Public transport

What public transport is best for you?

The public transport you choose will usually depend on what form of transport gets you closest to your destination. Most transport services have detailed timetables so you can plan in advance to catch a particular service. Public transport varies in its frequency, depending on demand. There are more services provided during the main commuting times, between 7:30am–9.00am and 5.00pm–7.00pm. Throughout the rest of the day, services will run less frequently but still on a regular basis. Most public transport stops at midnight, although in the weekends there are often after-midnight services. Student discounts are offered on some forms of public transport. Check before you buy your ticket, but be prepared, you may require your Student ID card.

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Walking

New Zealanders often choose to walk where possible. Walking is good exercise and safe during the day. Try not to travel alone at night. When travelling at any time, take all the normal precautions you would at home.

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Bicycles - cycling/biking

Riding a bicycle is a popular form of transport for short journeys and mountain biking off-road is a popular sport. Under New Zealand law, you must wear a helmet when cycling and you must have front and back lights on at night. Road rules apply to cyclists. Many New Zealand cities are introducing cycle lanes into their main routes to encourage commuters to use bicycles.

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Buses

Find out from local people, your education provider, or host family about the local bus service. You may need to purchase bus tickets from the driver or from a dairy or convenience store, which often sell long-term bus passes or multiple-trip tickets.

In larger towns and cities, buses will be regular throughout the day but less regular on weekends and holidays. During off-peak times, check the timetable before you go to the bus stop. Bus timetables are very useful; they are posted at bus stops and are also available on the internet. You can usually pick up your own copy from one of the large bus terminals or from information service locations throughout the city.

At rush hours the buses can get crowded. In New Zealand, there is a limit to the number of people who can ride on a bus at any one time. If a bus is full, it will not stop at the bus stop to pick more people up. If you are taking a bus alone, late at night, sit near the driver rather than at the back of the bus.

There are several long distance bus companies that travel between various cities and towns within New Zealand. Intercity Coachlines is the main long distance bus company and runs services to most places in both the North Island and South Island.

To find out more go to www.intercitycoach.co.nz.

There are a number of other smaller companies that run selected routes around New Zealand.

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Trains

There are two local train lines operating within Auckland, and several in Wellington. If you live near a train line, this can be a good mode of transport for daily travel. There are very few long distance trains.

The only train line in New Zealand providing transport between some major cities is Tranz Scenic, phone 0800 872 467 or visit: www.tranzscenic.co.nz. If you prefer, you can also check with a local travel agent if you are planning long distance travel.

If you wish to travel by train within Wellington you can look under Tranzrail in your local telephone book or go to www.tranzmetro.co.nz.

For information and bookings for rail travel within Auckland, phone (09) 366 6400 or go to: www.maxx.co.nz  or www.connexauckland.co.nz.

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Taxis

Taxis cost more than other forms of public transport but can be good for occasions when several people are sharing the fare, when you have a lot of luggage or when public transport is inconvenient or not available, such as late at night.

There are taxi stands in most suburbs and central city areas where taxis wait for passengers. You can also wave down taxis that are empty or you can phone a taxi company and ask them to send a taxi to pick you up. If you telephone for a taxi there will be an extra charge added to your fare.

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Ferries

Parts of Auckland and Wellington are well served by efficient harbour ferries that can be fast, economical and pleasurable ways to travel.

A regular ferry service connects the North Island and South Island. It runs between Wellington harbour and Picton. Cars and individual passengers can travel on board the ferry, though the cost of transporting a car is very expensive. If you book in advance you can often get considerable reductions on the price of the ticket.

Ferry services are provided by two shipping companies, Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry, go to: www.bluebridge.co.nz or free phone 0800 844 844, and Interislander Ferries, free phone 0800 802 802 or go to: www.interislander.co.nz.

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Planes

You can travel by plane to most parts of New Zealand. This form of transport is the most expensive but it’s also the quickest. Again, if you book in advance you can often get considerable reductions on the price of the ticket. You will need a credit card to book and purchase flights over the Internet.

For domestic flights, you will need to check in at the airport at least 30 minutes before your departure time; unless your domestic flight is connecting to an international flight, in which case it is advisable to check in one hour prior to departure.

It is also important to take photo ID with you.

The main domestic airlines are Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.co.nz and Pacific Blue www.pacificblue.co.nz.

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Student Travel Agency (STA)

STA travel is a very useful student travel agency that can arrange discounted plane tickets and holiday packages.

For more information, go to the STA travel website at www.statravel.co.nz.

It also issues International Student Identification Cards (ISIC) that are accepted throughout New Zealand and all over the world for student discounts.

However, they are not accepted as an official proof of age. If you want an identification card for this purpose you should think about getting a HANZ 18+ card.

You can get an application form for an 18+ card from: www.hanz.org.nz or pick one up at a New Zealand Post Shop. The card will cost you NZ$20. You will need to fill out a statutory declaration and provide certain documents to prove you are over 18 years of age and that you are who you say you are.