The soc.culture.new-zealand faq : TRAVEL WITHIN NZ

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The soc.culture.new-zealand list of Frequently Asked Questions prepared by Phil Stuart-Jones 1994-1997, Lin Nah 1998.

Subject: B5 TRAVEL WITHIN NZ

Be warned that transport services are likely to be VERY well patronised around the beginning and end of any school or university holiday period, Easter break, long weekends and Christmas period. These change yearly so anything more specific would be pointless. If you want more accurate dates, refer to section B3.4 Holidays.

Subject: B5.1 Info Sources

B5.1.1 Tourism Board

There is one. There is also the Visitor Information Network which has conspicuous black, green, and white signs including a large italic 'i' at the left hand end, throughout NZ cities/towns. http://www.nztb.govt.nz/

B5.1.2 Maps

Tourist Maps (ones for each town with the sights marked etc) can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre of that area. Usually these are free.

Road Maps can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre, the Automobile Association shop, Bookshops and Petrol Stations. The AA Shop and big bookshops will have a good selection. Petrol stations tend to stock regional maps only.

For maps on walking tracks or other geographical maps of NZ can be obtained from the nearest branch of the Land Information New Zealand (was the Department of Survey and Land Information), or the Department of Conservation. Visitor Information, Bookshops and the AA are likely to have the maps too.

It pays to carry a light tent and be prepared to camp if travelling in the more popular places during the summer. Watch out for Giardia. Boil drinking water in areas known to be infected (ask at a DoC office) and FOLLOW the rules for waste disposal; we don't want it to spread...

Subject: B5.2 Accommodation

There is a wide variety of accommodation available in NZ, with something to suit each budget or travelling mode. Travellers will be spoilt for choice. Types of accommodation include Hotels, Motels, Backpackers, Bed and Breakfast, Camping Ground, Caravan Parks, Holiday Parks, Farm Stay etc.

As a rule it pays to book accommodation (and transport) well in advance if you plan on being here during the tourist season (November to March). Booking is less important with Backpacker style accommodation. If you have access to a web browser, you will find the URLs available in Section B5.2.6 "Online Accommodation Guides" a useful starting point.

B5.2.1 Hotels

Basically these are buildings with rooms rented out by the night. They tend to have a dining facility like a cafe or restaurant, bellboys to help you with bags etc.

The price and quality depends on the type of hotel it is.

There are budget hotels that provide the basic room. Some even have cheaper rooms if you share facilities. An example is the Kiwi International Hotel in Auckland where the price starts from about NZ$70 per night.

At the other end of the scale there are luxury 5 star hotels where the average double room is at least $150 - $200 per night during off peak. There are very few 5 start hotels in NZ, the good ones are mostly four star hotels.

The mid-range hotels are at least $100/room/night. The Chains in this range include, Quality Hotel, Flag Inns and Best Western.

B5.2.2 Motels and Motor Lodges

These are by far a more popular choice of accomodation compared to hotels. As with other accomodation modes, the range is from cheap to expensive.

Motels are typically big units that usually have full kitchen facilities. They are suitable for families as you request for units that have more than one room. You should be able to park your car near your unit. Most motels will not have a dining facility. The larger or more upmarket ones may have a restaurant. There's definitely no room service though many of them provide breakfast if you wish to order it (at additional cost of course).

The range of prices go from around $60 per night to $200 per night.

Two examples of recent motel experiences: 27 Dec 97 - Motel in Taupo at $160 per night. It was essentially a 2 room unit. There were 2 king sized beds, a huge bathroom, a spa pool, tv and a kitchen. The kitchen had a dining area with a table that will accommodate 6 people. The kitchen facilities include a microwave, fridge, toaster, electric kettle, stove, a set of cutlery and crockery, tea, coffee (plunger coffee), and milk. Towels and toiletries like shampoo, and soap were provided. There was a swimming pool in the Motel.

September 97 - Motel in Hamilton $65 a night. 1 bedroom unit with Queen sized bed, tv and arm chair. Kitchen had microwave, stove, toaster etc with table that seats 2 ppl. Bathroom was small with shower, toilet and sink.

B5.2.3 Backpackers

Some information about backpackers: For those of you not familiar with backpackers here's a quick rundown. Most of the time you have multiple beds in a room. This can be either single beds or bunk beds. Backpackers are either old houses converted into backpackers or purpose built buildings. Each backpacker has a kitchen as backpackers tend to cook their meals to lower their cost.

Some backpackers segregate their rooms by genders and some don't. Same goes for toilets and bathrooms. Many backpackers also have single and double rooms but the price is more. Bunk beds in dorms range from NZ$10 a night.

The kitchens (whether purpose built or not) tend to be designed so that more than one person can cook at the same time. So at blenheim backpackers, by each stove was a food prep area with its own knives, forks, pots, bowls etc. There's more than one stove. There are ovens and microwaves. There's more than one fridge too but most of the time there are no freezers. At the backpackers in Dunedin, the fridge was one of those multidoor ones you get at dairies or petrol stations. This was a four door fridge with glass doors and shelves.

There are no chores (not even at the YHA). However you have to clean up your own mess. ie if you cook, you have to do your own dishes and should give the stove and bench you used for food prep a wipe. The detergent for dishes is provided.

There is a lounge and dining room. There's showers, toilets but very rarely are there baths. It is not usual to have an ensuite. In fact at Topspot(Kaioura), in the main house, none of the rooms there had ensuites. But at the newer house, each room had an ensuite. Even if you check out by 10am, you can hang around and use the communal facilities (lounge/kitchen/shower/toilet) till you leave. all you need to do is vacate your bed and room.

All backpackers have a laundry facility with washing machine and dryer. Some of them are coin operated. I brought my own laundry detergent. You either buy a small bottle to take travelling with you or some backpackers sell small packets of washing detergent.

Sometimes you can lock your rooms (so only people in your room have the key to it) and at other times there's no key. If they lock up at night, you can find out the combination or key if you plan to come in later. You should keep your food in the kitchen. There are lockers there and the fridge. no one steals it as you have to label the bag/box with your name.

I bring a sleeping bag to sleep in. you can bring your own sheets and blankets. Some do provide bed linen and blankets. The backpackers guides or YHA guide (booklets) usually tell you what's provided. Otherwise you can ask when you ring to book. Usually they are quite flexible. So if I decide to stay on the same place, all I have to do is tell them before 10am (the normal checkout time). Usually you only need to book a day or two ahead. Unfortunately since we were travelling over the peak time, many places were full so I booked weeks earlier (last weekend of nov). By then a couple of places were fully booked.

Each backpacker is unique. Whether it is a good backpacker or not depends on the people who run it. Many I have encountered view it as a way of life. They love meeting travellers. They often help you by providing Information about the area, and any travel related help. For example they may have the timetable of trips. Some even ring up to make the bookings for you. They can provide some very useful advice (what to see, where to eat, where to go , what's on etc) They usually have a map handy for that area with important spots marked out (like the nearest supermarket etc)

The atmosphere they create is quite important to the people who stop there for the night (or longer).

Sometimes they join in or organise social events for the people staying there that night. For example it is not uncommon to find a notice on the noticeboard saying "BBQ tonight - bring something to throw on the grill". So you socialise with the other travellers. Or sometimes everyone contributes a small amout of money for the stuff.

It is not uncommon to strike up conversation with other travellers either in the lounge or dining room. This is handy for picking up travelling hints. It is quite interesting hearing of others travelling experiences.

B5.2.3.1 Youth Hostel Association

There are about 58 YHA hostels throughout NZ. YHA are a few dollars more per night than Backpackers. The YHA web site is http://yha.org.nz/

YHA (Youth Hostel Association) NZ PO Box 436, Christchurch, NZ Phone: (+64 3) 379 9970 Fax: (+64 3) 365-4476 email: info@yha.org.nz * you can get the info from your nearest youth hostel.

As an indication, This info from Judy Shorten: "The Auckland Youth Hostel, called City Hostel is excellent. Twin bed rooms, small shop and dining facilities on the premises, tourism information available, etc. It is approx. $18 per night, and you can also buy a 20/230 card which allows you to stay 20 days in any YHA around New Zealand for $230. You also can request the bus from the Airport to drop you off right at the door. There is another YHA in Parnell, a couple of miles out of the central city area."

Lin adds: You do not have to be a YHA member to stay at a YHA hostel. Non members can get a starter card where you pay $4 more per night for up to six nights. After six nights (if these are within six months of starting the card), you trade the starter card for a year's YHA membership, without additional cost. YHA membership is quite cheap - only around $25/yr. It is worth it if you are travelling around NZ as you will be eligible for certain discounts like 50% on standby flights or 30% discount on any travel by bus or train and other discounts.

B5.2.3.2 Backpackers

There are many different booklets on backpackers accommodation to NZ. They can be obtained free from the visitor information centres or backpackers. Only the 2 - 3 more popular guides are available.

During peak season, you only need to book up to a week ahead. However if you are looking for double rooms or family type rooms in backpackers, you best book earlier as those are quite scarce. During off peak season sometimes you can either just turn up or book a day or two ahead.

It is possible to get the backpackers you are at to 'forward book' you to the next place. Most of them are happy to do it without payment for the service or charge a minimal fee.

The number of groups catering for backpackers is expanding rapidly with nice new accommodation being built (at least in Christchurch!). In Auckland, Wellington, Chch and Queenstown, there are also a couple of backpackers travel centres.

Other than the YHA card, there's the VIP Backpacker discount card. The VIP card gives you similar discounts to the YHA card train and bus seats. There are also other discounts available. This can be purchased at backpacker travel centres, certain backpacker hostels (usually the hostels within the VIP chain). The cards are not available to NZers. For more information try this contact: Galaxy Holdings Ltd (Trading as VIP Backpacker Resorts Int'l NZ) 9 Fort Street Phone: (+64 9) 357 0177 Auckland Fax: (+64 9) 358 1142 New Zealand email: nztravel@iprolink.co.nz

Prices are normally $8-20/night for a room.

Backpacker accommodation in Chch: Dreamland 03-3663519 21/23 Packe St Foley Towers 03-3669720 208 Kilmore St Stonehurst Hotel 03-3794620 241 Gloucester St Charlie Browns 03-3798429 268 Madras St

Backpacker accommodation in Auckland: Parkside Backpackers Inn 09-3098999 189 Park Road, Grafton Aotea Backpackers Hostel 09-3033350 295 Queen Street, Central Kiwi Hilton Backpackers 09-3583999 430 Queen Street, Central Auckland Central Backpackers 09-3584877, fax 09-3584872 cnr Fort Street & Jean Batten Place, Central Central City Backpackers 09-3585685, fax 09-3584716 26 Lorne Street, Central

The odd thing is that when two of these (Aotea Backpackers Hostel and Kiwi Hilton Backpackers) were checked recently (3/97), they stated that they will NOT accommodate NZers, and that people who just turn up get priority over people who book in advance!

Here are the details of who published guides:

Budget Backpackers Hostels NZ Ltd ( http://www.backpack.co.nz ) This is the main/Blue book with over 200 hostels in it. Mark Dumble: 99 Titiraupenga St, Taupo, NZ Phone/fax: (07) 377 1568; email: bbh@clear.net.nz Eric Foley: 208 Kilmore St, Christchurch, NZ Phone/fax: (03) 379 3014; email: bbh@backpack.co.nz

NZ Backpacker Hostels Association Ltd PO BOX 5475, Auckland, NZ

Backpackers Accommodation Down-Under PO Box 4446, Auckland, NZ Phone: (09) 303 4482 Fax: (09) 443 8004

ATA (Accommodation Travel Activities) PO Box 8, Kaikoura, NZ Phone or fax:(03) 319 5916 (03) 319 5359 (business hours only)

There is an internet resource called The Internet Guide to Hostelling which, among other things, contains a list of hostels in New Zealand. It is available via WWW, Gopher, FTP, and Email. The WWW URL is: http://www.hostels.com/

For information on how to access the guide in other ways send email to: info@hostels.com.

B5.2.4 Miscellaneous

Cabins in motorcamps are usually the next step 'down' from motels.

Campervan parks: There is a free brochure by the CCA whose members run the parks for campervans, camping grounds etc. This is avail at the Visitor Info centre in Queen St.

Department of Conservation huts in National Parks have variable facilities, with charges reflecting this; a few simple shelters are free, the more comfortable huts (gas stoves, mattresses) are $15/night.

You can always bring a tent...

B5.2.5 Published Accommodation Guides

These can be purchased from Visitor Information Centres (or at least from the ones in the main cities) and bookshops.

Jasons publishes several guides. There's one on Hotels and Conference Centres. The Jason's Budget Accommodation gives information about cabins, tourist flats, cheap motels, camping and caravan sites. There is also Jason's Motels and Motor lodges. Some consider them more comprehensive than the AA books.

The AA guides provide an extensive outline of all types of accommodation for all areas as well as local attractions. There's one for each Island as well as one for the whole of NZ.

There's a guide to Bed and Breakfasts in NZ

B5.2.6 Online Accommodation Guides

Destination NZ page of Accommodation Links http://url.co.nz/cgi-bin/searchnz.cgi?category=accom

Jasons accommodation guides http://www.nz-travel.co.nz/accom/index_acc.cfm The page takes you to the Jasons Online Accommodation guides. The guides are listed below and are searchable. - Jasons Motel guide - Jasons Hotel Guide/Conference Directory - Jasons Budget Accommodation guide (incl. holiday parks and campgrounds) - The New Zealand Bed & Breakfast Book - Jasons Backpacker and Hostels Online

AA Accommodation Guide http://www.aa.org.nz/accom/ YHA Guide http://www.yha.org.nz/ Budget Backpacker Hostels http://www.backpack.co.nz/ Worldwide Hostel guide - NZ http://www.hostels.com/nz.html NetTravel NZ Accommodation http://www.nettravel.co.nz/ Unique Hotels & Lodges http://www.unique-lodges.co.nz/

Subject: B5.3 Transport

Trains are good but have limited distribution. Buses tend to be more flexible and there are a variety of regional bus passes available. Information should be available from the relevant booking offices. Bus tickets for around the South Island are around $250 per person. The 'Travelpass' offers unlimited travel on Tranz Rail (formerly New Zealand Rail) trains and InterCity buses for, for example, five days travel over fifteen days, or fifteen days travel over five weeks. A further option (to be taken at time of purchase) is to add one trip by air with Ansett New Zealand at extra cost.

Unofficial details on 'Travelpass' are at: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/rail/travelpass.html

There's are also 'through fares' (you have to ask for them) but there are limited seats. Typically: Auckland to Picton $108 Auckland to Christchurch $159 and these include a seat on the train then the Interislander. Unofficial details at: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/rail/money.html.

Buses and trains have seats discounted at around 20-50% but there are limited seats each day allocated on a first come first serve basis. So the earlier you book the more chance you have of getting them, eg. try to make bookings for Christmas/New Year break in mid-October and you may find many of the cheap fares are gone.

There are a variety of other discounts available for students, senior citizens, YHA members and so on.

'The Kiwi Experience' and similar budget travel systems are worth investigating if you want less structured transport arrangements. Due to an increase in theft and vandalism, leaving vehicles on the main roads has become unwise. Always remove valuables and lock it when leaving the vehicle.

Backpackers card holders (includes YHA cards) also gives you a 30% discount on any bus or train fare on the main bus lines or TranzRail.

B5.3.1 Cycling/Sea Kayaking

Excellent cycling in NZ but it pays to like hills... Bringing a bike in from overseas is often a good idea and resale here is possible although it may take several weeks at some times of the year. ALWAYS lock your bike solidly to something immobile when you aren't actually on it. For cycle tourists, there are two books available - Cycle Touring in the South Island and Cycle Touring in the North Island. There is also one that covers both islands, but apparently there are many mistakes in it.

Lin Nah kindly generated this contribution:

"For the Auckland area, go to the Auckland visitor's centre and ask for advice. For further afield, look into one of the packages like Wild Cycles offered by Kiwi experience [phone (64 9) 366 1665; fax (64 9) 357 0524] there are probably other companies that offer similar packages.

Here's a list of places to rent bicycles from (typed late 1993).

Auckland

Name Phone Fax Address

Bicycle Tour Services 276 5218 276 5218 PO Box 11296 Cycle Xpress 379 0779 11 Beach Road Kiwi Experience 366 1665 357 0524 PO Box 1553 Mountain Bike Hire 358 9893 575 5105 5/28, Armadale Rd, Remuera NZ Pedaltours 302 0968 302 0967 PO Box 37575, Parnell Pedal Packers 302 0880 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell Pedal Pushers 360 0512 Ring when arrive in Auckland Penny Farthings 379 2524 309 1559 PO Box 8829, Symond St Ross Adventures 357 0550 357 0502 PO Box 33686, Takapuna

If you are interested in the Kiwi Experience, they have something called Wild Cycles. This combines their bus trips and cycling. KE runs a cheap bus network in both the North and South Island. So the deal in Wild Cycles (as I understand it) is that you can send you luggage ahead by the bus. So you carry the minimal necessities with you while you are cycling. If you are tired of cycling (tired, fed up, too hot, too cold and whatever excuses you want to discontinue) just stop on the road side along one of their routes and flag the next KE bus that comes along. It is also good for those who only have time to cycle one way and have to take the bus back.

Unfortunately no one seems to have email 8-(

The ones below I have not called. They are either not within the Auckland calling area or are within the Auckland area but no one replied whan I called.

Name Phone Address

Adventure South 03 332 1222 Box 33153 Christchurch Classic Cycle Tours 06 358 9893 Box 4499, Palmerston North Desert Coast Bikes 09 411 8612 47 Waitea Rd, Muriwai Rock Hard Mountain Bike 07 892 2938 National Park Sounds Cycling 03 578 0442 2 Selwyn St, Blenheim"

David Morris offers: "Another option: Active Leisure Cycle Express, cnr Beach Rd/Anzac Ave, Auckland. Ph 379-7790. The guy who runs it is a real cycle nut... his knowledge of touring is encyclopaedic.

"If I want any work done on my machine I go to him. Can't give a better recommendation that that!"

John McHarry sent me this e-mail: "NZ Pedaltours operates fully supported cycle tours in both the North and South Islands. These include a sag wagon, all meals, and overnight accomodations in motels with one or two farmstays. I have been on two of their tours and found them excellent and good value for money."

For ideas on where to go, try: http://www.wcc.govt.nz/extern/kennett/homepage.htm It's the NZ Mountain Bike Web Page. If it's run by [one of] the legendary Kennett Brothers, it's likely to be well worth a look!

Sea kayaking is a great way (the best way?) to see parts of NZ, and guided tours are becoming more popular and available. For information on cycle touring or sea kayaking, email A.Ferguson@chem.canterbury.ac.nz

The coastlines around Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds are renowned as sea kayaking areas with trips possible all year round.

Lin wrote: "For the Abel Tasman National Park (cruise, coach - from Nelson to the park, and everything related to activities in the Abel Tasman National Park) talk to:

Abel Tasman National Park Enterprises ph (+64 3) 528 7801 fax (+64 3) 528 6087 "They are open all year except for Christmas Day. The 1994/95 prices:

"Full Day Cruise. I took this on NY day '95, it was excellent. Bring your own lunch. 9am - 3:30/4pm, adult $42, child $14

"Coach, Cruise, Kayak and Hydrofoil. Start 9am at Kaiteriteri. Take the launch to Torrent Bay - arriving at around 10.25am. Your guide and kayak are there. You start on a 5 hour guided kayak from Torrent Bay to Bark Bay. then you catch the hydrofoil back to Kaiteriteri, ETA 6pm. Start & finish Kaiteriteri; adult $90

"There are quite a few more variations. Once you see their brochure you will know what I mean. I was very impressed at how flexible it is. For example with the kayak example above, you could have paid $80 to start and finish in Torrent Bay. You could have left Kaiteriteri a few days before by the boat, been dropped off at Totaranui (or any beach the cruise passes) and walked your way back to Torrent Bay.

"The park has one of the most beautiful set of beaches and scenery I have seen. I hope no one spoils it.

"Kaiteriteri to Torrent Bay; if you don't want the guided kayak trip you can hire kayaks from them. Single kayaks $18; double kayaks $25 (this is from the 93-94 brochure).

"No, I have no connection to the family who owns the Abel Tasman enterprise (this is a family business). I was very impresssed with the choice and service.

"In the Nelson/Marlborough region; don't forget the swim in the river at the Pelorus Bridge. Also visit the vineyards in that area."

If anyone can suggest a better place to put this, I'd like to hear it!

NZ Tides

Tidal predictions are now available for Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton and Dunedin, a week at a time from: http://www.e-media.co.nz/wp1/ New Zealand Tidal predictions, Notices to Mariners and links to marine weather are available on Waypoint 1. There is also information on the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation, Yacht and boat clubs etc. Other major boating areas will be added. Thanks to the Hydrographer RNZN.

B5.3.2 Hitchhiking

Hitching is *relatively* safe in NZ, but generally speaking, busing is advised in the more obscure corners on NZ; it's likely to be quicker and safer. Lots of people hitch, but every now and then one of them is assaulted and/or has all their gear stolen.

B5.3.3 Renting A Car/Campervan

Several main companies; Hertz, Avis, Budget, Maui, etc. Some agencies have mini-buses as well as cars. There are usually cheaper local alternatives to the big chains. Taking a vehicle from one island to the other is expensive and it is normal(?) to drop a rental vehicle off on one side of Cook Strait and pick up another on the other side, but may not be possible. If you leave a car at the end of a road and fly out (eg. Milford Sound) you may be charged the cost of retrieving it.

The general impression is that renting a car in NZ is are not cheap compared with US and European rates.

>From an advert in a New Zealand Tourist Board info packet, Ed Guy (guy@degallo.unx.dec.com) contacted Pegasus Rentals in Christchurch. The result was a car at about $35/day.

In Auckland, it is possible to hire a car for around $40 a day if it is for a 'long' period, but the problem with using these cheaper companies as opposed to the well known ones is the quality of the car. The bigger (more expensive) rental agencies have newer cars (1-2 years old). The cheaper companies have older cars. Most of them provide you with a special AA (Automobile Association) membership for the duration of the car rental which covers towing anywhere in NZ.

Most companies have branches or associates around the country and although there are (were?) only 3 international airports in NZ (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch) there is usually no problem in being be able to drop off cars elsewhere.

Christmas/New Year is a peak period so it is difficult getting a car at the last minute. Most cars in NZ are not automatic so if you want one you had better specify.

Check the Yellow Pages of the phone directory for an extensive list of rental companies.

M. Steven offers: "Maui have a web site at: http://www.discover.co.nz

They are one of the biggest companies in the campervan/motorhome market. There are several sizes. They are not cheap."

Lin Nah provides the following list(!) dated 20 Nov 1996:

[non-affiliation disclaimer removed :-)]

Pointers to car rental companies (some of them have campervan hire):

Quick reference to car rental places in Auckland (campervans on pg 3) http://www.evernet.co.nz/E_VerNet/nz/transport/auckland/rental_cars/ This points to quite a few pages. All they have are names of car hire places in Auckland with phone and fax numbers.

Rental cars in Christchurch http://www.canterburypages.co.nz/rc/index.html

Adventure New Zealand: http://www.holiday.co.nz/rentals.html This site has pointers to car rental, campervans(motorhomes), and motorcycle hire.

Maui campervan hire: http://www.discover.co.nz/econocar.html See also: http://www.discover.co.nz/getabout.html

Nationwide car rentals and "Wheels rent a car" http://www.nzcentre.com/nzcars.htm

Pegasus car rentals http://nz.com/webnz/pegasus/

Seabrooks (car sales with a buy back scheme) http://www.tdtech.co.nz/Seabrooks/

Link lowcost rentals http://www.gisnz.com/linkrent.html

Apex Car Rentals - chch http://www.southern.co.nz/rental/

Rhodes Rent a car - canterbury http://www.canterburypages.co.nz/rc/rhodes/index.html

Campervans

Regarding campervans, Greg Lauer offers: Last May (1995) we hired a '2 berth luxury' campervan from Adventure Rentals in Christchurch. Because it was off season it cost us NZ$60 a day. >From what I can remember we just phoned them and picked it up the same afternoon. We had four people in it.

If you want some more info email me at

A while back, Dale Gold wrote: "Here's what I posted on the subject in Oct '94. No doubt the prices are all different now, but I hope it is helpful. Perhaps you can repay the favour by posting any changes to this newsgroup :-) [hear hear!]

"This is *only* a list of the companies that had brochures at Christchurch Airport on 10-Oct-94, and I can make no recommendations. I included some points which looked interesting, but made no attempt at any detailed comparisons. Hopefully, this will provide a rough guide and a means of getting more detailed information.

"GENERAL INFORMATION: Most places require that vehicles be returned to their starting point, but you'll have to ask about this. $200-500 deposits are typical, and some companies have age restrictions, minimum hire periods, etc. Most vans will come with cooking gear, heater, etc. Bedding, ski racks, bikes, etc. are often available at extra cost.

"All prices are in NZ dollars. GST = a 12.5% tax. The two prices are for High and Low seasons.

High Season = 1 November - 30 April Low Season = the colder months Area codes: Auck=09, Chch=03, Picton=03, Wgtn=04

Avon Campervans 2 berth $124 $74 Includes: GST Excludes: $15 insurance 7 day minimum, age 21, appears to allow auck-chch rental!

Auck 275-3040, fax: 275-3496 Chch 379-3822, fax: 365-5651 NZ Freephone: 0508-258-258 UK enquiries: (0993) 823-363, fax: (0993) 823-648 ---

Gypsy Hire Ltd. 2-3 hi-top $129 $83 2-4 $135 $90 4-6 $189 $95 shower, loo big 6 $210 $130 shower, loo Includes: Unlimited km, GST, insurance. 5 day minimum

Auck 480-5098, fax: 443-0485, cell: 025-328-126 Chch 327-6230 (ph/fax), cell: 025-328-126

Maui 2 berth $144 $89 4 berth $203 $123 6 berth $228 $137 Includes: GST Excludes: $13.50 daily insurance

Auck 275-3529 Chch 358-4159

Newmans One of the 2 biggest companies, but no brochure. Auck & Chch branches

New Zealand Adventure All sizes, no prices listed.

Auck 256-0255, fax: 275-3027 Chch 359-7917, fax: 221-7305

NZ Travel Bureau Ltd 2 berth $139 $59 4 berth $199 $89 shower, loo, diesel 6 berth $229 $109 shower, loo, diesel

Includes: insurance, GST, unlimited km

Chch 358-9888 PO Box 14189, Chch Airport

Pegasus/Thomlinson Thrifty 2 $69 $49 Townace Economy 2 $79 $59 Hiace S.W.B. Tourist 2 $99 $79 Hiace L.W.B., 2 adults, 2 kids Executive $119 $99 Hiace Pop-top, Diahatsu Delta All include: GST, insurance, unlimited kms 4days+

Auck 358-5757, fax: 373-5727 Chch 365-1100, fax: 365-1104 Picton 573-7733, fax: 573-7759 Wgtn 384-4883, fax: 384-3225

Pleasure Motor Homes 2 berth $90 $60 All inclusive. Minimum age 25. minimum 7days (sum), 5 days (win). Also offer 4 & 6 berth vans.

Chch 359-9657, fax: 359-9628 516 Wairakei Road, Chch

Breakaway in Hastings offers 4 berth campers, no prices in brochure, minimum age 30 ph: 06-874-8833, fax: 06-874-8850"

Lin Nah adds the following list dated 20 Nov 1996:

Campervans Campervan rental from AA http://www.aa.org.nz:80/motorhomes.html

Maui campervan hire http://www.discover.co.nz/maui_nz.html

Pegasus car rentals http://nz.com/webnz/pegasus/

B5.3.4 Train Services

Good, if they go where you are going.

In the North Island, there are the main line from Auckland to Wellington which runs west of the central volcanoes, a main line to the east coast at Tauranga and a number of branch lines.

In the South Island, there is the main trunk line north-south down the east coast between Picton and Invercargill, and the midland line east-west between Christchurch and Greymouth via Arthurs Pass.

The middle and long-distance trains operated by Tranz Rail under the name "Tranz Scenic" are listed below. All fares quoted are full adult fare in NZ$ as at July 1997. Various discounts are available, even during the peak travel season. Range of discounts are 20% - 50%; Supersaver(50%), saver(30%), economy(20%) and full fare.

If you have a youth hostel membership card or a recognised backpackers card, you will automatically be eligible for a 30% discount on all train and bus fares - use that if supersaver fares are not available. Students (with recognised student IDs) are eligible for a 20% discount.

Overlander; (Daylight) Auckland to Wellington, 685km/10 hours 40 mins, both ways, Daily $55-135 (route includes cities, rural towns, lakes, volcanic plateau, gorges, bush, rolling farmland).

Northerner; (Overnight) Auckland - Wellington, 685km/11 hours, both ways, departs Sun-Fri $120. Half-price 'no-frills' fares are available during holiday periods on both the Overlander and the Northerner. The frills omitted are the more comfortable carriages and the complimentary refreshments, including lunch.

Kaimai Express; Auckland - Tauranga, evening, 3 hours 25 mins daily $54 Tauranga - Auckland, morning, 3 hours 30 mins daily $54

Geyserland Express; Auckland - Rotorua - Auckland, approx 4 hours 10mins each way, daily $63 (route includes rolling farmland, towns, city, bush, volcanic plateau, thermal areas)

Bay Express; (Daylight) Wellington - Napier 334km/5 hours 20 mins, both ways daily - $70 (route includes city, farmland, bush, river gorge, hill ranges, wine making country)

Southerner Express; (Daylight) Christchurch - Invercargill, 594km/8hours 40 mins, both ways daily, $117 (Christchurch - Dunedin $74) (route is east coast of South Island to the southern-most town, farmland, hill ranges, coastal). This train has in the past run only Monday to Friday during winter. There is only one train per day north and one south between Invercargill and Christchurch.

Coastal Pacific; (connects with Interisland ferry) Christchurch - Picton, 350km/5 hours 20 mins, both ways, daily $72 (route is northern half of east coast of the South island, hills, seaward mountain ranges, fishing towns, whale watching area, Marlborough Sounds)

Tranz-Alpine Express; (Daylight) Christchurch - Greymouth, 5 hours 20 minutes each way, daily, $99 return or $76 one way (route is spectacular crossing of Southern Alps from east to west coasts; Pacific Ocean to the Tasman sea)

The Taieri Gorge Railway run excursion trains through the spectacular Taieri Gorge to the west of Dunedin. It's possible to take the Taieri Gorge Limited from Dunedin and connecting bus service to Queenstown or vice versa. The timetable for the Taieri Gorge Limited varies through the year, running only on some days of the week outside the peak season.

All Tranz Rail services (except suburban) and Taieri Gorge Railway services, together with a reasonable sample of current fares and the details of the various discounts on offer, can be found at: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/rail/

Everything that's there is accurate as at July 1997. Be warned that Tranz Rail's fares are not as systematic as those in some countries.

Also try: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/rail/new.html

Three suggestions regarding scenic train runs. The Railway Enthusiasts' Society do excursions from time to time as well as operate the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, SW of Auckland.

Write to: PO Box 13-684, Onehunga, Auckland Phone: 64-9-636-9361 Fax: 64-9-636-9558

The Mainline Steam Trust,PO Box 2722, Wellington Phone: 64-4-476-2733 Fax: 64-4-476-3164

Otago Excursion Train Trust, PO Box 140, Dunedin Phone: 64-3-477-4449 Fax: 64-3-477-4953

Charles Eggen offers: "There is one night and one day train daily [Auckland - Wellington]. Forget the night train. You might consider getting off at Otorohanga and spending time visiting the many wonders of the cave system around Waitomo. Actually there is a nice native bird aviary in Otorohanga, the largest in New Zealand. The Kiwi House, as it is called is open 9:30am-5pm daily, unless there have been changes recently. There are frequent shuttle buses from Otorohanga to Waitomo(30 min.trip) daily and lodging is usually easier to locate and cheaper in Otorohanga, but there has been a growing number of Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay facilities in the Waitomo area, so an improved selection of accommodations seems to be occurring.

You should check out the Waitomo website at: http://hindin.co.nz/waitomo/

"Another possible consideration for a stopover would be National Park. There are accommodations in that small rail community as well as within the Tongariro National Park at Whakapapa Village where the Grand Chateau Hotel tops the list with economy rooms at about $110 and the prices go up from there. Ruapehu volcano is the dominate feature htere, but not the only one and if you enjoy walking/tramping, there are many possibilities."

B5.3.5 Cook Strait Ferry

(See also under B5.3.4 Train Services)

There are 2 types of boats; the Interislander which takes 3 hours and the Lynx which takes 1hr 45mins for the crossing.

The Interislander - ferry service connecting North and South Islands between Wellington and Picton. As at July 1997, the full adult fare was $46 one way.The fare for a car up to 6m was $165, with an extra $21 per half metre.

For timetables, see http://www.waikato.ac.nz/rail/interislander.html

It is possible (and cheaper?) to drop a rental car at one terminal, travel as foot passenger and pick up another rental car on the other side. The trip takes 3 hours 15 min, with spectacular scenery of mountains and the sounds. The ferry usually departs Wellington and Picton five times a day depending on weather.

Another 'high-speed' ferry service is in operation seasonally. The Lynx (the catamaran) is back for the summer; timetable at: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/rail/lynx.html The Lynx costs NZ$190 for a car and NZ$60 per adult.

Michael Steven adds: "The ferries sail roughly four times a day - around 10am, 1pm, 6pm and 10pm (from memory) Make sure you are up on deck for the last hour of the trip through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. [....] The 10am ferry coincides with the daily train from Picton to Chch which leaves about 1.50pm Full fare passengers get very comfortable - airline-type seats with a fixed coffee table between each set of four. Afternoon tea is served free. Budget tickets do not get the afternoon tea and have less comfortable seats for the trip."

Bruce Hoult offered: "Booking is not required, but it can be a very good idea if you don't want to end up on the 2am sailing at peak times. You should be OK in November or the first week or two of December though. Foot passengers and motorcyclists (that's me :-) will virtually always get on any sailing they want, without booking in advance.

"If you will have a rental car, the best option is usually to use a company that lets you drop your car in Picton and get a new one in Wellington and take the ferry as a passenger."

To which Lin Nah adds: "They have changed the booking rules recently. Both ferries have cheaper rates for those who book early but there are possibly no cheap fares during peak periods. I believe they are using the similar rules of allocating "seats" as airlines, buses and trains are.

"I agree with bruce's advice regarding rental car. IMHO the cost of taking the car across far outweighs the inconvenience of having to unload and reload the car at each end."

There is a new venture for the yacht 'Lion New Zealand', renamed 'Phantom of the Straits' which runs between Wellington and Picton.

Any information about making reservations, etc., would be appreciated.

The ferry to Stewart Island, the Foveaux Express, sails twice daily from Bluff, phone; +64 03 212 7660

The only alternative is to fly. Southern Air have several flights daily from Invercargill and one from Dunedin. YHA/Student standby rates are available. Phone; +64 03 218 9129.

B5.3.6 Coach Travel

Buses go pretty much everywhere there are main roads. There are many different options with several companies including the Backpacker buses for which you buy a ticket to travel the whole country and get on and off when you wish (prices for Backpacker buses fluctuate wildly due to a price war).

Here is some miscellaneous information (prices quoted are in $NZ).

Auckland to Wellington overnight; around $45 - $50 per person (full fare - $96).

Intercity bus currently (March 96) has only one bus per day north and south along the West coast.

There is a daily bus between Queenstown and Dunedin, via Cromwell, each way, but you will not be able to make connection in Cromwell without an overnight stay.

There is a small van bus that travels between Invercargill and Dunedin via the Catlin region that is a beautiful trip. For details, contact Charles Eggen.

Most(?) coach lines run strictly point to point. If you want to stop in the intermediate sections, you will need to pay more.

eg. Intercity coachlines: Greymouth - Queenstown $125 or Greymouth - Franz Josef $42 Franz Josef - Fox Glacier $10 Fox Glacier - Queenstown $87 totalling $139

Mount Cook Land Line: Nelson to Queenstown $144 Wanaka to Queenstown $25

More from Lin Nah: "There's a coach pass for the North Island. It is for bus travel only with Intercity. I am going to type excerpts from the brochure.

"North Island Coach Passes Convenient passes for travel throughout the north island on any intercity coachlines scheduled services linking the major cities, towns and tourist destinations in the North Island. Coaches operate daily between main centres..."

"All passes are designed to offer you the freedom to get off and on the coach where and when you want. Valid for up to 3 months with travel being on a standby basis. However for a reservation fee of $3 per sector, you may reserve seats in advance." (A sector is from where you get on to where you get off the bus.)

"North Island Value Pass Offers flexibility for travel between Auckland and Wellington. Adult - $95."

"There are 2 routes. You either go from Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Taupo - Wellington, or Auckland - Thames - Rotorua - Taupo - Wellington. You won't be eligible for any discounts (i.e. no student or YHA discount). There are other combinations, for example you can go Auckland - Thames then go round the Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Rotorua and Wellington for $130 per adult. The second combination is Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua - Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisbourne, Napier, Taupo, Wellington for $180 per adult.

"Which option you take depends on how much time you have. The $3 booking fees do add up. However April (unless it is Easter Break) is not peak travel and you may get away with not paying the booking fee.

"There's a travelpass which offers travel with Intercity (bus), Tranzscenic (train) and Interislander (Cook Strait ferry; Wellington - Picton). You can buy the pass for travel within an island or one for both island. (I presume that within one island means no Interisland ferry). There's also an option where you can include Ansett airline as well.

"This pass is valid for a set number of days. You can buy a 10 day pass or a 3 week pass (the price varies of course). You are only allowed to travel a certain number of days within the duration of your pass, e.g. you can travel for 5 days over a 10 day pass, 8 days over a 3 week pass.

"There are tour services that do Auckland - Wellington with overnight stops along the way (probably Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua, night stop in Rotorua, Rotorua - Taupo - Wellington, etc.). They will have stuff like accommodation booked for you and stop for the sights along the way.

"Other options if you are willing to divert from the mainstream is to use one of the [main] backpacker bus services; Kiwi Experience or Magic Bus. Magic has a better reputation than Kiwi Experience, however I have not used Magic and can't say much more than that. Kiwi Experience is known as the party bus where there's a lot of drinking, etc. I have only heard good things about Magic (from other backpackers and people running backpackers). The price should be comparable as they are both in competition. In terms of where one goes, they are almost identical.

"The good thing about these backpacker buses is they do allow for stops along the way.

"The overnight stops mean you can do activities along the way like whitewater rafting, blackwater rafting, bungy jumping, grass skiing, jet boating, maori cultural shows, adventure caving or abseiling, walks, etc. The bus driver will book you on the trips you want and you pay for them as you go. They will also book accommodation for you at a backpackers or you book yourself. Again you pay as you go. Backpackers prices are $10 - $16 per night. YHA is more expensive but the quality is more consistent. You can also choose to stay more upmarket - there are double rooms avail at the backpackers and most YHAs. The buses pick up and drop people off at most YHAs and backpackers."

Kiwi Experience (KE) have a package called the 'Back Paddock' which runs from Christchurch through Arthur's Pass to Greymouth then down the West Coast and back to Chch via Wanaka, Queenstown, and Mount Cook. For $204, you need a minimum of 6 days and can take up to 3 months to finish this route. They take you to a few places on the way. You pay for your own accommodation and any entrance fee to any sights. KE run daily so there is no problem with stopping as long as you like.

Magic Travellers' 'Tranzalpine' is very similar to the 'Back Paddock' but swaps Mount Cook for Dunedin. For $229, your route needs a minimum of 7 days and should be valid for 3-6 months. The network only runs every other day so if you want to stay longer than one night, you may end up staying 3 nights.

Kiwi Experience has a trip called Geyserland. Minimum of 3 days of travel and valid up to 3 months. The route is: Auckland -> Thames -> Waitomo -> Rotorua -> Auckland. Your night stops are at Waitomo and Rotorua. Cost is $75 but this doesn't include accommodation or the $12 entry to the glow-worm caves. They can arrange blackwater rafting, hangi, stay at a marae in Rotorua, abseiling, etc.

"This is from my Kiwi Experience brochure in 1995 - so things may have changed a little other than price. "Auckland - Waitomo; Waitomo - Rotorua; Rotorua - Taupo; Taupo - Ohakune; Ohakune - Thames; $121"

"This year's map has the Auckland - Wellington - Auckland return for $219. Since Wellington - Auckland is done in one day, I know the minimum length for Auckland - Wellington is 5 days. I doubt the price will be more than $150."

Magic Travellers network had a route called 'Top of the Town' for $120: Auckland -> Hamilton -> Waitomo -> Rotorua -> Taupo -> Turangi -> Rotorua -> Thames -> Auckland.

As a comparison, Intercity coach lines has a route from Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves for $100.50 including admission to the caves.

Discounts are available on some lines if you have a backpackers card and/or book [well] in advance. YHA and backpackpers card (VIP) get a 5% discount. Numerous other tour operators and routes exist. Shop around!

Contact numbers:

Tourist Information Centres may handle all the bookings for you (see A1.2.2) or, for Auckland:

Intercity: Phone 357 8400 or 0800 731 711

Mt Cook: Phone 309 5395

Kiwi Experience: Phone 366 1665 Fax 357 0524

Magic Network: Phone 358 5600 Fax 358 3471

B5.3.7 Driving

Visitors should get, and READ, a copy of the Road Code. The most important thing to remember is that driving is on the LEFT HAND SIDE.

The Automobile Association has a site at: http://www.aa.org.nz:80/ There is info there for travellers, like suggested itineraries for touring NZ by car, and AA accommodation guide (a quick guide that has an estimated price range). Another useful thing is there's a NZ map with a table of distances between towns in NZ.

Bruce Hoult: "I've hired cars the three times I've been in the US, and I don't think it took any longer than 30 seconds or a minute to get comfortable driving on the "wrong" side of the road each time. Your US license [presumably this also applies to licenses from other countries] and passport are all you'll need. The international license is an unnecessary ripoff."

Lyndon Watson: "Most people seem to have little trouble adapting. Remember, right-hand turns cut across the traffic, and that you give way to the right. Watch the speed limits and remember that they are in km/hr, not mph."

If you want to go between (or even to) main centres, and can drive, check the car hire companies. Some of them may want to relocate cars and will let you drive their car, for free hire as long as you pay petrol AND pay the insurance excess if you meet an accident. There are likely to be other conditions, such as delivering the car within 24 hours of picking it up.

B5.3.8 Commercial Tours

Are available in most main and holiday centres. Prices will vary and it may be worth shopping around. See B5.3.6.

B5.3.9 Flying

Three main options (Air New Zealand, Ansett and Mount Cook) and numerous smaller airlines including companies offering helicopter transport/tours. If you have a backpackers card, you can also opt for standby seats at 50% discount.

Here are some air fares for Christchurch to Auckland one way:

Mt Cook Air/Air NZ cheapest fare is $124 Unlikely to be any left for this summer due to a recent special where you could book a seat for $149 to anywhere in another island, or $99 to anywhere within the same island. These turn up from time to time so keep an eye open.

Air National: $119 Relatively unknown (check the Auckland phone book). Not so much an airline as a cargo plane with seats. The service cost $99 back in January 1995 (Lin posted something then).

Night flights Air NZ: $164 Ansett: $168

Subject: B5.4 Misc Info

B5.4.1 Film Developing

I recommend Monochrome in Durham Street Christchurch for b/w developing.

Lyndon Watson: I recommend Kiwi Photolab on Gloucester Street for 35mm, and New Zealand Photocorp on Welles Street for roll and sheet film.

The soc.culture.new-zealand FAQ, prepared by Phil Stuart-Jones 1994-1997, Lin Nah 1998.
Please POST any questions to soc.culture.new-zealand. Do not email Lin.

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17-January-98