It’s no secret that having your own transport is a plus in New Zealand. Without it, the lack of systemized transport and vast countryside – things that make NZ so alluring – can become a headache. Before I owned a campervan, I knew this struggle all too well. But, there’s a few tricks I’ve learnt along the way… Here, I’m revealing my top tips for getting around the South Island without a car. Plus, in some cases you’re better off without one!

Transport Options for Short trips

Let’s explore how you can take advantage of convenient ways to navigate cities like Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin.

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 usually buy tickets with cash on board, although 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 handy for airport trips. 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.

3. Taxis and Uber

Like most countries, taxis and Ubers are widely available. Just don’t rely on them if you’re in a small town (e.g. one where there’s only a single dairy, or the sheep outnumber people).

4. Boat

Compared to the North Island, ferries as a means of public transport aren’t so common in the South, although Queenstown does have a ferry service from Frankton to Queenstown Bay. But, if you enjoy scenic cruises, you’re in for a treat!

Marlborough: join the Pelorus Mail Boat as weaves down the remote inlets of the mysterious 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 the grand TSS Earnslaw and absorb mountain views as you glide across Lake Wakatipu. This classy 90-minute cruise takes you to Walter Peak where you can experience a farm tour, and returns to Queenstown waterfront.

Kaikōura: join a wildlife cruise at Whale Watch Kaikōura, famous in the region.

Dunedin: I reckon a cruise is one of the best ways to explore Otago harbour. Port to Port Cruises offer a water taxi service that connects Port Chalmers, Quarantine Island, and Portobello.

For more fun activities, see: 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 family friendly option, I recommend the Glowworm Caves your with Real Journeys.

Milford Sound: a number of tour operators offer cruises through Milford’s magnificent fiords, with food, beverages, and the chance to wildlife. Just watch out for Milford’s notorious Sandflies! You’ll want to know these anti-sandfly tips here.

Long Distance Travel Without a Car

Need to travel between cities? Here’s some ways to score the best flights, coach tickets, and other options.

5. Take flight

For the most efficient way travelling between major South Island cities without a car, flying is the way to go. We have two main aircraft carriers in NZ: Air New Zealand (who has budget 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

7. Bus Coaches

Intercity Bus: 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 buy tickets for each trip, or get a convenient ‘flexipass‘ designed for frequent travelers.

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.

Stray NZ: experience the beauty of the South Island on an 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 to travel 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 runs from the tip of the North Island to Bluff in the South. The entire 3,000km journey is legendary, although certainly not for the faint-hearted.

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: see the rocky landscape of Otago at it’s best on the stunning 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).

Curious about the Otago Rail Trail? Learn about my ORT experience so you know what to expect.

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: whizz 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.

Final Thoughts

If you want to explore the South Island without a car, there’s no need to resort to hitch-hiking! Flight and bus networks are probably the most popular and extensive across the South Island. If you’re after a richer cultural experience, tours are a great way to relax, meet like-minded travellers, and learn about New Zealand’s history with plenty of fun on the way.

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