Can you explore New Zealand without a driving licence? Is it possible to get off the beaten path?

New Zealand is one big playground. There is always something to climb on, jump out of, hike to, a path or a trail to follow… You name it, New Zealand has it! Aotearoa truly is one of the world’s ultimate travel destinations. But how do you explore New Zealand if you don’t have a driving licence? Let us show you the options available to non-drivers, those who are too young to drive in NZ and those of us who simply don’t fancy the hassle of driving and navigating while you’re on holiday.

One thing is certain though. You won’t have to miss out on the amazingness of New Zealand when travelling without a driving licence. Check it out!

Discovering New Zealand

New Zealand may be small in terms of geography, but it’s massive in terms of places to visit and the experiences on offer. There is heaps to see and do on these two relatively small islands.

It’s the trip of a lifetime... But where to start?

Let’s take the North Island with the cosmopolitan city of Auckland (City of Sails), the thermal activity of Rotorua, art-deco Napier, and the capital Wellington (craft beer anyone?).

Then crossing Cook Strait into South Island to experience an amazing wine region, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers, adventure capital of the world aka Queenstown, the incredible beauty of Milford Sound, mysterious Moeraki Boulders and the city of Christchurch to name a few of the highlights of the South Island.

Not just that, but there are a whole host of activities to enjoy in between. Whether it is a dip in a hot spring, hiking and biking, boat trips, white water rafting, sky diving and of course the famous activity that New Zealand gave to the world – bungee jumping – you know you want to – it’s all there to be enjoyed. But how do you get around and explore New Zealand if you don’t have a driving licence?

Explore New Zealand without a driving licence

There is a way that you can explore New Zealand without a driving licence – in fact, you can see the best of New Zealand and experience a range of exclusive activities without even driving.

There are several hop-on/hop-off and fixed bus tour companies that are perfect ways to travel for people without a driving licence or for the ones that simply don't want to drive themselves.

Haka Tours & Intrepid Travel

Haka Tours specialises in small-group adventures designed for travelers who want to explore New Zealand’s stunning scenery, Māori heritage, and thrilling activities, without the need to drive. They are now fully owned by Intrepid Travel, so we'll combine these two bus tour options into one handy section.

Intrepid/Haka take you to famous & iconic destinations like Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Milford Sound but they offer a lot more, like amazing off-the-beaten-path gems. 

Intrepid specialises in small-group travel, so no crowded buses, no impersonal itineraries, just real experiences with people who share your passion for discovery. As a Certified B Corp, Intrepid is committed to responsible tourism. They prioritise local partnerships, support community projects through The Intrepid Foundation and ensure their trips leave a positive impact on the places they visit.

And with a range of travel styles - Basic, Original, Comfort and Premium - Intrepid caters to every budget and preference. Want to hike the Milford Track or sip wine in Marlborough? Their trips balance structured exploration with free time, so you can tailor your adventure to suit your pace.

Stray Travel - Flying Kiwi Tours - Kirra Tours

You may remember the Stray Travel name from their hop-on/hop-off days. Something outdated travel blogs or older travellers still rave about. Nowadays they operate fixed itinerary tours but still focused on adventurous, off-the-beaten-path routes.

They also own Flying Kiwi (adventure tours with a mix of guided and independent travel) and Kirra Tours (small-group, luxury tours for senior travellers). Stray is ideal for travellers who want a structured yet adventurous experience with a focus on local culture and hidden gems.

Kiwi Experience

If you are looking for the classic hop-on/hop-off tour to explore New Zealand, then Kiwi Experience is what you are looking for. They still operate classic hop-on, hop-off backpacker bus model. It’s ideal for younger travellers or those looking to meet others while exploring both islands at their own pace.

No maps, no missed turnings, no car rental, no excess, no hassle – just 100% fun

These bus companies offer a range of tours you can take to suit your budget and the amount of time you have available. Want to just focus on the North Island or South Island? You can do that. Or rather see both and this explore the whole of New Zealand, there's a tour for that as well.

Not only will you have a great tour with amazing trips and activities, but you’ll also be with a group of like-minded travel buddies, and have a driver-guide that knows all the coolest places. And on top of that, as well as some unforgettable extra activities, accommodation, breakfasts and even some lunches and dinners are included, depending on the bus tour company and the tour package you pick.

Intercity: point to point bus network

Another alternative way to get around if you don’t have a licence is by a regular point-to-point bus service like Intercity. This will certainly take you to all the major cities.

This will give you the maximun flexibility but you'll have to plan & arrange some things yourself. You will have to arrange your own accommodation, as well as how to get there once you’re off the bus. And you’ll need to book any activities you want to do.

It's an easy and cheap way to explore New Zealand without a driving licence, while having all the flexibility to arrange the things you want to do. No fixed schedules or activities you don't want to do. It's your NZ trip, so you do & see what you want to do & see. Easy as.

If you do have a licence then this is info for you

If you have a vali driving licence, you wll be able to hire your own set of wheels in New Zealand. You can go for one of the many car hire deals or upgrade your road trip by adding more comfort and picking a great deal on a rental campervan.

All great and affordable options. But do take into account that prices go up during the busy summer season, the time of the year all Kiwis and overseas tourists want to travel. Car hire prices are always skyrocketing towards the end of the year aka summertime. And keep in mind the extras you’ll have to pay when hiring a car or campervan, like petrol or diesel - depending on the model campervan, motorhome or car you pick.

By the way, in New Zealand, there is an extra Road User Charge (RUC) if you hire a diesel vehicle. RUC is a fee per kilometre travelled that your rental will add to your rental fee afterwards. And there is a posibility that these RUC charges will come into play for petrol vehicles as well in 2027.

Driving on the left

And last but not least, ask yourself if you are confident enough to drive on the other side of the road. Well, that is if you are from a country where everyone drives on the right side of the road because driving on the left side is “driving on the right side” for us here in Aotearoa. If you just got your driving licence then driving in New Zealand might be quite challenging.

Driving licence in English

If you do have a driving licence, bear in mind that it will need to be in English. If not, you will need to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) or get a translation from a reliable translation service. See all rules and options for driving in New Zealand with an overseas driving licence.

Sit back and relax on a bus tour

The easiest and most fun way to explore New Zealand without a driving licence, just hop onto a bus tour. Then someone else will be doing the driving, while you sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

For 1000s of travellers it is the best way to discover New Zealand, especially without a driving licence. But no matter the option you pick, you’re going to get a fantastic trip and amazing experience in New Zealand. Car, campervan or bus are just the means to an end. The portals to an amazing experience. It doesn't matter which one you pick, as long as you get there.

And if you want to read more about this and compare car, campervan & bus as options to explore New Zealand, there also this blog post: What is the best way to travel around New Zealand: bus, car or campervan?

So how will you explore New Zealand? What are your plans? Drop your feedback or questions in the comment section. We love to hear from future travellers.