TRANSPORT IN NEW ZEALAND

 New Zealand has always offered many transport challenges. Before the Europeans arrived, the Maori either walked or used watercraft on rivers. The dominant forms of transport are road and air, although bulk freight continues to be transported by rail. Many destinations in New Zealand are just hours from each other. Most places can be reached by public transport because of the extensive net work of air, train and road services.

The New Zealand State Highway network consists of just fewer than 100 roads in both the North and South Islands, administered by Transit New Zealand. Until the early twentieth century, all roads were managed by local road boards. State highways are marked with posts at irregular intervals. All funding for state highways and 50% funding for local roads come from road users through the National Land Transport Fund. The maximum speed limit on the open road is 100 km/h, with 50 km/h the most common limit in residential areas. New Zealand has a well maintained road network and the main islands are linked by ferry and air services. Although New Zealand is a small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant. New Zealand’s public bus system is cheap, safe and reliable. All major cities offer public bus transport.

Rail services in New Zealand are focused primarily on freight, particularly bulk freight, with limited passenger service on some lines. Train travel in New Zealand is great, as it is cheap and frequent covering most areas of the country, and a fantastic way to enjoy New Zealand’s stunning coastal and mountain scenery. Metropolitan trains are also available in Auckland and Wellington- though they only travel to a limited number of destinations within the two cities. Trains run at low speed dropping to 50 km/h in the summer due to the narrow gauge and lack of train maintenance following privatization in the 1980s. Most New Zealander’s prefer to drive or fly, as train fares are comparatively expensive.

Domestic flights in New Zealand are quite reasonably priced, and cheaper than driving or taking a train especially if crossing between the North and south Islands. Air New Zealand and Qantas are the main providers. Before leaving New Zealand any passenger over the age of 12 on any flight is required to pay NZ$ 22- NZ$ 25 at the airport. Most airlines operate an electronic ticket system. Only Auckland, Christchurch, Queens ton and Wellington have timetabled public transport in the form of buses. Regional airports generally have only on-demand shuttle services and taxis.