Tourists looking to travel around New Zealand on the cheap should forget about planes and hire cars. There’s a much more affordable travel option: the cheekily named Naked Bus.
Since 2006, Naked Bus has been providing budget travel between New Zealand’s major cities and towns.
Its initial four routes have expanded to a national network crossing the North and South Island. If you want to jump from one to the other, that’s no problem either. For an additional $39 your Naked Bus trip can include the ferry ride across Cook Strait.
The first seat on every service costs just one dollar, so the sooner you book the less you’ll pay. Naked Passports are also available, giving tourists discounted travel on a minimum of five trips. The priciest option is the Unlimited Travel Pass, although at less than $600 for a full year’s travel it’s a great option for those taking an extended stay.
Naked Bus staff are also happy to book activities for their guests, including the blackwater rafting in Waitomo or bungee jumping from the Auckland Bridge. Every activity you book also reduces the price of your bus fare. Day trips are also available at discounted prices, including scenic trips to Milford Sound or whitewater rafting adventures in Rotorua.
Travelers can book a Naked Bus trip through their website or by calling 0900 62533 from a cell phone in New Zealand. Booking confirmation is sent via SMS, which is then shown to the driver.
