Transport to New Zealand Walking Tracks

by Rod K.
(BC - Canada)

Hi, I've been researching my trip to NZ for about 2 months. I arrive approx. Dec 1 and depart Mar 15. I plan to hike as many tracks as I can. I've had no trouble finding tracks of interest...but having a terrible time getting info on public transport to specific areas. Is this best done once I arrive?
Two examples:

Land Auckland - next day head to the Hillary Trail (Arataki). Can't seem to find appropriate bus service. I know its 'local' but no definitive info...

After Hillary - Swanson back to Auckland and on up to Ahipara. I intend to hike the 90 mile and continue into the Cape Reinga walkway. Are there rules for end of 90 into the Cape walk? The end of the Cape is Pandora? How do I arrange from Pandora to Tongariro...my next hike?

I realize specifics aren't likely, but general guidelines would be great. Hiking solo, 60 birthday in Jan (the reason for this adventure), not willing to rent or buy a vehicle.

Also, I don't have/use credit cards so booking online isn't easy...to say the least!

Appropriate web-sites for info. The one booking that is firm is Banks Peninsula Dec 23-27. I will be most grateful for any/all suggestions.

signed ....excited and confused! Rod


ANSWER BY EDITOR

Hi Rod

Your plans certainly sound exciting! Congratulations on reaching a great age! I hope the day is especially memorable somewhere in New Zealand! What a way to celebrate...you are obviously very active.

I have listed some options below as well as possible bus companies with passes which would seem to be your best option for most of your travel.

Have a look at their websites...the backpacker buses may prove best although getting to the start of some of the tracks will be your biggest problem. You may have to look at a taxi( not cheap but hopefully short distances). The most difficult is the Hillary Trail....this has only very recently opened so you will be one of the first! Also getting to Ahipara.....see map re Pandora. From Cape Reinga there are buses through to National Park.

I will answer your questions in sections...I hope this is helpful.


xxxx Land Auckland - next day head to the Hillary Trail (Arataki). Can't seem to find appropriate bus service. I know its 'local' but no definitive info...

Stagecoach Buses - Auckland - The bus terminal is located at Britomart, on Quay Street, and bus route timetables are available from the bus terminal, newsagents and Visitor Information Centres. As well as single journeys, one-day passes and three-day passes are available.
The suburban Tranz Metro train service has two main lines - west to Waitakere ( Swanson included) and south to Papakura. All trains leave from the Britomart Transport Centre.

Getting to Arataki

http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/whats-on-in-parks/hillary-trail/how-to-get-there.cfm

This is difficult to get to...if you can get a bus to Titirangi you may have to get a taxi to the start of the track from there. Public transport is not fantastic in Auckland. They are working on it....but a long way to go! You can catch either train or bus from Swanson to Auckland. Then you will need to catch a bus north.

xxxx After Hillary Track - Swanson back to Auckland and on up to Ahipara. I intend to hike the 90 mile Beach walk and continue into the Cape Reinga walkway. Are there rules for end of 90 into the Cape walk? The end of the Cape is Pandora?

See http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/northland/kaitaia-area/cape-reinga-coastal-walkway/

You will need to try and get to Cape Reinga I think. See this map for planning your walk.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/1678/Te-Paki-Map-1000.jpg


You can direct any questions re walks to DOC( Dept. of Conservation) They can advise you better than me on this.

Transport from Cape Reinga to Tongariro Crossing

I would suggest you get a bus pass. Check out these sites for the best option for you. I note you can go into an intercity office in Auckland and they will help you plan your itinerary. You may be better to wait until you arrive to buy your pass. These sites have detailed maps etc of destinations. It may be you will have to pay for taxis to link to some places...especially more remote areas.

http://nakedbus.com/bus-timetables/

http://www.intercity.co.nz/passes/

http://flexipass.intercity.co.nz/

http://www.sunflowerlodge.co.nz/travellers_info_busnz_intercity.htm (for backpackers)

This may also be of interest. I have just applied to be an affiliate so could have a link on my bus page very shortly. http://www.straytravel.com/new-zealand-bus-tours/new-zealand-bus-tour

You won’t have a problem to and from Cape Reinga...but not sure how you get to the track start at Ahipara.

Xxxx How do I arrange from Pandora to Tongariro...my next hike?

All these bus companies have links from Cape Reinga to National Park. It may mean changing buses but otherwise pretty straight forward. You can also get to National Park by train from Auckland. You will need to organise a shuttle from National park to drop you off and pick you up at each end of the Tongariro Crossing. Try these links.

http://tongarirocrossingtransport.co.nz/timetable.html

http://www.tongarirocrossing.com/

xxxx I realize specifics aren't likely, but general guidelines would be great. Hiking solo, 60 birthday in Jan (the reason for this adventure), not willing to rent or buy a vehicle. Also, I don't have/use credit cards so booking online isn't easy...to say the least!

Many people manage to tour New Zealand with bus passes and combine with train and boat or plane.

Credit Cards

I am wondering if there is a reason you resist credit cards because they certainly make life much easier...even on the road. I suggest you think about starting your next decade with one....or at least an EFTPOST Card. New Zealand has a very high rate of usage for credit and EFTPOST cards. Even if you carry cash...I would suggest it is not good to carry too much at anyone time. You can get cash for small amounts at many shops with an EFTPOST card if you buy a small item and pay with the card. Just ask for an extra $20 – 100 and they will add it to the card. Some shops don’t always carry much cash so may not be able to do this,....ask first is my policy. There is also a small bank fee. At the moment there is no bank fee when you use a credit card. Maybe there is for an international bank.

Be Prepared

Appropriate web-sites for info. The one booking that is firm is Banks Peninsula Dec 23-27. I will be most grateful for any/all suggestions.

The Banks Peninsula should be a nice walk. Is that the one over to Akaroa?

I have quite a lot on my website about being prepared. Some of the walks you plan are alpine(Tongariro) and the weather is very changeable and can be quite different up high....it is really important to have the right clothing for all weathers. A good rainproof jacket, and layers work well. Try merino wool for warm under garments....
or polypropylene. They are also light to carry. Check the Tramping and Hiking Gear page.

Good Luck with your adventure.....I will put this on my website under questions. If you have further questions just ask at the bottom of the page....and I will reply there.

Cheers Gail