New Zealand’s InterCity bus network is a reliable way of getting around the whole country without a car. Each country’s bus network has its own quirks, here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about InterCity buses in New Zealand.
Routes
The InterCity bus routes are fairly extensive. I used the service to travel from Auckland to Wellington via Rotorua and Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island, and then from Picton to Christchurch on the South Island. In fact, I could have done my whole New Zealand trip by bus if I had wanted to.
You can find a map of the InterCity bus routes here.
What are InterCity buses like?
InterCity buses are comfortable enough. They have enough leg room, shelves above the seats to store hand baggage, and some of them have plugs or USB ports. Most of them don’t have toilets on board but the driver will stop every few hours to let passengers off for 10 or 15 minutes to use the toilet and buy food. They’re nothing remarkable but they do the job.
Booking InterCity buses
You should book your bus ticket in advance on the InterCity website. When you’re boarding the bus, make sure you have your ticket ready to show the driver and they’ll tick you off a list.
What is the etiquette on an InterCity bus?
Before travelling to New Zealand, I had travelled around South America and Mexico for three months, mostly on buses. Those buses had their own etiquette so I was curious to see how New Zealand’s buses differed.
The usual rules apply as to using headphones and talking at a reasonable volume (although, to my annoyance, are not always followed).
You can bring an item of checked baggage and load it into the hold. In New Zealand you load it yourself, whereas in South America my experience was that someone would do it for you in exchange for a tip.
How much does the InterCity bus cost?
This depends how far you’re going!
InterCity buses are not super cheap but I would say the price matches the quality. The buses are fairly nice and the prices reflect that.
Buses are certainly cheaper than trains in New Zealand. I thought trains in the UK were expensive but I balked at the price of the train from Auckland to Wellington (to be fair it is a scenic sightseeing train which does come with additional cost. But still).
Overall verdict
The InterCity bus network is a great way to get around New Zealand if you’re not hiring a car. The buses are reliable and good quality and are overall a comfortable way to travel.
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