New Zealand Coach and Bus Companies

Within New Zealand the most extensive transport network is bus and coaches. You can get fixed itinerary passes or opt for a hop on hop off pass with allows to you just get off the bus or coach whenever you like. There are now also flexipasses which allow you to build your own route and pay based on the hours it takes.

Within the coach or bus category there are basically four main options –‘A to B’ type transport, ‘hop on hop off’, 'flexipass' and ‘coach tours’.

A TO B | HOP ON HOP OFF | FLEXIPASS | COACH TOURS | COMPANY LISTINGS

A TO B

A to B type coach transport is the basic transport method which just takes you straight from one place to the next with minimum stops and diversions along the way. This is the main service the locals use and is both an efficient and economical way of getting around New Zealand.

Pros

- Cheap and efficient way of getting round
- Can travel in sections rather than invest in a whole country pass
- More chance of meeting the locals!
- More flexibility if you change your plans half way around
- Can be combined with train travel, hitching, free lifts etc

Cons

- Lack of sightseeing; no tourist stops or diversions
- Less travellers on coaches compared to other coach services

HOP ON HOP OFF

This is the Backpacker Transport you will probably have heard most about due to the marketing that exists for it! Basically these are coach companies that have set routes around New Zealand. You buy a six month or one year pass allowing you to hop on and off their buses as they travel around these set routes. You can buy passes that allow you to travel around certain sections or the whole lot. They are also tourist based, stopping at sites of interest and taking in scenic routes and activities along the way.

Pros

- Flexible transport option if here for a year
- Meet like minded travellers
- Jump on and off along your trip –flexibility and freedom
- Buy a route that suits your chosen itinerary
- Includes sightseeing stops and activities along the way
- Hostels and activities booked ahead sometimes with discounts

Cons

- You must book your place ahead so they are not just exactly ‘hop on’
- Coaches can be booked up in peak season therefore not always possible to just hop on and off – this can cause big problems if your time is limited
- Some coaches can end up as a drunken college tour
- Stops and activities are subject to majority decision –may not get to do exactly what you want to do
- No refunds if you change your plans during travel

FLEXIPASS

A new type of bus pass Flexi-Pass is sold in blocks of time which allows you to travel on InterCity and Newmans coaches anywhere and in any direction around NZ. Similar to Greyhound buses in OZ but operates on hours rather than miles. This is the most flexible of all the bus passes (hence the name) and is a good option if you are unsure of where you want to head as you can change your mind as much as you want!!!

Pros

-Flexible bus pass with possibility of travel on any Intercity or Newmans Coach all over NZ
- Can top up pass with more hours like a pay as you go phone either online or by freephone
-See the whole of NZ for approximately $600
-Passes valid for 12 months
-Good option if you don't know your plans or change your mind a lot!!!

Cons

-Passes are non refundable once purchased

See www.backpackerbus.co.nz for more details and prices

Coach Tours

To view information on coach tours in New Zealand click here

Bus and Coach Company Listings

Flying Kiwi Adventure Tours (www.flyingkiwi.com)
Explore New Zealand the fun-packed flexible way for the holiday of a lifetime! Whether you're a seasoned outdoor-addict or a virgin adventurer, immerse yourself in one or more of the 10 unique Flying Kiwi expeditions designed to pack as much into a trip as you want.

Intercity Flexipass (www.backpackerbus.co.nz)
We offer affordable bus travel throughout New Zealand with our flexible and fixed itinerary travel passes, sightseeing packages and express services - with great discounts for backpackers. There are good roads to all parts of the country and our buses can take you to just about anywhere you'd want to go, plus you can sit back, relax and take in the awesome scenery.

Magic Bus (www.magicbus.co.nz)
Magic Travellers Network has been designed to ensure that you make the most of your time in New Zealand, offering you the flexibility of being able to get off the coach at any stage, to spend those extra few days at the places of your choice