The main thing option one gives you is freedom. Forget the pre-booked itineraries; the sightseeing and toliet stops, the organised fun and the departure times. Self-driving allows you to see the country how you want to see it, 'be your own boss so to speak.'
Campervans certainly have their perks: no accommodation costs, self-catering options, room for hitchhikers. Maori's hate campervans parking overnight on their roads, but a lot of Maori's also have large, empty driveways. Ask nicely if you can park on their driveway and 65% of the time you'll have got yourself a free pitch for the night, complete with outside dunny.
Drawbacks to this mode of transport are the hidden costs. If you're under 25 you'll need to pay an excess fee on your insurance, if 2 or more of you want to share the driving that also incurs an additional fee. Fuel is not the cheapest in NZ (over $2.20 a litre), and you'll be driving for hours on end every day. So, if like Alice and I you like to party, you'll need to be wary of hangovers and sleep deprivation.
It's probably the coolest way to get around mind... Check out https://www.kiwikombis.com/ and http://www.escaperentals.co.nz/
2. Bus pass
Hop-on, hop-off bus passes are an easy and cost efficient way of seeing the country, whilst still avoiding the touristy backpacker buses. You don't get the freedom of self-driving, but you can tailor make your trip, and don't need to give a huge amount of notice to the company as to when you are planning to get a ride. We are buying a pass with www.nakedbus.com which, for £125 (ferry price not included), allows us to make 22 journeys across the country. You can chose your route, decide how long you want to stay in each place, and only need to give 12hours notice via text or email that you require seats for the next leg of the journey. You don't get the sightseeing or supermarket stops that you get with the backpacker bus, and the age range of travellers is far more varied.
3. Backpacker bus
People rave about backpacker buses. They are a great way of meeting people, and they organise the majority of your trip thus saving lots of planning. They'll take you to all of the top sightseeing spots, give you access to hostels and make sure you party as much as possible all the way. The two most popular are: www.kiwiexperience.com and www.straytravel.com. The Kiwi Experience pass will set you back about £400, and has a slightly younger clientele. If you're under 25 and you're looking to party with 50-odd likeminded young-things; this is the bus for you. Stray is a little more, about £450. The buses are smaller and the travellers vary more, with quite a few couples opting for this operator.
4. Hitchhiking
The power of the thumbs-up. Facebook's proved it, as did Gladiator's Ceaser. Make yourself a sign with your intended destination clearly marked, stand at the start of the long connecting city roads and smile. Chances are you won't be waiting long in NZ. Obviously, you hitchhike at your own risk and I'm not going to insult your intelligence by listing what those risks are. Use your head, trust your instincts; it might just take you far.
5. Trains
Train travel in NZ isn't as popular with backpackers due to the limited number of stops; however the views are absolutely stunning. This company offers combined train and bus passes: http://www.railbuspasses.com/ Which, if you're looking to make long journeys at points across the country, could be the perfect option for you.
Happy travels :)
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