accessible adventure, a safe and clean environment, engaging locals, beautifully designed accommodations and great local food and wine. It is the sort of country where you can pull off the highway and explore down a forested trail to safely enjoy a gloriously deserted beach. Make sure you take the time to explore and enjoy, allowing 2-4 nights at your accommodations so you really get to know the region and do some of the amazing activities on offer. Don't underestimate the driving time between towns and destinations. The route many look short but you will be travelling along wild coastlines and through high mountain passes, and you will want time to stop on the way. The links below provide advice for getting around New Zealand. For an overview of North and South Island destinations see New Zealand Collection.

Air New Zealand

Airlines

International Flights to New Zealand

You are likely to arrive into New Zealand at one of the two main international hubs, Auckland Airport in the North Island or Christchurch Airport in the South Island. There are also useful direct flights from Australia to Queenstown and a few regional airports. On arrival most people either fly on to their chosen destination or collect their hire car transport. See the airport links listed above for rental car services. Flights between regional airports can save a lot of time, especially between the two islands. 

Air New Zealand is New Zealand's award winning flagship airline and offers the most connections between international and local flights. The following airlines also fly into New Zealand:

Domestic Flights within New Zealand

Air New Zealand internal flights are a great way to keep driving distances down and to have more time to explore.  Bear in mind luggage restrictions for domestic travel. There are good connections to most domestic airports through the 3 main hubs:

Auckland to/from:

Bay of Islands
Blenheim
Dunedin
Invercargil
Napier
Nelson
Queenstown
Taupo

Wellington to/from:

Blenheim
Dunedin
Invercargil
Napier
Nelson
Queenstown
Taupo
Wanaka

Christchurch to/from:

Blenheim
Dunedin
Invercargil
Napier
Nelson
Queenstown

International Gateways:

Auckland
Christchurch
Queenstown (Australia)
Dunedin (Australia)
Hamilton (Australia)
Rotorua (Australia)
Wellington

Auckland Seaplanes operate flights from Auckland and scenic flights around the Hauraki Gulf.

Stewart Island Air operate flights to Stewart Island from Invercargil and scenic flights within Stewart Island.

See also Mainland Air for small charter flights throughout NZ.

Budget Rental Cars

Self-drive Holidays

Car Hire

We recommend Budget Rental Cars.  Ask about free one-way rentals for 3+ day hires and a continuous rental period incorporating internal flights and ferries. Rental cars can be collected and returned to most New Zealand airports (but check). In winter, request that your vehicle is "winterised" and carries chains if you plan to drive to the ski resorts. Driving Times: Our interactive map allows you to map your itinerary around New Zealand. Look up our regional pages for driving times or check directions between your destinations on Google Maps or Bing.  Tourism New Zealand also has a useful driving time calculator

Harley Davidson Rental

Harley Davidson Rental & Tours starting in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and the Coromandel bike rental or complete itineraries with all your accommodations booked ahead.

New Zealand Road Code

Study the New Zealand road rules and test your knowledge before you set off.  New Zealand Road Code Test 

Safe journey

Transfers, Chauffeured Touring and Private Tours

Chauffeurs & Guides

We work with a number of drivers / guides who can accompany you for all or part of your itinerary.  They can arrange all your accommodation and activities to meet your specific budget and interests.   Kiwi Dundee & Wildsouth Discoveries offer a Companion Guiding service for all of the BoutiqueTravl.nz Itineraries

Transfers and Private & Small Group Tours

After the long international flight, you may want to start your New Zealand vacation with a driver and guide for a few days or a one-way transfer before hiring a car.  Coromandel-based Kiwi Dundee offer private special interest nature tours throughout North Island. Christchurch based Canterbury Trails and Wildsouth Discoveries offer private and small group tours and one-way transfers throughout South Island and private special interest nature tours around South Island.  Most accommodations will know a local companies which offer transfers and private day tours in their area.

Interislander Ferries

Ferries

Interislander operate ferries between Wellington and Picton. The journey time is about 3.5 hours. Note that many hire car companies will require you to change vehicle and check your luggage during the voyage.

Other useful ferries include Fullers passenger ferry from Auckland waterfront to Waiheke and the car ferry operated by Sealink from Auckland to Waiheke Island.

Trains

There are commuter train services running south of Auckland and north of Wellington. The Great Journeys of New Zealand has at its heart three scenic train journeys each has its own distinctive flavour but all embody the same unique and authentic kiwi character.          

  • TranzAlpine - A journey over the majestic Alps of New Zealand between Christchurch and Greymouth.
  • Coastal Pacific – A journey along the edge of the world between Picton and Christchurch.
  • Northern Explorer – A journey through the heart of the North Island between Auckland and Wellington.

Drivers & Transport Options