5 Reasons to Tour New Zealand by Coach or Bus
Deciding how to tour and explore New Zealand can be a difficult task. To really experience NZ's breathtaking nature, historic culture and abundance of rare wildlife at its best - the most important thing is to stay as present as possible — whilst in comfort.
I have toured this beautiful country (that I am proud to call home) in various travel styles across the North and South Islands. I found that taking a guided coach or bus trip around New Zealand gave me the best options to experience New Zealand with ultimate confidence.
I would like to share my findings with like-minded travellers and help others decide on whether a coach or bus trip is the best way to travel to New Zealand.
I have listed 5 benefits of touring New Zealand by coach or bus below based on my personal experience and also my 15+ years of international tour and travel service knowledge. For more personal advice feel free to contact our local NZ coach touring team below.
1. Coach Travel Accessibility on Roads
Travelling New Zealand by road is by far the best way to explore the North and South Islands. New Zealand has some of the world's most scenic tour driving routes from golden sandy beach towns, and vibrant geothermal cities to the West Coast's towering glaciers, turquoise lakes and dramatic Fiordland’s.
The most popular and iconic scenic locations can all be easily accessed by road - which makes a coach tour an incredible stress-free way to sightsee. Here are a couple of popular coach touring routes I would definitely recommend;
In the North Island explore Auckland to Paihia - 248km (via State Highway 1 - SH1), driving time - 3hrs 20 minutes if driving directly to Paihia. Experience 90-mile beach, dolphins and the Bay of Islands along this coach touring route.
In the South Island experience the famous Queenstown to Milford Sound - 287.6 km (via State Hwy 6 and State Hwy 94). Time driving just under 4 hours. This takes you past the iconic mirror lakes, lush green rainforest, and snowy mountains before reaching the famous Milford Sound - you have to see it to believe it!
2. Tour New Zealand in Comfort
If you're not comfortable, it will be difficult to enjoy the wonders of New Zealand. A great advantage of travelling by coach or bus is that you can select your coaching comfort style. If travelling with like-minded mature travellers on a large bus but only 20 reclining business-style seats sounds a comfortable option for you - find out more!
You may prefer touring with other solo/ single travellers (this is becoming a popular option) or even a large group with panoramic coach views, tray tables, restrooms and wifi. Touring on a coach or bus allows you to choose the comfort level that suits your needs, you just need to decide how comfortable you want to be.
Not only can you travel in luxurious comfort whilst experiencing New Zealand but you can stay in 3 - 5* hotels & accommodations. All hotels are selected with you in mind, they offer incredible service, and comfort and are all located centrally with ease of accessibility. Hotel options usually vary from triple, twin and Single sleeping configurations. Upgrades with reputable coach operators will also be an option for you.
3. A Guided Coach Trip is Value for Money
When selecting a reputable coach tour operator such as Grand Pacific Tours, AAT Kings, Kirra Tours or Trafalgar you can rest assured that they all hold superb partnerships with every hotel and activity provider.
Tour operators have such shared trust and history with other tour suppliers and are able to pass on great deals that you wouldn't find independently. This could be in the form of value i.e room upgrades, VIP access, exclusive activities, price point during a sale, the last seat departure or for a seasonal marketing campaign.
When selecting a New Zealand coach tour, the itineraries are usually all-inclusive. This means luxury transport, hotels and activities are included in your travel plan. This also means that rolling all aspects of your holiday into one provides you with exceptional value for money and a seamless travel solution. Every step of the way is accounted for and paired up with iconic experiences to match your pace of touring.
My advice would be to book your coach journey with experienced NZ travel agents for 1:1 on-ground support and tour New Zealand with reputable operators. Email a NZ coach touring expert about the best transport operators in New Zealand and departure dates to suit you. Due to pent-up demand - seat availability has become increasingly difficult, so don’t wait too long to start planning your NZ coach trip.
4. Be Your Best Holiday-Mode Self
Coach touring around New Zealand is a perfect way to experience the country if you want to feel alert and full of energy while viewing such incredible sights. Your expert tour guide will do all of the driving, so you will not feel fatigued, just relax and be your best holiday-mode self.
You can also spend more time strengthening new friendships with like-minded travellers rather than feeling stressed about deciphering a map or listening to a GPS.
I believe that one of the main highlights of coach touring is that it allows you to really absorb the scenery and landscapes whilst you have experienced drivers navigating for you. You won't even have to worry about where the next gas station is or how to avoid traffic congestion - just live your best coach travel life! Click here to read my top 7 must-see travel locations for first-time visitors.
5. Professional Expert Guides - Tour with Confidence
When taking a bus or coach tour holiday it is important to feel confident, safe and secure. Escorted, guided and small group coach tours provide professional local guides to help tour you around New Zealand. Coach captains and tour commentators are usually local and really help you to get off the beaten track, travelling to more remote less touristic areas whilst providing knowledgeable information.
The tour guides really help to make your New Zealand holiday memorable and are very friendly with your best interests at heart. Whether you want to know about local wines, NZ weather, the best jet boat ride or fantastic photo opportunities - your tour guide can help answer all of your questions.
