[migratory birds]

Can anyone report on rail service in NZ?

We're coming in Nov for a brief 2-2.5 wk visit to check out communities/neighbourhoods/schools before the big move in January 08.

Thinking about renting a car...but what are people's thoughts on renting a car only while needing to get around a city/region but otherwise riding the rails to cover larger expanses?

Fly into Auckland -> rent car to explore Coromandal/Bay of Plenty/Napier -> rails to Wellington -> rent car to explore Welly/outlying areas -> Interislander to Picton -> rent car to explore Golden Bay -> rails to Dunedin -> rent car...

Too much hassle? Or a great way to go??

[IanW99]

There are some great train journeys e.g. see TranzScenic (http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/) for details.

Not sure if they do the routes that you want though. They are also relatively slow e.g. Auckland to Wellington takes approx 12 hours so not sure if you will be in time to get to your rental car?

For me it would depend on how much you like driving or trains?

Be warned though that due to lack of decent motorways, driving the distances you are planning can be very long and tiring.

Ian

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Kiwis always seem to find it highly amusing that us Bits seem to expect a relaible rail service to be in existance over here.

As Ian says, though, there are services that are fine for 'one off' type journeys over long distances, if a bit slow. Don't expct a decent commuter service in too many places though.

[bartons]

I think it's a good and hasslefree way of doing it. Bear in mind though that there's no (proper)passenger service south of Christchurch, so no train to Dunedin but coach instead.
Have a look at this website:
http://www.seat61.com/NewZealand.htm

[gpbenton]

The train is nice if you are doing the tourist thing. The train takes 12 hours and is basically a waste of a day.

If you want to get things done you need to rent a car and/or fly between cities. Flying Auckland-Wellington is about the same price as the train.

You can get around Wellington without a car, but again it is much quicker with one to get to the various suburbs.

I am not anti-trains - I live in Wellington and don't have a car - but time is your most precious commodity on a trip like this. Save the train trip for when you move here.