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School Leavers - Transport

This information has been complied to help you in your first years of leaving school We wish you well and hope this helps you.

TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

Travel to and from airports and bus stations

• Local bus is cheapest but may not go often.
• A shuttle is cheaper than taxis and will pick up or drop off wherever you are going from or to.
• Some shuttles go direct to bus stations from airports.
• Taxis are most expensive but can work out cheaper if shared by four people.
• If there are a lot of you then a maxi taxi may be the cheapest way.

Around town

• Get to know the local buses – they are cheap and in cities usually go quite often. They aren’t always exactly on time at rush hour so allow for that.
• If you are using the bus regularly it may be worth getting a bus pass.
• Coming home at night – share a taxi, as it works out cheaper, is safe and takes you exactly where you are going.
• In Auckland, the Angels taxi company has only female drivers.
• Use maxi taxis for groups of people.
• In some cities there are deals where the local supermarket pays your taxi fare home from your weekly shopping trip (Dunedin) or a bus takes people from university flats to the supermarket once a week (Auckland).
• In smaller towns the Tertiary Institutions may provide shuttles – check with the Provider.
• If a friend takes you out regularly in their car, remember it costs them money; sharing petrol costs is a good idea.

Transport

You will learn by experience which taxis are cheapest and some give discount cards. It is cheaper to take one from a taxi stand than to order one. If there are four of you, taxis may be cheaper than buses – ask for a price before you decide. Buses do not run after midnight in every city. It is difficult to do without a car in Auckland, but Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin are easier to get around in by public transport. Parking is very expensive in Auckland and Wellington.

Air Travel

• To get cheaper fares, book as early as possible. There are only a limited number of seats allocated with the cheaper fares, but by looking on airline websites regularly, and sites like GrabaSeat, you can sometimes pick up special fares at a very low price. These tend not to be in school holiday times, though.
• Remember that these cheaper fares are non refundable and non changeable. The fares are set on a “use it or lose it” basis.
• Photo ID can be required on checking in at the airport – such as drivers’ license, Student card or bank card with name and photograph.
• Check with the airline for baggage allowance – airlines charge more for any luggage apart from carry-on. This should be checked out when purchasing the ticket.

Australia/New Zealand travel

No visa is required between NZ and Australia, but if the passenger has a criminal conviction of any sort, a visa must be applied for. You will need a passport for any international travel and there must be at least six months left before its expiry date when you leave New Zealand.

Cars

• Join the AA, and then you can get assistance when you lock your keys in, have a flat tyre, or if you have mechanical problems (day or night). They can get you started or give you advice as to whether you can safely drive or what to do to get your car repaired. When you join, get a sticker for the window of your car with the 0800 number. Remember to carry your membership card.
• Learn how to change a tyre on your car. If you don’t have a car, learn on someone else’s.
• If the warning light comes on your car, stop!! Get advice before travelling any further, otherwise this could be very expensive.
• If your car overheats: when it cools, check the water in the radiator (not just the expansion bottle), check the fanbelt, check the hoses for leaks and heat and check the oil before you drive anywhere!
• If you turn the heater on it will draw heat away from the engine – turn off the air conditioning. Not so comfortable in the summer, but it may get you home.
• If going on a long trip, check all of the above. It will save you a lot of time, even if it makes you a little late in starting out.
• No matter what – check the oil and water every time you fill with fuel. Don’t learn the hard way!
• Air is free. Check it – your service station or tyre shop will show you how to do it – just ask. Find out the correct tyre pressure. Your tyre shop will tell you – sometimes it is on the tyre. If you keep the pressures right you will save wear and tear on the tyres and can also save fuel. It will also save money on your tyres.
• Get your car serviced regularly – every 10,000 km or once a year – whichever comes first.
• If buying a car, get it checked, no matter who you are buying it from. The AA provides a service – this can save you a lot of money in the long run. Check it is not stolen. 
• If buying a car from car yard, you do have some comeback, but ask what service/guarantee they offer. Get it in writing. If they won’t give this to you, don’t buy! 
• The “Dog and Lemon Guide” book about car purchase is well worth a look. 
• Invest in a steering lock for peace of mind. 
• Insurance – at the very least, get Third Party insurance. Talk to the Insurance Company.
• Tyres – shop around. Do not economise on tyres. They are what keep you on the road. Minimum tread depth is 15mm; 20mm is safer.
• Car – must have current Warrant of Fitness and Registration.
• Trailer – learn to back in a space where there are not lots of cars – an empty car park is good.
• Sharing cars – Establish the rules from day one and how the costs are being paid.
• Write on your calendar when your insurance, warrant of fitness and registration are due. Pay them when they are due. It is not worth the fine.
• If you are in an accident - Get the other person’s name, address, phone number and insurance company. Do not admit liability – talk to your Insurance Company. It is easy to be bullied at the scene of an accident.