How long would it take to travel around New Zea land?

Question

I am coming over from Ireland in October and we are backpacking for a year, we are going to Australia but we have being told we can stop of in New Zealand if we like. We land in Auckland and fly out of Auckland to we want to travel both Islands. Hopefully we can stay in hostels, i heard you can get a ticket for bus and rail to travel all around is this true and any idea how much they are and how long they last for. To do all of this about how long would it take. When i book the ticket i have to put a date on it when i am going to fly to oz. Is the weather there nice in October. Is it expensive to fly from the bottom of the south island back to Auckland.

Answer 1

I've been to the south Island only so far. We hired a car and drove around for two weeks. Saw lots but wouldn't want to try and do it any quicker than that!

Answer 2

Not much passenger rail...especially in South Island.

Answer 3

To really have a good look I would go for a month minimum

Answer 4

I travelled on the intercity buses and saw most in about 6 weeks.  The tickets are from 5 days of travelling upwards.

At the moment Air New Zealand is quoting NZ$99 for the flight from Dunedin to Auckland.

Answer 5

I'm not sure about the bus and train travel but October is defintily a nice time to go, you will find the south island rather cool though. Allow around 10 - 14days to see each island. Spots you much visit are Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown. Akaroa is a nice day trip from Christchurch, and Arrowtown a day trip from Queenstown also.

Your best bet for flying from Queenstown to Auckland is with AirNewZealand, just check out their website.

For NewZealand you will need a tourist visa, unless your planning on working there too.

Answer 6

I reckon you'd need a month to whizz through and six-eight weeks  to take a more leisurely look. I got a bus pass but that was years ago. I imagine you'd still be able to get them now though. If you can afford it hire a car or a camper-van.

The hostels out there are great and, of course, cheap, if you've just got yourself to pay for.

October not too bad, some rain, some clouds, mostly sun, but I'd definitely take a coat. Have a good time.