InterCity

InterCity, New Zealand's national bus network

InterCity is a road passenger transport operator that presents itself as New Zealand's largest bus network. The company states it has been transporting both New Zealanders and international visitors for more than 30 years, and today operates a network that integrates the services of InterCity, GreatSights and Gray Line. Together, according to the company itself, these brands connect more than 600 destinations nationwide with over 130 services every day.

InterCity's offering focuses on point-to-point transport on modern buses at economical fares nationwide. GreatSights and Gray Line, for their part, cover premium coach services between major cities and to and from New Zealand's key tourist destinations. All buses in the fleet have free WiFi.

Bus passes to travel around the country

The company sells two main types of pass. The FlexiPass is an hours-based pass designed for backpackers and independent travellers who want to design their own itinerary on the hop-on/hop-off network. The site's catalogue shows 15-hour passes for $199, 30-hour passes for $280 and 60-hour passes for $518.

The TravelPass, by contrast, groups predefined routes for those who prefer a set itinerary but with flexible dates. The published example is the North Island Explorer, priced at $159.

Full-day tours

InterCity also offers day tours departing from various cities. The site details the following:

• Waitomo & Hobbiton, departing from Auckland, at a special deal price of $382.
• Milford Sound, departing from Queenstown or Te Anau, for $195.
• Hobbiton Movie Set, departing from Auckland or Rotorua, for $255.
• Aoraki / Mount Cook, departing from Christchurch, Queenstown or Aoraki / Mount Cook, for $200.
• Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach, departing from Paihia, for $225.

Fares, bookings and onboard services

The company distinguishes between standard fares, which are non-refundable and aimed at those who do not expect to change their itinerary, and Flexi fares, which allow the trip to be changed or cancelled. Flexi fares are divided into adult, child, student, backpacker and senior categories. Bookings can be changed or cancelled online up to two hours before travel using the email and booking reference.

Additional services include InterCity GOLD seats, with reclining seats, charging ports and free WiFi. The company also offers booking of the Auckland Airport bus and the Interislander ferry, as well as services for attending events.

Luggage and rules for minors

On most services, two pieces of luggage up to 25 kg can be checked in, in addition to carry-on luggage, at no extra cost; oversized luggage incurs a charge. As for minors, infants aged 0-2 and children aged 3-6 must travel accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or over. Children aged 7-12 can travel alone as unaccompanied minors on selected direct services, and students aged 13-15 can do so except on overnight services. From age 16, you can travel alone on any service.

Sustainability and awards

InterCity is part of Entrada Travel Group, which maintains an active responsible tourism programme based on the principles of Manaakitanga and Kaitiakitanga. The company states that a visitor generates a carbon footprint 90% lower if they use its services instead of driving a modern 2.0-litre rental car, according to independent assessments. It also holds the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award from Qualmark, New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation.

Agent network and phone support

The company has booking agents in the North Island and the South Island, who can be found through its search tool. Phone support is organised by city: Auckland, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Wellington in the North Island, and Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown in the South Island, plus an international line. The contact centre is open daily from 6:30am to 8pm.

Locations and offices

Hawkes Bay office: Phone: 06 835 4326

Wellington office: Phone: 04 385 0520

Dunedin office: Phone: 03 471 7143