Travel and Transport
Air Travel
International Airlines
Air New Zealand and Qantas are the major airlines flying in and out of New Zealand. They have links with other international carriers through the Star Alliance (Air New Zealand) and OneWorld Alliance (Qantas).
The following international airlines service our international airports:
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Wellington |
Christchurch |
Queenstown |
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Domestic Airlines
New Zealand has three major domestic airlines flying between cities and provincial towns:
Air Charter
Commuter airlines and twin-engine charter planes service main provincial towns. Float planes and ski planes are available for charter and run tourist operations throughout the country. Check out:
Helicopters
Hughes, Squirrel and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters are available for hire. Camera mounts frequently used in New Zealand include Tyler side mount, Tyler nose mount, Continental side mount, CINEFLEX HDCam SR gyrostabilised aerial filming system, and Wescam.
For more information, visit:
Road Transport
Driving Licences
- International visitors can drive in New Zealand if they have a current overseas driver’s licence or a current international driver’s permit. These are valid for one year after first arriving in the country.
- All drivers must carry their licence when driving.
- If the overseas licence or permit is not in English it is suggested that an official translation (a translation from an official source, e.g. a translation service or language centre) accompany the licence.
- New rules for commercial road transport operators took effect from 1 October 2007. Any company operating vehicles over 6,000 kgs requires a Transport Service Licence (TSL). There are hefty fines attached to operating vehicles over 6,000 kgs without a TSL licence and hiring to companies who are operating without a licence.
- To find out more visit Land Transport New Zealand
New Zealand Roads
- Cars in New Zealand are right-hand drive
- Driving is on the left-hand side of the road
- Wearing seat belts is compulsory
- Child restraint seats are compulsory for children under 5 years of age.
- The open road speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) unless a lower limit is indicated
- In cities and towns the maximum speed allowed is 50 km per hour (30 mph) unless a lower limit is indicated
Car Rental Companies
Each town and city has buses, 4 wheel drive passenger transport vehicles and trucks which come with driver and additional labour if required to service specific needs. See The Yellowpages or contact the local film office
Most international car rental companies operate in New Zealand, including:
For specialty campervan companies, see:
There are also regionally based companies - check with the regional film office in the area you plan to shoot for more information.
Truck Rental
4WD Rentals
Coach and Bus
Long Distance
InterCity Coachlines operate long distance coach services throughout New Zealand. Their website contains booking and timetable information.
Metro
City and suburban bus services operate in all major cities and provincial towns.
Ferries
Inter-island ferries The Interislander and Bluebridge operate passenger and car ferry services across Cook Strait, between Wellington (at the bottom of the North Island) and Picton (at the top of the South Island).
Freight Ferries
Pacifica Shipping operates regular services linking 9 New Zealand ports, and the coastal shipping network links with land transporting of freight. Specifically, Pacifica operates freight ferries between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson.
Strait Shipping operates freight/passenger ferries between Wellington and Picton, and Wellington and Nelson.
Equipment trucks are carried at a reasonable cost whilst the driver flies from point of departure to destination - this is included in the cost of ferrying the truck.
Rail Transport
Kiwi Rail operates freight services throughout New Zealand. TranzScenic operates four long-distance passenger rail journeys:
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Capital Connection – commuter service between Wellington and Palmerston North
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Overlander – links Wellington and Auckland
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Tranzalpine – Christchurch to Greymouth, return daily, through the Southern Alps and rated as one of the world’s greatest train journeys
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Tranzcoastal – Christchurch to Picton, connecting with the ferry sailings across Cook Strait.
