Are there good bus services?

Outside of the main cities there aren't really any bus routes as we know them in the UK although there are a few exceptions. Fortunately there are a wealth of companies who offer bus passes perfect for backpackers as they cover all the main tourist routes and several lesser visited places. Additionally they usually have hop-on/hop-off policies for complete freedom.

There are far too many companies to list them all here but the visitor information centres (i-SITES) in New Zealand have all the information you could need and will book tickets for you. If you prefer to check out possibilities before you go then STA travel offer bus passes with Kiwi Experience or the Flying Kiwi. Other well known and popular companies are the Stray Bus and InterCity. Many of the companies offer countrywide destinations while others, such as the Bottom Bus, only serves the Catlins area on the South Island.