Open spaces, mountains, remote townships, and hidden valleys… Getting around the South Island without a car can be daunting, but luckily there plenty of other ways to explore without one. There are also great pros: less time driving means you can absorb more of New Zealand’s stunning scenery. And forget about the stress of hunting for a free park, or queuing petrol pumps. Whether you’re going on a short trip or a long-haul journey between cities, here are the easiest ways of getting around the South Island without a car.
Summary
Short Trips:
Longer Journeys:
Travel without a car: short trips within cities/towns
All of the South Island’s major cities have travel options to connect you with outer suburbs and townships. Here we’ll look at the easiest ways to get around in addition to walking, biking, or hiring an electric scooter.
1. Public Bus
Busses are one of the most affordable ways to travel within South Island cities. Each bus follows a specific route and passengers can jump on/off at stops along the way. You can buy tickets with cash on board, but fares are cheaper if you get a bus card beforehand.
Bee Card: You can use your Bee Card for public transport in Queenstown, Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill. Talk about useful! There’s an app to find your route, or alternatively check out Orbus planner online.
Metrocard: you can use your Metrocard for bus travel around Christchurch. To reach scenic Akaroa on the peninsula, you’ll need to take a shuttle or the Akaroa French Connection bus.
2. Shuttles
Don’t want to lug your suitcases to the bus stop? Unlike the bus, shuttles let you choose your pickup and drop off address which makes them super convenient for airport returns. They usually carry a maximum of 12 passengers (size depending). Because shuttles pick up passengers from all across the city, travel-time can be longer than expected, so do inform the operators of your check-in time if needed.
Most cities have their own shuttle companies, but Supershuttle is probably the most well-known one NZ-wide.
3. Taxis and Uber
Available in most towns and cities, taxis and Uber are more expensive than busses or shuttles. But they’re usually efficient and convenient for short trips – and relatively stress free.
4. Boat
Compared to the North Island, ferries as a means of public transport aren’t so established in the South, although Queenstown does have a ferry service from Frankton to Queenstown Bay.
However, there are some amazing cruises you can try in each region:
Marlborough: join the Pelorus Mail Boat on a full-day cruise as it delivers mail to the remote inlets of the mysterious, bush-clad Pelorus Sounds. Alternatively, hire a kayak to explore Marlborough and Golden Bay (see 11 Awesome things to do in Picton for more details).
Queenstown: board TSS Earnslaw, treat yourself to a chardonnay on the deck, and absorb mountain views from the comfort of the most stunning vessel on Lake Wakatipu. This classy 90-minute cruise takes you to Walter Peak where you can go on a farm tour, and returns to Queenstown waterfront.
Kaikōura: experience the majesty of marine wildlife with knowledgeable operators at Whale Watch Kaikōura.
Dunedin: keep your eyes peeled for albatross and sea lions on Port to Port Cruises, a water taxi service that connects Port Chalmers, Quarantine Island, and Portobello.
For more fun activities, make sure you check out 10 Amazing Dunedin Experiences you can’t miss!
Te Anau: for an unforgettable boutique experience on Lake Te Anau, set sail on Faith, a historical sailboat, and enjoy afternoon canapes (and cheeky wine or two). For a more kid-friendly option (as long as they’re not afraid of the dark), check out the Glowworm Caves and enjoy a lake cruise with Real Journeys.
Milford Sound: a number of tour operators offer commentated cruises through Milford’s magnificent fiords, with food, beverages, and the chance to see seals, dolphins, and other wildlife. But beware of Milford’s Sandflies! Learn some essential anti-sandfly tips here.
Long Distance travel without a car
For travel between cities, you may want to consider flights, coaches, tours, or boats.
5. Flying
For the most efficient way travelling between major South Island cities without a car, book a flight. We have two main carriers in NZ: Air New Zealand (who has super cheap fares on grabaseat if you book in advance), and Jetstar.
For travelling to Stewart Island, you’ve got the option of Stewart Island Flights or taking the ferry from Bluff (see below).
6. Ferries
Unless you’re a certified salty sea dog who can commandeer a yacht, you won’t find many boating options to travel around the South Island. But there’s the Interislander Ferry that goes from Picton to Wellington. Further south, the Stewart Island Ferry will take you from Bluff to Oban, the main village of Rakiura/Stewart Island which is a must-see for nature lovers (see 5 Interesting Facts you should know about Rakiura).
7. Coaches
Intercity: good for self-guided travel between cities, small towns, and even places like Milford Sound. Learn how to score your $1 fare here. You can get tickets for each trip, or get a convenient flexipass designed for frequent travellers.
8. Bus Tours & Packages
Kick back your heels and relax on one of these guided bus tours that make multiple stops around the South Island!
Southern Discoveries: offers coach transport from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound where you can also go on a Southern Discoveries cruise in the fiords.
Flying Kiwi: a great option if you want the perks of a tour AND travelling self-guided. Flying Kiwi offers 8-17 adventure tours packed with fun activities. Plus, you get the flexibility to hop off at any point, and hop on later.
Contiki: whether you want to go to Rhythm and Alps music festival, or an immersive 9 day South Island tour, Contiki offers a variety of different travel packages for younger backpackers.
Stray NZ: experience the beauty of the South Island on an 11 day adventure tour through the South Island’s famous national parks and top attractions, with great guides and private coach transport.
9. Train Travel
Most people consider trains in the South Island as scenic experiences rather than as a means of transport, but they’re still an unforgettable way of seeing the South without a car.
Christchurch – Greymouth: the TranzApline Train crosses the ‘waist’ of the South Island, passing mountains, the Canterbury Plains, and glacial rivers on a journey that takes about 5 hours one way. There’s a cafe on board, or you can book a luxurious catered dining experience.
Christchurch – Picton: for a unique way to travel along the East Coast, hop on the Coastal Pacific Train. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Blenheim wineries and rugged coastlines. Like the TranzAlpine Train, you can also add on a luxurious dining experience.
Dunedin: fancy a day trip? Book with Dunedin Railways who offer several train experiences that take between 3-5 hours return. Hop on board The Inlander to see the rocky Taieri Gorge and relics of the gold rush, The Victorian to visit the iconic sandstone buildings of Oamaru, or The Seasider to explore Dunedin’s northern coastline.
10. Hiking & Biking
Te Araroa is a network of hiking trails that run from the tip of the North Island to Bluff in the South – not for the faint hearted, but it’s certainly the experience of a lifetime!
If you like biking, you’re in luck! There are a number of cycle trails that make it possible to explore regions of the South Island without a car (although getting to the start/end points of the cycle trails can be difficult as I’ve experienced). Some famous cycle trails include:
Central Otago: for a truly memorable experience, embark on the amazing 150km Otago Central Rail Trail that goes from Middlemarch to Clyde. Alternatively, there’s the shorter Clutha Gold Trail from Roxburgh to Lawrence, or the Roxburgh Gorge Trail connecting Alexandra to Roxburgh (with an optional jet boat ride).
Want to learn more about cycling the Otago Rail Trail? Get helpful insights from my own cycle experience, and make sure you know what to pack.
Mackenzie Country/North Otago: the Alps 2 Ocean trail connects Aoraki/Mount Cook with Oamaru. Needless to say, it’s easier going downhill in the Aoraki to Oamaru direction!
West Coast: peddle through lush forests and over heritage bridges on the West Coast Wilderness Trail that runs between Greymouth, one of the more sizable towns on the West Coast, to the old gold town of Ross.
For more information on cycle trails in New Zealand, I recommend visiting 23 Great Rides.
Conclusion: travel without a car
There’s no need to worry about being stranded if you don’t have your own vehicle! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can travel the South Island without a car without hitch-hiking (need I mention Lime scooters?). Flight and bus networks are probably the most popular and extensive across the South Island, getting you from A to B. If you’re after a richer cultural experience, a tour package, cruise, or train trip can be very worthwhile. Bus tours a great way to relax, meet like-minded travellers, and learn about New Zealand’s history from informative guides with plenty of fun on the way.
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