Bus & Coach Travel
If you’re travelling with a group, charter coach companies have the flexibility to adapt to your itinerary. The drivers are also guides, so you’ll have the added benefit of a commentary if you want one.
For travellers who want the simplicity of a packaged tour, there are several companies running scheduled trips around the main tourist destinations in either or both islands. Accommodation and meals are often included in the tour price, and you’re sure to make a few friends along the way.
One of New Zealand’s leading coach specialists, and a winner of three individual awards at the 2008 New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards, is the Magic Travellers Network. Backpackers and independent travellers love the freedom of this New Zealand-wide hop on hop off bus service. The friendly drivers are a great source of local knowledge and offer a full booking service for accommodation and adventure activities along the way.
According to science writer David Quammen, much of the rise in consumer-product diversity is a direct result of the decrease in biodiversity.